smiths2argentina

Emergency flight father's funeral

2012-01-13T18:31:00.001-06:00

Jennifer's father passed away Wednesday and we are in a plane headed to KY from buenos aires Argentina. More details to come.

-Joshua

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 12

2011-12-21T06:34:00.001-06:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Smith family!

I have to keep reminding myself it is December. The seasons are flipped in the southern hemisphere so we are enjoying 80 and 90 degree weather. I must admit, it is a little strange to see Christmas decorations next to the specials on pool supplies. Unless a volcano erupts, we have a zero percent chance of a white Christmas!

I just finished a very busy stretch of preaching/ teaching engagements, including the Seminary, youth group, and two churches. There would have been opportunities to speak on the church's radio station, but thieves broke into the building and stole important equipment. Theft is something we must constantly be aware of here. A few weeks back, while on the way to teach my Poetic Books class, I was almost hit by a car that was driving crazy even by Argentine standards! It turns out that thieves had tried to rob a couple who did not have much money on them, so they forced the couple into their car and were on the way to their house to steal more. Someone reported what was happening and a high speed chase ensued. I have never seen so many police vehicles at once! The thieves ditched the car and shots were fired just blocks from the church! It is another reminder that we are in the Lord's hands and we must trust in Him for safety and protection.

We would like to request prayer that Joel's scans would remain all clear. Due to the medical expenses we have incurred, we are behind schedule on his scans. We found a way to get most of them done at a public children's hospital in La Plata so that part is "free." (Nothing is truly free. Argentina has a 21% value added tax on all purchases.) His last scan will be performed tomorrow and we should get results towards the end of the week.

It has been a busy time, with church anniversaries, Christmas plays, special music, seminary graduation, and planning for the new year and next semester. There are some things that we are always working on and need prayer for: improving our Spanish, our witnessing, my preaching, scripture memory in Spanish, music, maintaining a positive attitude, caring for the children, adjusting the to culture, and direction for the future.

Family Update: Joel is Beginning Occupational Therapy

2011-11-09T13:04:00.000-06:00

Today was Joel's first (of four) evaluation appointments with his new occupational therapist. She'll be working on his sensory perception disorder issues. He has made so much progress on his own before now, we are really looking forward to the strides he will be making now that he will have a professional guiding him!
I was impressed by the therapy room. It looked like the perfect playroom for Joel, with all the things he loves to do! There was a big ball pit, big swings, all different sizes of bouncy balls, a slide and various other sensory stimulation tools (toys). I can tell Joel is going to like this type of therapy!
We are still praying and looking for an English-speaking Speech Therapist nearby for him.
It's getting warmer here all the time. Spring is nearing an end and we are looking forward to summer, during which we will celebrate our first Christmas in Argentina.
Joel is loving the warm weather and wants to play outside all the time. Unfortunately for me (Jennifer), his absolute favorite thing is to play in the dirt. Such a BOY! Thankfully, he does love baths too. He is eating more and more everyday of the crackers than he began eating a few months ago. It's a good thing too, because he is growing taller all the time and needed some more meat on his bones.
Our Mia-girl is thriving here! She has now lived in Argentina longer than she has in the States. At 15 months of age, she is starting to say some words and it's a mix of English and Spanish. She'll say 'tau-tau' for 'chau-chau'(which means good-bye), she mixes 'hello' and 'hola', and says 'cookie', 'Joel' and of course, 'no-no'. She has hit a bit of a growth spurt recently and I truly believe she grew two inches in less than two months!
Logan is doing so well now! Thank you all for praying for him at his birth and during his surgery for pyloric stenosis. He seems to be the healthiest of us all at this point! We were sick with colds and viruses a week ago, but Logan had the lightest case and got well the fastest. He now weighs 13 lbs and, at 2 months old, is wearing his 3-6 month clothes comfortably. He's also starting to smile and 'talk' to us, I'm sure his daddy will get him to laugh for the first time soon.
I resumed language classes shortly after Logan's birth and am now attending four mornings per week. We are getting deeper into the past tense conjugations and grammar. It is definitely harder now, but I can tell that I am learning more all the time. I understand so much more when people are talking! It's such a blessing to be able to communicate better with the ladies at the church here who have been so sweet to me and my family. We are so at home at Iglesia Bautista El Faro.
Josh just began teaching a series of classes in the seminary here, an overview of the Poetic Books. He is really enjoying preparing for the classes, his only problem is his desire to cover more material than time allows! He has also been preaching in a rotation on Sunday nights, which was a welcome opportunity as well.
Thank you for keeping up with us on our blog and for being faithful to pray for us! Please let us know if you would like to receive our prayer letter by email, or if your church would like to receive our letter by regular mail.

~Jennifer Smith

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 10

2011-10-21T23:28:00.001-05:00

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 10

Thank you for praying for me to do a good job translating. I received many compliments and some joked that God gave me "the gift of tongues."

I'm not sure to take one statement as a compliment or an insult. "You translate better than you speak!" Do I say thank you to that?! I do praise the Lord for helping me battle through as I was losing my voice. God used a couple of missionary families from Buenos Aires and folks from the church to help lighten the load of hosting and translating while our son Logan was going through and recovering from his surgery for pyloric stenosis.

He is doing great, gaining weight and growing constantly. By the way, his name is officially Logan! There was a fuss was because his name was on the list for the city of Buenos Aires, but not on the list for the province of Buenos Aires. It took us a few extra days of running around and doing paperwork, but finally, we found the right person in the right office that ruled it was ok to make an exception. One thing living in Argentina has taught us is to never give up when the first person tells you something can't be done.

Besides translating, I have also had more opportunities for preaching and teaching. I was able to teach a class on congregational song leading in the seminary, and am preparing to teach on the Poetic Books. I have been preaching more often in the church services, and will be alternating teaching Sunday morning youth meetings. I continue to work with those in the music ministry to help make it all that it can be for the Lord. I am working at preparing messages that can be used for the radio station as well.

Now that no one is in the hospital, Jennifer has started back to language classes. Her instructors were surprised at how well she is speaking and asked if I had been tutoring her every day. She has just been immersed more in the language and it is showing.

Please be praying for our health, safety, spirit, and effectiveness. There are always things happening around us that can cause worry, but it is a very exciting time in the ministry here! Four young men that Jeff helped train are pastoring churches right now and there are over 20 seminary students that are serious about preparing themselves for doing God's will for their lives.

We continue to pray for the provision of funds to cover recent medical expenses. (Logan's birth, neonatal stay, surgery, and therapy and follow up for Joel) An answered prayer: Joel is eating crackers now!

Update on Logan's Surgery (smiths2argentina)

2011-09-21T13:23:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

I wanted to give an update on the surgery that our nearly 4 week old son Logan had over the weekend. As we expected, he was diagnosed with Pyloric Stenosis. Late Saturday evening, the minor surgery was conducted on his stomach. Monday afternoon the 19th, we were able to take him home from the hospital. God has worked things out and given us help with hosting our guest. Translating has been going very well. I am thankful for the Lord's blessing me in remembering words I haven't used for years. God is good! My voice has been very weak, please pray that it holds out strong for the rest of the week.

Logan and Jennifer are doing great.

We have a wonderful Savior!

Thank you for your prayers!

Joshua Smith

Missionary to Argentina

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 09

2011-09-16T23:29:00.002-05:00

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 09

Another adventure filled month has passed, with new adventures awaiting!

Logan Paul Smith (we are still waiting on paperwork to make sure that is his official name) was born August 25th weighing 8 lbs 1oz and measuring 20.5 inches long. He spent a week in the neonatal care unit for respiratory problems. For one day, Jennifer was at one hospital while Logan was at another across town. In the midst of trying to make sure my wife and son were ok, we had some drama with the financial department of the hospital because the cost was four times what we expected and was due before leaving the hospital. Some have already given to help cover that unforeseen expense and we appreciate it greatly.

Before Logan came home from the hospital, we had to move out of our duplex and into missionary Jeff Bush's house by the 31st of August. After Logan came home, we had just a few days to prepare to host a visiting missionary from another part of Argentina that was already scheduled to preach in the church and teach in the seminary beginning September 5th. The following week, I preached in the church, taught in the seminary, and spoke on the radio.

This coming week of the 18th is when things really start to pick up as we are hosting an evangelist from the US. When Jeff invited him to come, he had not yet planned to take a furlough. The evangelist does not speak Spanish. That means my Spanish will be put to the test, interpreting every time he speaks including Sunday School, Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Monday radio and seminary, Tuesday radio and seminary, Wednesday radio and church service, Thursday radio and another church service, and finally Friday radio. Preaching or teaching twelve times in six days is a full week for anybody!

As I finish this letter, we are preparing not only for the evangelist's arrival tomorrow, but for Logan to have a minor surgery. Over the last week, he has been vomiting an average of 5 times a day. We went to a pediatrician this week who recommended an anti reflux formula. After a couple of days with the same symptoms and a 14 hour stretch with only one wet diaper, we took him to the ER tonight. It appears he has something called Pyloric Stenosis, a stomach problem that requires a minor surgery to correct. We go early in the morning for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Once they are ready to operate, the surgery itself lasts 1 to 2 hours and the recovery time in hospital is 1 to 3 days.

Thank you for your prayers and support! God bless you!

Preaching Sunday

2011-09-09T19:57:00.000-05:00

I'm looking forward to preaching this Sunday evening at the church and teaching Tuesday in the Seminary. I'm praying that God uses the messages in a special way.

Joshua Smith

Logan is home! (Joshua Smith Missionary to Argentina)

2011-09-03T22:08:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

I'm happy to tell you that after a week in the neonatal unit, our little newborn baby Logan was able to come home from the hospital! We are so glad to have him with us. His problem was rather mild compared to others. The baby next to him in the neonatal unit had been there for two months and was not expected to live long. Our God is always reminding us to be thankful.

Logan is so tiny and quiet! It seems all he does is sleep, eat, then sleep some more! Joel and Amelia are doing well with him so far.

We are excited about this new chapter in our lives and ministry. We are officially moved out of the duplex and into Jeff and Mindy's place. We have to get settled in quickly because guests are coming soon! We host a missionary from another province in Argentina next week. Two weeks from now, we host a missionary evangelist from the States. I will be translating all of his teaching/ preaching for the week including Sunday School, Sunday morning, Sunday night, Radio in the mornings Monday through Friday, Seminary Monday and Tuesday night, Wednesday night at El Faro, and Thursday night at Berea. That sounds like a good week to me!

I am preaching Sunday evening, September 11th and teaching a class in Seminary on Tuesday evening, September 13th.

We are very thankful for your prayers and support. God bless you!

"...my name shall be great among the Gentiles..." Malachi 1:11

Joshua Smith

Church Planting in Argentina

P.S. Now that we are in the new place and have our own internet access, our Vonage number is fully functional. You can dial this number and it rings to our home in Argentina but costs the same (for you and me) as if we were in the States. 1-270-776-8117

Personal Contact:

Phone: 1-270-776-8117 (Vonage, stateside # that rings in Argentina)

Email: smiths2argentina@gmail.com

Website: www.smiths2argentina.com

Blog: www.smiths2argentina.blogspot.com

Skype ID: smiths2argentina

Facebook ID Joshua (for men): http://facebook.com/smiths2argentina

Facebook ID Jennifer (for ladies): http://facebook.com/jenn.kaye728

Twitter ID: twitter.com/jsmithargentina

Field Address:

Casilla de Correo 48

1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires

Argentina

Sending Church:

Faith Baptist Church

Pastor David H. Pierce

1008 W Cedar St

Franklin, KY 42134

(270) 586-8635

Support Address:

All Points Baptist Mission

P.O. Box 498

New Philadelphia, OH 44663

(330) 339-1035 ext. 103

Update on baby Logan from the Smiths in Argentina

2011-08-31T11:33:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

I have a moment to sit down with the computer and I wanted to give you an update.

First of all, our newborn baby Logan is doing very well! He has been off the respirator for a few days and is doing fine breathing on his own. He is still at the neonatal unit of the Children's Hospital, but he is no longer in need of any medications, tubes, or any other assistance. Yesterday, they said that they would observe him for another 24 to 48 hours and then let him go home. We have been told that probably tomorrow morning (Thursday) he would be released. We have been able to see and hold him every day this week.

Jennifer is recovering more every day, which is good because "Mr. Mom" is not a title that suits me very well! Our missionary friends Jeff and Mindy Bush left last night for the States and should arrive any moment to their destination. We have moved all of the big things out of the old place and into the new place. All that remains is a few boxes from the kitchen. Once all is clear, I go to the Real Estate office, turn in the keys, do some paperwork, pay a fine, and all should be finished with moving out. I say "should be" because you can never be too sure on the mission field!

Though we have no family here, we are thankful for many friends in the church that have helped us by watching the kids, cleaning, painting, packing, and moving. We are also thankful so many that are praying for and supporting us. I feel ashamed for worrying considering all that God has already done for us. I definitely see how God has prepared us for moments like these.

We'll let you know that Logan got home ok to close out the special updates.

God bless you!

Joshua Smith

Missionary in Argentina

Logan was born! but with difficulty breathing

2011-08-27T09:39:00.000-05:00

Our new baby Logan Paul Smith was born Thursday night, August 25th in Argentina! We know he weighs 8 pounds 1 ounce (or 3.7 kilos as they measure here) but we don't know the length or even the time of birth yet! (I couldn't wear my watch or bring my phone in to the room.) The hospital does not have WIFI like we were told it would.

Currently, he is in the neonatal unit of another hospital on the other side of town because of trouble breathing on his own. They tell us he will probably be there for several days, but we really just have to wait and see. His lungs probably have a lot of fluid in them still. He is hooked up to all sorts of tubes in his little incubator, but with Joel's medical history, we are no strangers to tubes. What feels strange is that we haven't been able to hold him yet.

Another thing that is strange to us is the way medical business is conducted. I mentioned briefly how we were informed this week that things would cost 3 times more than what was previously discussed and that half would be due when we got to the hospital, and the other half before we left. Well, before Logan had spent much more than two hours in the neonatal unit, I was sent down to pay for two days of neonatal in advance.

Jennifer should be released this morning. We can visit Logan at the other hospital about any time during the day, but we can't stay/sleep there. Jeff and Mindy are leaving for the States on Tuesday and we are supposed to be moved out by the end of the month. It sounds a little crazy, but I'm sure it can still be done.

We are reminded of the great victories God has worked in our lives during or just after stressful times. We are doing our best to look unto Jesus. A Psalm that has been on our hearts is Psalm 61, especially verse 2, "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

Joshua Smith

Missionary in Argentina

Special Prayer Request from the Smiths in Argentina

2011-08-24T16:51:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

We have met with our obstetrician and it is very likely that my wife Jennifer will have baby Logan very soon. (Probably this week) We would appreciate your prayers at this special time. We were informed today that the delivery and all that goes with it will cost at least 3 times what we were originally told. Please pray with us that God will provide this financial need. Though we sometimes forget, we know in our hearts that God is still on His throne. We look forward to sharing pictures of our new baby when he arrives! Thank you so much for your prayers. God bless you.

Joshua & Jennifer Smith

Sending Church:

Faith Baptist Church

PASTOR David H. Pierce

1008 W Cedar St

Franklin, KY 42134

Support Address:

All Points Baptist Mission

p.O. Box 498

New Philadelphia, OH 44663

(330) 339-1035 ext. 103

Personal Contact:

Phone: 1-270-776-8117

(Vonage, stateside # that rings in Argentina)

Email: smiths2argentina@gmail.com

Website: www.smiths2argentina.com

Blog: www.smiths2argentina.blogspot.com

Skype ID: smiths2argentina

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 08

2011-08-16T22:45:00.002-05:00

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 08

Dear praying friends,

Thank you for your prayers. Attached is our latest prayer letter. If you have any trouble with the PDF attachment, please scroll down and you will find a plain text version of the letter. To ensure optimal viewing and printing of the attached PDF, please follow this link to download the latest version of Adobe Reader.

Thank you for praying for us. We have faced some moments of discouragement, but we are doing well and are excited about the Lord's work here in Argentina. We have a faithful and trustworthy God!

Many changes are taking place. Jeff and Mindy Bush, the missionary family we having been working with, due to medical needs, will be taking a furlough sooner than originally planned and will be leaving at the end of August for a full year. We will be moving out of our duplex and into their house by the end of the month.

Shortly after making this decision, something awful happened. On a Sunday night after church, Jeff, Mindy, their four little girls, and Jeff's visiting parents and nephew were robbed at gunpoint inside their home! The two thieves held a gun to Mindy's head and took everything of value down to their wedding bands. We praise the Lord that they were not hurt and are doing very well now. Most veteran missionaries here have faced similar events.

We will miss Jeff and Mindy greatly, but we know that their furlough is an opportunity for us to grow and get even more involved. I will be teaching and preaching more often in the church, seminary, and radio. I am taking on more responsibilities in the music ministry of the church. I look forward to being involved in a new church being started by members of Iglesia Bautista El Faro. I will be interpreting twice a day for the preaching and teaching of an American evangelist that is coming for a week of ministry in mid September. I would like you to pray specifically that I would become a more effective witness for Christ. I have witnessed many times to neighbors, taxi drivers, and strangers, but would like to see more fruit. Please pray that I would have the boldness to speak as I ought to speak and that I would do a great job communicating the Gospel message with clarity.

Jennifer is doing better all the time with her Spanish! She survived a week without me while I was in the States for my younger brother's wedding. I am glad that my dad was able to fly me in. In addition to being the best man, I was able to report to a few supporting churches, present the work to a new church, load up baby clothes and miscellaneous things to bring back to Argentina, and evaluate how far we have come in cultural adaptation.

Joel and Amelia turned three and one, respectively. Baby Logan Paul is due September 12, but will probably come early like Amelia. Joel was recently diagnosed with a form of Autism and a Sensory Processing Disorder. He needs speech and developmental therapy. He is due for more scans in August to make sure the cancer has not come back. With recent car trouble, moving, medical expenses and the possibility of having the baby very soon, we are stretched to our limit financially and emotionally, but it's a good thing we have an All Powerful, All Knowing, All Loving God! Thank you so much for your love, prayer, and support!

Happy 3rd Birthday Joel!

2011-07-02T21:19:00.000-05:00

Today, Joel David Smith turns 3 years old! We are so thankful to the Lord for the time he has given us with our precious little guy.

Special Update from the Smiths to Argentina

2011-06-27T22:06:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

Thank you for praying about the special request we emailed about yesterday. Now that we are home safe and sound I wanted to give you an update on our adventures over the last couple of days.

Our desire is to please Christ and follow through with the calling He has placed on our lives to start churches that will have an impact here and around the world. An important part of that is to establish friendships with the other missionaries here and to learn all we can from their lives and ministries. We have been trying to take a Sunday or two of each month and spend the whole day with another missionary family that ministers in or around Buenos Aires.

We left early Sunday morning and had a great time at the church and home of the missionary family. A little after 10:00 PM, we started back home but didn't get far. The serpentine belt was shredded! Again! There we were under a highway overpass, in the dark and cold, in a city of 13 million people!

God is so merciful in his timing. This could have happened anywhere, but thankfully we were just minutes away from the missionaries house. He came by for security as I cut off what was left of the serpentine belt which runs the heat/AC, alternator, and power steering. Driving an hour home was out of the question, but driving a few minutes back to his house would cause no damage to the car. The family was gracious and hospitable and opened their home to us for the night. From now on, I think we are always going to bring a change of clothes with us when we travel!

In the morning, we took the car to a nearby Peugeot auto shop. Praise God, they said they would fix it same day! Around 7:00 PM, we went to pick the car. After looking it over and speaking with the mechanic, I believe that this mechanic did a more thorough job with higher quality parts than the first mechanic. We gathered our things and made it back home with no troubles around 9:00 PM tonight. What a relief to get a shower and a fresh set of clothes!

Over the previous few weeks, our car was in the shop 3 separate times for problems related to the serpentine belt. In fact, the last repair only lasted from Friday to Sunday. I'm going to see if we can get some of our money back.

We would appreciate your continued prayers for our car situation. This week we need it to go to Buenos Aires to speak with the pediatric neurodevelopmental specialist about the results of his tests regarding his social, language, mental, and developmental progress. Friday we are planning on taking the van on a 3 and a half hour trip to the location of the church's married couples retreat.

We have a wonderful Savior who blesses in the midst of difficulties. There have been moments of stress and pressure with the car breaking down, but we see how God uses these scenarios for His glory and our good. The time before, when the van broke down on a street corner in La Plata, God had a purpose. I sent the wife and kids on home in a taxi, while I was going to wait the estimated hour and a half for the tow truck. Wondering how to pass the time, I spotted some tracts in the van. I gathered all the tracts, stood on the corner, and passed out well over an hundred tracts in 50 minutes. Within one minute of passing out the last tract, the tow truck arrived! A coincidence? This time, we got to spend an extra day with a precious missionary family. I know they were a blessing and a help to us, and I hope that we were an encouragement to them as well.

Isaiah 55:8
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.

The Smiths to Argentina

Joshua, Jennifer, Joel, Amelia, and ???

P.S. Since so many of you have been praying for Joel and his health, I thought you would get a kick out of one of my favorite pictures of the little guy. I attached it to this email.

270-776-8117 (Vonage)

Casilla de Correo 48, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sending Church

Faith Baptist Church ♦Pastor David H. Pierce ♦1008 W Cedar St Franklin, KY 42134 ♦ (270) 586-8635

Support Address

All Points Baptist Mission ♦P.O. Box 498 New Philadelphia, OH 44663 ♦ (330) 339-1035 ext. 103

Special Prayer Request from the Smiths to Argentina

2011-06-26T22:20:00.000-05:00

Dear praying friends,

After having a great day visiting another missionary today (Sunday) in Buenos Aires, our car broke down just as we were beginning the hour drive back home. Thankfully, God allowed this to happen just minutes from the missionary's house and we are staying the night in his warm house. (It is in the 30's here!) We have had a lot of car trouble recently and we would appreciate your prayers that the serpentine belt would be fixed for good. This is the third time in the last month and the second time in the past week that it has come off or completely shredded. We are confident that the Lord is still on His throne. We are so thankful for your prayers! God bless you!

The Smiths to Argentina

Joshua, Jennifer, Joel, Amelia, and baby boy yet to be named

270-776-8117 (Vonage)

Casilla de Correo 48, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sending Church

Faith Baptist Church ♦Pastor David H. Pierce ♦1008 W Cedar St Franklin, KY 42134 ♦ (270) 586-8635

Support Address

All Points Baptist Mission ♦P.O. Box 498 New Philadelphia, OH 44663 ♦ (330) 339-1035 ext. 103

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 06

2011-06-19T18:22:00.002-05:00

Prayer Letter Smiths to Argentina 2011 06

June 15 2011

Greetings from cold and gray Argentina!
Seasons are opposite in the Southern Hemisphere.
With the colder weather has come sickness. Each of
us have battled colds, coughs, sniffles, and fevers.
Amelia had pneumonia. We would appreciate your
prayers for our health as winter sets in.

Last week, Joel fell off the couch and broke his
collarbone. It was a mild break and he is healing very
well. You just can't slow Joel down! He is already
running and playing as if nothing happened. Thank
the Lord for our tough guy.

My father is flying me in to the States for the first
week of August so that I can be the best man in my
little brother's wedding. During the week, I will have
an opportunity to pick up some of our things from
Kentucky-- including Joel's old baby clothes!
We are having a boy! (due Sept, 12) We are looking
for a name that we both like, that sounds good in
English and Spanish, and that appears in the official
Baby Name List of Argentina. (Argentina requires
names be chosen from that list.)

All is progressing well with the "panza" (belly,
pregnancy) as they call it here in Argentina. Jennifer is
feeling better overall than she did with Amelia.
(Not having a child going through chemo may have
something to do with that!) She is doing well with
learning Spanish, driving (stick-shift), and cooking.
Best of all, she has mastered chocolate chip cookies
using only Argentine ingredients!

We thank the Lord for opportunities in the ministry.
Some students from the English Class we have been
teaching have visited the church. On Saturday I went
with a group from the church to the main plaza and
passed out "1,000,000 dollar bills!" (evangelistic
tracts that look like money). They were great
conversation starters and I was able to share the
gospel with two young people (Pablo and Christian)
and a man in his seventies (Luis). I hope to be able to
give more details soon, but for now, please pray
about an opportunity for me to start a Bible Study.

We have been visiting other missionaries to get all the
advice we can before we start a work on our own. A
veteran missionary of 20 plus years told me that a
reasonable first year goal is simply to survive. It's
heartbreaking to hear how many missionaries have
come and gone. It reminds us how important your
prayers are to us. I suppose if this were easy,
missionary attrition wouldn't be so high would it? I
believe a large reason we did not quit on deputation
is because of your prayers. We surely need your
prayers on the field too. God bless you!

Broken Bones

2011-06-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

Joel fell from the couch and broke his collarbone today. (Hairline fracture may be a better term) The doctor ordered a few days of pain medicine and a couple of weeks with a sling. After hours of searching in/ calling pharmacies, all we found were adult sized slings. In the morning we'll go to an orthopedic specialty store. He's doing well. He's such a tough guy!

Joel is sick

2011-06-01T07:22:00.001-05:00

Joel has had a fever and cough for a day or so and we are taking the little guy to a clinic in La Plata. Please pray with us that he gets better soon.

-Joshua

Smith Family Payer Letter 2011

2011-05-19T22:23:00.002-05:00

Smith Family to Argentina May Prayer Letter 2011

Smith Family to Argentina May 2011 Prayer Letter

2011-05-19T22:15:00.001-05:00

Greetings from Argentina! Time flies when you move to a foreign country! We arrived safely at the end of January with all ten checked bags, carry on, guitar, diaper bag, stroller, and car seats.

The goal has been to get settled in as a family, adjust to the new language and culture, and make Argentina our home so that we can effectively minister here. We are progressing towards that goal.

Getting settled in has been more of a challenge than we anticipated, but we have the big things in place. We are renting a duplex and have most of the furniture and appliances we need to be comfortable. We have cell phones that we can use in Argentina. We are still waiting for the phone company to install a home phone line and internet that we need to set up our Vonage Phone to make calls to the States. We are very grateful to have a vehicle that will accommodate a family of five.

That’s right, not four, but FIVE! Jennifer is expecting our third child due September 12th. We found out just a couple of weeks before we were to leave the country. I’m so thankful for my wife. After the year we had, with deputation, pregnancy, a new baby, and a son going through chemo-- it was already going to be quite a challenge moving to a new country, with a new language and a new culture. Add the thought of being pregnant, and having a new baby during the first year and I think a lot of women would give up. But Jennifer’s reaction was,”If God got us through last year, then He can get us through anything.” Thinking that some might try to talk us out of going, we waited to get settled before making the announcement.

A major part of getting settled in has been finding the right health care for the family. Jennifer is happy with her obstetrician and the hospital facility where she plans to have the baby. We have been to numerous hospitals, doctors, and specialist to follow up on Joel’s care. We are happy to report to you that the scans are all clear once again! Obtaining health insurance has been complicated with preexisting conditions, so up to this point, we have been paying for health care on a private basis. Considering what Joel’s scans might have cost in the States under similar circumstances, we are thankful that the CT Scan, MRI, and Bone Injection Scan totaled just under $2000, but we know that for the long term, it would be best to have health insurance. Please pray with us that we can find the most cost effective solution possible. Also, we are seeing a specialist regarding Joel’s developmental delays. (He is still not eating solid foods or speaking words.)

Adjusting to the culture has been both fun and challenging. Jennifer has been taking three hours of private language instruction each week day in downtown La Plata. Most days she loves it-- other days are more difficult. I have also been taking some private classes to stay sharp with the language. Being from small towns in Kentucky and West Virginia where every family has two cars, public transportation has been very new to us. We’ve taken trains, buses, subways, and countless taxis. Now that we have a vehicle, we are adjusting to being a single car family.

The biggest difference we’ve noticed is the amount of time and effort it takes to do a seemingly simple task. Cooking is a challenge. Everything has to be made from scratch. Ingredients are different, cuts of meat are different, and stoves do not have numbers on the knobs! Milk comes in bags! I know of only one fast food drive thru within 20 miles of our home. On more than one occasion after a failed cooking experiment, we have called for a pizza, waited over an hour and a half for it to be delivered, and found the pizza tasted nothing like we hoped it would!

Anything regarding paperwork is crazy. It took nearly three weeks of ,”It should be ready tomorrow.” before we actually got the keys to move in to our place. When we purchased our car, what would take a couple of hours at the DMV in the States, took a solid week of paperwork to accomplish here. Our first months have involved a lot of standing in line, taking numbers, waiting, and being sent from office to office all over town trying to fulfill the requirements for each document. The telephone company said it would take at least a month to get connected, but our neighbors said to count on three months! We are already closer to three months. With doctors and tests for Jennifer and Joel the process is foreign to us. We go to one part of town to see a doctor. The doctor sends us to another part of town to see a specialist. The specialist sends us to another place to have the scans done. We go there to get estimates and an appointment. After the test, we come back to pick up the images and schedule an appointment with the doctor to have them read. Thank the Lord we get to complain about things like this and we do not have to worry about cannibals, snakes, war, or lack of water or electricity!

We are excited about the opportunities to minister here. I have been involved in learning about and helping with the evangelization efforts here. Jennifer and I have started to teach an English class on Thursday nights to make contacts. We pass out tracts in our neighborhood. I taught a seminary class on the life of Barnabas. Jennifer is helping with the nursery and I help with music. I cannot give many details at this time, but please pray with us about an opportunity to help with a new church plant soon.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support! Without you, we would not be here to start churches in Argentina. Our new mailing address is: Casilla de Correo 48, 1900 La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Our Vonage number is not fully functional yet, but I will be notified if you leave a message: 1-270-776-8117. My Skype ID is smiths2argentina .

The Smith Family Joshua, Jennifer, Joel, Amelia...

Good Results!

2011-05-11T15:52:00.000-05:00

We were finally able to meet with the oncologist and have the scans read today. All scans showed NO evidence of tumor growth anywhere. Joel is still cancer-free!
~Jennifer

Headed to BA Again

2011-05-11T07:44:00.000-05:00

Well, we are headed to Buenos Aires again today. The oncologist had to reschedule us from last week due to personal problems, we are hoping we will be able to see her today and have Joel's scans read. After having the scans done late and waiting for weeks, we are very ready to get the results! Please be praying that we will have a smooth, safe trip to the city and that the scans will be all clear. We will post again as soon as we know something. Thank you!
~Jennifer

Neurodevelopmental Specialist

2011-05-04T07:55:00.001-05:00

We have a late start, but we are on our way to Olivos to see the Neurodevelopmental specialist. We were supposed to see the Oncologist today as well to have her check out the results of Joel's scans, but she had to reschedule us for next week.

-Joshua

Change of plans

2011-04-27T11:21:00.001-05:00

The highway was shut down in multiple places and we missed our window for the ferry. After fighting through the traffic jams and attempting to get back on the highway at several exits and being denied access by the military/police, we decided to turn back home. We finally found out what all the fuss was about. Protesters had blocked the highway.

-Joshua

Headed to Uruguay

2011-04-27T07:42:00.001-05:00

We are on our way to Buenos Aires to take a ferry to Uruguay today. Praying everything goes smoothly!

-Joshua

Getting Acclimated

2011-04-26T18:22:00.000-05:00

   Hello! It has been a while since I (Jennifer) posted, there is a lot that has happened. We have been working on settling in here in La Plata but things tend to go a bit slower here, so it's taking some time. It is a beautiful city and we are loving it!
   As Josh has posted recently, we do have a house. God provided for us to rent the first house we saw on the day we arrived here! It is a new townhouse; two stories with a small private backyard, two bedrooms and two bathrooms. We also have acquired a refrigerator, washer/dryer, bed, mattress for Joel, futon, coffee table and a couch! We are still working on getting beds for the children, dining room table and chairs.
   As I mentioned, things tend to move a bit slower here. We called over a month ago about getting home phone service and internet...and we are still waiting on the technician. We are very grateful to our sweet neighbor who is allowing us to use her internet while we wait! We do have local cell phones, though the area where we live is still being developed and our signal is not very strong.
   We have also been blessed with a car! Although most cars here are very small, God blessed us with the perfect vehicle for us. It is a 2001 Peugeot Partner, silver, dual sliding doors and plenty of room for the three carseats...
   Oh, did you catch in the last post that we are expecting baby #3? :)
   I am 20 weeks along with our newest little surprise, and am due September 12th. A friend at the church got me an appointment with her Dr, the head neonatologist at one of the best clinics in La Plata, and she has graciously taken me on as a patient. I've had one ultrasound at 16 weeks and the baby was pronounced healthy, but the technician said it was too early to see the gender.
   In other family news, Joel's next three month scan deadline of the end of March has come and gone! We were finally able to get appointments with the right doctors to have two of the scans on April 15th. Josh took Joel for his bone scan today, he was supposed to get the results from the other two scans. Well, he was able to get the results, but we don't have the degrees to read them! We have to wait and take them to the oncologist before we will know the results. They sure do things differently here! We have learned that we will have to start these processes much earlier next time, though now that we have the right contacts and are more familiar with procedure, we are hoping 'next time' goes much more smoothly!

Amelia and Joel are adjusting well. Joel has made a few small strides in development since we arrived, but he still refuses solid foods, does not speak words, and only drinks from a bottle. Among other medical contacts, we have been given the information of and gotten in touch with an excellent developmental therapist. We are working on getting Joel in with her this week.

   Amelia is a happy baby and enjoys all the attention that her pale chubby cheeks and pretty blonde hair get her! At 9 months old, she is in sizes 12 and 18 month clothes, has cut 4 teeth, and says "Da-da-da" and "Ma-ma-ma". Both of the children like to go on Saturday morning visitation. They get to ride in the double stroller and greet all the neighborhood dogs. We have even seen a few horses!
   We were blessed to find a responsible babysitter among the ladies of the church here in La Plata to watch the children while I am in language school 3 hours every weekday morning. Her son Santiago is near Joel's age, and loves to come over to play!
   I will try to post again soon with Joel's scan results, family updates, and ministry updates. Please keep us in your prayers as we still have much to learn and adapt to! Ministry opportunities have been opening up. I am working in the nursery weekly, Josh is playing guitar for congregationals and has been very busy with evangelism efforts. We are also scheduled to start teaching an English class weekly on Thursdays, beginning May 5th.
   Thank you very much for your patience and your prayers!

~Jennifer Smith

Where did the time go?

2011-04-05T16:18:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry for the lack of updates.

We have a house to rent. We have most of our furniture. We have a vehicle. We have cell phones.

We are getting involved in ministries here. Jennifer has started private classes at the Mil Voces Language School in La Plata.

We are still trying to schedule scans for Joel. We still lack home phone and internet.

Jennifer's ultrasound went very well. Oh, did I forget to mention that Jennifer is 4 months pregnant?

I'll try to do better about more frequent updates now that we are getting settled in here in Argentina.

Ride from Airport Buenos Aires Argentina 2011 [HD]

2011-02-13T14:50:00.000-06:00

A portion of our taxi ride from Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires Argentina.

Amelia enjoying Argentine Ice Cream

2011-02-11T09:41:00.001-06:00

I thought everyone might find this entertaining. Our 6 month old daughter Amelia tries ice cream for the first time in Argentina!

Housing and cell phones...

2011-02-07T19:17:00.000-06:00

Jennifer and I have found a place to live! We have started the paperwork already. We should be able to move in by Thursday. We have been staying in a temporary apartment since last Thursday. Jennifer was able to go to a ladies retreat hosted by the church. Depending on the housing scenario, I may be able to go to the men's retreat this weekend.

Next week, there is a camp for Missionaries and Pastors of Argentina with their families. We want to go because it will be a great opportunity to meet other missionaries and national pastors. We are very busy with getting settled in, but several times I have been overwhelmed at the potential of what God could do with the people of Argentina.

We got cell phone plans today! Our smart phones that we grew so accustomed to utilizing in the States on deputation now work in Argentina!

Tomorrow, we plan to do a lot of shopping around for appliances and furniture for the house. We also would like to look at cars over the next few days. I am excited about having a vehicle of our own, (depending on friends, taxis, and buses to get around is definitely strange) but I am not excited about driving here. Traffic accidents are the third leading cause of death in Argentina. We would appreciate much prayer as we learn to drive here.

We will keep you posted! Thanks for praying.

House Hunting/ First Day of Church Services

2011-01-30T22:16:00.002-06:00

We arrived yesterday around 11:00 AM ART. Argentina is 2 hours ahead of Eastern Time and 3 hours ahead of Central Time. We loaded all of our things in the missionary's van and followed him home in a taxi. (We had a lot of things and the autos are TINY here! )

After getting cleaned up, we met with a realtor and saw two houses that are for rent. One looks very promising! We'll have a better idea after looking at more houses this week. We also visited the local Walmart (praise God for Walmart!) and picked up some things for the babies.

Sunday has been a day filled with meeting new people and remembering those we had met our first time in Argentina. We are staying in the city of La Plata which is the capital of the Province (like a state) of Buenos Aires. It is to the south of Greater Buenos Aires. Sometimes, it is included in the metropolitan area of the city of Buenos Aires and sometimes, not. We will be here for about a year before we begin to start churches in Southern Gran Buenos Aires.

We are adjusting to 90 degree weather here after leaving all the snow behind in the States.

The main things on the agenda this week are finding the right house to rent and car to buy. On Friday, we will need to move into a hotel until we can move to the new place. We are counting on 2 to 4 weeks of paperwork before we can move in after we make a decision.

We may be able to get a cell phone plan by the weekend for local calls in Argentina. We have everything to set up Vonage once we move into a new place and have high speed internet.

I want to be clear about the next part of this post. We are in no way asking for money. We had good advice about having funds saved up for this time and the Lord has blessed us with what we need. It has occurred to us that new missionaries will likely come across our blog and find information that could be helpful whether coming to Argentina or another country.

Excess bags with United Airlines is $200 per bag.
To enter Argentina there is a new tax called a reciprocal fee. It is $140 per person. No discount for babies. (Don't let that hinder you from coming to see us!)
More than likely, because we are foreigners, we will have to pay 6 months rent IN ADVANCE.
Cars here are much smaller and are extremely expensive.

We will keep you posted with our progress. I may add pictures and video soon.

Thank you for praying!

Joshua Smith

We made it to Buenos Aires!

2011-01-29T11:07:00.000-06:00

We made it safely with all our bags! We are house hunting this afternoon so we will post more later. Thanks for praying.

Joshua

Boarded for Buenos Aires

2011-01-28T21:01:00.001-06:00

We're on the plane with the kids, our bags, and my guitar! Now we are praying for happy babies on the 10 hour flight!

-Joshua

Location:Willard Rd,Sterling,United States

Pictures Along the Journey to Argentina

2011-01-28T12:08:00.000-06:00

Thank you Bro. Pierce and Kyle for getting us to the airport! I think we could have fit 10 more bags on that van!

Amelia sleeping peacefully. Let's hope this continues.

Good looking people!

Very thankful for the double stroller!

The only way to travel!

Moving Day!

2011-01-28T09:52:00.000-06:00

Our bags are all packed and we are on our way to the airport! Looking forward to finally getting to Argentina in the morning.

Clarification

2011-01-26T11:25:00.000-06:00

Someone asked me a good question and I realized I left out an important detail in our Special Update. We are safe and sound at home. We learned of our canceled flight status as soon as we woke up this morning, so we did not even get on the road to go to the airport. We will have an extra couple of days to prepare for the trip and to visit with family. That's much better than being stranded at an airport!

Joshua Smith
Missionary To Argentina
865.368.3509
PO Box 826
Franklin, KY 42135

Special Update from the Smith Family to Argentina

2011-01-26T10:47:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends,

Our flight to Argentina (via Washington, DC) was cancelled today due to the weather. We have rescheduled and now we fly out of Nashville at 1:15 PM CST Friday and arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina at 10:50 ART Saturday morning. Thank you for keeping up with, and praying for us.

God's timing is always perfect. We are excited about getting to the field and doing what God has called us to do. We will also be happy to leave all of this snow behind us!

Here is our updated itinerary:

NASHVILLE to WASH/DULLES departing Friday, January 28

UNITED 7681 *

Depart:

NASHVILLE 1:15 PM

Arrive:

FRI 28 JAN

WASH/DULLES 4:00 PM

NONSTOP

Equip: ER4

UNITED ECONOMY

	WASH/DULLES to BUENOSAIRE/EZE departing Friday, January 28

UNITED 847

Depart:

WASH/DULLES 10:04 PM

Arrive:

SAT 29 JAN

BUENOSAIRE/EZE 10:50 AM

NONSTOP

Equip: 767

UNITED ECONOMY

Flight Cancellation

2011-01-26T07:50:00.000-06:00

Our 6:26 PM flight out of Nashville has been cancelled due to the snow. I haven't had time to process what that means for us. I've never had a cancelled flight before-- definitely never on a day that we planned to move to a new country. I'm glad that I can trust that God is in control. We would appreciate prayers for wisdom in how to handle things.

-Joshua Smith

Slideshow: Smith Family Photos January 2011

2011-01-22T10:14:00.002-06:00

Slideshow: Smith Family Photos January 2011

Reflecting & Packing

2011-01-22T00:52:00.006-06:00

One year ago today our little boy Joel had surgery to remove his left kidney and the malignant rhabdoid tumor that was growing inside. It is hard to imagine that a year has passed already. He has gone through radiation, seven months of chemo, and countless tests. Scan results are still all clear! God has been so good to us. Without His mercy and grace we would not have made it this far.

We are preparing and packing to leave for Argentina next Wednesday, January 26. Though we expect to meet many challenges with language, culture shock, and other things; it is a comfort to know that the God of Heaven that got is through the past year will help us in the next.

Thank your for your prayers for us!

-Joshua

Smiths to Argentina Prayer Letter January 2011

2011-01-17T23:28:00.002-06:00

Smith Family to Argentina January Prayer Letter 2011

Family Update

2010-12-27T14:03:00.000-06:00

We made it safely home from Alaska on November the 8th and three days later, we left for a long trip to Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. We spent Thanksgiving with Josh's family. We are now in Kentucky to celebrate Christmas with my family.

Joel had his first follow-up scan on December 22nd. We should receive results by phone on Tuesday the 28th. His hair has grown back in well. I fact, he has already had one hair cut! We are still working with him on eating solid foods and drinking from a sippy cup. His weight is up to a very healthy 32 lbs. He jabbers almost constantly, with 'wow' being his newest word.

Amelia is a healthy 17 lbs and is jabbering almost as much as Joel. She loves to watch him play and has started reaching out to touch him whenever he is close enough. She loves her big brother! He, however, doesn't appreciate it all the time.

We will be sending another prayer letter out soon with a ministry update. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

~Jennifer

Flying home today from Alaska!

2010-11-08T08:51:00.000-06:00

Hello,

Here's a flight status update on Delta Air Lines (DL) 1084:

DEPARTURE
Nov 8, 2010, Anchorage (ANC)
scheduled: 6:00 AM AKST
terminal: S
gate: B8

ARRIVAL
Nov 8, 2010, Minneapolis (MSP)
scheduled: 2:26 PM CST
terminal: 1
gate: C1

This flight's current status: SCHEDULED

FlightTrack - Track your flights on iPhone and iPad.
http://www.mobiata.com/flighttrack-app

Traveling

2010-11-07T16:49:00.001-06:00

We will be driving from Kenai, Alaska, back to Anchorage this afternoon. It has been snowing here since yesterday, so we are asking everyone to be praying for us: for clear roads, happy children, and no accidents or delays.
Our flight from Anchorage to Nashville leaves at 9 AM central time tomorrow morning, we'll be sleeping in our own beds again tomorrow night.
Thank you for your continued prayer during our trip to and throughout Alaska! We've made many new friends and God has blessed us greatly.

-Jennifer

Upcoming Flight Map

2010-10-22T20:43:00.001-05:00

FlightTrack: Alaska Airlines 51 - Fairbanks to Barrow

2010-10-22T18:10:00.000-05:00

Final destination is Barrow, AK. Look it up on a map, it is the northern most "city" in the US.

Here's a flight status update on Alaska Airlines (AS) 51:

DEPARTURE
Oct 22, 2010, Fairbanks (FAI)
scheduled: 5:58 PM AKDT
estimated: 6:33 PM AKDT
gate: 1

ARRIVAL
Oct 22, 2010, Barrow (BRW)
scheduled: 7:24 PM AKDT
estimated: 7:59 PM AKDT
gate: HG

This flight's current status: DELAYED

FlightTrack - Track your flights on iPhone and iPad.
http://www.mobiata.com/flighttrack-app

FlightTrack: Alaska Airlines 189 - Anchorage to Fairbanks

2010-10-22T18:06:00.000-05:00

Flying today!

Here's a flight status update on Alaska Airlines (AS) 189:

DEPARTURE
Oct 22, 2010, Anchorage (ANC)
scheduled: 3:25 PM AKDT
estimated: 3:25 PM AKDT
terminal: S

ARRIVAL
Oct 22, 2010, Fairbanks (FAI)
scheduled: 4:25 PM AKDT

This flight's current status: SCHEDULED

FlightTrack - Track your flights on iPhone and iPad.
http://www.mobiata.com/flighttrack-app

Blessings and Preaching

2010-10-17T04:12:00.001-05:00

I cannot give specifics now, but I want to tell everyone that God has been blessing us here in Alaska. We have been given several opportunities to present the ministry. God's people have been very generous. Already, the expense of the trip to Alaska has been covered and we have been promised the money to buy a vehicle when we get to Argentina in January!

Sunday morning, I am teaching a Sunday school class, then preaching the morning service. I also preach Tuesday night. My desire is to be used of God.

Joel and Jennifer are coming down with a cold. Thank you for praying. By the way, Joel's hair is growing back more each day!

View from plane between Fairbanks and Anchorage, AK
-Joshua

Location:N Double B St,Palmer,United States

Good News from the Joshua Smith Family to Argentina

2010-10-08T12:45:00.000-05:00

Dear friends and supporters,

We are so sorry that we have not updated via email or blog since September 22nd. My desire was to sum everything up and send the prayer letter out. This has been one of the busiest times of our lives and we have had some very busy times! We are sitting in the Anchorage airport with a flight delay and we have free wifi.

First, let me tell you the good news that all of Joel's scans are CLEAR! There is absolutely no sign of disease in Joel's little body! His portacath was removed Monday, September 27th. No more treatments. No more ER visits when Joel gets a fever. No more 5 or 7 day hospital stays. No more blood pressure cuffs. No more surgeries. Just every three months for a year he will have scans. After that every 6 months. THANK YOU for your prayers.

We made it safely to Alaska and have already been in several meetings. We arrived in Anchorage on October 2nd, and have already been to Glennallen and back. Today we fly to Fairbanks for a missions conference. Just driving between meetings has been a blessing. As Jennifer said, "Our God is an artist."We'll be sure to post pictures soon. We return November 8th to the lower 48.

Thank you for your prayers.

Joshua Smith and family

Missionary to Argentina
865.368.3509
PO Box 826
Franklin, KY 42135

www.smiths2argentina.blogspot.com

www.smiths2argentina.com

Special Update from the Smith Family to Argentina

2010-09-22T15:22:00.000-05:00

Dear friends,

Thank you for keeping up with us. Joel's MRI and CT scans have been rescheduled for today (Wednesday, September 22nd). He already passed his audiology test today! His bone scan will be tomorrow. We expect results on the scans by Friday afternoon. His portacath removal is still scheduled for Monday, September 27th. It is a great blessing that the scans have been rescheduled so quickly. As long as the scans are clear, we will be leaving out as a family on October 1^st for 6 weeks of meetings in Alaska.

God continues to bless in the midst of trials and difficulties. As you know, our van broke down on I-24 at Murfreesboro, TN on the way to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital for Joel's end-of-chemo scans. The van was towed to a radiator shop and we priced the water pump and serpentine belt replacement at $225. Then a hole was found in the radiator. The mechanics are Christians that found out about Joel and why we were going to the hospital. They fixed the van quickly then walked in and said, "You're done." I pulled out my wallet getting ready to fork out more than $300. Then they said again, "You're done." They would not take a dime, not even for parts! Praise the Lord!

Reaching the World through Argentina,

Joshua Smith
Missionary To Argentina
865.368.3509
PO Box 826
Franklin, KY 42135

YouTube Video

Special Prayer Request from the Smith Family to Argentina

2010-09-20T14:32:00.000-05:00

Today, Joel was supposed to have scans to check for any growths or signs of cancer. On the way to Vanderbilt, our van broke down in Murfreesboro, TN. I'm at a mechanic's shop with the van. Please pray that the MRI, CT Scan, and Bone Scan will be rescheduled in time for us to go to Alaska on October 1st! Joel's port-a-cath removal was scheduled for Monday the 27th, but may have to be rescheduled as well.

We will update you when we know the new dates. Please continue to pray that the scans will be clear.
For His Glory,

Joshua Smith
Missionary To Argentina
865.368.3509
PO Box 826
Franklin, KY 42135

Special Prayer Request from the Smith Family to Argentina

2010-09-20T07:03:00.000-05:00

Today (Monday, September 20th) Joel will have scans to check if there are any growths or signs of cancer. Please pray that the MRI, CT Scan, Bone Scan are all clear. As long as his scans are clear, he will have a minor surgery to remove his portacath on Monday, September 27th.

We are travelling from the Atlanta area to the hospital in Vanderbilt. We had a wonderful day presenting the ministry in a Spanish Speaking Church with an Argentine pastor. After I finished preaching the morning service, five hispanics made professions of faith!

Thank you for praying for Joel's scans today. We don't know when we will know the results of the tests, but we will be sure to update you as soon as we do.

For His Glory,

Joshua Smith
Missionary To Argentina
865.368.3509
PO Box 826
Franklin, KY 42135

Back in the Hospital Again

2010-09-14T23:38:00.000-05:00

   Just a quick post to ask you to pray for Joel tonight. Josh just took him to Vanderbilt with a fever of 100.4.
   At Joel's last chemo, he was cleared by the doctor to go out in public places again, so we traveled as a family this past weekend to eastern Kentucky for a few meetings. It rained several days of our trip and Joel's seasonal allergies started acting up. He's had a runny nose and a cough for the past several days now, but he still had plenty of energy and his white blood cell counts have been at regular levels the last two times they were checked.
   We are hoping and praying that this fever is nothing serious. Please pray with us that he will get over whatever infection he has quickly and it won't affect the timing of his scans and port removal. Thank you! We will keep you posted.
~Jennifer

DONE WITH CHEMO!!!

2010-09-09T01:10:00.000-05:00

   Joel completed his last chemotherapy treatment on Tuesday of this week! He also had a GFR scan (checking his remaining kidney for chemo damage) and two tests on his heart (an echo-cardiogram and an EKG).
   He has also been cleared to go out in public again. We were able to go to church tonight as a family, all four of us together, for the first time!
   We are so thankful for everyone who has been praying for us during this time. God has blessed us tremendously with Joel's resilience against the effects of the chemotherapy, my healthy pregnancy, Amelia's health, Josh's safety while traveling...I could go on and on.
   Joel's last few tests and scans will be done on September 20th. He'll have an MRI and a CT scan to check for any new tumors, and a bone scan and hearing test to check for any damage from the chemo. When we have the results from all the testing, they'll schedule an outpatient surgery to remove his port-a-cath. There is also a follow-up appointment with the oncologist on the 27th. Please pray with us that there will be NO damage from the chemo and both the scans will be CLEAR AND FREE OF CANCER!
   Josh and I hope to begin traveling all together again regularly in October. We have several weeks of meetings booked in Alaska and we would really like to attend them as a family rather than be apart for such a long stretch of time. Please pray that Joel's port removal will be scheduled quickly, go smoothly, and that he will heal in plenty of time to travel to Alaska safely and comfortably.
   We have been invited to a meeting this weekend that we are going to as a family, if things work out with scheduling Joel's Home Health appointment. It's great to get to travel together again!
   We will post the results from all the testing and scans as soon as we know anything. Please pray daily for the results of these tests!
~Jennifer

Chemo Week 29 - Almost Done

2010-09-01T23:10:00.001-05:00

   Joel had his next-to-last chemo today, an outpatient treatment. His white blood cell count and his platelet count are both good, but we're going back tomorrow for a blood transfusion to build up his borderline- red blood cell count.
   He is already experiencing the side effects of today's treatment, joint pain and abdominal discomfort, but his medicines are taking care of the symptoms.
   His LAST CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT is scheduled for Tuesday, September 7th! It is an outpatient treatment, just like today's.
   I've been praying that Joel will understand that we're almost done with all this hospital stuff, and I believe God has answered my prayers. Joel is not having the tantrums that we were having trouble with a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for praying!
   He will need 2 or 3 tests, in addition to the CT scan, after his chemo next week. We're hoping to get them all scheduled and done before the end of next week so we can schedule his port-a-cath removal and have everything done.
   Please pray daily, or multiple times a day, that his scan will be clear and there will be no damage from chemo! We know God is able to heal Joel completely, but we are still apprehensive about this scan and the tests. We will post on the blog and send out an email update as soon as we know all the test results. I'll try to post the schedule of tests and procedures when I know them. Thank you for continuing to pray!
~Jennifer

Amelia Ruth Smith's Newborn Photos

2010-08-26T12:02:00.003-05:00

Here is a slide show of the most beautiful baby girl in the world! A special thanks to our friends Nate and Arancha Staples for taking the pictures! www.nathanandarancha.blogspot.com

Week 27

2010-08-18T16:42:00.000-05:00

     We are now in Week 27 out of 30 of Joel's chemo! He has an overnight inpatient treatment on Monday, then two outpatient treatments on the two following Mondays, then we'll be completely done with chemotherapy. Praise the Lord!!!
     The tests, scans, and removal of his port-a-cath will be scheduled after his chemo is over. It should all be before the middle of September. We are so grateful that the end is in sight! Joel is having a tough time dealing with everything he's going through right now. He likes his new baby sister, just not when I have to take care of her instead of sitting with or playing with him. He also is getting frustrated with all the hospital stays and has been throwing tantrums. His last chemo stay was August 2nd-6th, but he developed a fever and we were back in the hospital for the 13th- 16th. His only other overnight stay will be Monday and Tuesday, please pray that it will go quickly and he will stay calm.
     Josh was finally able to get back on the road this past weekend. He had a meeting in WV, then went on to Missionary Candidate School this week in OH. I am thankful that he was able to go! It's been a blessing and an encouragement to him already. He'll be back in time for Joel's chemo on Monday.
     Amelia is growing like a little weed! She's beautiful and healthy. She's also a good baby, though when she gets hungry, I think the neighbors can hear her.
     God has given us grace and we take everything one day at a time. I will be very glad for all this to be over. We look forward to getting back on the road as a family.
     Thank you for being faithful to pray for us and keep up with us, even when we haven't been able to post on here as often as we'd like. Please continue to keep us in your prayers!
~Jennifer

Great Videos of Joel this week

2010-08-04T12:57:00.001-05:00

YouTube Video

Joshua

Location:Children's Way,Nashville,United States

Smith Family June/July Prayer Letter 2010

2010-08-03T22:15:00.001-05:00

Smith Family July Prayer Letter 2010 August 1, 2010

Dear Praying Friends,

To say that a lot has happened since our last letter would be an understatement! We have spent 39 days in the hospital, but not all because of Joel. I do apologize for our lapse in communication, especially to those who receive letters by mail and cannot keep up with us on our blog, Facebook, or Twitter. I will work harder in the future to make sure the emails and letters go out at least once a month like they had before. Your prayers mean so much to us!

I have no doubt that your prayers have made a difference in our lives, especially the life of our little Joel. Joel celebrated his 2nd birthday on July 2nd! Now 6 months after learning his diagnosis, it is hard to imagine that one fourth of his life has been spent dealing with kidney cancer.

All the doctors and nurses are impressed with how well he has responded to his chemo and radiation treatments. Considering the circumstances, he has excelled in the areas of diet and delays. Most kids in similar circumstances need a feeding tube 2 weeks into treatment. The doctors did not suggest one for Joel until week 16. He only needed it for a few weeks until we found a toddler formula to add to his milk.

Many children battle with infections and low counts that cause multiple delays in treatment. Joel has only had one delay during 25 weeks of the 31 week treatment program and is now on the home stretch, with just 6 weeks remaining. He goes in tomorrow for a 4 day hospital stay. We request special prayer that he does not develop a fever after this treatment and that his counts bounce back quickly so that there will be no delay.

I thank you for your prayers for Jennifer. She tried to give me a couple of heart attacks, but, thankfully was unsuccessful! Twice towards the end of June while Jennifer was with Joel in the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt and I was hours away in meetings, she herself had to be taken to the Labor and Delivery Unit of Vanderbilt to be monitored. Once, it was because she fell directly on her belly! (Everything was fine.)

Naturally, for the month of July, I stayed closer to home and helped her to rest, taking caring of Joel and going to all his hospital appointments and treatments. Our support level is 44%. Though I did not travel as far or as often, July provided a very special, unexpected adventure. On Thursday afternoon, July 22, I took Jennifer to her week 37 OB appointment and she was admitted. Early the next morning at 12:46 AM, January 23^rd, Amelia Ruth Smith was born measuring 20.5 inches and weighing 9 pounds! That's right! Three weeks early and NINE pounds! We thank the Lord for a beautiful and healthy baby girl! Please pray that we all (especially Joel) adjust well to having this new addition to our family. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Chemo Week 25

2010-08-03T03:49:00.001-05:00

Joel and I are at Vandy for the four night stay. Jennifer and baby Amelia are at home. Joel just dealt with nausea so I am up for a minute at 3:30 AM! He's back to sleep thanks to the Benadryl.

Joel is feeling more comfortable here than I've ever seen him. You should have seen him running the halls of the A wing of the oncology unit, with me following close behind with his IV pole! I'll post this video, but it's upside down.

YouTube Video

-Joshua

Location:21st Ave S,Nashville,United States

Chemo & GFR Scan

2010-07-26T10:53:00.001-05:00

I'm with Joel today for his chemotherapy treatment and a scan to test his kidney function before next week's 4 day stay.

Jennifer and baby are doing well with Nonna there to help. Jennifer and baby Amelia came home yesterday.

Joel is adjusting to having a baby sister.

-Joshua

Pictures of Baby Amelia

2010-07-23T13:52:00.001-05:00

Taking Joel for Platelet Transfusion

2010-07-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

I'm leaving Jennifer and Amelia at the hospital and taking Joel to Vanderbilt for a platelet transfusion. Praying things go quick and smooth so I can get back to my new baby! Here's another pic. More to come!

-Joshua

Location:E 3rd Ave,Bowling Green,United States

Baby Amelia is Born!

2010-07-23T05:25:00.001-05:00

Amelia is here! born 12:46 AM, 20.5 inches 9 pounds! That's right, 3 weeks early and NINE pounds!

More pictures and video to come after we've had some sleep!

-Joshua

Having a Baby Today!

2010-07-22T19:19:00.000-05:00

We came to the hospital today for Jennifer's Dr. appointment. With her
being at the stage of progression that she is, she has been admitted
to the hospital to have the baby!Joel is at home with a babysitter. Home Health came today to check
his counts and he's doing well but will need a platelet transfusion
before the weekend. We've scheduled it for tomorrow afternoon.
Tonight, I will stay at the hospital with Jennifer and her mom will be
staying with Joel.The ultrasound predicts Amelia will be 7 pounds 1 ounce. We'll know
soon enough! Thank you for your prayers for Jennifer, Amelia, and
Joel! We will continue to update the blog
www.smiths2argentina.blogspot , facebook, and twitter as we know more.
I can't wait to post pictures of Amelia!The Smith Family
Joshua, Jennifer, Joel, and soon AMELIA!
Missionaries to Argentina

Location:E 3rd Ave,Bowling Green,United States

Probably going to have the baby today

2010-07-22T17:27:00.000-05:00

We're waiting on official word, but it seems that they are keeping Jennifer in labor and delivery to have the baby today. She had an ultrasound and several contractions during the monitoring. How exciting!

-Joshua

Location:E 3rd Ave,Bowling Green,United States

Waiting and playing

2010-07-19T12:08:00.001-05:00

YouTube Video

-Joshua

Location:Pierce Ave,Nashville,United States

"Do Nothing"

2010-07-18T14:52:00.000-05:00

   That's what my Dr told me last week when I had my appointment with her and we found that I have progressed to 4 cm dilation and 70-80% effacement. The baby is at station -2, which means she's getting into position for birth. I'm not 37 weeks until tomorrow, so we're trying to hold out until sometime this week so she won't be classified as a preemie.
   I have found that as a housewife and a mother of a two-year-old, it is a very concentrated effort to 'do nothing'. No matter how much "gopher-ing" I have Josh doing, there are always things staring me in the face that I could be doing! I am so thankful I didn't have to be on bed rest like a few of my friends! :)
   Joel has outpatient chemo tomorrow morning, Josh will be taking him to Vanderbilt while I try to sit on our couch and not move for at least another day! It's a quick treatment, they shouldn't have to be there more than a couple of hours. His overnight stay last week went well without me. Joel only got sick once that evening. Josh brought him home the next day and he's been his normal ornery self all week.
   We will do our best to post as soon as possible when the baby comes. Until then, please just be praying for us. Joel has 6 more chemo treatments over the next 8 weeks, if he has no more delays. Thank you!
~Jennifer

Chemo, Rest, & Witnessing

2010-07-13T08:25:00.001-05:00

YouTube Video

Besides a little bit of nausea last night, Joel has done very well this visit to the hospital. His chemo is finished and the doctors hope to have us out by 10:00 AM.

Jennifer has been resting at home. So it has been a "boys night out" and a "girls night in." According to last week's OB appointment, Jennifer and baby are doing fine and technically full term so we could meet little Amelia any day now! We are very excited but but being one of three brothers, I can't help feel that I have no idea what I will do with a little GIRL!

While in the in the infusion room at the clinic yesterday, I sat between a mother and daughter from Puerto Rico on one side, and a father and son from Mexico on the other. I was able to speak to both families in Spanish, briefly with the mother and daughter, and at length with the father and son. Thank the Lord, I was able to witness to the man (Antonio). He agreed that his works were not good enough to deserve Heaven, but he was not ready to accept Christ. Praise the Lord that he heard the gospel in his language!

Would he have had that chance if I didn't take Spanish in high school? I challenge anyone reading this to try to learn another language to expand your witnessing. You say it's too late for you? What about influencing and equipping your children or grandchildren? The tools are out there (Rosetta Stone, private tutors, college classes). Remember what God said to Moses, "Who hath made man's mouth?" Exodus 4:10-12

Location:Pierce Ave,Nashville,United States

Chemo today

2010-07-12T10:17:00.000-05:00

I (Josh) took Joel to Vanderbilt today. Jennifer is at home getting some much deserved rest. We are waiting at the clinic for blood counts, then hopefully, will be admitted for his overnight chemotherapy treatment.

Thank you for praying!

Chemo Week 22, Again

2010-07-12T07:47:00.000-05:00

   Joel's overnight-chemo was rescheduled due to low platelets last week. The tentative plan is Josh will be taking him today to clinic to check his counts and have him admitted for his chemo this evening. Pray his counts are high enough! His platelets need to be at 75 or above today. They were 30 this past week.
   Our sleeping schedule has gotten very messed up, leading to Joel taking naps in the evening and then wanting to stay up all night. Last night, he slept from around 8:30 pm to 1:30 am and has been up ever since. (It's 7:35 am as I'm typing this.) My mother stayed with him yesterday evening so Josh and I could go to church together, which was a blessing! I went to bed when we got home because Joel was already asleep, so I got up with him when he got up and stayed up with him. I ended up only sleeping about 2 and a half hours, so I'll stay home and rest this morning when Josh takes him to clinic.
   My OB appointment last week went well. I saw my Dr. on Thursday, she said everything looks good and there's no longer anything to worry about concerning Amelia being born early. I'm 36 weeks today. Our sweet baby girl can come anytime with the Dr's blessing! The Dr. also said if I make it to 38 weeks, she wants to do an ultrasound to check the size of the baby. Joel was 8 lbs 7 oz, she just wants to be sure Amelia isn't going to be much bigger.
   This week, we are praying for no nausea for Joel, a return to his regular sleeping schedule, and continued health for me and the baby. Thank you for praying!

Chemo Week 22 Delay

2010-07-06T23:22:00.000-05:00

   Joel's platelet count was too low for admission today, though his other counts were doing well. Platelets are at 30 and need to be at least 75 for chemo. They could give him a transfusion, but his bone marrow needs to recover and make enough platelets to up his count on it's own before he gets chemo or it could be damaged. He still has plenty of energy and was so excited when he realized we were going home!
   He also drank 12 ounces of his milk/formula in one sitting today! I'm so thankful for his increasing appetite.
   We have rescheduled his appointment for his overnight chemo treatment for this coming Monday. Thank you for praying!
~Jennifer

Chemo Week 22

2010-07-06T12:08:00.001-05:00

Jennifer and I are with Joel at Vandy for blood counts, admission, and an overnight chemo treatment. Joel has been feeling well with tons of energy while at home the last couple of days. He is eating well and gaining weight, so he shouldn't need to go back to the NG feeding tube.

I had a wonderful time Saturday and Sunday in Alabama with some great friends. I was privileged to present the ministry in the Spanish speaking department of the church. I always love to preach in Spanish!

Happy Birthday Joel!

2010-07-02T11:58:00.001-05:00

Today, Joel turns 2 years old! We were expecting to go home Saturday, but the doctors told us Joel's counts have risen enough to go home today! Praise the Lord!

Here's a short video of Joel playing hide and seek yesterday.

Location:Pierce Ave,Nashville,United States

Joel video from phone

2010-06-30T19:47:00.000-05:00

Fever, in the hospital again

2010-06-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

Joel spiked a fever of 101.4 this afternoon, so I had to bring him in to the ER at Vanderbilt Children's. He was admitted, given Tylenol and an antibiotic. His platelet and white blood cell counts are the same as they were Friday, so he's getting another platelet transfusion tonight.
We will fill in more details tomorrow. It's been a long day.

Week 20

2010-06-23T19:16:00.000-05:00

   We are in Week 20 of Joel's chemo! That means we've got one four-day inpatient stay, two overnight inpatient stays, four outpatient treatments, and three weeks off, and we'll be all done with chemotherapy!!! We're almost 20 weeks down, 10 to go.
   Joel is doing well with his new formula that I'm mixing into his milk bottles. He's not quite taking enough in a day yet, but he's taking it and tolerating it, so I'm encouraged! Please help me pray that he'll be hungry/thirsty enough to take at least 5.5 bottles per day Thursday and Friday so he won't have to get the ng tube put back in. It was helping him fill out and gain weight (he's around 29 lbs now, up from between 26-27), he does look a lot healthier from having it, but having it replaced so often has worn on all of us.
   Someone must be praying that he'll take his oral medications better since I don't have the ng tube to put them down, because he has been taking them so well the last couple of days! That's been an encouragement too, because at 33 weeks along, I'm not really in the physical condition to wrestle with a toddler who seems to get super-human strength when he doesn't want to do something.
   Thank you for praying for me and Amelia too! We are doing well since our little spill on Saturday. I had a scheduled OB appointment yesterday where my Dr pronounced us both healthy, and Amelia 'very active'. I am supposed to take it easy as much as I can. We'll see how that works out. :)
   Thank you for being faithful to check on us here at our blog, and to pray for us. God is answering your prayers. So many of you have contacted us and encouraged us as well. God bless you for your thoughtfulness and faithfulness!
~Jennifer

Possible Alternative to Joel's NG Tube?

2010-06-21T14:50:00.000-05:00

   Joel and I are home now, he was discharged yesterday. My mother is still with us, taking care of both of us until Josh gets home this evening.
   I am doing well. Still no symptoms of needing emergency care from my fall, but still VERY sore! I'm so glad I've been blessed with a mother who will help out as much as she can!
   Joel was having some trouble with his ng tube yesterday. When they reinserted it after he got sick yesterday morning, they couldn't get it placed correctly. They kept trying for a little while, then I suggested they leave it where it was (at the correct length) and I would try to check placement again yesterday evening. I did, but it still wasn't in the correct place. Joel had begun fussing some and looking a bit 'pinched'. I called the Dr and she told me to go ahead and take it out, we could have it replaced today at clinic. I pulled it out, and it was folded in half about three inches above the end of the tube! It had apparently folded as he swallowed it yesterday morning and wasn't reaching down into his belly like it should have. I am grateful we didn't try to put anything down it yesterday. I had given him his medicines orally.
   Please pray with us about a possible alternative to Joel's ng tube. My mother had an idea today about infant formula: since Joel had reverted back to bottles from sippy cups, maybe he would tolerate taking infant formula again rather than having to have the tube and constantly having to reinsert it. When I was looking online for calorie content, I found a toddler formula that may be a better fit, not only for Joel's nutritional needs, but it is also unflavored, so I may just be able to add it to his whole milk that he already drinks from his bottles. I have a call in to his doctor to talk about whether or not it would meet Joel's nutritional needs and my mother is on her way to the store to pick up some and see if Joel will take it.
   We want what is best for Joel. If the ng tube is best, we will continue to try it, but if this formula would be sufficient and we could avoid having to reinsert his ng tube every few days (the longest he's been able to keep it in was a week) then it would be such a blessing!
   Please pray with us about the ng tube vs. the formula, which would be best for Joel. We'll keep you updated!
~Jennifer

Doing Well For Now

2010-06-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

   I (Jennifer) am back with Joel in his hospital room now. The Labor and Delivery nurses and doctors monitored me for four hours, which is the time period in which things normally happen if anything is going to happen. My water did not break, I haven't experienced any extra pain or any other symptoms of going into labor or needing an emergency c-section, so they let me come back over to the Children's tower to be with Joel. I am only a block away from Labor and Delivery and the nurses here know everything they need to. Should I need immediate attention anytime during the night, I will be very well taken care of.
   My mother came down to the hospital when we thought I would have to be monitored for a full 24 hours. She will be staying here tonight and riding home with us tomorrow when Joel is discharged so I won't be alone at any time.
   I am feeling pretty sore, but overall I'm doing well. Never a dull moment around me, I guess!
   Josh is staying put in WV for now. At the latest, he'll be home on Monday.
   Thank you for praying! Keep us in your prayers, please, as there is still a slight risk until about 24 hours have passed from the time I fell. I will also still be very sore for several days.
   We'll keep you posted as best we can!
~Jennifer

Jenn fell...need prayer and wisdom

2010-06-19T18:04:00.001-05:00

Jennifer and Amelia are ok. This afternoon, in the hospital room, Jennifer tripped and fell on her belly. Now she is in the Labor & Delivery wing of Vandy where she must be monitored for 24 hours. Joel should be released tomorrow morning, but Jennifer won't be released until the late afternoon. Jennifer's mom is on her way to the hospital to watch Joel. I am 8 and a half hours away in Morgantown, WV for a couple of meetings tomorrow.

Amelia's heartbeat and movement is normal thus far and Jennifer has not noticed any other symptoms that indicate early delivery. There are risks after a fall of going into labor or needing an emergency c-section. We are not yet sure what the likelihood of these scenarios is. We are praying about whether I should make my way back or if I should stay put.

We will keep you updated. Thanks again for keeping up with us and praying faithfully.

Joshua

Location:County Road 46,Morgantown,United States

Country Roads...

2010-06-18T22:43:00.000-05:00

I (Josh) left the hospital in Nashville for meetings this weekend in West Virginia. I'm staying with my brother tonight, then going to Morgantown, WV tomorrow. Every time I come back home to the Parkersburg area I have to eat a hot Italian sub from Napoli's! A few of you know what I'm talking about!

Joel is doing well. He and Jennifer should be clear to go home on Sunday. I hope to be used of God in the meetings on Sunday. Thank you again for praying for us.

Chemo Today!

2010-06-16T17:33:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that Joel's platelet count was 76 today, so he's being admitted for chemo! We are in week 19 of his 30 weeks, and still we have had no major setbacks or any infections. Praise the Lord and thank you for praying!
-Jennifer

Short Chemo Delay/Pregnancy Update

2010-06-14T13:53:00.000-05:00

   Joel and I went to Nashville this morning for his four-day chemotherapy treatment, only to be turned away because of his low platelet count. We're scheduled to go back on Wednesday to check again.
   This short delay gives Joel two more days at home before another hospital stay and it was a short visit to clinic where, for the first time since he got it, they didn't have to reinsert the feeding tube. Poor Joel didn't understand when we went to access his port, he fought and cried until he realized they weren't doing anything with his ng tube. He calmed down pretty quickly after they finished drawing blood for his counts.
   I really appreciate the speed, compassion and professionalism of the nurses at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. They always do their best to keep things from being traumatic for the little ones, even if it means doing things a little differently. (They let Joel stand up instead of insisting on holding him down to access his port, he was definitely more calm that way.)
   I am 32 weeks along today! Only 8 more weeks until my due date of August 9th. We have now reached a milestone: Amelia has her own immune system. She also has reached a point in development that greatly decreases her chances of having heart or lung problems should she be born early. Of course, we would still prefer her to wait until my due date for her debut!
   So many people have been praying for us! Some have been able to contact us and let us know, others, we knew about already. We really cannot thank you all enough. Someone recently asked how I was doing; I told them I was running on prayers, and if I didn't have them, I wouldn't even have fumes to run on! It's been very true. II Corinthians 12:9-10 has been on my heart lately.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong."

I have been praised for my strength recently, but I truly have none of my own. It is in our weakness that God will work for His glory. Please, as you pray for us, always pray for God's will, because He doeth all things well and we trust ourselves to Him, to use us as He will. Thank you for being faithful to pray!

~Jennifer

Finally Home!

2010-06-10T23:58:00.000-05:00

   Joel's counts were up enough for us to come home today, which was such an answer to prayer! This has been our longest hospital stay since his surgery in January. I am so thankful Josh was able to be here for the majority of it. Thank you all for your prayers for me and my pregnancy, as well as for Joel to get better quickly.
   Josh and his brother Matt were able to attend the service this evening at our home church where Camp Meeting is going on this week. I'm sad to miss the services, but glad Josh was able to go this evening. He's planning on attending every service he can. I'll be staying home with Joel and trying to get some much needed rest.
   Please be in prayer about Joel's next chemo treatment. It's another four-day stay, scheduled to begin Monday if his counts are high enough. We asked the Dr if there was any fear of this next treatment in the light of how hard the last one hit him and how long it has taken his counts to come back up. The Dr said there is no difference as long as his counts are high enough when we begin chemo on Monday. He also said that in a way, Joel's counts coming up slower is a good thing because it is what is expected this far into his chemo. His reserves are lower so it will be taking his counts longer to come back up. The great thing is we've been able to avoid an actual infection thus far. The only two times we've had to go to the hospital with a fever were only because his counts were extremely low.
   Another prayer request is that we will be able to schedule any needed transfusions and avoid an extra hospital stay after next week's chemo. Thank you for being faithful to pray!
~Jennifer

Back with Josh and Joel

2010-06-09T22:58:00.000-05:00

   I (Jennifer) am back at Vanderbilt now. OB appointments went well. They did a Non-Stress Test with each of the two shots, two days in a row. Amelia's heart rate is beautiful, and she's just as feisty as her brother was in trying to kick the monitors off. The shots are to help her lungs mature faster in case she decides to come early. I am currently at 31 weeks, when the average length of a baby is around 17-19 inches, and she should be around 4 lbs right now as well. Of course, we are praying for God's will in the matter, and we'll leave it to Him. He doeth all things well!
   Joel's white blood cell counts doubled from yesterday! He's up to a 0.4 from 0.2. Please pray for a large increase tomorrow too, so we can go home. Also please pray for wisdom for us and the doctors here, as Joel is scheduled for another four-day chemo to begin on Monday. We may need to postpone it a week or so, for Joel to get back to full strength.
   Thank you for praying!
~Jennifer

Still Waiting on Counts to Rise

2010-06-09T09:59:00.000-05:00

Joel and I (Josh) are still in the hospital. Jennifer is getting some rest at home in between her OB appointments. She deserves all the rest she can get! We are waiting on Joel's counts to trend up so we can all go home. I had to reschedule my trip to OH for this evening so that Jennifer could get some shots. Here's her Facebook status:

"Stayed at home last night for my OB appt and some errands. My Dr. wanted me to get the shots that will help Amelia's lungs mature faster in case she comes early, so I have to go back tomorrow for the second one. Miss my men, who are still at Vanderbilt, but grateful for the rest at home. :)"

Thank you for praying. I'm looking forward to being a part of my church's Camp Meeting this week.

Slow Progress

2010-06-07T16:38:00.000-05:00

   Progress is slow in coming, but it is coming! Joel's white blood cell count is what they're watching the most and it has only risen from 0.1 to 0.2, so as of today, we may be able to go home Wednesday. They need to see an 'upward trend' in his numbers, and though they have been rising, we need full digits rather than fractions. I believe the Dr said a 2.0 or above was a good goal.
   Joel has been drinking enough from his bottles that they were able to unhook him from his IV fluids. Now they only have to hook it up when he needs his antibiotics or medicines. It has helped quite a bit in the frustration/tantrum department, at least now he can run around our room and climb on and off the couch in here! He's been feeling better each day, it seems, though he still got sick this morning and lost the feeding tube AGAIN. We've talked with the Dr's and the dietitian about what may be either a developing intolerance for his feeding tube formula, or a problem with the volume of the formula he's needing, and now we have a few different methods to try to help get him the nutrition without letting him lose it all as soon as he wakes up. Please pray we are able to help him tolerate the feeds! With his counts recovering so slowly, we know he needs all the nutrition we can get him to keep down.
   Thank you for praying!
~Jennifer

Made it to Vandy (Josh)

2010-06-07T00:54:00.000-05:00

It's been a very long and good day. Thankful for the opportunity to teach/ speak to a teen group, junior age group and men's group. Thankful I made it safely to the hospital to see Jennifer and Joel.

Longer Stay Than Expected

2010-06-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

   Joel and I are still here at Vanderbilt! He's actually getting a second round of transfusions today; blood and platelets. In spite of all the medicines and the first transfusions he received, his counts are moving very slowly. His platelets have actually went down since the last transfusion. His red blood cell count has gone up, but only by a 0.2, and his white blood cell count has moved up from <0.1 to 0.1.
   He is acting as though he feels better, though he's still pretty fussy at times. He hasn't had a fever since Thursday evening, when we came in and were admitted. The Dr is saying the earliest we could go home would be tomorrow.
   Taking care of Joel in the hospital can be more stressful than being at home with him, and him being in the hospital because he's sick is harder than being here for scheduled chemo. I was afraid of premature labor. We had a particularly stressful day on Friday. Joel got sick to his stomach in the morning and lost the feeding tube for the second time this week, then they needed us to move rooms here at the hospital and when I started getting things together to move, Joel thought we were going home. He wanted to help, so he decided to take his port access needle out by himself! He didn't completely succeed, but definitely didn't appreciate being stopped! I had a few too many contractions to be comfortable, but didn't want to go an hour and a half away to Bowling Green, KY to see my doctor and leave Joel here at Vanderbilt by himself. Late in the evening, I left Joel with the nurses here and went over to Vanderbilt's Labor and Delivery unit, where the on-call doctor performed a Fetal-Fibronectin test. I'm not sure exactly what the test is for, but I do know that if it is negative, the patient only has about a 1% chance of going into labor within the next two weeks. Thankfully, my test was negative. It was a great relief to me, and I have felt much better since then.
   Josh will be here tonight. He has been in a missions conference in Indiana this past week and although he's enjoyed the conference and the fellowship, it's been pretty hard for him to not be here with Joel being sick and me not feeling well either. The trip should only take about three hours, please pray he'll have the energy he needs to stay alert and get here safely.
   I have received a few text messages asking how we're doing. Unfortunately, I can only sporadically receive texts, and other than that I have not had cell service since we got here on Thursday. "Technical difficulties", I guess. My phone is fine and I do have internet access on my phone and my computer, I just can't send or receive calls or reply to text messages. If you need to contact me, I do have access to our email (smiths2argentina@gmail.com) and my facebook.
   Thank you for being faithful to pray!
~Jennifer

Neutropenic Again

2010-06-03T22:17:00.000-05:00

   Joel's temperature had been a little elevated for the last 24 hours, but hadn't yet hit the 100.4 that requires a hospital stay by the time the Home Health nurse came this morning to check his counts, which were really low. Vanderbilt called and had us come in for a transfusion. By the time we got here, his temp had shot up to 103.4, so he was admitted. Thankfully, I already had an overnight bag packed and had just left it in the van.
   At this point, he has had two antibiotics, a dose of tylenol, all his regular meds, and his platelet transfusion. They just started his evening feed and his blood transfusion. We are ten days out from his last chemo, so this is probably not an infection, just a result of his low counts. If it is, then it should take about 24 hours for him to make a major improvement. The transfusions and antibiotics will take about that long to really take effect. The tylenol is currently holding his temperature at a normal level.
   He's been feeling pretty junky when he's been awake, but thankfully, he's been able to sleep a lot today. Please pray that he will be able to sleep peacefully tonight. Also, pray that this is just due to his low counts, and not an infection!
   I'm doing fine. I forgot some things when I packed for the hospital, so my brother brought me a few things from my house this evening. Josh is in a missions conference in Indiana, but we are keeping in close contact so he can keep up with everything that's happening with Joel. I don't think he'll need to come back early, but do pray for him, as it's hard for him to be away from us when Joel isn't feeling well.
   Thank you for being so faithful to pray for us!
~Jennifer

New Tube

2010-06-02T00:19:00.000-05:00

   Joel's feeding tube was reinserted today at Vanderbilt. Due to a clerical error on their part, we were called back much faster than I expected, being a walk-in the day after a holiday! Also, because Joel didn't have to see the Dr, just have lab work and have the tube reinserted, we didn't have to wait very long at all. It was a blessing!
   Joel's sleep schedule was being regulated last week by having the nighttime feeds, he actually wasn't needing naps during the day. Since the tube came out on Sunday morning, his schedule has been very off and he's been up several hours in the middle of the night for the past couple of nights. Today he actually took two naps! Please pray he will get regulated again quickly.
   Also, keep praying about starting him on the new drug for his joint pain and weakness, the side effect of one of his chemo drugs. We want to make a wise decision and not a hasty one, considering the length of time we would have to commit to him being on the drug. I have asked a couple of the nurses about it, and they both said it had helped a lot of their patients immensely. The doctor told me it should be available in Argentina.
   Thank you for praying!
~Jennifer

Deputation & Joel Update

2010-06-01T12:09:00.001-05:00

I had a wonderful stretch of meetings in MI. Last week was spent mostly in the hospital for Joel's four day stay. I had great time Sunday night in a church in IL. The assistant to the pastor is a graduate of my college and we had a great talk about church planting. It's exciting to see a church in the States get serious about church planting in the US! I've heard it said this way, "If pastors and churches would do in America what they expect missionaries to do overseas, our country would be in a lot better shape!"

We are in the hospital waiting for Joel's feeding tube to be reinserted.

Location:Pierce Ave,Nashville,United States

Oops, Lost the Tube!

2010-05-30T14:45:00.000-05:00

I guess I discontinued Joel's anti-nausea medicine a bit too early. He woke up this morning, got sick, and his new feeding tube came out. He's doing fine now. He had a good bath while I did laundry and cleaned up the bedroom. He got more excited when he realized the tube was out and I wasn't going to try to put it back in. He actually did a little happy dance!
The Dr on call today told us to come in Tuesday morning (they're closed Monday for the holiday) to have it put back in. Home Health was supposed to come Tuesday morning anyway to check his counts, so they'll just do that at the clinic at Vanderbilt too. Please be praying for us Tuesday, for a smooth procedure and a quick visit!
~Jennifer

Answered Prayers

2010-05-27T18:47:00.000-05:00

   Joel still hasn't been bothering his new tube. We are so thankful! Josh and I both were afraid he wouldn't tolerate it being in, and we would have to be inserting a new one every few days. If Joel continues to tolerate it, it will be a wonderful thing for him! He has also only gotten sick once this week. The tube feedings are being run each night with his chemo and throughout the night. I don't know if it's having a little something in his belly (besides the milk that was all he would take during chemo in the past) or what, but he hasn't gotten sick since Monday night. Time will tell if the tube feedings are what is helping so much. I know he is sleeping better, and for longer periods of time.
   I asked the nurse about the formula. Apparently, anything Joel eats or drinks is a bonus, from here on out. In the formula, he gets all the nutrition, calories, and fluids he needs in a day. (It runs for 12 hrs per day, mostly when he is sleeping at night, so it's wonderful that it's helping him sleep longer!) I am looking forward to him gaining some of the weight that he should have gained over the last few months.
   Keep praying, God is answering!
~Jennifer

New Tube/Snoozin'

2010-05-26T07:57:00.000-05:00

   The new feeding tube isn't hurting his ability to sleep... ;)
   The best news is Joel had a great night! He had his first feed through the tube and another chemo treatment, with no nausea or tummy problems. He slept well, and never tried to pull out the tube! Thank you for praying, and please continue to do so! If he does pull out the tube, we will have to bring him back to Vanderbilt to have it put back in.
   I know it's been the prayers of God's people that have helped us through thus far. Thank you for keeping us on your hearts and minds!
~Jennifer

Decided

2010-05-25T15:11:00.000-05:00

We've decided to do the feeding tube. Josh was able to talk to a few other Drs and we have more info on who thinks we should (the oncology and nutrition teams) and why (he's fallen quite a bit in his growth percentile by maintaining and not gaining enough weight, and in a few weeks or less he'll be sick from chemo, won't be eating, and won't have high enough counts to handle having it put in. It will help his weight, it will help me not have to fight him on his oral meds, and having the proper nutrition will help him stay healthier thru the rest of his chemo.) Please pray that the procedure won't take long (should only take a couple of minutes), won't hurt, and that he'll adjust very quickly to having the tube and won't pull it out.
Please pray for us as well. This wasn't an easy decision, and it won't be easy for us to see it on him, but we want him to stay as healthy as he can. Chemo can be so tough on a body. Joel has been so resilient, but everyone has their limits. Keep us all in your prayers! Thank you!
-Jennifer

Watching Joel

2010-05-25T01:10:00.001-05:00

I made it home after a week and a half of meetings in MI. I washed my clothes then repacked for the hospital stay this week. I made it in to Vandy late and got to see my family! I hate to leave Joel behind when I go on the road, but I love to see him light up when He sees me walk in the room!

Jennifer has an OB appointment early in the morning in Bowling Green so she went home to rest. This way, she will not have to fight Nashville traffic in the morning.

Joel is still eating well. Please continue to help us pray that he will not need a feeding tube. Also please pray that he does very well with nausea over the next few days. Thank you so much for your prayers. God bless you.

~ Joshua

Praying for Wisdom in Managing Joel's Treatment

2010-05-24T20:23:00.002-05:00

   Today is the first day of Joel's four-day chemo treatment. His counts are good, and his weight is up! He's up to 27 pounds! :) Thank you for praying about this for us.
   Joel's primary oncologist is on vacation this week, so the secondary oncologist that has been following Joel's case very closely has taken over his care this week. He wants us to go ahead with a feeding tube for Joel. He has also asked me to let him give Joel a new medication for the neuropathy, the pain and weakness in his ankles. It is a side effect of the chemo that he has been experiencing more recently. The medication for the neuropathy is a pretty serious medication, from what I can gather. The short story is it is something he would have to be on for about two years, in all, but from what I understand, I don't think it would give that much benefit to him.
   I've decided to ask the Dr. to wait on both the changes in Joel's treatment protocol. Not to disrespect the secondary Dr, who I do believe is a great Dr, but I think this is a case of different 'doctoring' styles. The feeding tube is a very common thing and I get the feeling the secondary Dr would have done it earlier if he'd been primary on the case.
   The feeding tube is not a bad thing in general. It gives the proper nutrition to the child without stressing him out about eating when he doesn't feel like eating. It helps maintain the proper weight for the child's age and keeps him healthier overall. I do think it would be a bad thing for Joel. I don't think he'd tolerate it well. It would need to be run up his nose and down to his stomach, the outer part taped to his cheek and threaded over his ear. Besides the obvious discomfort when it is put in, I don't really see us being able to convince him to leave it in and leave it alone. I believe he would pull it out the second I look away when we get home.
   Besides that, we're 16 weeks in and he has been able to maintain his weight, never falling below 26 lbs. In fact, he just gained some. We're up to 27 lbs for the first time since chemo started, and he's eating solids on a daily basis. Two weeks ago when I talked to Dr. Slone about the feeding tube, he told me he thought Joel would need one way earlier in treatment, and that Joel had proved him wrong up till now. He said he hoped Joel would continue to prove him wrong, which makes me think his preference is to wait a bit longer.
   Proverbs 11:14 says "...in the multitude of counselors there is safety." I think neither thing is important enough to start today, they are both such big changes. I want to wait and get Dr Slone's opinion on each subject next week before we make two major changes.
   Our specific request is that you would pray for wisdom for us and the doctors. We want the best for Joel, and if the feeding tube and another medication would be best, then we don't want to stand in the way of the things that would help the chemo go more smoothly for him and keep him healthier. Thank you for praying, we'll keep you updated!
~Jennifer

Mission Conference and Mongolian Cuisine

2010-05-22T08:53:00.001-05:00

I'm in the middle of a Mission Conference in Auburn Hills, MI. The pastor took me to my first ever Mongolian Barbecue. It was different but great! You are given a bowl which you fill up with your choice of raw meats, vegetables, pastas, and seasonings. You fill up a small cup with the sauce or sauces you desire, then you stand at the counter and watch the cook prepare your meal on a circular grill.

I thought about how important it is for a missionary to be willing to try new food. Food is a major part of learning about and adapting to a culture. We may offend people by giving the Gospel to them, but let's not offend them by refusing their food!

Luke 10:8
"And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you..."

Location:S Adams Rd,Auburn Hills,United States

Joel's Treatment Roadmap - Updated

2010-05-19T12:58:00.000-05:00

   Joel's treatment roadmap, updated. His schedule has not changed, just reposting it so you can see where we are now. I've put dates by the treatments that have already happened, but not by the future treatments, since they could be delayed by a day or more for one reason or another and it would throw off the whole chart.God has blessed us greatly by Joel not having any setbacks due to illness! We were delayed one day due to the flooding in Nashville, but we were able to go back to the regular schedule the very next week.

Vincristine
Doxorubicin
Cyclophosphamide 1 & 2
Carboplatin
Etoposide
Radiation Therapy (February 10th-24th, completed)
He will also receive MESNA, for "supportive care". It is a protective medicine that blocks one of the other medications from harming his urinary system. For the same reason, he will have IV fluids administered for two hours before and after each treatment on the weeks of 4 day hospital stay-treatments.

Cycle 1
   Wk 1 - Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide 2 (overnight inpatient, February 10th)
   Wk 2 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient, February 17th)
   Wk 3 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient, February 24th)
Cycle 2
   Wk 4 - Cyclophosphamide 1, Carboplatin, Etoposide, MESNA and fluids (four-day inpatient, March 1st-5th)
   Wk 5 - Off
   Wk 6 - Off
Cycle 3
     Wk 7 - Cyclophosphamide 1, Carboplatin, Etoposide, MESNA and fluids (four-day inpatient, March 22nd-26th)
   Wk 8 - Off
   Wk 9 - Off
Cycle 4
     Wk 10 - Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide 2 (overnight inpatient, April 12th-13th)

Wk 11 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient, April 19th)

Wk 12 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient, April 26th)

Reporting Period 1 - They ran some tests to check for any new tumors or signs of cancer, check for any long-term side effects or damage from chemo. Echo-cardiogram was clear of any damage, and CT scan was clear (no new tumors) as well! (April 26th-29th)

Cycle 5

Wk 13 - Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide 2 (overnight inpatient, May 4th-5th)

Wk 14 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient, May 10th)

Wk 15 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient, May 17th)

Cycle 6

Wk 16 - Cyclophosphamide 1, Carboplatin, Etoposide, MESNA and fluids (four-day inpatient, scheduled for May 24th-27th)

Wk 17 - Off

Wk 18 - Off

Cycle 7

Wk 19 - Cyclophosphamide 1, Carboplatin, Etoposide, MESNA and fluids (four-day inpatient, scheduled for June 14th-17th)

Wk 20 - Off

Wk 21 - Off

Cycle 8

Wk 22 - Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide 2 (overnight inpatient)

Wk 23 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient)

Wk 24 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient)

Cycle 9

Wk 25 - Cyclophosphamide 1, Carboplatin, Etoposide, MESNA and fluids (four-day inpatient)

Wk 26 - Off

Wk 27 - Off

Cycle 10

Wk 28 - Vincristine, Doxorubicin, Cyclophosphamide 2 (overnight inpatient)

Wk 29 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient)

Wk 30 - Vincristine (one-day outpatient)

Wk 31 - Evaluation (Not sure what this will include)

Reporting Period 2 - Run tests again to check for new tumors or signs of cancer, check for any long-term side effects or damage from chemo.

During the 'Off' weeks, and after some other chemo treatments, his counts drop very low, and Home Health administers a shot of Neulasta to help his counts recover. I used to do Neupagen through a port in the back of his arm, but our insurance approved the new shot; it's once every 14 days, and it works better. His blood counts are monitored closely, by tests before every chemo treatment, and weekly by Home Health. There have been times that his red blood cell counts or platelets have been low, and he has needed blood or platelet transfusions, which take a few extra hours in their clinic infusion room at Vanderbilt.

We have been told that if our family and friends would like to give blood specifically for Joel, they can go to their local Red Cross and give them Joel's name (Joel David Smith), his birthdate (07-02-2008), and hospital of treatment (Monroe-Carrell Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt) and they will get the donation to him. His blood type is O positive.

His pain level was higher than normal for a few days recently, we really appreciated your prayers during that time. He rested and I kept him on the full dose (I normally only give him 2/3rd's of a dose) of his pain medicine for a day or two, and he was much better.

We are halfway through with all his Chemotherapy!!! We are so excited about this. Not only because of how hard it is to see our son go through all this, it also means we are closer to the birth of our little girl, Amelia Ruth (due Aug 9th) and we are closer to being able to get back on the deputation road as a FAMILY. Josh has been doing so well, with God's protection, but has missed us tremendously when he has had to be away for long periods of time. I am thankful for God's grace and protection on me and Joel while Josh has been away.

I am now 28 weeks along, and everything is going well with the pregnancy, but we continue to need your prayers for me and our baby girl too! As I get farther along, it is harder for me to do all the things I need to do to take care of Joel. The four-day chemo treatments are the hardest, and we have three more of them before chemo is over. Josh will be home for all of one of them, and most of the other two, according to his schedule now. He is trying to stay close to home as much as he can to help me so I can rest more until the baby is born. Please pray for my mother to get well from the flu she had a couple of weeks ago. She has been helping me so much when Josh is away, but is currently still fighting a cough and congestion and can't be around Joel until it clears up completely.

Thank you again to everyone who keeps up with us via Facebook or our blog, and to everyone who have contacted us to let us know you're praying. You have all been such a blessing.

~Jennifer