We truly are a family redefined. We are husband, wife, son, daughter, step children, biological and adopted children and most importantly, Children of God.

A friend pointed out that I needed to update my blog header. After our adoption from Ethiopia, I had updated it stating how the adoption of Sara Joy completed our family. Well... the journey continues. After much prayer, we have decided to follow what we feel is God's calling for us...we went to Ghana with the intention of adopting a four year old girl, Isabella Hope. Little did we know that she would be the catalyst to bringing home not only her, but her half brother and sister. We will now be adding not only Isabella Hope to our family, but also Mary Grace (9) and Gilbert (6) who we will transition to the name Nathaniel Timothy. The shock is wearing off and the JOY and EXCITEMENT are overwhelming. Now truly, our family is complete. The great part of journeying with God, is that it's always an adventure. He knows where we are going, and for us it is all a marvelous surprise. Looking forward to sharing our family adventures as we walk daily through life and as we venture off to Ghana to bring home Mary, Nate and Isabella! It's always an adventure redefining our family!



Thursday, October 15, 2009

From High to Low

Life truly is a roller coaster. I mean seriously. There are times when I feel as though I am on top of the world and nothing could get better, and then the very next day, it all falls out from under me. It's not really all that bad, but it's not the high I was on yesterday and I am a bit nervous with what is to come.

Today Cameron and I both had eye appointments. There was good news and bad news in there. Bad news I guess for Cameron - he needs glasses. So, we picked those out for him today and he will get them in about a week. I'm not surprised he needed them, but glad we got it taken care of. The good news for his eye appointment is that he is showing NO signs of my eye condition. It is thought to be autosomal recessive in me, in which case Cameron is a carrier, but would exhibit no symptoms. (One good gene from his dad, one bad gene from me and you need two bad to have symptoms). I still worry a bit about it because they have not yet identified the gene that causes my form of RP, therefore they can not do conclusive genetic testing to determine exactly how I carry it, and therefore if Cameron will get it. At his age, while I was extremely near sighted, I exhibited no typical symptoms. The doctor said though, that he was not concerned with Cameron as there are no symptoms or retinal changes in his eyes. Good news! I will still have it diagnostically tested later, but will wait until he is a bit older.

As for me, it was not good at all. Six months ago I went and had my eyes examined as it was a year since I had my first cataract surgery. Six months ago I did not need another cataract surgery. Today I was scheduled for surgery in December. I'm not thrilled about it, but in the end I'm hoping it will have some positive impact on my sight. I knew it was coming as I am very in tune with my eyes and knew that there had been changes recently. Cataract surgery is not "risky" for most people. In fact, it is a very common surgery. I however, have a compromised retina, therefore I am at high risk for surgical complications. My right eye is my strong eye and contributes the majority of my visual field. I had my left eye done 18 months ago and was not real worried because it contributes so little to my overall sight. Today though, it was my right eye. I'm very nervous because even though the probability is small of something going wrong, is is slightly increased for me, and the consequences for me are HUGE. Please pray with me that things go well. The surgery will beon December 1st. I'll be a bit nervous between now and then and will be anxious to see after the surgery is complete. God is in control and has given me peace with the decision to move forward with the surgery. Whatever happens is within His will. I will pray for the best but live with whatever outcome.

On a more positive note, I did find out today that are fingerprints for FBI clearance were indeed received by the FBI on the 29th of September. I was told they would be processed in a "timely fashion". I think that has already passed :) No, not really, but I am a bit impatient. Tomorrow will be three weeks since I sent them. I know they got there sooner than the 29th... they probably were just not logged in until then. I'm just glad that I know that they are there and we don't have to get fingerprinted again. I was beginning to wonder.

If I could ask that you pray for me, for the surgery and for peace in the wait, I would really appreciate it.

In Christ,
Charity

1 comment:

Heather said...

Hey!

Prayers for you!

Heather