"...do not be afraid... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
-Joshua 1:9-
It is impossible to express how thankful that I am to be home again and for all that God did this past week! We arrived home yesterday evening and I quickly collapsed ready for sleep after this incredibly difficult and intense week.
As I look back and reflect on the time in California I am humbly grateful. When I left for California I was extremely nervous and scared and very fearful as the two weeks since returning from the cruise have been the most difficult in the entire journey. In addition to having to go to the hospital, I spent the entire time flat on my back unable to walk or even sit up for more than a few minutes at a time. The thought of traveling across the country and then starting an intensive round of treatment was the farthest thing on my mind that I wanted to do ... and yet... in the quiet, in the fear, and in the busy the Lord met each moment with such grace and mercy that I look back on this past week as a wonderful blessing in reminding me that God is carrying me throughout this journey.
I won't lie that there were a ton of moments with tears and frustrations, but the Lord mercifully provided amazing nurses, my wonderful doctor and medical team to walk me through each step of this journey. The week was intensely busy as soon as the PICC line was placed (which we did on our first day in California) as we had a ton of doctors appointments and would arrive early at the office and either I would proceed with a doctors appointment, appointment with one of the nurses to learn how to give myself one of the IV's or to receive an IV, and I was continuously amazed by the peace that encompassed each day. As the day progressed we would head back to the hotel where I would sleep, take more medications, try to eat, and sleep some more.
As I arrived in California I had many moments where I saw in so many ways that the Lord's hand was completely over this trip. From angels that helped us with bags to my amazing medical team, to no severe reaction to any of the new treatment plans, I look back on last week as a miracle. Truly... "wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And HOPE. And LIGHT. And... even beauty." (Joni Erickson Tada)
As I arrived in California I had many moments where I saw in so many ways that the Lord's hand was completely over this trip. From angels that helped us with bags to my amazing medical team, to no severe reaction to any of the new treatment plans, I look back on last week as a miracle. Truly... "wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And HOPE. And LIGHT. And... even beauty." (Joni Erickson Tada)
Some of you have asked what is next. This fall and early winter will be extremely intense as we go all out in fighting Lyme from a variety of different angles. As I start this new part of the journey at home I can not begin to express my gratitude to so many of you that have been so incredibly kind in this journey, especially to so many of you who gave financially to make this trip possible. Words can't begin to express my gratitude of your kindness, your generosity, and your blessing in helping to make this trip possible as I would not have been able to go had it not been so. A very special thank you to my amazing sister who took a second job to help raise funds for this trip- I am completely speechless at this!
To my sweet and dear friends who have been lovingly texting me and praying at all hours of the night for so long, especially this last week, thank you thank you thank you. I have to say a very special thank you to Jen and Katie who honestly reminded me in tangible ways of the Lord's love not just in this week but the last three weeks. Both of you have encouraged my heart, listened to me cry and wept with me, and lovingly reminded me to hope in the Lord. Thank you friends for understanding how difficult these weeks have been and standing by me in my hour of deep need.
To the sweet blogging world that has touched my heart I am so grateful for you. To so many people that I have not named you are such a blessing.
My doctor was right in so many ways and as I left on Friday her words resonate with me. This journey is far from over... and I am so grateful for all of you. As I continue on this journey my heart is full with the humble knowledge that the Lord has shown Himself in so many ways... specifically through your love. Thank you so much. Truly thank you!
With Love,
With Love,
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