Bring on December!

​If you feel like we’ve been a little quiet lately, it is definitely not because anything is wrong, but quite the opposite. We’ve just been soaking in the simple gift of a few days of normal life with EvanMarie and the entire family. Over Thanksgiving break, we were able to travel to the Hill Country for four wonderful days and visit some of our favorite spots in and around New Braunfels. The weather was beautiful! Slow mornings on the green river, the crisp air in the sunshine, and some deep breaths brought refreshment and peace to our whole family. Watching EvanMarie “run”, laugh, and explore with her siblings felt like a glimpse of the life we’re fighting so hard for, a life full of joy, freedom, and beauty.

Of course, the week wasn’t without its challenges. There were some tough moments of nausea, exhaustion, and (oh the) medicine-taking. We also had to make two trips back to the hospital for blood lab work. But thanks be to God, all of EvanMarie’s levels looked great, and she didn’t need a transfusion or to stay overnight. Even in those hard interruptions, we felt God’s mercy guiding us and protecting her peace. 

Now we move into December, a month that holds both uncertainty and joy. Our doctors have told us that surgery will likely take place between cycle four and five, so much remains unknown in these coming weeks. Yet, at the same time, we have so much to celebrate this month: EvanMarie turns three on December 21st, and of course just a few days later we rejoice that Christ is born, Emmanuel, God with us. He is really with us! 

So we step into this month holding joy and grief, gratitude and uncertainty, fear of the unknown and abandonment to God’s will, the cross and the creche. Through it all, we are learning again and again that God is near to us, steady, faithful, and truly at work in every detail, even the ones that break our hearts. 

Please continue to pray for us, for the doctors, strength for our family, and peace and comfort for EvanMarie as she begins cycle four of chemotherapy. The deeper we get into this thing, the more we cherish your love, your words, and your prayers. You are carrying us more than you know. Stay with us. We thank God for you. 

Glory to Him in all things! Glory! 

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