Thank You Part 2: Jenn Panknin

     The story of my friendship with Jenn goes back a long way--Jordan has been friends with her husband, Jeremy, since they were 13 in 1998.  Our friendship has a funny story to start.  When her and Jeremy started dating in the fall of 2005, they were the first guests to our first home that we had just purchased.  As we often do with friends, we played a game.  Unfortunately, the game we picked was our modified version of Uno called "Suicide Uno"....having known each other so long, Jordan and Jeremy have a 6th sense when it comes to playing games and it was girls vs. guys which was probably our first mistake because with the altered rules one of the guys would go out and leave us drawing 16 cards and counting all the points.  Needless to say, we got beaten badly...and we have never played that game together since.  Jenn is competitive when it comes to games so it was not the best introduction to us and I remember when they left, I turned to Jord and said, "How is this going to work?  We don't have anything in common and you and Jeremy are best friends and I don't think she likes me."  Funny enough, she was thinking the same thing.  We went on a double date to Red Robin and then the next time they came over, Jenn was asking questions, (which she is very good at!) and we discovered we both loved taking pictures and scrapbooking...and the rest, as they say, is history.  

     Since that first meeting our relationship has grown into a most precious treasure from heaven.  We have encouraged each other, comforted each other, exhorted each other, helped each other, and built a relationship with the foundation being the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and there is nothing like those relationships in this world.  She is so loving, kind, and patient--when I was recovering from my first psychosis, I have brief memories of her playing games with me to help my brain do something--when she was pretty much playing for me too.  We have shed many tears together and laughed a lot together--especially when we play Mario Brothers with our husbands---somehow I always get everybody killed, but we have lots of fun in the process!

     Let me just share a few ways she has served me over the last several months.  When I had to go to the ER in Phoenix and Jordan wasn't off work yet, she worked it out with Jeremy to take care of their 2 year old son so she could take me up there.  Not only did she take me, figure out how to get YouTube videos of the latest 19 Kids and Counting videos to watch while we were waiting  for a bed to open up, but she "slept" in a chair by my bed that first night until I got settled.  Later that week after the vestibular injury happened and Jordan didn't want me being left alone in the hospital, she arranged for a friend to watch Landon in Phoenix overnight so she could come stay with me and then take me home when I got discharged the next day.  As soon as she walked in her door after bringing me home, they got a call for a Foster child placement that we had all been praying to happen for months.  The very next day, she was at my house with both kiddos in tow with Candy, cooking some meals, and getting me all set up.

     She drove me to multiple doctors appointments, some in Phoenix, with two kids under 2 in tow, and when she got a 3rd kiddo (making it 3 under 2...a 2 year old, 3 month old, and 5 day old) it still didn't deter her from helping out with rides to the doctors or other things.  She just packs them all up and brings them along.  She also watches my nephew for my sister one day a week and one day she watched Candy's boys so Candy could take me to multiple appointments in Phoenix and she took 5 boys under 5 to the Children's Museum.

     Then there was our trip to Nebraska.  Her Mom watched her two oldest kiddos so we had the youngest, 3 weeks old, with us.  For the long distances of the airport, I was in a wheelchair and we had lots of baggage between baby stuff, my medical stuff, and a weeks worth of cold weather stuff, as we both tend to over pack, but hey, at least we are always prepared!  The landings were the hardest for me as I shared in a previous post, so I had to use the seats as support to walk to the front of the plane and then wait for the wheelchair.  Jenn had the baby wrapped on her front, my backpack on her back, her diaper bag on her shoulder, and my machines for my treatments in a carry on rolling that down the aisle of the plane.  During the trip, she was always checking up on me and making sure I was getting my treatments in and resting when I needed to, not just when I wanted to.  

     She's the friend I can call anytime, day or night, and I know she will always be there if it's humanly possible for her.  Jeremy is the same way with Jordan.  We truly have an incredible relationship with them as we both consider them best friends and its not often that couples have the same type of relationship with the other's best friend as well.  Jenn, I am so grateful beyond words that God brought you into my life--you've helped me weather a lot of storms, and I cannot wait to see how many crowns you will have to cast at Jesus' feet because of your love and servant's heart toward me...and Jordan.  You were both there when Jordan had his heart attack, we've walked through our infertility journeys together, you've even managed to help me through one of my surgeries, even though you can't look at needles and get queasy with any medical stuff!  The list would be a mile long of the seasons of life we have helped each other through and I'm so thankful we are back in the same city as you and can see each other all the time.  I love you dearly sweet friend and am so thankful we will get to spend eternity praising Jesus together! 

     Since we both love pictures, I have quite the options available, but will leave you with just a few.  ;) Ok...you got more than a few.... :) 

Snow on Mother's Day in Nebraska! 

Mt. Rushmore!

Getting to GO HOME! 

Heading to Nebraska

Saying Goodbye in Montana last summer

Hiking in Glacier National Park 

Playing in the river by our house in Montana

Surprise goodbye/early birthday  party before I left for Montana

This picture represents many answered prayers for little ones!

Celebrating Jenn's birthday

Jenn taking me to a doctor on my birthday 

Hiking with Jenn, Landon, and the dogs

My birthday lunch at Chick Fil A 

My chauffeur being silly :)  

Re-creating Mt. Rushmore with our faces 

Group photo in Glacier National Park 

Landon's first horse ride!

Way back when! 

Wedding day!

Yes, our hubbies like to "ruin" our pictures ;)

Playing a game

Hiking Catalina State Park

Sabino Canyon fun 

Picture of the picture taker

Renaissance Festival 

Trying out my treatments :) 

Landon was so tiny!

Special group of ladies! 

Goodbye from my Tucson visit while living in Montana

      

My Week With the Body of Christ

     This last week and a half has been filled with a lot of different emotions as friends and people around me have had some difficult trials in their lives.  I've felt privileged to be able to pray for all of these situations as trials of this life often drive you to the only place that can ultimately provide comfort--the "throne of grace where we can find mercy and help in time of need." (Hebrews 4)  I will continue my "Thank You" series, but these things have been heavy on my heart so I'd like to share what my week has looked like.  Even though I'm still pretty sick and not feeling well, I've been burdened to "pray without ceasing" in new ways and been so grateful for the body of Christ and freshly reminded how quickly that bond can form and how we can come alongside our brothers and sisters and help them stand when they cannot.  

     I'm not sure exactly where to start, but I think I will just dive in.  I recently met a couple of girls that are friends of a friend and we ate dinner together and immediately connected through being sisters in the Lord and had lots to talk about.  These two were setting out on a year long road trip with the idea of serving and ministering along the way.  (You can follow their blog HERE)  Tucson was their first stop and then they headed to Colorado.  I got their information so I could be praying for them along the way and maybe even make some connections of people that could really use some encouragement as they visit different states where some of my PCD pals live.  Little did we know how much I would be praying for them, but in a very different way.  They left and headed to Colorado to help out one of their family members when they got the call--Alyssa's Mom had died suddenly.  Thankfully, she was a believer and now sees Jesus face to face but plans had to change immediately (Insert Proverbs 16:9 "Many are the plans in a mans heart, but the Lord directs his steps.) and they packed up and headed back to California.  I cannot even begin to imagine the grief they are going through right now--as close friends, Alyssa's Mom was like a Mom to Nicole as well, so they are both deeply grieving.  Not only that, but Nicole has several other family members and friends that are not doing well physically and could attend several more funerals this year.  My heart breaks for them, but we all know the One who is the Great Physician and He often takes us down paths we would never choose for ourselves, but we are able to bring Him more glory in the midst of the suffering.  

     A dear friend I shared about a couple years ago, Alisa McCormick, started a blog called "Grieving with Hope" after losing her 24 year old son in a motorcycle accident. (You can follow Alisa's blog HERE)  I know that is a path Alisa never would have chosen herself, but I have referred multiple people to her blog who have lost loved ones as she so transparently shares her journey with grief.  Alisa and her family have been heavy on my heart over the last couple of years as my brother, Justin, almost died in a motorcycle accident almost 9 years ago, so it hits really close to home.  

     A couple of my close friends are overwhelmed with different circumstances in their lives and Friday was a very overwhelming and difficult day for myself as well.  On Sunday after church, we were all hanging out as we shared about our struggles of the week and circumstances that we are all struggling with I just had to stop and laugh.  Nothing we shared was funny and we had all shed multiple tears this last week but it just hit me that although our circumstances that we were each struggling with were very different, our hearts were all in pretty much the same place--weary and very discouraged and ready to "throw in the towel" and give up.  Thankfully these friends of mine and I know what God's Word says and as we each shared our struggles, the others would gently point out our sin and what lies we were believing and remind each other of the truth found in God's Word and the character of who God is.  Sometimes when we are struggling and feel like life is spinning out of control, we tend to run to passages that tell us "Do not be anxious" or "Do not get angry" or "Forgive" and these are all truths and passages that are important.  However, when I'm REALLY struggling and don't have any hope what I need most is to remember God's character--He is loving, kind, merciful, faithful, long-suffering, good, gracious, majestic, unchanging, powerful, all knowing and so many other things.  I must remind myself that there is NOTHING I can do to add to my salvation--Jesus paid the full price at the cross and there is not even one tiny drop of wrath left for me--Jesus took it ALL.  When I fail again and again to trust God and His PERFECT plan for my life, I need to remember His grace and that it's OK that I am not perfect--because nobody on this earth is.

     I have another friend who is a single Mom with health issues and struggling to make ends meet.  A long time family friend is battling against Melanoma for her life. Another family friend and missionary is starting chemo and struggling with depression. Another misdionary friend in Zambia is having some complications with her pregnancy thst could be dangerous to the baby and her. Multiple PCD Pals are in the hospital, including several of the PCD kiddos.  Noah Coughlan is continuing his Run For Rare Diseases (you can find out more about this at his website HERE) and everyday posts a video of someone who is suffering from a Rare Disease.  As rare and as difficult as PCD is, there are so many other diseases that are just horrible.  Batten disease is a neurological brain disease that kills kids between the ages of 6 and 12 as they lose motor control and become bed ridden and then die--and there is no cure.  I could go on and on at how heavy these posts make my heart, while at the same time making me grateful for the health I DO have.  

     Our finances continue to be stretched to the max as we transition between jobs and getting set up on the new health insurance.  My lung and sinus infections are not going away, so I'm in the process of going round and round with the insurance company, doctor's offices, and specialty pharmacies trying to figure out where to get my medications filled.  In the midst of all of this, there is thankfulness and great joy.  In times past all of these things and more may have sent me spiraling back into a depression--just writing them down is making my head and heart spin--but I know that I cannot carry these burdens at all, but I know the ONE whom I can run to and who holds all of us in His everlasting arms.  He is always on deck and in complete control of all of the storms in my life and the lives of those near and dear to my heart.  My friends, keep your eyes on Jesus and an eternal perspective.  Jesus says in John 16:33, "I have told you these things that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you WILL have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."      

     Scripture also reminds us to not be surprised at the fiery trials that come into our lives to refine us.  I recently came across a quote I love from a devotional called "Beside Bethesda" by Joni Earekson Tada: 

"There is a divine mystery in suffering, one that has a strange and supernatural power and has never been understood by reason. For no one has ever developed deep spirituality or holiness without experiencing a great deal of suffering. When a person who suffers reaches a point where he can be calm and carefree, inwardly smiling at his own afflictions, and no longer asking God to be delivered from it, then the suffering has accomplished it's blessed ministry...At that point, the pain of the crucifixion has begun to weave itself into a crown." 

~Mrs. L. B. Cowman~

     If you are struggling today my friend, take heart--God is at work to refine you and mold you into who He wants you to be.  It's not easy and the going often gets really tough, but cling to Jesus and His finished work on the cross and He will carry you through the darkest of valleys to the other side where One Day there will be no more sorrow or suffering because of sin!  Know you are heavy on my heart and I am praying for you!  I would love to know how to specifically pray for you so please comment below on how I can be praying for you right now!  

In the love of the Lamb,

Rachelle :) 

The beauty of the mountains covered with clouds--we may not always see the beauty of the "clouds" in our lives, but take heart because God doesn't waste a nanosecond of our suffering! 

Thank You Part 1: Candy Massa

     The first thing that comes to mind when I think about my dear friend Candy is she is someone that talks just as fast as I do. ;)  When we get together it's a mile a minute and we can talk for hours on end--quite literally.  Our husbands don't stand a chance lol.  But on the serious side of things, Candy is a dear friend that I will spend eternity praising Jesus for.  

     We first met through Sovereign Grace, a church we both attended in Tucson for several years.  We were in the same small group and quickly developed a Christ centered friendship.  It's funny because we both ended up moving a lot so the majority of our friendship has been spent long distance on the phone.  She's one of those friends that I can call crying asking her to pray for me and I know she will not only pray for me, but bring me truth from the Bible that I need to hear--it may not necessarily be what I WANT to hear, but I know she will encourage me and gently exhort me if I need it.  And then there are the times when she has the boldness to really challenge me in an area where I am blinded by sin and while it may be hard to hear initially, I know it comes from a place of genuine biblical love for me.  

     We joke around that we didn't really have much in common outside of Christ...we didn't like the same movies, or do the same kind of hobbies, and we have different personalities, but because we are sisters in Christ, our relationship is one that demonstrates just how great that bond is.  We have remained close friends through multiple out of state moves (hers and ours) and there may be times where we go a few months without talking, but we always pick up right where we left off without missing a beat.  

     When this last round of sickness started way back in February, we were actually living with them at the time.  A lot of times when you live with friends you can end up not being friends by the time you move out.  Candy and I grew closer than ever...we definitely didn't get as much done as we do when we don't live together because we'd get up early and spend the mornings talking, encouraging, and praying for each other.  We became "Aunt" and "Uncle" to her boys and we treasure those relationships.

     The day after I got out of the hospital she came over, along with my other friend Jenn, and they cooked several meals and got my house all set up with my meds next to me and just helped get some things organized that I hadn't been able to do as we moved in and I caught a cold so the house was mostly in boxes.  Candy committed to driving me to Phoenix once a week for Vestibular Rehab for all 10 weeks...with two boys that are 4 and 5 and live in their super hero costumes and run around all day.  Lets just say we were very thankful for DVD players!  She had to drive 45 minutes to pick me up, then 2 hours to Phoenix, my appointment lasted an hour so she would take the boys to a nearby park, then pick me up and we'd do something fun like go to IKEA or Hobby Lobby or grab some food before the 2 hour drive home.  

     She also would call me everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, just to check on me, pray for me, and see if there was anything else she could do.  She came over and set up the online signup and GoFundMe since I couldn't look at a computer screen.  She is also a friend that knows me well and can tell when I'm not doing well...like when I was at Landon's 2nd birthday party and she noticed I was very overstimulated.  She told me I should go upstairs and rest in their spare bedroom like I had planned on.  I replied with, "I know, but I don't WANT to..."  She responded with, "I'm gonna tell Jordan!"  Another friend, Shirley, overheard and asked what I was getting in trouble for.  When she found out what I SHOULD be doing, she threatened that her and Candy would carry me upstairs if they had to.  They helped me upstairs and I was able to rest and join the party again a little later when things had settled down a bit.  

     It's these kind of friends that are once in a lifetime kind of friends--and I've been blessed with more than one.  Candy, I know I've told you a million times over how incredibly grateful I am for our eternal friendship, but now the world knows too.  :)  I know I will spend lots of days praising Jesus for you and what a blessing you have been to me.  Excited to see how God continues to grow our friendship and the plans He has for us in the coming years!  Love you my friend! 

Candy, Jenn, Me, and Amy at a Sovereign Grace Women's conference...we all accidentally wore purple. :) 

Candy and me right before they moved the first time.  They lived in the same apartment complex Jord and I did when we first got married. 

Shirley, Candy, and Me at an all church picnic 

Candy and me at her baby shower for Aidan.

Candy and me laughing at something at Easter at Mom and Dad T.'s house 

Candy and her hubby Tom with Jordan at Easter

Candy and Aidan at Easter

Candy driving while I did my nifty new handheld airway clearance.

Candy trying to pull a cart at Ikea and push me in a wheelchair...didn't work so well lol

    

Thorn Bushes Have Roses

     Hey everyone.  It's been a bit since I've been able to post.  Everyday it's on my list of things to do, but as I've been able to slowly resume some normal activities like cooking and light cleaning, those things have taken up all my time and energy.  For example, I had to vacuum one room at a time and rest for awhile.  I've improved A LOT, but still have a long way to go to get back to my baseline.  Yesterday, my mucus started turning thick and green again and I'm 3 1/2 weeks into the inhaled antibiotic so this should not be happening.  Please pray for wisdom for doctors and for Jordan and I as we definitely do not want me to use IV antibiotics again unless we absolutely have to because I have major issues with all of them I've taken since December 2010.

     You may be wondering about the title of this blog post.  Jord's Mom, Cathy, gave me a tea calendar and every month there are quotes on it.  This month's quote is from Abraham Lincoln: "We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or we can be thankful thorn bushes have roses."  It's a great reminder of how to live life.  In the midst of severe trials or difficult circumstances, it can be easy to focus on our problems and not think of much else.  I've been there and it's always a difficult balance for me to figure out how much I need to focus on my health to manage and pursue treatment options by being a good steward of the body God has given me but not focusing so much on my health that I end up in this downward spiral trying to figure out every little detail and end up depressed.  The Bible talks a lot about serving others in the midst of your difficulties.  Joni Eareckson Tada talked about instead of asking God, "Why?" ask Him, "How?" "How do you want me to walk through this?" "How do you want me to glorify You?" "How do you want me to serve others?" These are great questions and have helped me a lot over the last several months.  

     As I've been starting to incorporate normal activities back into my life, I've reflected on the last 4 months and how many people have served Jordan and I so well through this latest challenging season.  While a lot of people have stepped up and helped, there have been a few in particular that have gone out of their way time and time again to help me.  I know they are always just a phone call away and they are dear friends that I am incredibly blessed to have in my life.  So, I'm going to start a "Thank You" blog series and each post is going to tell you about these friends of mine that I love so very much...one thing I am looking forward to in heaven is seeing how many crowns they will have to cast at Jesus feet because of their selfless service to me.  

     There's a reason God calls us to be thankful.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In EVERYTHING give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."  When we find things to be thankful about, no matter how challenging the situation, it's amazing how much better our attitude can be and how much easier it is to look beyond ourselves and serve others, thus bringing glory to the Lord.  I've been reading "The Gospel Primer" by Milton Vincent again recently and one of my favorite passages in that book talks about how we deserve a full cup of God's wrath and when we view our lives like that--remembering what we deserve--to be given an empty cup would be means for eternal praise and thanks to Jesus, but instead He gives us an overflowing cup filled with blessings that we do not deserve.  So next time you are tempted to grumble about your circumstances, remember all that Jesus took for us in our place on that cross and the hope and eternal joys of heaven we have to look forward to, and purpose to be thankful.  

     In the Love of the Lamb,
Rachelle :) 

     

Nebraska and an Update :)

     Hey everyone! It's been awhile...I thought I would have time on vacation to write, but you know how that goes! As anticipated, the flights were hard, especially since they were crazy with the amount of turbulence we had.  On the flight to Nebraska (we actually flew into Rapid City, SD as our friends live in Chadron, NE which is only an hour and a half south of there), they never even turned the seatbelt sign off so no one could even go to the bathroom.  At first, Jenn and I started laughing because it was so turbulent it was like being on a roller coaster--talk about maxing out my vestibular system! Then all of a sudden the plane literally jerked and dove to the right--there were screams and a collective gasp--one of those moments where I immediately started praying.  I'm not afraid of dying--I know where I'm going and it is going to be marvelous to see Jesus face to face but the actual process of death doesn't appeal to anyone!  There's a reason God says, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23)...He rescued us from sin but because of sin we all have to die at some point unless Jesus comes back first.  Anyway, I digress...big surprise! :)  Long story short, I survived the flights, but not without lots of ginger candy and my non-alcoholic Ginger Beer that I got a doctor's note so I could take it on the plane. Jordan teased me that I was the only person he knew that could get a doctor to write a note for me to take "beer" on a plane. ;)  

     We got there in once piece late Friday night and had Tatyana's high school graduation first thing Saturday morning.  Tatyana is the second daughter of Fabian and Amy Leija--dear friends that we met through Sovereign Grace Church in Tucson--we were in the same small group and their kids were the first to call us Aunt and Uncle.  We have such a sweet relationship with them.  It's hard to believe Tyler is 20 and living on his own and Tatyana is headed off to college!  When we met in 2007, Tyler was 12, Tatyana was 10, and Taya was 7.  They have since adopted another child, Trenton who is 6 and will be in first grade this next year!  He didn't remember me as we hadn't seen them in 3 years, but my vest was a quick way into his heart and I got the biggest hug goodbye from him...precious memories were made this week! 

     I made it through the graduation and Tatyana made me cry...there was a point in the ceremony where they played the song, "We're in this together" from the High School Musical and all the graduates gave parents and other's that were a big part of their life a carnation...I was busy taking pictures of her giving her parent's theirs and the next thing I know she's walking over to me and giving me one.  It was a very sweet moment and brought me to tears--even though Jord and I have been unable to have our own children, we have lots of spiritual children and it's so neat to see answered prayers and how God is working in their lives.  Tatyana is going into nursing--she's going to make a phenomenal nurse--I've experienced her love and care as she's helped me bathe and given me massages and stayed at our apartment with us in Phoenix to help us when I've been sick.  I can't wait to see how God's going to use her gifts in the future.  It's a privilege to be a part of their lives and amazing to see the fruit of Fabian and Amy's labor and answers to prayers.  

     You know those friends where you go way too long without talking, but when you pick back up with each other its like you never missed a day of each other's lives? That's Amy for me...Jenn and I had such a sweet time visiting them!  We not only got to be a part of Tatyana's graduation, but we got to see Taya sing a song at her 8th grade showcase...she's been given a beautiful voice by the Lord!  She's also showing a Dairy Heifer this year and it brought back so many 4-H memories as she showed me how she was doing and I was able to give her some tips on training animals.  We also got to go to Mt. Rushmore and see Ft. Robinson in NE which was a military fort in the 1800's during the Indian wars and where Crazy Horse surrendered and died.  We also got to go to Chadron State Park--it's beautiful country and was so fun to see Jordan's home state!  I'm looking forward to going back with Jordan and getting to Lincoln where he actually lived as a child.  Some of my favorite books are written by one of Cathy's (Jord's Mom) good friends in Lincoln that are Christian Historical Fiction and tell all about Nebraska history in the 1800's so one of the books actually involved Ft. Robinson so I could totally imagine what life was like in my head...it was so cool!  If you are interested here is a link to her website. :) My favorite book of hers is called "Karyn's Memory Box".  Here is a link to her books.  

     Chadron got 20 inches of SNOW between Saturday and Sunday so we had lots of fun playing in the snow and making a snowman Sunday morning because church was canceled!  By Tuesday it was all melted and we had 70 degree weather by Wednesday.  Then on Friday when we left, the entire state of Nebraska and lots of other states were under tornado watch!  Talk about crazy weather...but was so fun and I got to wear scarves and discovered the Huskers section at WalMart. ;)  

     I still had tremors and was exhausted and I had to stay home from Taya's awards ceremony because the auditorium with lots of clapping and darkness with bright lights up front caused major issues when we watched her sing.  Thankfully, she was the 5th person on so I was able to handle it to make it through her singing, then Jenn and I headed back to the house.  I rested when I would have liked to be out shopping with Jenn and Tatyana, but I was so grateful to be there and their front from had a fireplace and windows to look out which is where I did my treatments and read, so it wasn't so bad staying home.  :)  We also did lots of talking!  

     I'm thankful I was healthy enough to go and even coming home, I can see a big improvement between two weeks ago and today.  I was exhausted Friday after traveling and had a "PCD hangover/turtle day" on Saturday, but I was able to go to my first ENTIRE church service since everything started yesterday!  I still have to sit in the cry room and i was exhausted, but after resting a bit I was able to help with dinner and walk the dogs.  Today I've gotten laundry done and put away and took the dogs for a walk and been working on some paperwork.  I'm so thankful for the little improvements that really aren't so little! 

     Tomorrow is a big day doctor wise--I have three appointments in Phoenix.  Vestibular rehab and then my first rheumatology appointment and my follow up neurology appointment to get the results of all those tests I had two weeks ago.  I should have a better idea of what's causing the tremors, how long it will take for that to heal, if it will be more long term, when I can drive etc.  On Friday, I see a otoneurologist who is someone that specializes more in vestibular/balance/dizzy type stuff so after this week I should have a lot better picture on what the long term recovery time looks like.  

     Also, something that is a HUGE answer to prayer and that has been kept under wraps is that tomorrow Jordan starts a new job--with AMAZING health insurance benefits!!!!!!!  He will be an Engineering Technician at a local company here in town.  He really didn't want to leave Vroom, but unfortunately they just don't have the health insurance that we so desperately needed.  Between this new plan and my Medicare plan as secondary insurance, our medical bills will be reduced from thousands upon thousands of dollars to minimal!!!!!!  We are so thankful and I'm excited for Jordan.  He really wants to find a place and work there for 30 years and retire, so we are hoping this is it!  We'll see how God leads in the future, but it is very obvious between our church, the support system we have here, and now this job, we are right where God wants us to be.  :) 

     I think that's about it...here are some pictures to enjoy!  
In the Love of the Lamb,
Rachelle :) 

Graduation day! Tatyana is on the left and Taya on the right :) 

Funny faces!

It's Narnia! Oh wait, just Nebraska! 

Huskered out!

Nani is driving now!!!!

Group photo at Mt. Rushmore

Jenn's idea to re-create Mt. Rushmore :) 

Taya and her Dairy Heifer, "T-bone"

Trenton and me hanging out watching Taya

Of course I found a horse to do a selfie with...this is Stretch :) 

Group photos before we left

Trenton's finger got in the way... ;) 

Turtle day at home with my puppies on Saturday morning. :) 

  

     

     

Little Victories

     It's the little things in life that become the big things.  When you are dealing with a chronic illness where you never feel good even on your best days, you learn to appreciate the little things.  Since starting this long recovery road, there have been lots of little victories along the way.  Two big items for the weekend were the fact that I was able to bathe/shower by myself for the first time in almost two months and I made it to an entire church service today!  I used a shower chair and soaked in the tub for bouts of time in between washing hair etc, but I was able to do it myself.  I felt like singing the pullups jingle, "Mommy wow! I'm a big kid now!" :) 

     I was weak and a bit "tremory" at the end of church but it was nice to actually hear the entire sermon and get to hear some of the worship.  I still have to sit in the cry room as its quieter and the lighting in the sanctuary really messes with my eyes and thus gets my vertigo and nausea going.  I should mention that it took drinking three Ginger Beer's to get through the morning vest treatment, church service, then lunch at Baggins afterwards...and that is non-alcoholic "beer" that is made of ginger and sweetened with honey, pineapple, and lime juice.  Super yummy and has helped me make it through lots of vertigo filled moments.  

     This week I would love prayers for several things.  First, I'm having the neurological tests (EMG of upper and lower extremities and EEG and MRI of head, neck, and knee...the knee is to assess ligament/tendon/meniscus issues in the knees.) and those will stimulate the muscles with electrical impulses which I know will lead to tremors.  When I was maxed with the vestibular test this last week and pushed past the point of tremors the next day I was in bed with my eyes completely covered being so sensitive to light I couldn't even keep my eyes open.  Please pray that the testing gives the doctor the information that is needed for how to proceed but that it doesn't set me back.  

     Secondly, I STILL have not gotten the inhaled antibiotic for my lungs or sinuses...the lung inhaled antibiotic has been in process since the beginning of March so it is beyond frustrating at this point.  I have multiple people helping me make follow up calls to the assistance program and the doctor's office but still to no avail.  I finally was able to talk to the ENT over the phone and figured out a sinus inhaled antibiotic to do late Friday night so pray that comes quickly and doesn't cost too much.  

     Also, please pray that I will be able to lay as still as I need to for the MRI...I'm sound sensitive and loud or unexpected sounds can cause the tremors so for all of you that have had an MRI you know that is going to be a challenge.  I also have a problem laying completely flat due to my lungs so pray I'm able to use the wedge and that I don't have any cough attacks.  

     I think that about sums up the major prayer items for the week.  It's going to go by fast with back to back tests in Phoenix Monday and Tuesday and then the MRI, the home health nurse, and my massage Wednesday.  Then Thursday I have to get ready and Lord willing, I will be flying to Nebraska to be at my niece's high school graduation.  I was cleared by rehab to go so pray extra hard the testing doesn't trigger a response that would cause me to have to cancel the trip.  

     We also got enough t-shirts sold to have them printed so we should all be getting those in the next couple of weeks!  Thank you for all of your continued love and support! 

In the Love of the Lamb,
Rachelle :) 

Me and my brother, Justin, on Thursday :) 

Jordan copying Hunter's "picture"face :) 

Beautiful view of rain on the mountains tonight!