Today is the beginning of the next phase of my journey- my stem cell transplant in Germany. Thanks to God and YOUR generosity and prayers, my mom and I leave for Europe today! We leave Oklahoma City around 3 this afternoon and fly from here, to Houston, to Frankfurt Germany, and then to Austria. We are spending the first week in Austria while I adjust to the time difference. I will start treatments April 4th in Germany.
"I will praise the Lord no matter what happens. I will constantly speak of His glories and grace. I will boast of all his kindness to me. Let all who are discouraged take heart. Let us praise the Lord together and exalt His name" Psalm 34:1-3
Prayer requests for today-
-Safe flights with no problems
-Comfort and peace. On the 10 hour overnight flight I have to get up and walk every 30 minutes to prevent blood clots since I'm at risk because of my heart surgery and PICC line. I'll be wearing compression stockings also but I won't be able to sleep since I'll be getting up so often.
-That I will not have a lot of pain and nausea
-That God will be glorified in everything
-No problems with my PICC Line
-Strength for my mom as she takes care of me.
-Peace for my brother and dad and others who can't go with us.
I am very excited and nervous for this trip. Anytime you start new treatments it is scary and full of hope. Traveling halfway across the world for new treatments is also scary and full of hope! But God is with us.
"When this burden is lifted I'll give praise to Your name, but until it's finished I'll give thanks just the same. For we have this hope as an anchor, you are with us, we will never be alone"
I didn't realize until recently that we arrive in Europe on Easter Sunday. How fitting is that? We're chasing physical healing, but we have peace and hope because the grave was empty! Jesus overcame death to give us live to the FULL!!!!
"So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, EVEN though you have to endure many trials for a little while" 1 Peter 1:6
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hopethrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade" 1 Peter 1:3-4
I love this song called I Will Rise. It's been one of my favorite songs since I got sick along with Psalm 73:26, "My flesh and my heart may fail, but GOD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever".
"There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
There's a day that's drawing near
When this darkness breaks to light
And the shadows disappear
And my faith shall be my eyes
Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise
And I hear the voice of many angels sing,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I hear the cry of every longing heart,
"Worthy is the Lamb"
And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise"
It's interesting to me when I see or hear comments from people who have just heard my story. Especially with the news story that they did last week about my journey, I've heard even more people say that they think my story is sad. I'm here to tell you that my story is not sad.
What would be sad is if my stem cell transplant was in Miami. Oklahoma. 😉 but it's in Germany!
Yes I wish things were different and I'm tired of being sick. Many times through the 10 years that I've been sick, I've wondered how I'm going to get through this season. But I have a God who promises to never leave me. Because I've constantly seen God's never ending faithfulness, even in times of uncertainty, I can look forward to seeing how God will continue to use this journey for His Glory!
Because of Him, I can run the race with perseverance, even when I have no physical strength. His promises are true, and all of this pain is only temporary. This disease does not define my life. It's a huge part of my life right now, but my identity comes from God. Life is hard, but our bad days shouldn't define our lives. God is good, He is with us, and is our strength. Praise GOD because this disease and the sorrows of this world are temporary. Jesus over came the grave!!! His promises are eternal!
My family and I can't express how grateful we are for each one of you. Over the last 10 years you have prayed for us and supported us in too many ways to count. We wish we could thank each of you individually but there's too many of you! What a great problem to have!
You have been so generous and we are about $4,000 from our goal which is incredible! Thank you thank you thank you!
Please keep praying!!!! We will be able text while we're there and have access to Internet so we will keep you updated.
God is so good and I love you all 💚
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