Many of you have asked us about Kenny's health. Thank you for your love and concern!
Before Kenny left on his mission on July 20th of last year, he was suffering with sporadic knee pain that was aggravated by athletic activity (not that it slowed him down or stopped him from participating in sports!). He had been to doctors before his mission, but initial x-rays and blood work came back clean, not showing any problems that concerned the doctors. After arriving in North Carolina, the pain continued in his knees as well as his feet, especially after long days of tracting. By December, the pain had spread from his knees to include pain in his lower back. By February, the pain had continued to spread to his elbows, wrists, hips, and ankles. He has been to see many doctors, and has had additional x-rays and MRIs taken, none of which has shown the cause of concern. He has had more extensive blood work taken, which has consistently come back negative for any rheumatic disorder, as well as for any known genetic markers for other auto-immune diseases, such as ankylosing spondylitis. The only thing his blood shows is slightly elevated cholesterol (which he blames on too much southern BBQ and hush puppies!). Though the pain has grown to be intense and even keeps him from sleeping through the night, it has not kept him from working hard and being an effective missionary. However, two weeks ago, the mission doctor informed Kenny that they have tried every test that they can think of, and if he does not improve "in the next two to three weeks" (about the first of August), he will recommend that Kenny come home from his mission early to recover.
Kenny does not want to come home. His previous mission president (who returned home to Utah on July 1st) gave him a blessing of healing, including the comforting words "you will be able to complete your mission." However, the deadline proposed by the mission doctor is fast approaching, and Kenny is feeling worse, not better (the stress associated with the idea of being sent home seems to aggravate the condition). Kenny is praying for healing, and trying to exercise faith to receive the blessing.
We welcome your prayers in Kenny's behalf. In addition, our family will be holding a special family fast for him this Sunday, July 29th. If you want to participate in the fast, we would be so grateful. We hope that he will be healed by the Lord; but if not, we hope he will at least gain an understanding of what he should be learning as well as how to take care of his body at this time.
It is a great thing to be a member of a loving, supportive family! Thanks again for your concern,
Steve & Lynn
