Prayer request for me

 Needed to get out a quick update and prayer request...

The last two weeks have been a bit rough. Things have been good with the kids. Alex is starting to go through his things and pack what he is going to take with him to school as we have less than a week till he moves in. He was also admitted into the Honors program which he is SO excited about. Things continue to fall perfectly in place for him at DBU. We are also getting a bunch of doctor appointments done while he is still home.

Maddy is improving daily at the barn. It has been so fun to watch her build on her new found confidence which is leading to increased skill every lesson. The heat has been rough so we are having to shorten lessons, but she is doing amazing in the time she is riding. She has also been doing some auditory therapy to try and help her brain improve its processing in timing and pitch. She has been working hard. 

Now on to me...as most of you know I have been struggling with my health for the past six months. I am dealing with a new autoimmune disease since October. Starting in March I started having pretty significant GI issues which at first we attributed to side effects from the medication. But after a few medication changes and stopping all potential causes, my GI issues worsened instead of improving. I have been through many tests as the doctors have been concerned as I have lost 22 pounds over this time period. We discovered that my gallbladder is not functioning. I am having surgery on Wednesday to have my gallbladder removed. The surgeon is not convinced this is the total cause of my issues, but regardless it needs to be removed. I have been trying to get in with GI and have been referred to three different practices none of who can get me in before the end of August! The surgeon told me I have to keep that appointment to be sure that we can address any other issues. I ask for prayers for safety during surgery and a quick, easy recovery. I am not the best patient as I am not good at taking it easy which my friends and family can attest to. i will try and update quickly Wednesday night to let everyone know surgery went well.

Thank you for your prayers.

Ali