Clay Pots ~ Kellie

As some of you know Kellie had a CAT scan done last Wednesday. Her Dr. was looking for some cancer in her lymph nodes. We were called back to the Doctors office on Monday and they expressed their concern that the results of the CAT scan showed that Kellie might have at the very least, a cyst on her one remaining ovary (she had a partial hysterectomy 3 years ago) or at the very worst, ovarian cancer. 4 hours later we were then told by an OBGYN surgeon (after an ultrasound) that the CAT scan was miss-read and Kellie is very healthy. Also, a week ago Kellie went in to her Dermatologist and was assured that her melanoma is no longer there! So it has been an emotional roller coaster these past few days going from what could be cancer to something totally normal. But it has been really good for us to go through it together. You tend to appreciate each other more knowing that you could lose the other one at any time… so you hold each other a little tighter every night, you take more time to really listen to your kids, and you ignore the dishes and laundry (I guess we tend to do that anyway!). We never really know what the future holds, do we? It was a good reminder to Kellie to live every day like it could be her last. Thankfully there isn’t anything we would change about our lives. Well except for those medical bills!

His Clay Pots,
Jason for Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp

Clay Pots ~ Fall

You can take the kids out of the jungle, but can’t take the jungle out of the kids

It’s fall time here in Wisconsin! I think the #1 reason most of us Wisconsinites brave the cold winters is so we can be here for fall. It is awesome watching the leaves change colors and to be able to experience a change in season. It is so much different than the tribe!

Malachi had his surgery last Thursday. If you have never seen your child on those relaxation drugs, it is a must for all parents, totally funny. We are only sad that we left the video camera at home! The surgery went awesome but the recovery time wasn’t so much fun for him. It is hard to see your little guy in so much pain and with so many questions. He felt great before the surgery and not so great afterwards so it was hard for him to understand the necessity for the pain. It did help having his Grandparents and his Auntie bring him special treats though! And thanks to all of you who brought meals.

Micah and Sophia are enjoying going to a “real” school for the first time and yet not really enjoying the very “real” homework! As a family, it has been an adjustment making school a priority in our lives. I know that sounds funny but in the tribe so many other things demand our time that school did not necessarily get the priority it deserved. We are proud of our kids and the extra time and energy they have to put into school.

I have been busy writing sermons, preaching at different churches, watching the Packers lose, and making furniture. It has been a joy to me to be able to share my passion for discipleship with different congregations. The month of October is mission conferences at two of our churches, so I am looking forward to that opportunity as well.

Kellie has been really enjoying just…being. She has been able to spend some time at home with Malachi, work on refinishing some furniture “steals” which she found at garage sales, and help the kids with homework at night. In the upcoming month she will be sharing at a few different ladies groups, AWANA, and Sunday Schools. It has been awesome to see God meet my wife in her frailty and give her the strength again to speak of his power in her own life and in the lives of others.

Thank you to all of you for all of your love and support which you have lavished on our family during our time at home. We know many of you are struggling with finances during this financially unstable time and we are in awe of God’s continued provision in our lives as you sacrifice daily to provide for us. There are no words to express our gratitude!

His Clay Pots,
Jason, Kellie, Micah, Sophia, and Malachi Knapp