MRI done.

Endocrinology appointment was great and we love those people.  Very informative and caring to help us manage the Diabetes Insipidus.   

We then went to lunch [where we saw Jerry Rice :)] and chatted about the MRI.  He originally was scheduled to go under anesthesia for the MRI and blood draw.  We called our Dr.'s to ask if we could try without the meds, they said, "sure" and radiology said, "come on over, now".  We were met at the door by a lady that works with kids to make their experience as good as it can be.  I told her about Dawson's fear of needles [Dawson was already in tears at this point] and so she left and came back with a bunch of "tools" including an iPad for games.  She talked to him and stayed with him through the blood draw and PRAISE THE LORD it went great!  This was huge.  HUGE!

He did great in the MRI and to celebrate we had Krispy Kreme for dinner, followed with banana splits for dessert.  [amazing what you'll do as a mother sometimes] :)

Tomorrow we will get the MRI results.

[Ashton and Dawson in front of Lucile Packards beautiful Christmas lights]

Thank you for praying!  God is good!

Weaving Hearts.

Almost two years ago I lead a women's trip to UG.  I knew, knew, knew that I was suppose to do that.  This was a giant leap of faith as I had never even been on a mission trip, let alone lead one.  As the trip started taking shape there were 2 girls from another part of the US that would join us in Amsterdam.  One of the girls had become near and dear to my heart, and since 2009 has become one of my closest friends.  Her friend from college felt called to join.  Her name is Anna.  [i wrote a funny about her/us here]

I loved Anna from the start and we became instant friends.

Fast-forward a year.

Anna was diagnosed with MS this Spring.

About the same time we discovered Dawson's DI and pituitary issues.

Through tears I have read her blog.  Through shaky texts we have exchanged love.  Through the phone we have laughed.

I stand amazed at God's weaving of lives together.  God weaved our hearts together to serve Him in Africa, but what He also did was give us each other to walk this past year out with.  No, we do not talk much but I know we both talk to God about each other.  I call that a good friend.

On the night before we leave for Stanford I sat and watched this.  I have NO doubt God prompted Anna to post her testimony of the past year tonight, for me.

Love you Anna and know that God used you mightily to focus my heart.  I know you would never ask for the road you are on but God is using it.  I can testify to that.

Calling on the Prayer Warriors Again.

It's time to look at Dawson's brain again.

We will head down to Stanford [Lucile Packard Children's Hospital] on Monday with appointments on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Tuesday will be Endocrinology.
Wednesday will be the MRI at the hospital [he will be under anesthesia again].
Thursday Neurology.

I believe in the power of prayer.  Let's pray.  Let's pray specifics:  1) the growth on the pituitary stalk would continue to shrink (or disappear)  2) that he will do well under anesthesia 3) that his other hormone levels are "normal"

Thank you!

We serve a mighty God that hears!

Thanksgiving 2012

Something about this year made me crave getting together.  Maybe it's all that has happened, maybe it's coming home from Africa, maybe it's all that is to come, but I needed to be with my family.  

Did I tell you I am a GREAT?  This is my GREAT Niece.  I feel so GREAT about this.  :)  She makes it GREAT.  Can't you see it in her eyes?  She is a world changer!

Our kids have 29 cousins.  Never a dull moment.  What a joy to watch these kids change and grow.  We have some starting families, some going off to college, some in their Senior year of High School, 5 in Kindergarden, some learning to walk… what a joy, what a family!

Us mama's have to keep documenting all these moments.  They are precious and boy do we know it!

Part of our family tradition is to shoot trap together.  We like to embrace our Second Amendment and not take it for granted.  [not to brag or anything but I only missed ONE - ok bragging done]  

Something about shooting stuff made me feel better.  We have Stanford visits coming up again for Dawson.  The blessings of health have been great but I am still not looking forward to all the tests.  Thinking shooting trap maybe a great outlet for all.  ;)

What a blessed Thanksgiving.  Too many cherished memories to count.  

May the spirit of gratitude continue, as we prepare for season where we celebrate the coming of our King!

Africa [part 2]

[i know, i am the worst blogger ever but here goes ;)]

We arrived back at our favorite hang out:  Redeemer House.

Our local church [and friends…including our mail lady] had given money for rice and beans to bless the surrounding community and families of RH kids.

The next day they brought some friends home to share what they had.  Two of our girls explained that we love [and give] because God first loved us.

Evening prayer time was my favorite and blessed my heart every time.  The drums, their prayers, their voices… I begged God to help me remember.

The next few days were filled with RH memory making and swimming to wrap up our time.

Such a privilege to go.  

Such a blessing to come home.

Home is where my heart is but there are pieces there, in Ug@nda.  

I always have great expectations of sharing our journeys to Africa.  After all, there are so many misconceptions about Africa, I would love to expose them by our first hand experiences.  But life happens and here we are 6 [now 7] days into our trip and here goes the first post.  Might be a long one, or not, who knows ;).

Traveling went flawless.  I never sleep on the plane and apparently Ashton does not either.  That can make for a pretty long 26 hours but every time we would look at the tracker with hours to go I would remind Ashton [and myself] of what an amazing blessing it is to be on the other side of the world in such a short time.  She agreed.  Sometimes all we need is a little perspective on our circumstance.

We were greeted by my MIL and a few RH gems.  Travel weariness all faded away.

Morning sunrise with coffee and Jesus to kick off our time, nothing better.

We hopped a boda to RH and got to watch the workings of their day.  Most were at school but the staff and long time volunteers were there and it was nice to get to be fly on the wall and not be catered to.  I was impressed with how everyone knew their job and did it.  Life in Africa takes work, lots of work.  Ashton jumped right in where she could.

Evening prayers and our day was done…. and so was I… with the flu :/.

I spent the next day in bed - all day - barely moving.  MIL came over to play games with Ashton.  Not what we planned but that's how it goes and I planted my feet on that.

The next day we headed into Kampala and were back where we adopted #5 from 3 years ago.  I enjoyed hearing the mama's say, "Mama Isaiah, you are most welcome back."

We spent as much time as we could there for the next few days with a few adventures mixed in.  We cruised downtown for a meeting and ended the day in the worship service at Watoto.  Tears, praise and a good word spoken about Israel and we were on our way home to have dinner with a friend we have known for years and the kids have skyped with lots.  Special treat.
















Friday Market can not be missed.  Neither Ashton or I are much for shopping but this was fun and I am already sad I did not buy a few more things.

On the way back Patrick encouraged us to take the local bus/taxi system.  I have done this before and have to say I was not excited but he was, so we did and I am glad for the adventure.  Still not a fan tho but what great opportunity to talk myself out of a claustrophobia attack, hehe.  Fear conquered.

The afternoon was spent playing with the kids and helping where we could.  Never easy to leave so we  prayed, we prayed for each child to be placed in a family as soon as possible because that's where we bloom best, in families.

One prayer request I had was to have a thunderstorm while in Kampala.  Prayer answered. :)  I just love it because in the midst of an aching heart it's a reminder of how great God is…. and He is!

Now as I type we are headed back to Jinja.  The kids will be out of school and we will spend the week at RH.  

more to come…..