My 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! I hope and pray everyone is healthy and enjoying this time of year. It’s hard to believe another year is almost over.

As we celebrate this Advent Season, I am reminded of all of God’s goodness and love that has been shown to me this past year alone. As many of you know, it has not been an easy year for me. I have struggled a lot with health issues (more so than the past few years) and have been in and out of hospitals, have had numerous medical examinations done on me, as well as a couple of surgeries. I started the year with shoulder surgery on February 4, 2010. This surgery did not go well at all. I won’t go into all the details but in short, it took two surgeries (a different doctor) to correct the problem. My shoulder is much better now! PRAISE GOD!

In between my whole shoulder ordeal, I suffered a lot of stomach issues. I was taken to the UVA ER several times due to extreme pain and vomiting. I spent 2 weeks in the hospital where the doctors tried to figure out what was going on with me and to ensure that my nutrition was kept up. I lost about 15 lbs because of my sickness. Despite my diagnosis of gastroperesis, the doctors are continually working with me to see why I am having days of severe pain and can’t eat. I continue to have those pains, although it is not as bad as it was earlier this year. I am on a “very small” amount of food several times a day diet along with some new medication.

My 87yr old grandfather passed away during my whole shoulder and stomach ordeal. It was a tough trial, knowing that he was not a Christian. We were able to go to the funeral for the week and also spend time with my grandmother.

Also during this time, I lost my job and have been unemployed since. However, I see this as a blessing not so much as a hardship. I know with my current health issues, it would be hard to hold a full time job; but I’m grateful to be able to work part time at a day care center in Weyers Cave. I am currently looking for a part time job (hopefully leading to a full time once I’m healthy again) and seeking God for guidance and direction.

One of the exciting things this year is that I have enrolled into Penn State Univ online certification program for Behavioral Analysis. It’s been very challenging, but also very interesting and fun. I hope to be able to get my certification by the end of next year. I start my internship in January at a place called VA Inst. of Autism.

Recently, my family and I got to spend 11 days in the Caribbean (a cruise!) with my grandma aunt (mom’s sister), uncle, cousin, and her family. It was relaxing to be able to have a vacation together and go places I have only heard of. It was wonderful to see my grandmother have such a lovely time with everyone.

in, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, filled with joy, laughter, and love; but most of all remember our Lord Jesus Christ!



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