So Much

Any of you who have followed my blog for awhile know that when I get behind, I get WAY behind. There are so many things to share, not the least of which is a report from my trip to Ohio. I do have lots to share, including pictures, but tonight I am just popping in to say hi and share a new picture (the header).

Ohio was so good, in so many ways. So awesome to meet new friends, old friends, minister with life friends, dreaming and praying about future ministry opportunites, and mostly praising God for truly showing up and intersecting with us.

Coming home was also good. Lots of cute little boys at the top of that airport escalator. Tulips passed out to me and Mrs. Carroll. We were escorted to the van, our bags rolled along by small gentlemen. My first days home were good, restful.

Then life got more challenging, as my body kind of began to get me back for 2 weeks of abuse. And set out to prove that it was NOT over this stupid virus, which I'd just finished taking meds for. By Thursday I could not walk very well, but was hopeful that a few more days I could level back out. But not so. It really comes and goes in severity, but by Thursday the following week (last week), I was in rough shape. So a trip back to my doctor landed me back on prednisone. The new, higher dose, got me out of misery, at least physically, but the mental worry was trying to take over. I have not given in to that, by the grace of God. But it is a daily choice to dwell on Him and HIS peace, not to allow my mind to worry and wonder what is wrong with me. I will be going in to see a rheumatologist in 2 weeks. All blood tests are negative for major problems (i.e. arthritis, lupus, etc...), so it is likely just a bad bout with this virus (parvo b19), which doesn't want to leave me. Your prayers are highly coveted!!

In the middle of all of that was October 24th. My least favorite day of the year. The day came upon me so quickly that I thought it would be okay, but by the end of the day I was drained. Sunday was even harder, but God is so good. I only connected with a few people that day, whether at church or via email, but I know that their prayers really pulled me up from the pit I was sliding into emotionally. I felt like He really lifted me up and held me into Monday and a new week.

"I need thee, oh I need thee. Every hour, I need thee. Oh bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee." I could sing this song...well, hourly. I love Him so much.

I have some ideas for my blog which I am excited about...but I'll have to find some more hours in my day to implement them. But I will!! We are getting ready to head to California in a few days--to see lots of family in a short time--and Mickey, Minnie, Pooh Bear and about a million Legos.

Thank you for your prayers and to those of you who remembered us on the hardest of days, thank you. We do not take for granted the power of your prayers carrying us through those dark memories.

love,

Leah

p.s. the new picture is from the 24th. (Thanks, Rachel-Ann!)