Saturday, July 26, 2008

Continued Prayers Please

How we wish in the day's following Madison Elise's joyful arrival, we could have been sharing pictures and stories. After laboring hard for 12ish hours, a succesful VBAC, and the birth we hoped and prayed for that even made our head nurse tear up and thank us for letting her witness Christ in a delivery room in such a special way (even our awesome doula and OB were amazed)... this is what we will choose to remember about Maddie's birthday. But in reality we were hardly expecting what actually happened next.

We don't have the time or energy now to go into all the details, but since we've hardly been able to get back to anyone in the last week we are writing to ask for your prayers. Less than two hours after delivery an incident, due to the fault of the hospital, started a chain of events that has made this time so very hard. We are in and out of seeing medical specialists and now Katrina is on mandated rest, only getting up to go to the bathroom and to nurse, to try to cure her body of the infections she's fighting. The good news is that overall Maddie is very healthy. As proud and excited parents we try not to brag (too much anyway:) about our kids, but in this situation we can tell you that Maddie is an angel baby with a sweet spirit. This, especially now, is a tremendous gift from the Lord.

Yesterday was a real low point as we sat in an oral surgeon's office contemplating another surgery and procedure; then found out about another infection right afterwards. So, friends, again we are asking for your prayers (for us as well as for Nana Britt, who is working tirelessly around the clock though she is not feeling especially well herself!) For once we feel completely overwhelmed emotionally, mentally, and even physically; we just want to get better and spend this time with our precious girls. Thank you with all our hearts!

27 comments:

The Gieses said...

Heavenly Father,
Let Katrina dwell in the shelter of the Most High and rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Be her refuge, her fortress, her covering, her shield. Psalm 91

Blessings, Love, and prayers for you all...

Nicole D said...

You are so strongly in our prayers - every night and every morn - and every time I hear from you in-between!

You have been a courageous fighter, Katrina - and no one should have this burden to bear - especially after the joy of a new life!

Lord -
May Your joy light her heart inexplicably, may Your peace sustain her while the storm rages, and may Your grace strengthen her when she can do nothing but wait on You.

Laura said...

We are so excited to hear about Maddie. (Two girls is definitely the way to start!)

We are praying for you. Fear not for the Lord your God is with you!

Keith, Laura, April, Mollie & Adam

Nancy French said...

Hey Guys!

This will all be funny by the time she graduates from high school.

Maybe.

Love ya,
Nancy

Unknown said...

Wanting you to know you are in our thoughts - we wish for you a speedy recovery! We were very happy to receive the news of Maddie's arrival and look forward to meeting Hope and Maddie soon.

Mike said...

You guys have such a beautiful family! Lord we pray for your grace and mercy to be poured out on Katrina, Hope, Maddie, Joe and Nana - we pray for your miraculous healing touch to touch Katrina for her infection, Joe's voice, and Nana. Lord we pray that you would continue to bless the Martins daily, keep them safe and Lord we ask that they would be able to sense your Spirit and know that Your presence is with them. Continue to give them strength - physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. In Your Name we pray - Amen.

Anonymous said...

Katrina and family, we will be consistently praying for you, for the physical healing on the face and also healing from the inside out, in Jesus name! I will be calling soon to see about bringing dinner over for you next week. God bless you Nana and Joe and the Hightowers for all you're doing to help and serve Katrina and the kiddos. We love you dearly.

Truly Blessed said...

Katrina and Joe,
Although I have not spoken to you all in a while, I am always praying for you all. My prayers will increase during this your time of need. Always remeber "All things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose" Romans 8:28. Trust that GOD is going to work this out. I pray healing upon your Katrina in Jesus name. I pray that GOD keeps you Joe, Hope, and Madison. I love you all and miss you dearly!

In Christ love,
Ashelea

amandajonalissa said...

May the Lord's daily presence sustain you right now! May you feel His STRENGTH and COMFORT in tangible ways each day!

We are so sorry to hear about the incident. Mike filled us in today. It's so bizzare that it's nearly inconceivable! But you are a STRONG and RESILIANT woman Katrina! Maddie and Hope are so fortunate to have such a FIGHTER for a mom!

Blessings and COMFORT to you right now. I don't know why...but the word "comfort" just keeps coming to my mind right now. "Lord, give Katrina physical comfort and help her rest God. And Lord give her comfort and peace of mind that each day - that the details and tasks at hand will be worked out and accomplished...one at a time. Give comfort to Hope Lord...may she know that her mommy is "ok" and that she is looking forward to more playtime really soon! Give comfort to Maddie, Jesus...may she feel loved and taken care of each moment of the day. Give comfort to Joe Lord...that he may trust the medical decisions he must help make right now Jesus. Give him wisdom in those. And give Nana comfort now Lord...may she feel physically strengthened and sustained by you as she cares for these precious girls. We pray all this in Jesus' name. Amen."

We love you guys!!! And we're so encouraged to hear that Maddie is such a good "angel" baby! Praise the Lord!!!! WHAT A GIFT!

Amanda, Jon & Alissa

Rachel@AllergenFreePlease said...

We will be praying for the Lord to give you strength. Thank you for letting us know what has been going on...we were starting to get worried that we hadn't heard anything. If there is anything that we can do to lighten your load...please let us know.

OmiVol said...

You certainly remain in our prayers. I am so sorry that things have been so rough, but I know you are enjoying both of your precious girls! You are a strong woman, and you will persevere! I'll leave you with this: "His strength is perfect when our strength is gone. He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in his power the weak become strong. His strength is perfect. (SCC)"

mpaseven said...

Joe and Katrina,

You and your beautiful family are in our prayers. We are so excited about the new life the Lord has given to you both. May His peace and presence surround you during this time.

Love, Mike and Kari

amy said...

oh katrina,

i'm so sorry for what you are going through. i don't know what's going on, but we will absolutley be praying for healing and strength for YOU!!! you are sooo very strong and you will get through this in no time, i know.

joe-please keep us posted :) as always, the martins are in our prayers and we're including nana now too!

God Bless,

amy

Felicia Murrell said...

Kingdom of God, come and Hevenly Dad your will be done in Katrina's body. Father, we just ask that you would open up heaven and let your kingdom come to earth. We just speak healing be in Jesus' name. There is no sickness in heaven. There is no sickness in Katrina's body. So Lord we declare that as a citizen of heaven, Katrina's body will be whole in Jesus name. Her stregth will be renewed. Father, we thank you for an opportunity for the Martin's to show for Your love through this situation. Father, we thank you that you love them and your plans for them are good and not evil.

Hey Joe, just encourage Katrina to pray this with you - I receive my healing now because of what Jesus has done. This healing belongs to me. In Jesus' name, AMEN.

We're standing with you guys. If Doug or I can get in touch with a Pastor in the area to come pray with you guys please email or call Doug.

Love,
Your New Life Providence Family
Doug & Felicia Murrell

Pam said...

Katrina and Joe,

We will certainly keep you all in our prayers. Even in the worst of times we are never alone, God will watch over you and care for his precious children! May God continue to hold you all in his hand. Keep on trusting!

Blessings, love and a hug.

Pam and Mark Nieting

Mama Suz said...

I hold each of you close in prayer. I am praying for the Lord to give you extra strength and comfort during this time.

I Love You All
Susan

Unknown said...

Joe and Katrina,
I am so sorry to hear about the problems following your child's birth. As you know, we have been through our fill of adversity and hospital visits. Have courage knowing that this episode will make ALL of you stronger and more appreciate of life.
Katrina, Jack is now headed into 7th grade and still says you were his favorite teacher!
You are in my prayers,
Laura Burke

EJ said...

Katrina and Joe,

I'll be thinking about you! I am sorry to hear about what happened...I spoke to Oms when I read that you had to see an oral surgeon and nothing in my medical school career helped me to understand why you would need such a thing after labor!

Love from Jack

Anonymous said...

God loves you. No...He ADORES you! He wants you to take your burdens, doubts, fears, anxieties, to Him...and LEAVE them there. He is MUCH stronger, smarter, and better equipped to handle them. So GIVE them to Him.
When sickness comes....
Cast your cares!
When fear and worry comes....
Cast your cares!
When you can't go any further....
Cast your cares!
When life throws you a curve ball....
Cast your cares!

We continue to pray for you Katrina, Joe, Hope, baby Maddie, Nana, and the Hightower's. You all are so precious and special to our hearts. We love you and are here if you need ANYTHING!

God,
Thank You for releasing Katrina from this illness and burden. We are giving it to You. They do not have the strength to carry this load any longer. They are taking You at Your Word. They are casting their cares on You!

THANK YOU! I love You and I am in awe...yet again...of Your awesome Love, Mercy, and Compassion for us all! Thank YOU for loving us! In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Mercy,
Tara and PJ Visser

Sarah said...

Hey guys,
I hope the Lord is bringing more and more healing and resolution to this situation with each day and that the cares, frustrations, and pain continue to fade...that your little girls (oh man, you now have *sisters* in your household..how SWEET!) just overwhelm you with JOY! We can't wait to see more pictures of new, little Maddie. Aren't babies a beautiful glimpse of heaven?! I hope your home is bursting at the seams with the presence of the Holy Spirit!

hollace said...

hello everyone! i hate i don't get to a computer more often! i read a devotion this morning and i thought i'd share the ending prayer with you all. dear lord, help me to trust in the outcome simply because i know it is in your very capable hands. amen

hollace

AndrewZ said...

Know that the Lord has heard your prayers. While the road right now is rough, it will be smooth once again. I know you and Joe have great faith in the Lord...I see it in your actions and words. The Body of Christ stands by you in this time.

amy said...

Katrina, Joe, and family,
Congratulations on your new baby girl. She is beautiful. I know things seem so hard right now and tomorrow is a word that seems so far away because of lack of sleep, pain, and hormones!! Please know that I am thinking of you and your family and praying for a very speedy recovery from the infections that have developed. Katrina, everything will be okay. Listen to the doctor, your mom, and Joe...and take it easy. Being a mom to a newborn, one doesn't want to miss a thing, but at this time, your rest is more important so your body can recover. Even if you miss some moments with your new little girl--it doesn't make you a bad mom, you are a great mom, but if your body is to get better, you need rest. You can pull through this--take it from me, who had three c-sections and the last one tore open. I had to learn to not do it all, so I can be with my baby later. God takes care of his children. You are one of his. I will continue to pray for you all. Love you so much!--AmyRamos-Matheson

The Little Things Blog said...

We are praying for you guys.

“the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but his steadfast love shall not depart from (his own) and his covenant of peace shall not be removed.”

Nairobi Gilmers said...

We are praying for you guys.

“the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but his steadfast love shall not depart from (his own) and his covenant of peace shall not be removed.”

gilmers

amy said...

HELLO!

is there any update you can give us joe?

God Bless,

amy

Heather Boda said...

My Sweet friend Katrina,

I was just told what happened and my heart is in steadfast prayer to the Lord on your behalf! I will be praying for you and Joe and the sweet baby girls for total and complete healing. "Trust in the Lord withall your heart and lean not on your own understanding!" We cant understand sometimes, but we can trust His heart that He has the best in store for us! I love you girl and am waiting for happy reports!

Heather Boda