Here we go!

"In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me." Psalm 120:1

Thanks family & friends for all your prayers & support! It's been a roller coaster of devastation, sadness, trusting God & asking for healing--knowing that He is good and loves us beyond our wildest imaginations. Although this is not what we would expect or hope for, we are trying to live with joy and get through this! Here is some epic & nerdy inspiration that has encouraged me along the way.

God's faithfulness has been impossible to ignore and we are encouraged. Here's why:

Timing:

1. The diagnosis came after Matt & I got married, which has been such a fun & amazing gift (and I was on his health insurance!)

2. In January, I knew I needed to take a break from school and wasn't quite sure why. I took a leave of absence before the diagnosis which has opened up time to take care of myself and rest and go to the many doctor appointments.

3. We are in Redemption Groups at our church and each have a small group to walk with us through the really hard times and reveal our sinful responses and help us to know Jesus' love for us more.

4. My mom & brother had been planing a secret trip for 2 months for DJ to come up and spend the weekend with us...and it just so happened to fall 2 days after I was diagnosed.

5. I was diagnosed before the myeloma has done any damage to my body!

Community:

6. My mom lives in Seattle (Admit it, you know when you don't feel good you want your mom to take care of you...)

7. My sister, brother in law & niece live within 20 minutes--and we have such an incredible group of friends and "family" from church that are surrounding us with love, care & prayers. We feel kind of spoiled really.

8. We have a great team of doctors at Swedish Cancer Institute. Not to mention Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and UW Medicine all within about 20 minutes.

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) is a really great resource if you are curious and want more information on multiple myeloma. Here is an overview of the disease as well.

The next step for us is to get a second opinion and then prayerfully make a decision regarding treatment. Many of the treatment options could likely cause infertility, which is hard news to take in as newlyweds. But again, we know that this is not a surprise to God. He made my body and knows the number of my days! I think I was looking for a guarantee that I would have a long, happy and healthy life here on earth. Really though, nobody has that guarantee. The only guarantee that we have is in Christ. And He is enough.