SURPRISE!!!

So last night Joel, Ella and I headed to what I thought was our annual Christmas party with friends from church. Turns out, it was a surprise 30th birthday party for me. (I know, I don't look a day over 20). I was definitely surprised! Joel, with the help of my friends Sara and Rebekah pulled it off without a hitch. There were so many of our wonderful friends there including my parents, my little brother, my adopted mom Brenda, and our great friend Denny. I had a blast at the party. The food was awesome and the gifts were perfect. I received gift cards, books, warm hand-made slippers, and even a bag of presents compiled by my friends to take to chemo. There is one present for each big chemo day I have left. Thank you everyone who attended and to those who wanted to be there but were under the weather. I feel honored to have such amazing friends and family.

In other news...I did well with my chemo on Wednesday. Adjusting the dose of my medicine seemed to help a great deal with the stomach problems. I also went in on Friday for some IV fluids to "tank me up" for the weekend. I think the worst part about the "after chemo" is the joint pain. I feel like a 95 year old woman. It only lasted a few days last time so hopefully by Monday I'll be feeling better. I'll be in Augusta for the weekend with my parents and will return to Columbia on Tuesday.

I also wanted to share with you all how good God is. This week we received an unexpected bill for our neighborhood association. Because I'm still on disability from work, we have just enough for monthly bills, groceries and gas. We didn't want to have to dip into savings because that money is for the medical bills starting to roll in. Joel asked God to show us the best way to handle this on Tuesday night. On Wednesday morning when my Dad arrived to take me to chemo, he had a huge poster in his hands. The poster was from the faculty at the school where he is principal. The poster was covered with gift cards for groceries, gas, restaurants and even cash. We could not believe the generosity. Once again God has provided. Thank you Lewiston Elementary staff!!!!!

I'll end this post thanking all of you who are supporting our family through this time. Going through the battle with cancer could be unbearable, but we find so much strength in your love and support. We must give all the glory to God for all that He is doing through this and for the ways He has provided. We pray our lives will be a testimony of the faithfulness and goodness of the God we serve.