August 2019

Relating the story according to me, Mom, Janet.
I received some news from Steve that Jake was having an issue concerning his hip. A recent MRI had found what they called a "tumor' but more like a bone spur, on the inside of his pelvis irritating the nerves.  It was manifesting itself now that he had been walking so much.  (That 12 miles a day, up and down hills can wear on you.)  Apparently he had been having some issues for several months but was hoping it would go away or they could fix the problem without him worrying us at home.  So he kept silent, the little stinker.  The President made a phone call to Steve explain that he arranged an emergency transfer for Jake 5 days earlier to the city, close to the mission home and  to visit about Jake coming home to have surgery.  Because he only had 6 months left in the mission, Jake would just stay home. This was discouraging to Jake as he wanted to stay and keep serving because "it was just getting good!" We discovered that Jake had tried several pain medications and shots to take some of the pain away.  Nothing was helping.   During the conversation, it was decided that as long as the doctors from Brazil and Utah agreed that it wouldn't get any worse, we wanted Jake to stay as well.  That evening we made phone calls to our kids and immediately started a fast.  We believe that when we submit ourselves, not only praying for the strength and an answer to our prayers but also giving up physical strength received from food, Heavenly Father blesses us as we show our willingness, faith and diligence.  We also know that physical suffering can be tempered when we fast for someone.
There has been several times in my life that I have prayed hard but this was on a different level.  This was our son, in another country.  I couldn't drive to his apartment or hop on a plan...all I could do was fast and pray for the doctors who would make the best decision medically and these same men would also make the best decision for Jake.  I do know my sons heart and his desire to teach about Jesus Christ.  As much as I missed him, oh how I missed him, I knew he would be so disappointed not being able to stay in Brazil and continue to teach.
As I laid in my bed that night, I was comforted knowing we were doing all that we could.  It would be in the Lord's hands.  He knew Jake. He was very aware of his situation.
The next morning, about 10:30 Idaho time, I received a phone call from the President explaining that the doctors had consulted and agreed on having Jake stay as long as he could handle the pain.  As the President talked in his broken English accent, tears streamed down my face as I knew, without any doubt, Heavenly Father was aware of us as well.  President explained that Jake was such a hard worker, that he wasn't letting his pain get the best of him and he never stayed in his apartment because of it.  He explained how he loved Elder Child and how much they needed him and how relieved he was that Jake could stay.  We both were grateful.  Since that day, Jake has been going to physical therapy and seems to tolerate the pain.  I testify that Heavenly Father sends people our way to answer our prayers.  Since Jake has been in the city, there is a sweet Sister that sends pictures of him randomly.  Every time I get a message from her, she sends anywhere from 2-10 photos. (Throughout the next posts from Jake will be those pictures sent randomly.) This makes my Mama heart so happy to know that Jake is doing well.  It seriously calms me down when I am wondering how he is and they come just at those moments when I need it.  Prayers are answered! Fasting with willingness and earnest prayer works!  I know it!  I love you and appreciate so much your prayers in his behalf as well.  And thanks so much for sharing this journey with us.