Health Update

One of the most amazing aspects of the Christian life has been to watch how God has prepared the way for us on our journey, long before we knew where our journey would lead. I remember that sense of awe when we headed to Houston for Dave's treatments, knowing not a soul there, and found friends of our who are missionaries were speaking at a church there, and we met up with them, they introduced us to our Houston church home, and God provided in so many miraculous ways!  We saw it again in both of my cancer surgeries.  And we are in one of those amazing moments again, where the impossible is happening because God prepared the way for us before hand.  So as you read this update, Gentle reader, please know that my primary feeling in this moment (and I say "this moment" because I know feelings are volatile, changeable things) is gratitude.

A follow-up eye appointment a few weeks ago has led us into another new adventure.  To make a long story short, it appears that the auto-immune disease I was diagnosed with about 4 years ago, and which was dormant and free of symptoms at that time, has decided to rear its ugly head.  Sarcoidosis is a mysterious disease.  No one knows why it starts or really why it often spontaneously goes away. But yesterday's visit to the pulmonologist confirmed that I now have active disease, and serious complications in my eyes, so more active treatment and expertise is needed.  I also had a steroid shot behind my right eye yesterday at the opthalmologist's office to begin treating the problem there. And on Thursday, I will see a rheumatologist from UNM-- and that is where God's amazing providence and preparation for my journey is evident.

Both the ophthalmologist and pulomonologist have been thwarted at getting patients in to see rheumatologists  in Northern New Mexico.  There aren't many.  I had an appointment for four months from now which the ophthalmologist had made, but he was quite frustrated and uncomfortable with me waiting that long.  Then I sent an e-mail to a friend, and now I have an appointment with one of the top rheumatologists in the state for the day after tomorrow.  I am humbled because I know I am not more sick than others that have appointments four months from now.  And I am humbled that God would provide for me in such a way.  And I am grateful for my friend and his loving ability to make things happen for me! God is good to me as i continue on the journey He has planned for me.

As always, I appreciate your prayers, Gentle Readers.  This is not the path i would have chosen.  But I am confident that God has a better plan for me than any i would make for myself, and I praise Him for going ahead of me and planning my way.