Earthquakes and Miners Rescue

Tuesday night we were glued to the tv as they were preparing to rescue the miners in Chile. I can't imagine living down there for 69 days. I didn't want to go to bed because I wanted to see the miners being rescued.
As you watched the miners being rescued, the excitement never died down as they got closer to the last miners. Every single person was celebrated like they were the only one down there. That's how God feels about us. If we were the only person on earth, God would have still sent His son to die JUST for us. God does everything He can to reach us. It might take days, months, or even years for us to see the light, but He will meet us where we are and welcome us with open arms and a huge celebration.
Wednesday morning at 9:06, I awoke to our house shaking and swaying. It wasn't just a little earthquake. It was a 5.1 magnitude earthquake. I like in Oklahoma City and the earthquake was felt as far as Dallas, Texas and Kansas. I ran downstairs to find my mom and we were both freaked out. Let me tell you, it is not pleasant to be woken up by an earthquake. Buildings downtown were swaying and people didn't know what was happening because "we don't have earthquakes" here. Apparently we are the 3rd most active state for earthquakes. We just don't usually feel them. In some places the shaking and rumbling went on for 30 seconds. It was crazy!
Wednesday night we watched as they rescued the last miners...it was incredible!! Everyone I talked to couldn't stop watching the rescue. I wondered why that is and it's because we saw something good actually happening. If you go to a news page, most of it is bad news. But this was different! It was so encouraging to hear the miners say that God never left them. I will always remember that.

More appointments, more treatmentment plans

Warning..there is lots of information in this post and it's very long...
Last Thursday we went to Children's Hospital for my appointment with the pain management team. It's actually a team of pediatric anesthesiologists. I've been seeing them for a little over a year and they have helped a lot! Unlike most doctors in Oklahoma, they believe that Lyme is a big problem here, and they have taken care of several kids with Lyme. They understand how hard it is to find doctors who support Lyme.
Last year, they put me on Amitriptyline (Elavil) to help with pain and most of all, sleep. It is the only medicine that has helped me sleep, and believe me, we have tried everything. There is a little problem though with this medicine. It can cause tachycardia (super fast heart rate) and heart arrhythmia. I had to be on the highest dose that they can give because nothing knocks me out. Because I was on such a high dose, I was having the tachycardia and arrhythmias. Earlier this year I landed in the hospital because of that. We stopped the medicine for a while, but then I started not sleeping again. So we decided to start me back on the medicine, but at a lower dose. Right now I'm on the lowest dose and it's working pretty well! I don't think we need to go back up on it.
On Thursday at my appointment, we discussed the risks of the medicine vs no sleep. They also told us about a medicine like Amitriptyline, but for some people it doesn't have as bad of side effects as Amitriptyline. I forgot what it's called. They didn't know if it would work for me though. We talked about switching to that, but for right now we decided to just stay with Amitriptyline since we know it works. We will just have to monitor my heart and make sure everything is okay.
Friday, my mom had a phone conference with my Lyme doctor in Nevada. We've talked to him several times in the past couple of weeks.
The main problem right now is brain problems. I wish I could completely explain what is going on, but it is so hard to describe. I'm having headaches almost daily. There are memory problems that I'm having. When I read things, I really can't remember anything. This summer I read some books but it was so frustrating because I would have to re-read every chapter several times before I could kind of remember what happened.
I haven't mentioned a lot about the brain problems because it's one of the most frustrating things. It can change you into a completely different person. I know of a person who was my age that had Lyme and one day woke up and she didn't even know who her family was. She would try to run away from home because she thought they had kidnapped her. It's so sad to hear about things like that. I will have conversations, and then immediately have the same conversation because I don't know that I just talked about that. Simple tasks now become so overwhelming. Tasks like looking for something that someone asked me to find. It just overwhelms my brain and I forget everything they said. I'll go downstairs to get something I need, and find myself just standing there for ten minutes not knowing what I'm doing.
I hope this doesn't sound like I'm bragging, but before I got sick, I didn't have to try in school. I just made good grades and planned on graduating with straight A's. Now, I can't even do 20 minutes of work at a time without getting overwhelmed. I just sit there are stare at my work trying to figure out what to do. There's so many things that Lyme does to the brain...
So we talked with my doctor about that and what to do about it. He said part of the brain problem is from toxins. As you kill the Lyme bacteria and co-infections, they give off horrible toxins. Lyme patients bodies are so unbelievably toxic. I'm starting lots of detoxing to try and cut back on the toxins. I'm also starting back up on all of my shots and medicines. I had stopped when the gallbladder problems started.
My doctor was so glad to know that I had surgery to take out my gallbladder. He suspects that I've been having gallbladder problems for several months. After we went to the clinic in Nevada in May, I started having stomach problems. He said that even though the surgery is laparoscopic and supposedly "not a big deal", it's a big deal to have gallbladder problems. He's so glad that we got that taken care of because you do not want to mess around with that.
A few times this weekend, I have eaten spicy and fatty foods and then have gotten sick with nausea and abdominal pain. We told my doctor this and he told me to stay away from spicy and fatty foods for a while. He explained what the gallbladder does and so it makes since as to why my body needs time to adjust. I'm glad to know why I've been getting sick!
Last week I was feeling pretty good! I left the house almost everyday last week! Thursday night my parents and I went to a thing for Oklahoma Christian University. It was 'A night with the president'. There was a reception at the president of Oklahoma Christian's house for juniors and seniors looking at OC. It was great! We were the last ones to leave because we were talking to the president and first lady. It's funny because at church or any event my family is always the last to leave. It's like a law or something. It never fails.
On Friday I got to go to senior lunch and then to a movie that night!
On Saturday I did IV fluids at home. I started not feeling well Saturday afternoon and am still not feeling well. I've been achy, had a little fever, and just feel terrible. I went to church Sunday morning which wasn't a smart idea. Yesterday I took a nap and felt a little better. Hopefully I'll feel better soon!

Happy 1st Birthday!

A year ago on Wednesday I had surgery to have a port put in my chest. This port has been great! It's been through a lot in it's short life.
It's been through...

• a traumatic transplant into my body during surgery. It was not happy about that and boy did it let me know afterwords!
• weekly needle stabs right in the middle of it
• never ending blood draws from it
• too many IVs and different medicines to count going into it

It's gone places that some people never get to go to...

• Nevada- it got a needle stuck into it everyday for 2 weeks straight
• Brazil and Argentina!- it was just along for the ride!
• Florida- it got to go on vacation with us, but it got used for IV fluids several times
• And Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, California

We've been through a lot together, my port and I. Even when I say goodbye to my port, I will always have a reminder of it. I will always have a beautiful scar.

I am thankful...

for this beautiful weather
I'm thankful that I get to go to church tonight
I'm thankful that God never changes
I'm thankful for family
I'm thankful for living where I do
I'm thankful for medicine
I'm thankful for doctors who actually care
I'm thankful for brothers and sisters in Christ who wrap their arms around people who are suffering and constantly pray for and encourage them
I'm thankful that I always have food
I'm thankful for friends
I'm thankful for a God who keeps His promises

Beach in Niteroi, Brazil



God's beautiful creation at Iguazu Falls, Brazil

 Desert Song by Hillsong

"This is my prayer in the desert

And all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in the hunger in me
My God is a God who provides
Verse 2:
And this is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved
Of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flames
Chorus:
And I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon forged against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here
Verse 3:
And this is my prayer in the battle
And triumph is still on it's way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand
Bridge:
All of my life
In every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
Verse 4:
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be empited again
The seed I've recieved I will sow"
What are YOU thankful for?

Update- 6 Weeks Post Surgery and colon infection

I was supposed to go talk at the girls bonfire this weekend, but I was still too sick. I was very disappointed that I couldn't go. I had my talk all ready and then I didn't even get to go.

So on Saturday night we had a fire in our fire pit at our house and made smores! It was very chilly that night so the fire felt great.

On Sunday morning I got to go to worship! It was great! By that night I was exhausted.

Yesterday I had another appointment with the surgeon. It went well! He released me from his care so that was my last appointment with him. I know he said that recovery would be long, but I didn't know it would take 6 weeks. I finally stopped taking pain medicine last week. It's so nice not to feel so out of it. It's crazy how much Lyme can slow down recovery. Most people who have this surgery are back to normal in a week or two. It's hard for people to understand why it's taken me so much longer.

We are waiting for stool sample results to make sure it was a colon infection that I had last week. I'm mostly over it, still a little nauseous at times.

Last night my mom and I went to visit some friends in the hospital who just had a baby! It was so fun to go and hold him!

I'm hoping to start getting out more. I need to remember to take it slow so that I don't overdue it. I still get worn out easily.

I hope you have a great day!

"I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High." Psalm 9:1-2

Prayer Request

I'm sure many of you know Wes and Carrie Gotcher who are missionaries in Brazil. We went to see them there this summer! Carrie was my voice teacher before they went to Brazil.

Earlier this year, Wes and Carrie found out they were pregnant with twin boys!!

Their due date was on Christmas Day. Sometime within the past day, their precious baby boys were born. We have heard that the boys are about 2 pounds each. We don't know a lot of details, but that doesn't matter because God does know. 

Please be praying for this sweet family. They gave up their life here to go tell people about Christ in Brazil. I'm sure it's so very hard to be in another country away from their family and have their boys be born so early. Please also pray that their families can get down to Brazil as soon as possible. They will need many many prayers and support in the days and weeks to come. They are such great people who overflow with God's love. I know they are trusting God in everything, but it's still so hard.

"Even the darkness will not be dark to you;the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well." -Psalm 139:12-14
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Carrie and I on the beach in Niteroi where they live.

Our family with Wes and Carrie at an ice cream place in Niteroi

At church in Niteroi

This song is so comforting..

Our God by Chris Tomlin
Water You turned into wine
Open the eyes of the blind
There’s no one like You
None like You
Into the darkness You shine
Out of the ashes we rise
There’s no one like You
None like You
CHORUS
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Into the darkness you shining
Out of the ashes we Rise
There’s no One like You
None like You.
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
BRIDGE
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
What can stand against?
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
And if Our God is for us, then who could ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
And if Our God is for us, then who can ever stop us
And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Then what can stand against?
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power
Our God, Our God…
Our God is greater, our God is stronger
God You are higher than any other
Our God is Healer, awesome in power

Our God, Our God…

When I said, "My foot is slipping,"

your love, O LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought joy to my soul.- Psalm 94:18-20

I love this book!

This weekend the youth group is having a girls bonfire at a lake close by. I was asked to give a short talk and I chose to talk about the book of Habakkuk. I don't think very many people have read Habakkuk but it is such a great book!

There are only 3 chapters and it is a conversation between God and Habakkuk. Habakkuk starts out.

“ How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted” Habakkuk 1:2-4

So Habakkuk is crying out to God, asking why His people are allowed to suffer. He wants to know how much longer they will have to suffer. God answers-

“Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5

Habakkuk asks again why all of this is happening. God replies-

“But the LORD is in his holy temple;
let all the earth be silent before him." Habakkuk 2:20

Habakkuk then goes on to trusting God’s plan and praising Him even though He can’t see at the time what God is doing

“LORD, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, O LORD.
Renew them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.” Habakkuk 3:2

Habakkuk ends with these verses-

“Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign LORD is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to go on the heights. ” Habakkuk 3:17-19

• This book shows us that it is okay to question God, but to do it with respect

• Sometimes to get to the point where we will trust God completely, we have to go through suffering to understand how much we need God

• We need to be still and wait for Him because He always has a plan and is always in control

• He is always on His throne no matter where we are in life


• I love reading this because I know there are so many times where I ask God how much longer? God I’ve been in this trial for long enough. But the more that I trust God and wait for Him, the more blessings come out of this and the closer I grow to Him.

• The first time I read Habakkuk it reminded me of the song Praise You in this Storm. I’m sure you all have heard it but these are the lyrics that I thought of

“I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say Amen, and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

[Chorus:]
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm”

I highly encourage you to read Habakkuk! It's a great book!!