Blessings and Answered Prayers

 This week has been a week of blessings and answered prayers on several fronts. 

When we received the letter from Living Hope Equine Therapy the last week of May, Maddy was devastated. The rug was ripped out from under her as in one swoop she lost her heart horse, the adult she loved and trusted the most besides family, and the barn family we had built over the past few years. She was not even sure she wanted to continue riding initially as she was so very sad and scared about moving on. As I grappled with my own emotions, I quickly sprang into action and reached out to one of the only other programs who shows with their EWD riders. And I prayed so many prayers. Initially my prayer was just that Mandy would accept Maddy into the Stable Strides Farm program and then that Maddy would find a horse she connects with and that she would develop a trusting relationship with Mandy and not let the past affect her ability to bond. Prior to our first time to Stable Strides, Mandy and I had multiple conversations over phone and text as we discussed Maddy, set goals and talked about how to help her through this transition. I was already feeling much better following those conversations, but nothing prepared me for this week. Oh, how my prayers have been answered. As I blogged on Monday, Maddy had a great first lesson (in a group) and showed no signs of fear or anxiety. Wednesday and Friday she had private lessons and that relationship I prayed for has already begun to form. Mandy is kind, she is encouraging, and she is fun. Her greatest concern is Maddy's heart and making sure she is okay emotionally. Maddy has responded so well to her approach. I have watched my shy little girl who usually takes weeks to even speak to someone talk openly and honestly with Mandy. She has smiled through lessons, let Mandy know when something is hard or scary, answered questions and had so much fun. Each day she has begun counting down to when we go back. Maddy is not sure that Gogo is her next horse, but she has enjoyed riding him and they have been so cute together. He has one behavior that keeps her from being 100%, but it is nice to see her riding and smiling and thriving. As a mom my greatest desire is for my kids to know they are loved and to be kind and work hard to chase after their goals and dreams. I have seen all of that and more this week and I couldn't be more grateful.

As the last few months have transpired, our church friends have been a constant source of strength, friendship and laughter. So having VBS and MNO this week was also just what our souls needed. We love having a church family that celebrates life's joys with us and holds us up during hard times.

When Alex made the decision to attend DBU we were certain it was the perfect school for him. Our one concern was the cost associated with attending a private university. But more than 80% of his total costs were covered by scholarships his freshman year. Some of those scholarships are 4-year scholarships, but some were one-time scholarships so as we moved into next year, we were closer to 50% of his costs covered. I continued to hope and pray we could find more funds as we would like for Alex to not come out of school with huge student loans. Thursday, I received an email from the director of private scholarships that she had awarded an additional scholarship to Alex and that we would be receiving a call from the Chancellor's office about an additional award they have decided to give based on his character and faith. As Alex was considering schools, I asked God to make it abundantly clear that Alex was exactly where he wanted him and where he could use him, and we continue to see that prayer answered. So grateful to DBU and the staff and students who have embraced Alex and made this first year more miraculous than I could have imagined. 

Finally, a few prayer requests. I feel like a broken record, but please pray for answers and treatment for me. I completed my camera study, but results take 3-4 weeks as the GI has to review more than 5000 images. I continue to struggle with significant pain, nausea and awful fatigue. I would also ask that you pray for Bruce. During his six month scans they saw a lymph node that had increased slightly since his last scan. His oncologist is not very concerned but does feel additional scans are necessary. Please pray for this to be an incidental finding. Finally, the kids and I are headed to Houston next weekend for a few appointments. Please pray for safe travels.

Thank you for continuing to walk with us through our crazy life as we try every day to choose joy and be kind to a hurting world.

Ali