And I keep going...

Man, oh man, it has been a long journey so far! Today I was reminded that looking back can be a gift, whether that is through journaling or just reminiscing. Reading the "Our Story" portion of the blog that Matt wrote two long years ago, I feel both the urge to cry and also inspired and awestruck by God's faithfulness in walking us through such a crazy time. I feel overwhelming thankfulness at how generous you--our friends and family--have been with us, making it possible to get these crazy vaccines, hopefully one step closer to a cure for multiple myeloma. I am also humbled by ridiculously loyal friends who bring dinner unannounced, drive through a few states or fly across the country to keep me company, or just take a few hours to hang out while I get chemo.

I often forget about these sweet things in the day to day struggle---whether I'm trying to squeeze my jeans over my *ahem* extra junk in the trunk and feeling discouraged. Or maybe in the midst of driving to yet another doctor appointment, feeling frustrated at the traffic. Or while I'm sitting and waiting for another IV bag to empty or for another handful of pills or poke of a needle, anticipating another sleepless night. Or like last week, as I was told the new amount due and dreading asking for money again. It just seems to keep on going and it's hard.

But I keep going. "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love..." Psalm 107:19-21

I've also been really encouraged by the best sermons ever.  Seriously, these guys are the most amazing teachers--Dr. Paul Tripp, Dr. Bruce Ware, Dr. Wayne Grudem--I feel spoiled to get to hear them teach and that helps keep me going too. 

And here's the financial update that Matt said we would give. Thanks to your generosity, we have a little over $8,000 already raised for the vaccine in the works, which is half of what we need.

Thank you!!! 

The vaccine that I am about to receive from the Health and Wellness Center is the Big Papa. They have been collaborating with Dana Farber to develop it specifically to my DNA. It's almost finished--and we are excited! If you follow me on Twitter, you may recall that I am one of 17 people -on the planet- with this opportunity. It truly is groundbreaking and we are super hopeful. Our remaining balance of $8,000 is due over the next three weeks, the first payment on Wednesday. If you feel compelled to give, you can call the Health & Wellness Center at (425) 892-2110 and give a tax-deductible gift in my name that goes directly toward paying off the vaccine cost or you can donate on the online giving tab of our blog (this goes to my personal medical spending account with no fees). 

It is hard to ask, but we also recognize that many of you want to help. We appreciate you and thank God for your help, that you help us to keep going!