An Update on the Rapp Family

Dear Friends,
My heart feels intertwined with yours, having experienced the love that you've expressed towards us through Holden's miraculous birth and development. Because of our friendship, we wanted to give you an update on Holden and what's going on with the Rapps in terms of "what's next."

Holden had another EEG a few days ago. It was the first one he has had in 3 months. We felt confident that the EEG would be clean and Holden would not be required to take his seizure preventative medicine called Phenobarbital any longer. Unfortunately, the neurosurgeon reported that the EEG came back as "abnormal" in the left temporal lobe, and therefore Holden is more susceptible to having a seizure(s). Also, Holden has some head lag that the neurosurgeon and occupational therapist have noticed. We have been given some exercises to help him in that area. The doctor said that is caused by his oxygen deprivation prior to his birth. 

Each day you and I live is a gift. For us, each passing day with Holden is extraordinary. Each passing day we are more endeared to him. His life reminds me of Psalm 66:3, which says, "Your lovingkindness is better than life" because as much as we cherish the life of Holden, it's the lovingkindness of the Lord shown in His blessings that blow us away.

Today, I am still looking for where God would have me in terms of a job. I have done some landscaping part-time with a friend, which has been a blessing in many ways. I have resumes in several places currently, but the process is slow. I am talking to people all the time about potential jobs, but unsure of the Lord's leading. Should I work in a church? A business? A school? A ministry? I'm not sure. Two of the "jobs" sound a little crazy, and marvelous. One is in Haiti, serving as a pastor/youth pastor for orphaned kids. It's called "Hands and Feet Project" in Jacmel, Haiti. Haiti is officially the poorest nation in the world and has terrible infrastructure. Another job possibility is serving as a camp director near Nairobi, Kenya. The camp serves kids and families from all over the globe. The handful of other job possibilities are in a few Texas towns, and Nashville... at this point. We are trying to sell, or possibly lease our house as we have not found a job in Branson.

If God wants us to go to Haiti or Kenya, we will go. If America, we will serve wherever. We will be so excited to have confirmation! Until then, we are learning to trust, to wait on the Lord, and have faith. Some days, doubt and fear creep in. It is tough for me, knowing that I have a family of 8 to provide for, but God knows my family's needs! He tells me not to worry and His best will be accomplished in our lives. Either God is faithful to His words, or He is not. I KNOW Him to be completely faithful, don't you? We have to hold on to the TRUTH when times are tough.

I know that the chances that you are going through something difficult are very great. You may be walking down a similar road of "trust and obey" as we are. It would please Bronwyn and me greatly to know how we can pray for you, and what we can do for you. I used to subconsciously pride myself in not being "needy"--- blind to the fact that I was only missing out on the peace and joy of leaning on others. The health of the body of Christ depends on each other being mutually genuine/honest/real/vulnerable. YOUR compassionate love toward the Rapps has certainly opened my eyes toward my prior ignorant/selfish reluctance towards reaching out to others. That realization is just one of the blessings God has provided me during this season of life. Thank you for your prayers and your love.

Most appreciatively,
Todd, Bronwyn, Hunter, Connor, Carter, Colton, Collins, and Holden