Aug 23, 2007
My student teaching adventure started Monday. I have 21 second grade students and a supervising teacher who is very encouraging (I also volunteered with her class last spring). I am looking forward to this semester. Please pray that I would have the wisdom and strength I will need, and that I will continually rely on God for these things. Thank you so much for praying. I won't have a lot of time to write long emails, but I may share a couple quick stories as they come up. Thank you again for your prayers!
Aug 7, 2007
August 7, 2007
Two eggs, scrambled, on toast, please. . .
And may I have a glass of water with that?
Thanks.
And so I ate a most unique egg sandwich a few weeks ago, a sandwich that had something to say. It told the doctors with little inaudible signals that my stomach was not emptying fast enough. My stomach had been telling me the same thing for quite a while, but it is definitely nice to have a second opinion on this. :) By the way, if you were wondering, the egg sandwich was radioactive, but no, I did not glow in the dark afterwards. :(
My trip to Cleveland Clinic was very encouraging. Thank you so much for praying. I wasn't too nervous, even though I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. The doctors seemed to understand when I told them that I felt hungry and full at the same time - hungry because my body badly needed nutrition, yet full because my stomach wouldn't empty fast enough. They took me seriously, which I genuinely appreciate. They didn't think I was doing this to myself on purpose for some reason or another. (Not that my other doctors have said this to me, but statistically, it is the most probable conclusion and it was the feeling I got from a couple of them. Most seemed to feel that this was not the problem, but it had to be ruled out of course.) I felt that the doctors' understanding, compassionate expertise alone was definitely worth the trip. They are used to seeing cases that are statistically improbable (which mine apparently is.) The GI specialist I saw there complimented my specialist in Ft. Wayne on how well he ruled out nearly all possible causes for my symptoms and condition. His job was much easier as a result (and I didn't need any scopes or other more involved procedures.) He said that he had two tests, a medicine and a referral for me. He also explained the process of ruling out and ruling in what my condition actually is.
The first test was a blood test, which confirmed my doctor's expectation that it wouldn't show anything (just to rule it out). The second was the solid gastric emptying study with the radioactive egg, which I described earlier. That test showed that I had somewhat delayed stomach emptying; and because we have ruled everything else out, that means that what I have is called idiopathic gastroparesis. This means that we are not able to figure out what bug or other cause made my stomach not work correctly, but we DO know that it isn't working correctly. This could be caused by a virus or maybe something genetically related; we don't know at this point. We will keep searching. I didn't expect them to have all the answers, so please do not complain about this. They are not God, but I know who is. :)
I am currently taking the medicine the doctor prescribed, and it is working pretty well to help my stomach empty more quickly. I'm eating the same types of foods, but hopefully now I'll be able to eat a little more of them. By the way, what I am eating it isn't all unappetizing - I am eating things like ice cream, applesauce bread, and chicken spread on crackers. Here is a link to a yogurt smoothie that I enjoy: http://www.stonyfield.com/OurProducts/Smoothies.cfm
If you want the recipe for chicken spread, here it is. Let me know what you think if you try it.
Chicken Spread (for crackers)
Ingredients:
1 10 oz. can chicken, fully cooked, reserve water
1 hard boiled egg
Yellow mustard
Pepper to taste
Put chicken and egg in food processor, process until spreadable, adding water if necessary. Add mustard and pepper to taste. Serve on crackers of your choice. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Please pray as I continue to prepare for student teaching. I am really looking forward to it. I want to do my best and soak up all I can learn during those weeks. I am very thankful and excited to be studying under the supervising teacher I am placed with. Please pray that I would be a blessing both to her and the students I will teach. The first teacher day is August 17, and the first student day is August 20.
Psalm 121 has been very encouraging to me in the past couple of weeks. I hope it will be to you too. Thanks for reading this. Please let me know how you are doing. I really appreciate reading your emails. :)
"Between true friends even water drunk together is sweet enough."
- Zimbabwean proverb
This is a quote I appreciate because even if I can't share a fancy meal with friends, I can drink water. It's the care we share that really counts.
Two eggs, scrambled, on toast, please. . .
And may I have a glass of water with that?
Thanks.
And so I ate a most unique egg sandwich a few weeks ago, a sandwich that had something to say. It told the doctors with little inaudible signals that my stomach was not emptying fast enough. My stomach had been telling me the same thing for quite a while, but it is definitely nice to have a second opinion on this. :) By the way, if you were wondering, the egg sandwich was radioactive, but no, I did not glow in the dark afterwards. :(
My trip to Cleveland Clinic was very encouraging. Thank you so much for praying. I wasn't too nervous, even though I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. The doctors seemed to understand when I told them that I felt hungry and full at the same time - hungry because my body badly needed nutrition, yet full because my stomach wouldn't empty fast enough. They took me seriously, which I genuinely appreciate. They didn't think I was doing this to myself on purpose for some reason or another. (Not that my other doctors have said this to me, but statistically, it is the most probable conclusion and it was the feeling I got from a couple of them. Most seemed to feel that this was not the problem, but it had to be ruled out of course.) I felt that the doctors' understanding, compassionate expertise alone was definitely worth the trip. They are used to seeing cases that are statistically improbable (which mine apparently is.) The GI specialist I saw there complimented my specialist in Ft. Wayne on how well he ruled out nearly all possible causes for my symptoms and condition. His job was much easier as a result (and I didn't need any scopes or other more involved procedures.) He said that he had two tests, a medicine and a referral for me. He also explained the process of ruling out and ruling in what my condition actually is.
The first test was a blood test, which confirmed my doctor's expectation that it wouldn't show anything (just to rule it out). The second was the solid gastric emptying study with the radioactive egg, which I described earlier. That test showed that I had somewhat delayed stomach emptying; and because we have ruled everything else out, that means that what I have is called idiopathic gastroparesis. This means that we are not able to figure out what bug or other cause made my stomach not work correctly, but we DO know that it isn't working correctly. This could be caused by a virus or maybe something genetically related; we don't know at this point. We will keep searching. I didn't expect them to have all the answers, so please do not complain about this. They are not God, but I know who is. :)
I am currently taking the medicine the doctor prescribed, and it is working pretty well to help my stomach empty more quickly. I'm eating the same types of foods, but hopefully now I'll be able to eat a little more of them. By the way, what I am eating it isn't all unappetizing - I am eating things like ice cream, applesauce bread, and chicken spread on crackers. Here is a link to a yogurt smoothie that I enjoy: http://www.stonyfield.com/OurProducts/Smoothies.cfm
If you want the recipe for chicken spread, here it is. Let me know what you think if you try it.
Chicken Spread (for crackers)
Ingredients:
1 10 oz. can chicken, fully cooked, reserve water
1 hard boiled egg
Yellow mustard
Pepper to taste
Put chicken and egg in food processor, process until spreadable, adding water if necessary. Add mustard and pepper to taste. Serve on crackers of your choice. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Please pray as I continue to prepare for student teaching. I am really looking forward to it. I want to do my best and soak up all I can learn during those weeks. I am very thankful and excited to be studying under the supervising teacher I am placed with. Please pray that I would be a blessing both to her and the students I will teach. The first teacher day is August 17, and the first student day is August 20.
Psalm 121 has been very encouraging to me in the past couple of weeks. I hope it will be to you too. Thanks for reading this. Please let me know how you are doing. I really appreciate reading your emails. :)
"Between true friends even water drunk together is sweet enough."
- Zimbabwean proverb
This is a quote I appreciate because even if I can't share a fancy meal with friends, I can drink water. It's the care we share that really counts.
Jul 24, 2007
July 14, 2007
Life has seemed pretty routine recently (according to my new routine). In the past few months I've been trying to stay in contact with friends who are travelling, moving, and/or getting married. I've volunteered at the elementary school where I will hopefully begin student teaching in August. It was very helpful to have that experience, because I was able to learn much that will help me this fall. I have also been walking in the morning in order to get stronger physically.
I continue to use the feeding tube, but my GI doctor wants me to transition off of it as I am able to. I am gradually coming closer due to the protein contained in "homemade baby food" my family has been making. We still have no official diagnosis for my condition and I am not transitioning as fast as originally expected, so I need to have more tests done. And so . . .
My parents and I will travel to Cleveland Clinic tomorrow to have a consultation with a GI specialist there, and will do whatever tests they think appropriate, at whatever time they can schedule them. We expect to be gone a few days to a week. I am thankful for this opportunity and I pray that we can make the best of the time we have there. Please pray that we would have energy we will need and that the results of the tests would be helpful to my doctors and me.
God has faithfully provided for us throughout this year in many ways. Thank Him for generous people that have helped us with money toward travel and medical expenses.
P.S. Congratulations to the coloring page winners and welcome to my new update letter friends!
Isaiah 45:18-19
For this is what the LORD says—
He who created the heavens,
He is God;
He who fashioned and made the earth,
He founded it;
He did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
He says:
"I am the LORD,
and there is no other.
I have not spoken in secret,
from somewhere in a land of darkness;
I have not said to Jacob's descendants,
'Seek me in vain.'
I, the LORD, speak the truth;
I declare what is right.
Life has seemed pretty routine recently (according to my new routine). In the past few months I've been trying to stay in contact with friends who are travelling, moving, and/or getting married. I've volunteered at the elementary school where I will hopefully begin student teaching in August. It was very helpful to have that experience, because I was able to learn much that will help me this fall. I have also been walking in the morning in order to get stronger physically.
I continue to use the feeding tube, but my GI doctor wants me to transition off of it as I am able to. I am gradually coming closer due to the protein contained in "homemade baby food" my family has been making. We still have no official diagnosis for my condition and I am not transitioning as fast as originally expected, so I need to have more tests done. And so . . .
My parents and I will travel to Cleveland Clinic tomorrow to have a consultation with a GI specialist there, and will do whatever tests they think appropriate, at whatever time they can schedule them. We expect to be gone a few days to a week. I am thankful for this opportunity and I pray that we can make the best of the time we have there. Please pray that we would have energy we will need and that the results of the tests would be helpful to my doctors and me.
God has faithfully provided for us throughout this year in many ways. Thank Him for generous people that have helped us with money toward travel and medical expenses.
P.S. Congratulations to the coloring page winners and welcome to my new update letter friends!
Isaiah 45:18-19
For this is what the LORD says—
He who created the heavens,
He is God;
He who fashioned and made the earth,
He founded it;
He did not create it to be empty,
but formed it to be inhabited—
He says:
"I am the LORD,
and there is no other.
I have not spoken in secret,
from somewhere in a land of darkness;
I have not said to Jacob's descendants,
'Seek me in vain.'
I, the LORD, speak the truth;
I declare what is right.
Mar 29, 2007
Here are some verses I have found about God's spiritual provision for us, regarding hunger and thirst. I hope they are an encouragement to you.
Genesis
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. And the LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.
Isaiah
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
John
Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water." On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."
Revelation
Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.
Feb 13, 2007
February 12, 2007
This might be what you have been waiting so long to hear from me . . . I now weigh 100 pounds, which is the weight I was when my digestive system was working properly. So that means you finally get to complete the project we started last year: coloring pages! A winner from each category will receive a small prize, but the main point of it all is to celebrate an accomplishment that is an answer to your prayers, and that we get to enjoy the coloring pages we receive from you. Thank you in advance for your pages and for your good sense of humor with this. :)
Other updates:
Please pray for a doctor's appointment I will have today, February 12. It is a regular checkup, but we will all need wisdom for decisions about medical and teaching plans for the near future. We were hoping that my stomach would begin to work more normally, and that I would be able to eat more regular food again, but my digestive system has not begun working correctly yet. I continue to shop the stores for Gerber baby food sales. :)
I will begin volunteering at a local Elementary school on Feb. 15, weather permitting. I am very thankful for this opportunity and am definitely looking forward to it.
In December I was in a wonderful wedding of my good friends with a bunch of other friends from college. Some of our friends from camp drove ALL the way from central Texas to Ohio (and back) over the weekend to be there. Great memories.
This might be what you have been waiting so long to hear from me . . . I now weigh 100 pounds, which is the weight I was when my digestive system was working properly. So that means you finally get to complete the project we started last year: coloring pages! A winner from each category will receive a small prize, but the main point of it all is to celebrate an accomplishment that is an answer to your prayers, and that we get to enjoy the coloring pages we receive from you. Thank you in advance for your pages and for your good sense of humor with this. :)
Other updates:
Please pray for a doctor's appointment I will have today, February 12. It is a regular checkup, but we will all need wisdom for decisions about medical and teaching plans for the near future. We were hoping that my stomach would begin to work more normally, and that I would be able to eat more regular food again, but my digestive system has not begun working correctly yet. I continue to shop the stores for Gerber baby food sales. :)
I will begin volunteering at a local Elementary school on Feb. 15, weather permitting. I am very thankful for this opportunity and am definitely looking forward to it.
In December I was in a wonderful wedding of my good friends with a bunch of other friends from college. Some of our friends from camp drove ALL the way from central Texas to Ohio (and back) over the weekend to be there. Great memories.
Oct 25, 2006
October 25, 2006
"This cliff looks a lot higher from here than it does sitting below it in a canoe," I thought, my bare feet curling over the edge as if that would keep me from falling. If I dropped a sandal, it would land lost forever on the rocks or in the water far beneath me. "And I'm going to jump from here – am I crazy?" "You can do it." "Don't look down." "Just jump, that's the hardest part, then it's great." "Do you want me to give you a shove?" My friends assured me that the ride was worth the wobbly knees I had at first, and that I didn't really have to hold onto the rope that was securely fastened to my harness. I had seen lots of pictures of nine and ten-year-olds going down "hands-free" with great big grins, and all of them showed up safely on the other bank, but that was only mildly reassuring. I knew very well that I would be held securely, but what I felt right then didn't quite agree. "Alright, give me a little shove." That way I would only have to halfway jump off and then before I knew it I would be sailing away down the zip line. "Here it goes . . ." So off I went, and somewhere it must be written that a fast ride over the edge and through the breeze of a warm Texas day feels as though Aslan is blowing you safely away to Narnia (see the book, The Silver Chair.) When the air is rushing past you it feels like you are flying; it gives a new meaning to the word "Freedom." You must try it if you are ever in Texas near the camp where I worked this summer.
This is good description of what I have been learning over the past several months. I can let go of the fears and doubts that had tried to hold me back from completely trusting God. I can know that God accepts me, has completely forgiven me, and that I do not face difficult times without Him. It is God who keeps me safe and secure; trusting my own strength is useless because I am weak and my will and courage often fail. With His help I can experience the freedom that He intended me to and be able to encourage others. The character I identify with most in the Bible is Peter, because he at first promised never to deny Jesus and then in fear denied Him repeatedly, filled with bitter tears. He trusted himself and let himself down miserably. I'm certain he thought his relationship with Christ was over. Later after he had experienced Jesus' forgiveness, he was called to publicly testify about his faith and then give his life, and because he trusted God's strength rather than his own, he remained faithful and lived (and died) courageously. Please pray that I depend every day on God's strength rather than trying to do the impossible task of fulfilling His purposes in my own power.
It's been over a month since I've written anything. I'm so sorry! I have been doing well. Some of what I have done recently includes applying and interviewing for a part-time job at the office of a local business; helping with the youth group and quiz team at my home church; taking a trip back to college for a day; painting a room at my grandma's new house; filling out much medical paperwork, making numerous business phone calls, and attending various appointments; and finally, cooking and doing other regular house and yard work. Over the past several weeks, nearly every one of my friends and family members has come to mind, and I thought about what I would say if we were talking face to face, but I haven't taken the time to write a new letter. :( I continue to regain strength; I have gained 18 pounds so far and now weigh 93.6 pounds. Doctors and nurses have been happy with the progress I've been making. The name for my group of symptoms is gastroparesis; this is a slowing and weakening of the stomach and/or intestines, so that food travels through the digestive system much more slowly than it needs to. The leading cause for this condition is diabetes, which in my case was ruled out in a previous test. Many other conditions that might cause similar symptoms have also been ruled out. A significant number of gastroparesis cases do not have known causes, so I'm not sure if we will be able to figure out exactly why it happened or if it will be long-term or short-term (I feel that's o.k.). Many other people live normal lives with a modified diet, which I'm already practiced at because of several food allergies. Because I still have problems digesting fiber and fat, I mostly eat soft foods. I am also taking medicine that helps my GI system work more effectively. Although this experience hasn't necessarily been pleasant, I'm thankful that it has been treatable with the PEG tube and formula and that my health has improved so much over the past several weeks. Please pray that as I regain weight and strength, I will be able to switch to eating more food and eventually needing less formula.
One of my favorite hymns, "Love Lifted Me", describes the story of my rescued heart:
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
"This cliff looks a lot higher from here than it does sitting below it in a canoe," I thought, my bare feet curling over the edge as if that would keep me from falling. If I dropped a sandal, it would land lost forever on the rocks or in the water far beneath me. "And I'm going to jump from here – am I crazy?" "You can do it." "Don't look down." "Just jump, that's the hardest part, then it's great." "Do you want me to give you a shove?" My friends assured me that the ride was worth the wobbly knees I had at first, and that I didn't really have to hold onto the rope that was securely fastened to my harness. I had seen lots of pictures of nine and ten-year-olds going down "hands-free" with great big grins, and all of them showed up safely on the other bank, but that was only mildly reassuring. I knew very well that I would be held securely, but what I felt right then didn't quite agree. "Alright, give me a little shove." That way I would only have to halfway jump off and then before I knew it I would be sailing away down the zip line. "Here it goes . . ." So off I went, and somewhere it must be written that a fast ride over the edge and through the breeze of a warm Texas day feels as though Aslan is blowing you safely away to Narnia (see the book, The Silver Chair.) When the air is rushing past you it feels like you are flying; it gives a new meaning to the word "Freedom." You must try it if you are ever in Texas near the camp where I worked this summer.
This is good description of what I have been learning over the past several months. I can let go of the fears and doubts that had tried to hold me back from completely trusting God. I can know that God accepts me, has completely forgiven me, and that I do not face difficult times without Him. It is God who keeps me safe and secure; trusting my own strength is useless because I am weak and my will and courage often fail. With His help I can experience the freedom that He intended me to and be able to encourage others. The character I identify with most in the Bible is Peter, because he at first promised never to deny Jesus and then in fear denied Him repeatedly, filled with bitter tears. He trusted himself and let himself down miserably. I'm certain he thought his relationship with Christ was over. Later after he had experienced Jesus' forgiveness, he was called to publicly testify about his faith and then give his life, and because he trusted God's strength rather than his own, he remained faithful and lived (and died) courageously. Please pray that I depend every day on God's strength rather than trying to do the impossible task of fulfilling His purposes in my own power.
It's been over a month since I've written anything. I'm so sorry! I have been doing well. Some of what I have done recently includes applying and interviewing for a part-time job at the office of a local business; helping with the youth group and quiz team at my home church; taking a trip back to college for a day; painting a room at my grandma's new house; filling out much medical paperwork, making numerous business phone calls, and attending various appointments; and finally, cooking and doing other regular house and yard work. Over the past several weeks, nearly every one of my friends and family members has come to mind, and I thought about what I would say if we were talking face to face, but I haven't taken the time to write a new letter. :( I continue to regain strength; I have gained 18 pounds so far and now weigh 93.6 pounds. Doctors and nurses have been happy with the progress I've been making. The name for my group of symptoms is gastroparesis; this is a slowing and weakening of the stomach and/or intestines, so that food travels through the digestive system much more slowly than it needs to. The leading cause for this condition is diabetes, which in my case was ruled out in a previous test. Many other conditions that might cause similar symptoms have also been ruled out. A significant number of gastroparesis cases do not have known causes, so I'm not sure if we will be able to figure out exactly why it happened or if it will be long-term or short-term (I feel that's o.k.). Many other people live normal lives with a modified diet, which I'm already practiced at because of several food allergies. Because I still have problems digesting fiber and fat, I mostly eat soft foods. I am also taking medicine that helps my GI system work more effectively. Although this experience hasn't necessarily been pleasant, I'm thankful that it has been treatable with the PEG tube and formula and that my health has improved so much over the past several weeks. Please pray that as I regain weight and strength, I will be able to switch to eating more food and eventually needing less formula.
One of my favorite hymns, "Love Lifted Me", describes the story of my rescued heart:
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
Oct 9, 2006
September 15, 2006
The coloring page is here! A hearty thanks to my sister for her amazing job on it. She made a somewhat crazy idea 250% better than I was imagining. I hope you enjoy it! A big congratulations also belongs to my computer savvy brother for a Web link to higher-resolution files than would fit on my email. The easiest type to print out if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader is a PDF-type file. If you don't have this free program, see Jonathan's wonderful and humerous "Help!" section on the Web site below. If you have a higher-quality image program than "Paint," the JPEG-type would work too. Maybe you can even color it on the computer. I haven't tried that out. :DThe link is: http://www.geocities.com/jonathanboze/annie/colorpage/index.htm
Psalm 89: 2 "I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You established your faithfulness in heaven itself."
September 10, 2006
Ladies and gentlemen,Get your coloring pencils ready!
The Official Growth Progress Coloring Chart is about to arrive, thanks to some artsy work by my beautiful and ingenious sister. You may print out your very own copy, paste it to the wall, car door, or refrigerator and chart my progress along with me. It is not actually physician-approved, but simply for fun. Perhaps when the goal is reached (for me, the goal is to weigh between 90-105 lbs.), we can celebrate by having everyone send in their coloring sheets, then awarding a couple of small humorous or fun prizes for the most colorful, creative, and unique entries. Future update emails will note any weight gained so you can color in new ladder rungs on the "Growth Tree House". My current weight is about 80.4 lbs., up from approximately 75 lbs. before the PEG tube and a 0.9 lb. increase in the past five days. Other encouraging news is that I am also slowly and steadily regaining muscle, my skin is much healthier, I am not perennially chilly, and I have more energy. This is just two weeks and countless baby formula cans later.My sincere apologies are due a number of you who have written wanting an update on how I am doing. My well-meaning intentions to respond have not been fulfilled until now. The good news is that I have been spending much more time away from my computer and actually spending time with people, cooking, helping with chores, etc. This has generally been a pleasant change. One of the reasons I was a little busier than normal is that my Mom was in a quite a bit of pain related to her serious bone infection 2 ½ years ago. It is possibly due to arthritis developing in the joint opposite the previously affected one. Please keep her in your prayers. I was glad this waited long enough to develop that I could help out at this time. I celebrated my 25th birthday with my parents, grandmothers, and siblings in a jovial game of Balderdash accompanied by much laughter. The cake in the attached picture is a clever creation of foam and painted plaster. It looked very convincing and added a perfect touch to the celebration. (We did not eat any!!!) There are no more tests scheduled for a while. The last test for cystic fibrosis (which might affect digestive enzymes instead of lung secretions) was inconclusive and will need to be redone in a few months. The unclear results could be a result of malnutrition, so we will wait till I gain some more weight. The latest news is that I'm doing well physically thanks to the added nutrition.Yesterday I read some very encouraging chapters in Mark (5-6) that I had never seen connected quite this vividly before. Jesus did not avoid or "politely ignore" people who were considered "unclean" spiritually, morally, physically, or socially. He spent time with them, spoke with and taught them, touched them and healed them. Even to the point of exhaustion, He did not walk away from them; He continued to do for them what they could not do for themselves. He restored them, and at the same time, He took away the shame and separation that clouded their relationship with God. The hopeless and most unworthy ones that were "left for dead" by everyone else knew that He truly valued them and was not ashamed to be seen with them. In a similar way, I have experienced His gentle hand on my heart in this circumstance, reassuring me of His deep love and power to restore what I had left broken. What I had been and done before I knew the depths of His power to free me from my sick and selfish addictions is no longer counted against me. After I knew His willingness and ability to deliver me from myself, there also came a point where I rebelled and refused to follow Him in unconditional faith because I feared the results of complete surrender. I questioned His nature and motives, but He has been very patiently and gently healing me and calling me back to trust in Him during the past few years and especially this summer. He has been walking with me through a number of things I had feared, and so for this reason, these challenging times have also been joyful and freeing. This is clearly His peace and a result of all of your prayers, because I can see the stark contrast whenever I focus on myself rather than Him: I am unpleasant, worried, and unhappy when all I see is the immediate situation rather than His faithfulness in the past, His ability to work in the present time, as well as His willingness to walk through any situation in the future. I am so capable of forgetting. Like Peter, I am so prone to deny Him, and only He can keep me faithful to the end. Please pray that I keep my focus on His adequate strength rather than my insufficiency, so that I do not waste a chance to let others know about Jesus' hope and healing when their hearts are dying of thirst, like mine has been before. I need Him just as much now.
Ephesians 2:1-10, 17-19; Romans 5:1-8; 8:1-2, 12-18, 28-39
These are the words and a translation from a worship song in Spanish:
CON QUE PAGAREMOS, AMOR TAN INMENSO QUE DISTE TU VIDA POR EL PECADOR
EN CAMBIO RECIVES LA OFRENDA HUMILDE
LA OFRENDA HUMILDE SEÑOR JESUCRISTO DE MI CORAZON
With what could we repay this love so great that You gave Your life for a sinner?
You receive in exchange, Lord Jesus Christ, the humble offering of my heart.
August 29, 2006
A rubbery, eighteen-inch earthworm wriggledits way down into my stomach. Yum."No big deal," I thought, "just what I had been expecting."
No, not a scene from Fear Factor; this is the single memory I have of the procedure in which the feeding tube was put in. No pain or discomfort, it was just pretty weird. The next thing I briefly remember is when the doctor was talking with my parents in the recovery room afterwards. He, a fan of good Jewish recipes, asked if anyone had further questions. I was somehow "with-it" enough to reply that I was wondering how to make Matzo-ball soup when I get feeling better and am able to digest it. (This is delicious chicken soup with dumplings made of kosher Matzo wafers.) The two very unrelated memories are all I recall.Well, in the intervening time between Friday and Tuesday, the novelty of both this new device (the PEG tube) and its generally quiet accomplice, a portable Kangaroo pump, have worn off like the anesthetic. They are just another part of me, and a new part of the sometimes-hectic daily routine here. I am extremely fortunate that my mom is a nurse and the feeding pump is so much like an IV pump that she already has most everything figured out. She is very comfortable helping me with it and teaching me how to do everything. The biggest challenge for me will be how to wrestle with all the tubing and not make a horrible mess with the baby formula! I'm sure she will be quite patient with her new apprentice (me!) The whole thing can be packed up in a lightweight backpack that I can carry with me – it's a lot like a "camel" backpack water bag for hiking. Amazing! The formula is one for infants with allergies and special digestive needs and seems to be working well at this point in time. Everyone is encouraged at how I am metabolizing it, and I gained a pound for the first time in months!!! We will increase the amount I get every day. I'm not sure we know how many other tests we will need to do before we find the reason for the weight loss.Thanks for keeping me and my family in your prayers! :)
Honesty. Catharsis. A midnight prayer.
Heavenly Father, I've come to the end of what I can reasonably do on my own. I am exhausted. I come to You and I need to cry on Your shoulder. I do not understand why all this is happening, but I trust You. There is a much greater purpose for it all than what I can see right now. But I need You, and I need to rest in You. Like Your Son found strength and victory in surrendering in Your presence, I desire to trust in You completely and not in my own inadequate power or love. I want to see Satan shudder as he knows that I have run toward You now and not from You – the accusation for the destruction and death he has caused throughout time falls squarely on him – and he is waiting for the punishment he deserves in due time. In the meantime, more of us, Your adopted sons and daughters, will find rest and our hope in Your strong and caring presence. Thank You for allowing me to come to You; I am the daughter You have redeemed, may Your glory never cease. Amen.
August 17, 2006
I’ve been thinking that . . .
A 25th birthday ought to be celebrated with something really unique and memorable . . . a tattoo maybe. No, not exactly what I was thinking. Hmm, perhaps a tongue-ring. No, that’s not extreme enough. A PEG tube? Perfect! This type of body piercing goes beyond them all. Care for a brief description? If not, skip to the next paragraph. :) A flexible plastic post connects through the outer skin to the inner wall of the stomach or small intestine providing a clean, sealable opening. More info can be found if you do a Google search for “PEG tube.” It is used to provide supplemental feedings to GI patients such as me.The results of last week’s camera adventure showed no little parasites grinning at the camera or any blockages caused by tiny yellow school buses, but it did show that I have had chronic undernourishment from months of my body not being able to digest the fats and proteins it needs to keep functioning right. That is also why my stomach lining is so thin. We still do not know the reason I am not digesting these nutrients normally and am unable to consume enough Calories to keep up with what my body needs. Yesterday I felt tired and uncomfortable because I had eaten a few jars of baby food (I’m convinced the people who develop it do not eat much of it themselves!) and my stomach felt so full it was telling me I had just finished an enormous meal at a fancy Italian restaurant, but I still felt tired like I was not eating enough Calories to keep me alert. Frustrating – I was trying so hard to get the best nourishment I could. Thank goodness most of my days have not been that discouraging. But my gastroenterologist is concerned and believes it is the best plan to proceed with a feeding tube until we can locate or treat the true reason for the weight loss. I will still be able to eat normal food as much as I can. I am ready for this – I don’t want to lose any more weight. No cake for me – pass me the birthday formula!!!We don’t have the appointment made yet for this procedure, but I’ll let you know so that you can be praying. A very important thing to be praying about is that we can find a formula that I tolerate well, because I have a lot of allergies. Please pray that I can get adequate nutrition with a ready-made formula and that I would tolerate and digest it well, or that we could find a company that is willing to make a special one for us. (Ensure and other drinks won’t work because of corn and soy – there is one possibility my nutritionist has suggested; it’s a baby formula for kids with allergies.) One thing I look forward to about the PEG tube is that I can explain to the kids in my class from experience that it is important to respect and enjoy the company of their fellow students in wheelchairs, with communication boards, etc. Sometimes our bodies just need a little extra help! True friends look past the extra equipment and see the value of a soul.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
August 9, 2006
There once was a lady who swallowed a camera
I don’t know why she swallowed the camera
Perhaps she’s a spy!
(Spying on her insides, that is!)
Hello everyone.
Today I had the unique privilege of consuming an unusual culinary treat. It was a rather high-tech confection shaped like a small pill. It flashed on and off in my hand as I prepared to swallow it, doing a fascinating lighting-bug imitation. This nifty contraption began taking photos all the way down my esophagus! If you wish to learn more about this tiny wonder, please follow the link to Mayo Clinic’s capsule endoscopy Web page: http://www.mayoclinic.org/crohns/capsuleendo.html. My nurse at Lutheran Hospital gave me a tidbit of advice as she fitted me in a belt with two curiously-shaped electronic devices, one of which had a little blinking green light. After asking if I had any plans that day of taking a trip to the mall or visiting the airport, she related a story of a previous patient who ended up pinned to the ground because he was suspected of being a criminal with an explosive device. To assure everyone I was not one of these dangerous and ill-intentioned persons, I would have to show my hospital bracelet and medical brochure. I will know the results of this test at my next appointment on the 15th of August. I am sorry it has taken me this long to write to most of you. The good news is that a number of you are getting “first issues” of this update, because Mom and Dad suggested I add some names from their email list so that we could update everyone at the same time (good plan!) If ever you decide that you would rather not get emails from me (sad!) please send a box of Kleenex (currently on sale!) and a message stating that you’d rather not receive them. . . .We have ruled out a number of things through previous tests: it isn’t an eating disorder, gallbladder problems, an ulcer, Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, or celiac disease. I am not anemic and have been absorbing minerals well. Most of my GI (gastrointestinal) system looked healthy, but my stomach lining has been irritated, and is thin and deteriorated – we’re still searching for an exact reason – everyone is scratching their heads. I feel mostly well, but I get tired pretty easily. One big decision that had to be made was to postpone student teaching. This was not an easy choice, but my doctor advised not to go ahead with teaching this semester, because he said I would not have the energy. Now I see the wisdom in what he said, but it’s still weird not buying school supplies in anticipation at this time of year. I’ll miss being in school this fall. One thing I know is that this experience has given me a lot of food for thought and will teach me to better understand the lives of students who have medical problems and their families.
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
The coloring page is here! A hearty thanks to my sister for her amazing job on it. She made a somewhat crazy idea 250% better than I was imagining. I hope you enjoy it! A big congratulations also belongs to my computer savvy brother for a Web link to higher-resolution files than would fit on my email. The easiest type to print out if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader is a PDF-type file. If you don't have this free program, see Jonathan's wonderful and humerous "Help!" section on the Web site below. If you have a higher-quality image program than "Paint," the JPEG-type would work too. Maybe you can even color it on the computer. I haven't tried that out. :DThe link is: http://www.geocities.com/jonathanboze/annie/colorpage/index.htm
Psalm 89: 2 "I will declare that Your love stands firm forever, that You established your faithfulness in heaven itself."
September 10, 2006
Ladies and gentlemen,Get your coloring pencils ready!
The Official Growth Progress Coloring Chart is about to arrive, thanks to some artsy work by my beautiful and ingenious sister. You may print out your very own copy, paste it to the wall, car door, or refrigerator and chart my progress along with me. It is not actually physician-approved, but simply for fun. Perhaps when the goal is reached (for me, the goal is to weigh between 90-105 lbs.), we can celebrate by having everyone send in their coloring sheets, then awarding a couple of small humorous or fun prizes for the most colorful, creative, and unique entries. Future update emails will note any weight gained so you can color in new ladder rungs on the "Growth Tree House". My current weight is about 80.4 lbs., up from approximately 75 lbs. before the PEG tube and a 0.9 lb. increase in the past five days. Other encouraging news is that I am also slowly and steadily regaining muscle, my skin is much healthier, I am not perennially chilly, and I have more energy. This is just two weeks and countless baby formula cans later.My sincere apologies are due a number of you who have written wanting an update on how I am doing. My well-meaning intentions to respond have not been fulfilled until now. The good news is that I have been spending much more time away from my computer and actually spending time with people, cooking, helping with chores, etc. This has generally been a pleasant change. One of the reasons I was a little busier than normal is that my Mom was in a quite a bit of pain related to her serious bone infection 2 ½ years ago. It is possibly due to arthritis developing in the joint opposite the previously affected one. Please keep her in your prayers. I was glad this waited long enough to develop that I could help out at this time. I celebrated my 25th birthday with my parents, grandmothers, and siblings in a jovial game of Balderdash accompanied by much laughter. The cake in the attached picture is a clever creation of foam and painted plaster. It looked very convincing and added a perfect touch to the celebration. (We did not eat any!!!) There are no more tests scheduled for a while. The last test for cystic fibrosis (which might affect digestive enzymes instead of lung secretions) was inconclusive and will need to be redone in a few months. The unclear results could be a result of malnutrition, so we will wait till I gain some more weight. The latest news is that I'm doing well physically thanks to the added nutrition.Yesterday I read some very encouraging chapters in Mark (5-6) that I had never seen connected quite this vividly before. Jesus did not avoid or "politely ignore" people who were considered "unclean" spiritually, morally, physically, or socially. He spent time with them, spoke with and taught them, touched them and healed them. Even to the point of exhaustion, He did not walk away from them; He continued to do for them what they could not do for themselves. He restored them, and at the same time, He took away the shame and separation that clouded their relationship with God. The hopeless and most unworthy ones that were "left for dead" by everyone else knew that He truly valued them and was not ashamed to be seen with them. In a similar way, I have experienced His gentle hand on my heart in this circumstance, reassuring me of His deep love and power to restore what I had left broken. What I had been and done before I knew the depths of His power to free me from my sick and selfish addictions is no longer counted against me. After I knew His willingness and ability to deliver me from myself, there also came a point where I rebelled and refused to follow Him in unconditional faith because I feared the results of complete surrender. I questioned His nature and motives, but He has been very patiently and gently healing me and calling me back to trust in Him during the past few years and especially this summer. He has been walking with me through a number of things I had feared, and so for this reason, these challenging times have also been joyful and freeing. This is clearly His peace and a result of all of your prayers, because I can see the stark contrast whenever I focus on myself rather than Him: I am unpleasant, worried, and unhappy when all I see is the immediate situation rather than His faithfulness in the past, His ability to work in the present time, as well as His willingness to walk through any situation in the future. I am so capable of forgetting. Like Peter, I am so prone to deny Him, and only He can keep me faithful to the end. Please pray that I keep my focus on His adequate strength rather than my insufficiency, so that I do not waste a chance to let others know about Jesus' hope and healing when their hearts are dying of thirst, like mine has been before. I need Him just as much now.
Ephesians 2:1-10, 17-19; Romans 5:1-8; 8:1-2, 12-18, 28-39
These are the words and a translation from a worship song in Spanish:
CON QUE PAGAREMOS, AMOR TAN INMENSO QUE DISTE TU VIDA POR EL PECADOR
EN CAMBIO RECIVES LA OFRENDA HUMILDE
LA OFRENDA HUMILDE SEÑOR JESUCRISTO DE MI CORAZON
With what could we repay this love so great that You gave Your life for a sinner?
You receive in exchange, Lord Jesus Christ, the humble offering of my heart.
August 29, 2006
A rubbery, eighteen-inch earthworm wriggledits way down into my stomach. Yum."No big deal," I thought, "just what I had been expecting."
No, not a scene from Fear Factor; this is the single memory I have of the procedure in which the feeding tube was put in. No pain or discomfort, it was just pretty weird. The next thing I briefly remember is when the doctor was talking with my parents in the recovery room afterwards. He, a fan of good Jewish recipes, asked if anyone had further questions. I was somehow "with-it" enough to reply that I was wondering how to make Matzo-ball soup when I get feeling better and am able to digest it. (This is delicious chicken soup with dumplings made of kosher Matzo wafers.) The two very unrelated memories are all I recall.Well, in the intervening time between Friday and Tuesday, the novelty of both this new device (the PEG tube) and its generally quiet accomplice, a portable Kangaroo pump, have worn off like the anesthetic. They are just another part of me, and a new part of the sometimes-hectic daily routine here. I am extremely fortunate that my mom is a nurse and the feeding pump is so much like an IV pump that she already has most everything figured out. She is very comfortable helping me with it and teaching me how to do everything. The biggest challenge for me will be how to wrestle with all the tubing and not make a horrible mess with the baby formula! I'm sure she will be quite patient with her new apprentice (me!) The whole thing can be packed up in a lightweight backpack that I can carry with me – it's a lot like a "camel" backpack water bag for hiking. Amazing! The formula is one for infants with allergies and special digestive needs and seems to be working well at this point in time. Everyone is encouraged at how I am metabolizing it, and I gained a pound for the first time in months!!! We will increase the amount I get every day. I'm not sure we know how many other tests we will need to do before we find the reason for the weight loss.Thanks for keeping me and my family in your prayers! :)
Honesty. Catharsis. A midnight prayer.
Heavenly Father, I've come to the end of what I can reasonably do on my own. I am exhausted. I come to You and I need to cry on Your shoulder. I do not understand why all this is happening, but I trust You. There is a much greater purpose for it all than what I can see right now. But I need You, and I need to rest in You. Like Your Son found strength and victory in surrendering in Your presence, I desire to trust in You completely and not in my own inadequate power or love. I want to see Satan shudder as he knows that I have run toward You now and not from You – the accusation for the destruction and death he has caused throughout time falls squarely on him – and he is waiting for the punishment he deserves in due time. In the meantime, more of us, Your adopted sons and daughters, will find rest and our hope in Your strong and caring presence. Thank You for allowing me to come to You; I am the daughter You have redeemed, may Your glory never cease. Amen.
August 17, 2006
I’ve been thinking that . . .
A 25th birthday ought to be celebrated with something really unique and memorable . . . a tattoo maybe. No, not exactly what I was thinking. Hmm, perhaps a tongue-ring. No, that’s not extreme enough. A PEG tube? Perfect! This type of body piercing goes beyond them all. Care for a brief description? If not, skip to the next paragraph. :) A flexible plastic post connects through the outer skin to the inner wall of the stomach or small intestine providing a clean, sealable opening. More info can be found if you do a Google search for “PEG tube.” It is used to provide supplemental feedings to GI patients such as me.The results of last week’s camera adventure showed no little parasites grinning at the camera or any blockages caused by tiny yellow school buses, but it did show that I have had chronic undernourishment from months of my body not being able to digest the fats and proteins it needs to keep functioning right. That is also why my stomach lining is so thin. We still do not know the reason I am not digesting these nutrients normally and am unable to consume enough Calories to keep up with what my body needs. Yesterday I felt tired and uncomfortable because I had eaten a few jars of baby food (I’m convinced the people who develop it do not eat much of it themselves!) and my stomach felt so full it was telling me I had just finished an enormous meal at a fancy Italian restaurant, but I still felt tired like I was not eating enough Calories to keep me alert. Frustrating – I was trying so hard to get the best nourishment I could. Thank goodness most of my days have not been that discouraging. But my gastroenterologist is concerned and believes it is the best plan to proceed with a feeding tube until we can locate or treat the true reason for the weight loss. I will still be able to eat normal food as much as I can. I am ready for this – I don’t want to lose any more weight. No cake for me – pass me the birthday formula!!!We don’t have the appointment made yet for this procedure, but I’ll let you know so that you can be praying. A very important thing to be praying about is that we can find a formula that I tolerate well, because I have a lot of allergies. Please pray that I can get adequate nutrition with a ready-made formula and that I would tolerate and digest it well, or that we could find a company that is willing to make a special one for us. (Ensure and other drinks won’t work because of corn and soy – there is one possibility my nutritionist has suggested; it’s a baby formula for kids with allergies.) One thing I look forward to about the PEG tube is that I can explain to the kids in my class from experience that it is important to respect and enjoy the company of their fellow students in wheelchairs, with communication boards, etc. Sometimes our bodies just need a little extra help! True friends look past the extra equipment and see the value of a soul.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
August 9, 2006
There once was a lady who swallowed a camera
I don’t know why she swallowed the camera
Perhaps she’s a spy!
(Spying on her insides, that is!)
Hello everyone.
Today I had the unique privilege of consuming an unusual culinary treat. It was a rather high-tech confection shaped like a small pill. It flashed on and off in my hand as I prepared to swallow it, doing a fascinating lighting-bug imitation. This nifty contraption began taking photos all the way down my esophagus! If you wish to learn more about this tiny wonder, please follow the link to Mayo Clinic’s capsule endoscopy Web page: http://www.mayoclinic.org/crohns/capsuleendo.html. My nurse at Lutheran Hospital gave me a tidbit of advice as she fitted me in a belt with two curiously-shaped electronic devices, one of which had a little blinking green light. After asking if I had any plans that day of taking a trip to the mall or visiting the airport, she related a story of a previous patient who ended up pinned to the ground because he was suspected of being a criminal with an explosive device. To assure everyone I was not one of these dangerous and ill-intentioned persons, I would have to show my hospital bracelet and medical brochure. I will know the results of this test at my next appointment on the 15th of August. I am sorry it has taken me this long to write to most of you. The good news is that a number of you are getting “first issues” of this update, because Mom and Dad suggested I add some names from their email list so that we could update everyone at the same time (good plan!) If ever you decide that you would rather not get emails from me (sad!) please send a box of Kleenex (currently on sale!) and a message stating that you’d rather not receive them. . . .We have ruled out a number of things through previous tests: it isn’t an eating disorder, gallbladder problems, an ulcer, Crohn’s, irritable bowel syndrome, or celiac disease. I am not anemic and have been absorbing minerals well. Most of my GI (gastrointestinal) system looked healthy, but my stomach lining has been irritated, and is thin and deteriorated – we’re still searching for an exact reason – everyone is scratching their heads. I feel mostly well, but I get tired pretty easily. One big decision that had to be made was to postpone student teaching. This was not an easy choice, but my doctor advised not to go ahead with teaching this semester, because he said I would not have the energy. Now I see the wisdom in what he said, but it’s still weird not buying school supplies in anticipation at this time of year. I’ll miss being in school this fall. One thing I know is that this experience has given me a lot of food for thought and will teach me to better understand the lives of students who have medical problems and their families.
1 Peter 4:10 Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
Since March 2006 I noticed that I was losing weight without wanting to or knowing why and wasn’t digesting food well. After a couple of doctor’s visits, I left to work at a Christian camp in Texas, with instructions from the doctor to get further tests done if the medicine he gave did not work. During this time, I learned about God's faithfulness in a deeper way as He used His Word and the encouragement and prayers of friends to remind me of His love. I was spiritually strengthened, despite my physical weakness (as in 2 Cor. 4:16-17.) I returned to Indiana half way through the summer because I was continuing to lose weight and energy. These are letters I wrote to friends and family since that time.