E.S.P.

The first week of camp flew by without kink or fail. It was so exciting to have the kids back, and as they walked through the doors with beaming faces, it was as if the had never left.

Joe and I were honored to be able to share about ESP during communion today at church, tying servitude and sacrifice to Jesus and the cross. Even if it was not meaningful to anyone listening, it was so special to me. God has taught me the most invaluable lessons through ESP. I feel honored and so lucky to work in such a magical place: a place where dreams become realities, where kids with disabilities are treated for who they are (instead of who they are not) and a place where young counselors find a joy that only comes through giving of themselves.

When I read about Jesus touching the blind man, the leper, the lame and healing them- I can't help but think that ESP is one of the first places Jesus will arrive when he comes back. I can't wait to see my kids running, speaking in full sentences and living without chronic pain. Until then, I'll keep working to heal them on the inside.. and as I do, they will heal me even more.

www.extraspecialpeople.com


*Special thanks to Olivia M. for the beautiful photography!

Treasures.

Money- can't live with it, or without it.

Thus far we have seen many physical gains in only 3 weeks of J's treatment, the drug (made from living cells) is extremely powerful for a very powerful disease. It is also extremely expensive. Initially, we were encouraged that the insurance company was going to pay almost all of the treatment....but this past week told they were switching us to another pharmacy so we have to cover a lot more of the costs.

In J's mind, he will no longer be treated if we have to pay ___ a month for the treatment... in my mind that is not an option, but what are our options? We are working to apply for other aid.... God has always provided.

Regardless... I feel the knock at my door to again cycle through discouragement, worry... and ultimately a desire to control the situation. And then I am brought back to the truth.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

What we treasure:

Owen.





A marriage, grounded by Him.








Family





Close, deep friendships that call us higher..





The ability to touch lives...


















And most importantly, a Father who has given unconditional love, forgiveness, grace, and the ability to be our best selves...


While many others travel the world (still hope to), dress their children in designer clothing and drive luxurious cars... J and I will probably always be faced with medical bills. However, I have begun to see this as a blessing for us.... it will be a constant reminder build up treasures in heaven. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"

The virtual facelift.

"A blog is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video."

Key term:regular entries. What is regular in my life? Not much at this point... other than many family members and friends maintaing their locations throughout the eastern side of the country. So, I decided to start anew- facelift my blog.. and begin blogging for anyone and everyone who would like to read. Life has it's many adventures.. and God continues to lead us through.

For anyone who is behind....
Cliff Notes: Joseph and I married in December of 2006, young (well, I was;-) 7 years difference between us) and in love. A short 9 months later.. we received news that we were pregnant with the beloved Owen (aka miracle child) and 9 months after that... our lives drastically changed, again. In the last 2 years we have had a child, worked on school (Joseph back in school for accounting and me graduate in special education), I am the director of a local non-profit for children with developmental disabilities (see the "support" tab) and Joseph working at Starbucks (sbux) while finishing school. In midst of our crazy 7a-11p schedules.. Joseph was diagnosed with progressive Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease that breaks down the joints, muscle etc. God has lead us to an amazing doctor who was willing to fight insurances for us to receive the best (and most expensive) treatment... and thus, we are on week 2.... so far, so good.

That's pretty much it. Most of the blog will consume stories, pictures and videos of our wonderful little toe-head (blonde.. it's not an insult) two-year-old. But, just as other blogs many times inspire me to be the best me- I hope that our love for each other, love for life, and love for our father will too inspire you.

Hebrews 10:24 "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."