update and prayer requests

The boys and I were able to spend several hours with Brooke and Johnny today. We missed John as he is back at work now. I am so thankful for the time we had and I can't tell you how amazed and encouraged I am by Brooke's strength. I know that comes from her unwavering faith. She shared with me several prayer requests that I want to pass on.

• John has started another semester of graduate school. Please pray for his stress load.
• All 3 of them have struggled to get good sleep this past week. Please pray for peace and rest.
• Medically speaking, it is unlikely that Lucy will develop the ability to hear. Typically at this point in gestation, a baby would be able to hear and recognize familiar voices. Brooke and John long to be able to speak to Lucy and have her hear them. Please pray that she is able.

They went back for another appointment with their OB this afternoon. They were able to listen to Lucy's heart rate (148) and also get answers to some of the questions they have been trying to process. The doctor told them that it is unlikely Brooke will go into preterm labor. Often times babies with Lucy's diagnosis go well past their due date. He said she will be born alive and could live for several hours or several days. During this time, John and Brooke will have many difficult decisions to make in terms of what measures to take for Lucy. They would like prayer for wisdom in making these decisions, as their goal is to give her the most comfortable life they can. 

They are scheduled to meet with a specialist on Tuesday at 8:45 where they will have another ultrasound.

Many of you have reached out to offer your prayers and also ask how you can help the family. Several have asked about sending meals. In talking with Brooke and John, they are so overwhelmingly appreciative of your generosity. Because of Johnny's food allergies, sending meals can be a tricky process, so I asked her about sending restaurant gift cards instead. I also asked her to give me a list of some places that are easy options for Johnny. She came up with Subway, Tasty Tacos, Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, and Panera. Pizza is an also an option, but a little harder since Johnny can't have the cheese. If you feel like sending a gift card is something you'd like to do, please address to: 

The Tunink Family

3110 40th Street

Des Moines, IA 50310

And, again, many thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and help!

With love,

Lindsay