July 30 Update

Yesterday our friend Katie dropped by with dinner. Eli and Jerrell grabbed her by the hand and pulled her outside to show Katie their newly expanded fort. I listened as Eli told Katie (in a way that only a 3 year old can) "My mommie is sick and she is going to die. But then she will get to go to Heaven and be with Jesus and she will get a new body." As hard as it is for me to hear this and think about the realities of it…I know that it is true. And I am comforted and encouraged that my boys know that this is true. There will be grieving and sadness, but we also have hope. We take comfort knowing that Kristi will be home. A home where there is no pain, no suffering, no tears and no cancer. I hope that this comforts those of you reading this blog as well.
Please pray as Kristi has been battling lots of nausea the last 24 hours.

God Bless,

Justin

July 24 Update

A devotional I was reading this morning talked about how we as Christ followers can reflect the light of the Holy Spirit that lives within us. About 20 minutes later I got the mail and there was a card from someone that talked about how Kristi had been a light in their life. I don't think it is a coincidence that in a time in our lives that feels so dark…we are still reminded about the light. So much of Kristi's life has been about living in such a way to bring people out of darkness and into light. Hopefully some of you reading this blog can look back and remember a time that something that Kristi said, or shared, or did with you that brought a little bit more of the light into your life. And I know that even now she would remind you to go out and share that light with others. John 8:12 "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Thanks for the prayers and encouraging notes. Love you guys!

God Bless,
Justin and Kristi

July 20 Update

Kristi was pretty uncomfortable yesterday so the hospice team upped her medication dosage and she was able to sleep much better last night. Please keep praying for times that she can be comfortable and able to interact with family and friends. Please pray for Jerrell and Eli as they continue to process in their own ways. Please pray for Ron and Laura (Kristi's patents) that they would have peace in such a hard time. And pray for me too. Thanks

Justin

July 16 Update

Thanks for praying everyone. We are continuing to seek a balance for Kristi, trying to help her be as pain free as possible while still being able to be awake and aware of what is going on. After a visit from the hospice nurse today they are going to try a different pain medication. Please pray that it would help Kristi manage the pain without making her feel "loopy". She loves getting the cards and texts from ya'll and the short visits have been encouraging as well. Some friends came today and read this verse to her from Romans 8. "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation (NOT EVEN CANCER) will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Justin
PS - Let's keep those cards going!  Pick up a card or two and stick them in the mail this week for Kristi.  Remember the girl has a great sense of humor, too, so the cards can be funny :).  Please email me (bam@spu.edu) if you need their address. 
-Becka

July 14 Update

From Justin:

Please pray for Jerrell and Eli. Very tough conversation with them this afternoon.

July 11 Update

Justin's prayer requests for today:

1. That Kristi's pain would be better managed.  Her pain has been hovering around a 7 (10 being worst) and they'd like it to be more around a 3 or 4.  The hospice nurse was able to increase her medication, so they are hoping that helps. 

2. They have not been able to sit down and talk to the boys about all that is going on.  So Justin asked that we pray for a good opportunity for them to do that.  As you can imagine, that will be an incredibly hard conversation, so please be praying for that.


As mentioned in the post below, we will be having a short time of prayer for the Davises tomorrow (Thursday) night.  We just want to mention that this will not be a time to visit or see Kristi.  We plan to gather outside, pray, sing a few songs and leave.  We want to bless them by showing our love and support but do not want to overwhelm Kristi.  We hope to see you there!

Prayer and Worship

We will be gathering around the Davis' house tomorrow evening (Thursday) at 7:00 for a time of worship and prayer.  We'd like to make a circle of friends and family around their home and pray for our dear friends.  We hope you can join us.

I don't want to leave their address on here, so please leave a comment with your email if you need it.

Thanks!

July 10 Update

I have added days to Justin and Kristi's meal schedule.  You can find it here: http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=LIJI3140

Here are some notes about the meals:

Kristi's family will be in and out of town, so please plan to feed 4-6 adults and 2 kiddos.

Please deliver meals by 5:30, if you need help delivering your meal contact Becka (bam@spu.edu 310-962-4756) and we will get your meal delivered for you

In case it's not a good time for visitors, there will be a sign on the front door asking you to leave your meal outside. There will be a cooler on the front porch for this purpose.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thank you for serving the Davises in this way!

Becka  


ALSO: Justin and Kristi will be checking this blog and would be so encouraged to hear from you.  Please feel free to leave comments here letting them know you are praying for them.

July 9 Update

Dear friends of Kristi and Justin.

Thank you so much, on behalf of the Davis family, for your passionate prayers and support of them in a very difficult time. They are glad to be back in Boise, back home, surrounded by the support of so many friends and family. As many of you know, Kristi very much wanted to be home in Star with Justin and the boys after her Utah hospitalization, and they are excited that it could happen.

Kristi's parents (the Leteys) and her three brothers were also able to travel up yesterday from Salt Lake to spend more time with her and help to be a support for what may happen in the short term. Justin's parents are also glad they are back in town so they can offer support as well.

She was feeling a bit better this morning than the last few days, and had a more restful night last evening. It was a great answer to many prayers. This morning (Mon) was a good time spent with family and Justin, and they were all excited to have that time together.

Medically, the doctors both in Salt Lake and Boise have agreed that hospice and comfort care are the only option at this point, and have set up some systems at their home to make sure she continues to be taken care of. The fragile condition of her heart, and the rapid spread of her tumors have led them all to this decision. She is no longer on any chemo or hormone therapy, and will not be able to participate in the Couer D'Alene trial. Kristi is only on medications to minimize her pain, and keep her comfortable as she spends blessed time with her family and those close to her.

We know that so very many of you care for every member of their family, and would ask that you continue to pray for healing, comfort, peace, and rest for all of them.

They are encouraged and lifted up by the volume of support they are receiving, and appreciate all the texts, notes, and offers of help. Because of Kristi's rapid decline, though, we want to make sure that we can guard their time and their energy as best we can. We are currently setting up a number of systems and point people to continue to offer help and support as they need it, as well as the following blog to keep people updated.

***If you have questions or concerns, or unsure how you might be able to chip in to help, please leave a comment here or contact Melanie or Matt (Melanie 208 861-6165/Matt 208 859-9874) and we will help answer questions or point you toward people who might be working on their behalf***

Thanks again for your continued prayers and support. There is no doubt, they are in good hands.

God is continuing to hold them close, despite the overwhelming circumstances. And they know that they are deeply loved.

Matt and Melanie Romberg

A Couple Things You Can Do Now

There are two things we'd like to do right away to help encourage Kristi. We'd love for as many people to participate as possible, so please forward this on. Alicia, can you forward it on to Eagle YL kids and leaders?

1. We will be putting together a scrapbook for Kristi to look at during this difficult time. If you would like to include a picture, a verse, some encouraging words, or anything else, please email it to me at bam@spu.edu or mail it to me at Becka Marston, 3622 N Park Crossing Ave, Meridian, ID 83646. Please have it to me by Wednesday and the Swansons will deliver it to Kristi with their meal on Thursday. Not only will this scrapbook serve as an encouragement to Kristi, but Justin and the boys can have it forever!

2. We would also like Kristi to receive cards in the mail every day. Cards can be funny - J&K appreciate humor! Just to ensure that she receives at least one card every day, I've made a google docs calendar (link below). Go on there and pick a day or two (or 5!) to send her a card. The card should go in the mail on the day you sign up for. Nancy, Kara, and I will fill in any empty days. If you don't want to mess with the calendar email me back the days you want and I will put your name on the calendar.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0ApCkloJb6QvqdGtDeUVSTjVyNlFhT1VUTVlDbDhEOFE

We will keep you posted and let you know of other ways to help and encourage the Davises. Let me know if you have any questions.

Praying for and loving the Davises!

Becka

July 8 Update

Justin and Kristi are safely back home in Boise.  Please continue to pray that both Justin and Kristi will get much needed rest and that Kristi's pain will be well managed.  We will use this blog to keep you updated and to let you know of ways you can help. 

Thanks for your prayers for the Davises!

July 7 Update

Here's the latest update from Matt, who is in SLC with Justin and Kristi. Earlier updates below this one for those who are just receiving this. 
Kristi is out of the hospital and safely at her brother's house. Trying to get settled and set up to relax a bit. Hoping to stay overnight, gather some strength, and head back to Boise sometime Sunday. Please pray for peace and rest for both Justin and Kristi. She's out of the hospital, and that was something she really wanted.

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers!

Becka

July 6 Update

I am sending this update since Matt is still at camp. I just talked to Melanie, who is down in SLC with J&K. We are trying to keep everyone updated as best we can, so please help us by passing this on to those who need/want to know. At the bottom of this email is the update that Matt sent yesterday morning... I'm not sure that everyone got that. Here's the latest and how you can be praying for Justin and Kristi. Let me know if anything is unclear or if you have questions and I'll do my best to answer them.

Kristi's pain is being managed a lot better now. She still cannot feel her legs. The doctors are very concerned about the tumor on her heart.

Right now they are planning on discharging Kristi tomorrow (Saturday) and have recommended hospice care. That will either happen in SLC or in Boise.

They (J&K) are trying to decide whether or not to make the trip back to Boise and when. If they decide to make the trip back they will need to do it soon - like tomorrow or Sunday at the latest. The hospital will not transport her so she will need to make the trip back to Boise by car.

Kristi was supposed to be starting a trial treatment in Coeur d'Alene on Monday. Whether or not she will do that is still uncertain. The SLC doctors do not think she should.

Justin is trying to get a hold of Dr Zuckerman, Kristi's doctor here in Boise, to get his input on everything.

Please pray:
- For wisdom as J&K decide whether or not to make the trip back to Boise and when to do it.
- For safety and comfort for Kristi if they do make the trip
- For wisdom about the trial in coeur d'alene
- That Justin would be able to talk to Dr Zuckerman and would feel more comfortable with making some of these big decisions
- For Kristi's comfort - she's in a lot of pain, can't sleep, and can't eat much
- Pray for Justin! Lots of really hard decisions to be made.

We will keep everyone posted as best we can and we will also let you know of Justin and Kristi's needs if there are any - childcare, meals, etc.

Thanks for your prayers and support for the Davises!

Becka

July 5 Update

Hi friends.

We appreciate your prayers for the Southwest Idaho crew at camp this
week, and wanted to take a quick minute and pass on an urgent prayer
request for the Davis family.

As Justin has been here with us at the Washington Family Ranch, he has
continued to be in contact with Kristi as she has been in Salt Lake
City with her family and the boys.

It sounds as if she has had a bit of a rough week, but been holding
fairly steady and waiting for the trial group to begin in Coeur
D'Alene next week.

Today... there were some emerging developments that we wanted you all
to be aware of, and ask you to pass on as best you could to your
friends who are joining us in prayer. I will not be able to forward
to my usual groups, so would appreciate any help you'd be willing to
give.

Kristi's pain level increased quite a bit today (Wed the 4th), and it
sounds like she had quite a bit of numbness in her legs. From what
Justin heard, she was unable to feel or move to her legs in the late
afternoon and evening, and her family was quite concerned. They
checked her into a hospital in Salt Lake, and are in the process of
running and reading a set of full body scans to determine what may be
causing it. It appears she was pretty run down and in a lot of pain
so they were able to help with meds and IV fluids once she checked in.
Sounds like the results of the scan should be available about 2:00
am, and they will proceed from there.

Based on the information we have received, Justin has decided to leave
camp tonight(about 12:50a Thursday the 5th) and head to Salt Lake City
to be with her, regardless of the test results. We were able to book a
flight from Portland to Salt Lake, that should get him to the hospital
about 9am Thursday morning.

Please pray for :

- Improvement for Kristi
- Clear results of the scans
- Smooth travel for Justin to Salt Lake
- Rest for Justin to prepare to be with her as he is wrestling with
this news, and travelling to be with her and the boys.
- Safety in travel, and for Head Leaders Lance and Sun who will be
driving through the night to Portland and back to camp to make this
happen.

- For all the Eagle and Meridian kids Justin was leading and working
with at camp
- For the Eagle and Meridian leaders who are still here (Brad, Heidi, and
Jenna)

As every kid and leader heard in camp tonight, Christ had absolute
victory over sin on the cross. 'It is finished'.

There is no doubt, though, that life continues to be full of
challenges, struggles,and so very much we don't understand.

God has that covered as well.

Thank you for your prayers on behalf of the Davis family.


**
*Matt Romberg*