Great news! All indications are pointing to Eden being past most or all of her anxiety challenges. The last two Wednesdays that Eden has seen the Play Therapist, the counselor has not felt the need to continue any further therapy. Because of our move to Texas, the counselor is going to see Eden once after our Christmas vacation trip to Oregon. This visit will be a good safeguard to see if this trip heightens or triggers her anxiety in some way. Suzy and I are not expecting this, but are thankful for the therapist's thoughtful, professional approach to our daughter's emotional health.

To Suzy and me, the most obvious sign of Eden's health is that she is "just herself again." We had noticed she was a bit more socially reluctant, more fragile emotionally, more withdrawn than usual. None of this was drastic, but it concerned us. I'd forgotten just how vibrant and interactive she was before all of this started several months ago. She is even back to standing up to her older sister and pushing both of her sisters' buttons once again. We've never been happier to see her be such a nuisance! :) Even more than this, however, she is just bouncing around the house, quick to jump up when asked to do something. She gets excited about things like she used to and is just more energetic and happy. We give thanks to you for your prayers, and we praise God for all of this!

We are again thankful to the Richland Hills church family for the care they have show for Eden and our family. Suzy and I are still being blessed with emotional and spiritual support through new friends, and Eden has received more support and healing from God through prayer than perhaps anything else. God has carefully taken care of our family through each step of this challenge. Thank you, God!

Whatever the source(s) of the anxiety was for Eden--long-distance move, spiritual attack, loss of friendships--God has seen us through and protected and comforted our "Eden girl" in ways that we could not. We've learned more about the reality of spiritual warfare, the authority God gives us to pray in the name of Jesus, and the all-powerful God we have as our Defender. We've learned to be more tender with Eden as well as with Kezia and Jordan through this process.

Perhaps this anxiety challenge is completely over. We pray this is the case, but please continue to include Eden in your prayers. I'll post here again if there is reason to ramp up our prayers. Thank you all!

in His grip,
Lanny