2009 at a glance...

Best Movie: "Up" is definitely at the top of my list followed closely by "No Reservations" (was that this yr?) and The Proposal...

Favorite song(s): "Here Without You" by Three Doors Down

Life Changes:

The Boy: Ronnie and I have been together for a year and nine months now. He continues to be a blessing in my life, each and every day. It has been an interesting year for Ronnie and I. Ronnie joined the army in February and graduated bootcamp in May. He was then stationed in Velsick, Germany where I was able to visit in July.

Job: I took a job back in March as an RA (Resident Assistant) of Kem hall at IWU. I love my job. I feel like I get paid to make friends and encourage people. There are inconvenient parts like meetings and paperwork, but overall this is the best and funnest job I have ever had.

Family: The Fam moved back to Indy in June. It has been interesting having them so close. They are getting into the swing of life here again.

School: This past semester has been my hardest yet. With Organic Chem I and Mammalian Anatomy, I have learned very quickly that college is a lot harder than high school. It has been discouraging to study harder than I ever have before and still not see the benefits on tests. But in the end, I passed the classes and that's all that matters.

Dreams and Changes to Come
This next year is sure to be a year full of change. I plan to transfer to IUPUI in Indianapolis for school next year. Lord willing, my parents will have a house and I will live in the condo and commute to school. I love Indiana Wesleyan and know that I will be sad to leave, but I am also very excited about this next step in my life.

Christmas 2009

This Christmas was a simply wonderful time with family. We stayed in Indianapolis through Christmas day this year. It was a little chilly compared to our Honduran Christmas on the beach last year. On Christmas day, we opened up our presents and headed to Ft. Wayne for Christmas lunch/dinner. We spent the next four days up there visiting with grandma and pawpaw, aunt lynn, and uncle rick. It was a very relaxing time filled with lazy movies and lots of food. I am most thankful for the time I was able to spend with my family and Ronnie. It was nice to get away from the business of life. I think Ronnie enjoyed it too. He feels right at home with my family and loves spending time looking through PawPaw's collection of military uniforms and such. :)

Another Perfect Date

Ronnie surprised me with the perfect date. He had it all figured out even before he stepped foot on American soil. We got all dressed up and he took me to St. Elmo's Steak House in downtown Indy. It was a very nice place with AMAZING food. But that was just the beginning. Next, he took me to the Circle Theater to see the Yuletide celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. I have always wanted to go to something like that! It was such a great show too. It was so fun to see the bright costumes and see the musicians. I have the greatest boyfriend ever... :D

Family Matters

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." Dr. Seuss

forgive me for a second... i have a lot going in my head... and im sorry for the parts that come out with my science classes attached to them (anatomy specifically).

Family has been on my mind lately and has caused me to question what is a family, who is my family, and how do i know? I have been so blessed to have such an amazing family that loves me and cares for me no matter what. But I have seen them also love others with that same family love. I have come to realize that for some, it is not the blood that makes you related, but the relationship.

The bottom line...

Families come in all shapes and sizes. just because you are blood does not mean you are family. A family is a small-scale replica of the body of Christ. it is made up of all different parts and all different functions. No part outwieghs the other in value, opinion, or conviction. Each part relies on the others and CARES ABOUT THE OTHERS. But how can you care about others if you do not love them? and how can you love others unless you have Christ's love? I have to ask then, if you do not CARE for others... their well being, lives, dreams, needs.... how can you love them or the God that created them? If you... in your bitterness, unforgiveness, apathy, or ignorance... CHOOSE not to show love to another in word, thought, and deed, you are not family. You have disconnected yourself from the body. You force the body to restructure itself in such a way as to nourish all parts even if it means bypassing the most effective route. Take heed, a single cell cannot survive alone. we are designed to be a family. we are designed to love.

Present Wrapping!

Opie wants to help!First, you pick out the paper...

Make sure the present is in there snug!
Now, fold in the sides.
Now reward yourself with a nice rest. :)

Finals are over and I find myself packing yet again. My room is a disaster!

7 days and counting [down]!

7 days until this semester is officially over
7 days until i go home for Christmas
7 days until i pick Ronnie up from the airport

*sigh* just 7 more days. Just gotta finish these FiNaLs....

because i dont feel like studying for finals...

I thought I would share a quote sent to me by a dear family friend. I really love it.

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind.

Some come from ahead and some from behind.

But I've bought a bat.

I'm all ready you see.

Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!!"

-Dr Seusss

Philosophy Class

Thought I would share this...

Unit Bowling

So I am officially REALLY bad at bowling. But it was a good time none the less. I love my girls.

Family Weekend

Last weekend was Family Weekend here at IWU. My family came up on Sunday and stayed for dinner and a magic show. Then we all went up to Fort Wayne. We celebrated my birthday on Saturday with my grandparents (Yay for IHOP and Shopping!). On Sunday, I was back in Indy with the fam doing the normal sunday stuff; church, lunch, playing with the pets, but we also got to go to the Gift and Hobby Show downtown which was fun. :)

21!

Yes, I know... dont tell me, Im old. Thursday was my 21st birthday. I celebrated by:
~ sleeping in
~ not getting mad when my lab partner made our experiment explode
~ Ordering Pizza and watching a movie with my suitemates
~ Eating surprise birthday cake
~ Unit Devos
~ talking to love ones near and far

It really was a good birthday.

Fall Break-- Gone in a Flash

This past weekend was a wonderful time to be home.
I spent my time:
** Celebrating Dad's birthday
** Getting my first cavity filled (boo)
** Playing with the kitten
** Sleeping in
** Shopping
** Going to my home church
** Visiting the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition House near Kokomo
** and pretending I didnt have homework.

I love going home but it makes reality hit 10 times harder once you get back. bleh.

Opie being a cutie.Under constructionFrito wants some birthday pie!

Hate Mail

"When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."

You will always have people who disagree with you , no matter what your cause is. My mom has always told me that it is ok to disagree, but we can all "disagree agreeably." This past weekend, Ronnie and I experienced the disrespect that comes from the unwarranted harassment of hate mail. Through a series of e-mails, the extreme political views of an individual were made MORE than know through her loathsome hatred of our nation's soldiers. While I can only assume her goal was to somehow sway our beliefs thorugh her vulgar language, she has oly succeeded in reassuring Ronnie and me that we are following God's will and that persecution comes with the territory.

Ronnie To Be Deployed

This is an article about the upcoming deployment of Ronnie's Unit next July.

http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=65513

Vilseck-based Stryker regiment tapped for Afghan rotation

By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Online edition, Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The following correction to this story was posted October 21: Because of incorrect information provided by the Pentagon, a story in the Oct. 21 edition wrongly stated that the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, based out of Vilseck, Germany, would deploy to Afghanistan in the spring. The deployment will begin in July.

ARLINGTON, Va. — The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment out of Vilseck, Germany, will deploy to Afghanistan in July, the Defense Department announced on Tuesday.

The deployment is part of a series of scheduled rotations that will not increase U.S. troop strength in Afghanistan beyond the roughly 68,000 troops there now, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said on Tuesday.

The regiment is slated to replace the 2nd Infantry Division’s 5th Stryker Brigade now serving in southern Afghanistan.

The 5th Strykers were sent to Kandahar and Zabul province as part of an effort to try to secure the region ahead of Afghanistan’s presidential elections in August.

It’s been a deadly deployment for the Fort Lewis, Wash.-based unit as the U.S. attempts to push the Taliban out of southern Afghanistan: 17 5th Stryker soldiers have died since the unit deployed in July, according to data compiled by icasualties.org.

The Vilseck unit was officially notified about the upcoming deployment last week, according to Maj. Michael Sieber, a unit information officer.

The regiment will be based in Kandahar and fall under Regional Command-South in Afghanistan, Sieber said. However, Whitman noted that the commander on the ground ultimately decides where units end up.

Members of the 2nd Cav had been training in the expectation of a deployment in mid- to late summer, Sieber said.

For the past few months, 2nd Cav soldiers trained in Romania alongside members of a Romanian battalion task force that was due to deploy to Zabul province under RC South, he said. Another unit operating in Zabul is the Hohenfels, Germany-based 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment. Upon returning to Germany, soldiers from the unit will help train the Strykers during a mission-rehearsal exercise in winter or early spring, Sieber said.

“Having that firsthand experience in RC South – you can’t ask for a better training opportunity,” he said.

Soldiers from 2nd Cav are learning Pashtu phrases such as “Hello”, “Do you need help” and “Are you injured” that will enable them to communicate in southern Afghanistan, he said.

“The thought is if you focus soldiers on 20 key phrases, that will break the cultural barrier,” he said.

The veteran of the regiment’s last deployment to Iraq, from 2006 to 2008, said he expects Afghanistan to be a different sort of fight.

“There’s much less infrastructure and services in Afghanistan that there were in Iraq,” he said. “As we draw down our mission in Iraq and turn that over to the Iraqi forces we are now pushing these resources into Afghanistan. The focus is there and I think we will make an impact.”

Also deploying this spring will be the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, out of Fort Campbell, Ky., which will relieve an Army unit now in eastern Afghanistan, Whitman said.

Together, the two units have about 7,700 troops, he said. In fall 2010, the 34th Infantry Division of the Iowa National Guard will also head to Afghanistan.

The Defense Department also announced Tuesday that a squadron of MV-22 Osprey aircraft out of Jacksonville, N.C., will deploy to Afghanistan next month.

This marks the Afghanistan debut for the MV-22, which can fly like a fixed-wing aircraft and hover like a helicopter. The move involves about 200 Marines and between 10 to 12 aircraft, officials said.

Welcome to my World...

sorry this is way overdue...

Update on Ronnie

So I know you have all been waiting on this, so I appologize that it is so over due.

Ronnie was unofficially diagnosed with Costocondritus (inflammation of the costal cartilage around the ribs) several months ago. The ARMY was planning to take action on his case, while we were not certain what the "action" would be.

Since then,Ronnie has been incident free for almost a month now. We praise God for the time he had off to heal while the rest of his unit was in Bulgaria for a month in late August. His episodes slowly became less intense and less frequent with the rest. As of now, the ARMY has still taken no definite action so Ronnie has returned to work as usual with the ability to go into the less vigorous "training room" if he feels the need in the future. I think he is quite pleased with the outcome. He is happy to be back involved with the unit and training to do what he joined the army to do. In the end the results are more than what we could have asked for and for that, we praise God. Thank you all so much for your prayers through this trying and scary time for both Ronnie and myself. We are so thankful for all of you.

In addition, Ronnie feels like he has "found his place" in Germany. He has found a church to attend on a semi-regular basis (when he is not on duty)and has also been assigned to a squad. He has been enjoying much of his training and even got his German driver's liscense this week! On top of it all he has made many new friends which is a huge blessing.

Inspirational.

This song was written and sung by a friend of mine in Honduras. It is really very moving.

Simplicity.

A sterilized place doesn't grow anything bad, but it doesn't grow anything good either.
What kind of Christianity are you living?

uh, oh....

New Kitten!

He doesnt have a name yet, but ISN'T HE JUST THE CUTEST THING EVER!?!?
He is a 5 month old manx cat, which means he has no tail. *sigh* I love him.

He loves to cuddle and is super curious. :D

De-piling

Or maybe it is just re-piling, but regaurdless, it is the goal of the day. I feel a tad overwhelmed with all the parts of... well... me... lying around everywhere. There are stacks of RA forms to fill out and stacks to turn in; lists of assignments to do and papers to start; piles of clothes, and mail, and trash, and STUFF laying all over my room; and still more unmentioned things piling in the back of my head waiting to burst out.

Jesus, give me strength to sift through this messiness of life and the will to prioritize as you see fit.

Unit Dinner OUT!

Some of our unit at La Charreada. MMMMMmmmmm!

Big Weekend

Last weekend was a wonderful and fun filled weekend. Friday was grandparent's day here at IWU and of course, grandma and pawpaw were more than happy to come. After a day here on campus, I went back to Ft. Wayne with them and my family met us up there. Saturday we were able to go to the Johnny Appleseed Festival and Celebrate grandma and pawpaw's upcoming birthdays!

Res Life

Last week was Resident's Life Week. I was so proud of the participation of our unit in the events; Luau, Lodge ball, and of course, the Bowman Boat race.

Sarah winning 1st in the limbo!

Lodge Ball!

Ine built and sailed our cardboad boat!

Introducing....

The ladies of Kem 3 East! I love them so much. This week has been a great first week. It has been packed full of classes, new friends, meetings, and school events. While exhausting, I think we would all agree that it has been both fun and rewarding. I love these girls to pieces...

Roomie

I am so happy to have Tay (and my suitemates Amy and Sarah) back at school with me. The past few weeks have been so... empty without them. They are the greatest. :)

Concepcion Prayer Update [from my mom]

Hi, Everyone,

Just wanted to send you an update on the Honduran political situation. I got the note below a few days ago from Sally at the Cornerstone home office and just haven't had a chance to pass it along to you until now. Sounds like things are heating up again, so please keep the nation of Honduras and it's current and rightful leaders in your prayers. I believe ex-President Zalaya's meeting with Hilary Clinton is happening today. Read Sally's note below for more details...

Also, keep praying for Ronnie. He's still having the same health issues, but not getting too many questions answered. He's back in the barracks on base in Germany, but not supposed to be doing too much physically...much to the dismay (and disregard) of some of his superiors. He had some more tests last week and is still waiting on results. The doctors feel they have ruled out many of the more obvious possibilities - heart problems, stroke, aneurism, etc. - but are still perplexed by his symptoms. They have been trying to rule out other serious neurological problems. His primary physician seems to think at least part of the problem may be due to costochondritis, an inflammation of the cartilage between the sternum and the ribs brought on by excessive upper body exercise. It can cause severe chest pain that can mimic a heart attack. This doesn't explain all of his symptoms, but may be a start. Please pray for healing and that the Lord will work out the specifics of his circumstances for his best and for God's glory.

As a praise report, I was very excited to hear from our friend, Heidi Merritt in Honduras the other night. She and I worked together on getting the "Creating Positive Relationships" abstinence-based sex education program up and running in the local schools in the area surrounding the hospital this past year. She hosted an official CPR training event at the hospital last weekend for potential teachers. There were two Spanish-speaking trainers from Nicaragua and another gal from the main office here in Indianapolis who flew in to lead the 3-day event. Heidi reports that God really showed up in a big way - the material was not only well-received, it turned into a revival of sorts, with many people joining the group late just to sit and listen to the biblical basis for saving sex for marriage! When all was said and done, thirty-one people were certified to be teachers - 25 Hondurans and 6 more of the Loma de Luz missionaries! Many of the trainees caught the vision in a big way and are chomping at the bit wanting to take it out into the community as soon as possible all up and down the Caribbean coast of Honduras! This is a huge answer to prayer and confirmation of the vision that the Lord gave us over a year ago when we named our organization "CPR- Honduras North Coast". It's exciting to see the way the Lord is taking our meager efforts and multiplying them already. Many have already asked if the training could be repeated again soon, and the CPR main office here is considering sending the trainers back as early as next Spring to do it again. Praise the Lord with us for this awesome answer to prayer and please continue praying for this vital ministry that is so needed in that little corner of the world.

One more important thing, I wanted to let you know that we received our July financial report from LAM last week and our accounts are all in the black after all of our final expenses were paid! We are praising the Lord for seeing us through the last 4 years and providing more than we could have asked or imagined in every possible way. Thanks so much to all of you who prayed and contributed financially...we are so grateful for your investment in our ministry!! If you have been having your monthly donations automatically withdrawn, please remember to stop those payments, or have them redesignated to another LAM missionary (Drs. Shaw and Sharon Yount and their 2 daughters are with LAM and currently serving at Hospital Loma de Luz). And please remember that even though we're no longer physically there, the work at Hospital Loma de Luz continues and is still in need of your prayers. Be sure to check their website periodically for updates on the work and the needs there at www.crstone.org.

Thanks for praying,

Margo, for all of us

Dear Cornertone Friends--

Your renewed intensity of prayer is needed. Things are looking worse for Honduras now. The USA is instituting a freeze on visas for all Hondurans, and Sec. of State Hillary Clinton's staff is recommending that she sign a determination which would finally officially classify Honduras's actions in June as a "coup"; if she signs this document, it will trigger suspension of $215 million in US aid, which would be devastating for Honduras, especially with the OAS also angrily against Honduras.

In the midst of all this something happened which has profoundly arrested my attention. As the United States and the OAS walked out of talks recently, angry with Honduras and intimating that these actions will soon take place, here is what President Micheletti had to say: “Now they have sent us their messages, but we have faith in the Supreme Creator that he will not leave us alone, We have faith in God that the position of our country is simply defending democracy, not distorting it.”

I thank God for the courage and the deep commitment of Honduras to do what's right. The way of looking at the world, at human nature, and at freedom, which our own founding fathers had has been abandoned by our government because the faith of our founders was abandoned first. Once you abandoned God, that worldview that sees human life and liberty as sacred while also recognizing the fallen nature of humanity and taking measures to account for it, will disappear and be replaced by other views--views which all lead eventually to repression, misery, and destruction. No, our current leaders do not boldly "with a firm reliance on Divine Providence" pledge their lives, their property, and their sacred honor for the cause of liberty. Yet in tiny Honduras, a spark of this amazing boldness and commitment to defend democracy and freedom and to resist tyranny has bravely appeared. And it has appeared because as a whole, right now, Honduras has the faith in God our founders had. They are bravely stepping out alone because they believe they can "with a firm reliance" trust their Creator to not leave them alone. What a difference true faith in God makes. Take that faith and go to your Lord and Creator with prayers for Honduras. The Honduran people have been fasting and praying. Let's renew our determination to join them.

--Sally for Cornerstone

Update on My Boy

Just as a quick update, Ronnie is still about the same. He has been having "episodes" every few days. He had one this afternoon [bringing his total to 10]. He was in his room (again) and fell (again). He had a bunch of lab work done a couple weeks ago so we are waiting to hear the results and see if he get an "official" diagnosis. Please keep him in your prayers. :)

*exhale*

The past couple weeks have been packed full of.... stuff... RA Training has been virtually non-stop through the days while staff meetings, hall decorating, and paper work have managed to fill the rest of my time. I have pulled many late nights and consequently feel rather drained and exhausted. I know that in the end it will all be worth it, but for now.... I CAN NOT WAIT TO SLEEP IN TOMORROW!

[me and melissa, the other RA on my floor.]

Staff Day Away

Saturday, the Kem staff took a day off just to spend time as a family. We headed to Indy and started our afternoon with a picnic by the canal and some fun pictures [promise to post them when i get copies]. Next we headed to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, a first for me. It was quite fun to see the exhibits, especially the modern art ones. After the museum, we went had coffee at the Creation Cafe before having dinner at CHIPOTLE (love that place). It was a fun, and also very relaxing day. :)

A splash of color

I am up to my ears tonight in arts and crafts. I am working on decorating my unit. I am so excited to get rolling and hope it turns out well. I cant wait for you to see pictures when I'm all done!!!

Kem 3 East.

While it is boring and bland for now, it wont be for long. ;) Stay tuned to see what's coming soon.

Staff Retreat

The IWU Resident Life Staff went for a weekend away this past weekend. We camped in Salamoni for 3 days and 2 nights. The weather was a bit drizzly for most of the weekend but we still had a wonderful time bonding around our fire with our own staff and playing games with our brother dorm, Scripture. I love my Kem girls!

Starting Over

I am officially unpacked back at IWU in suite 308-1. The campus seems a bit lonely and quiet, but I am thankful to have my RA friends around to keep me company. Tomorrow we start our first day of RA training bright and early. I promise to put up pics of my room and my soon-to-be-decorated unit soon!

Possible Diagnosis!

Ronnie saw a neurologist this morning and could possibly have a diagnosis!!!! Ok, but before we get too excited, there are still a few Lab tests they want to run, so keep praying!

Costochondritis- is an inflammation of a rib or the cartilage connecting a rib. This condition is thought to be bost commonly due to repetitive microtrauma, or overuse.

SO, we hope this is what all this drama has been about and that with the right treatment and plan, it can be controlled. :)

Lunch with Daddy!

I went with Shelby to have lunch with Dad at work on Friday. I have been wanting to see his new job at Lilly for a while. Since no picture taking is allowed, I will just have to tell you that Elli Lilly is an AMAZING company. They have 2 cafeterias, a museum, nice outdoor eating areas, stores, coffee shops, a bank and dry cleaning! So, even if you didn't like your job for some reason, you at least have a cool place to hang out during the day. Neat place.

Dismissed

Ronnie is back in Vilseck tonight after about a week in the Military hospital in Lanstal. After more "episodes," many tests and an exploratory surgery [that one was this morning], the doctor dismissed him saying he is "the healthiest one in the hospital." Though we all know that is not true, we are almost relieved for him to be going back to the baracks. Maybe the doctors that already know him can give him a bit more insight into his test results.

Please continue to pray for wisdome for the doctors as they search for a diagnosis to this strange and painful ailment. Also, pray for healing for Ronnie's body as he recovers from surgery. Pray for listening ears and willing hearts for all involved in Ronnie's situation. He is very tired of people telling him he is perfectly healthy despite obvious symptoms. Feeling ignored and neglected has become very frustrating. We know God is still in control and HE knows what's going on. Thanks for your prayers.

Update on Ronnie

Ronnie was able to see a neurologist last week. She had several ideas of what could be going on in his body, none of which i can pronounce. She set him up with a schedule of tests to be run at the military and got him on the list.
On Friday, Ronnie went on a Christian men's retreat for soldiers near the Austria-Germany border. It was a great time for him to relax and enjoy a short time outside hospital walls. He had a great time and even got to go base jumping (no illness can keep him down--lol)!
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse once again on Sunday morning when Ronnie had another "episode"... I suppose you can call it a seizure... His roommate called the ambulance and he was rushed away to another German hospital. It would appear that this seizure came with more pain and difficulty breathing than the others. The Doctors said that he even stopped breathing a couple times. After large doses of meds and with the help of wonderful staff, Ronnie was confirmed for a transfer to the military hospital in Lanstal (sp?). He began the transport this morning but did not make it there until evening as they took a minor detour to another hospital when Ronnie had another siezure ( #6 for those keeping count).
He is now safely at the military hospital and has confidence that these doctors will help him find out what is wrong. Pray for strength and courage for Ronnie as he endures many tests in the next few days. Also, pray that the doctors will have wisdom and that the LORD will provide a miraculous healing in Ronnie's body.

I love my job!

These are my wonderful kids. I couldn't ask for a better job... fun, snacks, toys, and dont forget imaginary games!

In and Out

Ronnie went back to the hospital late last night after a FOURTH episode of excruciating pain woke him and left him nearly convulsing on the floor. This time it happened when he was fast asleep. He didn't stay at the hospital long as he persuaded the medical staff to discharge him this morning. He does not want anything to stand in the way of the much anticipated neurologist appointment he has tomorrow. Pray we get some answers.

New Hamster!

This is Frito. Frito Bandito. Isn't he cute!?!

Today I decided...

I'm ready to go back to school. I'm ready to be on a schedule and not be bored. I'm ready to be back in the dorm. I'm ready to see my friends and make new ones. Hurry up, summer.

Short and Sweet

Just a quick update with a longer one to follow in a day or so...

Ronnie was discharged from the German Hospital (for the 3rd time) today. He is now back on base with a pass to get him out of all physical activity. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, not for a soldier; it makes for very long, very boring days. He has an appointment tomorrow after which we hope to know a bit more about what will happen next, including a potential trip to the Military hospital. Keep praying!

PS~ slowly but surely, his arm is gaining back strength. He can now move his fingers a bit!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 20th Birthday, Ronnie!
This year has been full of changes for us both but I am so thankful to have you through them all. I cant wait to see what this year holds. I am so blessed to have you in my life.

I love you.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3

Back in the Hospital

Ronnie is back in the German hospital in Amburg today after experiencing a third episode last (Sunday) night. After a few hours of intense pain, he once again blacked out and was taken by peramedics to the hospital. The doctors continue to be baffled as all results come back normal despite the obvious problem at hand. Ronnie will be kept in the hospital through Wednesday when, after some more tests on base, he may be transferred to the military hospital a few hours away. Please pray for answers and also for peace durring this difficult time.

Change of Scenes but the Same Story

I’m sure that most of you have already heard, but Ronnie had another episode yesterday. While getting ready to take a shower, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and blacked out for several minutes during which he fell, hitting his head and ripping his IV out. This is a scary scenario for an individual on blood thinners. All was resolved thankfully leaving Ronnie in no worse condition than before.

Despite the incident and lack of diagnosis, Ronnie’s parents’ brief trip came to a close when they headed home early this morning. They arrived home safely, but no doubt slightly jet-lagged this evening. We were glad they could spend the short amount of time that they could with Ronnie as he no doubt feels very lonely and isolated.

Ronnie was released from the German hospital in Amburg this morning after the doctors decided that they could find no explanation and had no more tests to conduct. He is now back on the army base where he will [hopefully] be withdrawn from all work and activities (at least that is what he was told). With this time, he will be able to go to doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, checkups, and potentially take more tests whenever necessary. Ronnie has been told that the damage to his body is serious but that it should heal in time. Until then, all we can do is search for a reason and pray that it doesn’t happen again.

Please pray with us:

~that no more “incidents” occur especially while he is not under medical supervision

~that the doctor will know which tests to proceed with to find out what is wrong

~that the incredible migraine Ronnie is experiencing (probably for the spinal tap) would quickly disperse

~that the swelling in his arm will decrease and its mobility will increase

~that his sight in his left eye will return despite tests showing that it has worsened

~that the Army will be understanding of his situation and make the proper calls regarding his service

~that Ronnie will be productive with his time and not feel bored

~that he will not feel alone or disheartened as he is away from friends and family

~that the neurologist appointment on Monday yields positive results

But we are also thankful:

~for a neurologist that has taken special interest in Ronnie’s case

~for the free medical care given to soldiers

~for a night free of needles and IVs as Ronnie sleeps

~the prayers of loved ones everywhere

~for a God who can handle the things that even doctors can’t comprehend

Update on Ronnie

In some ways there was a lot of progress today, but in other areas, we are still waiting. Ronnie had a spinal tap this afternoon. Although painful, the doctor said it was necessary to rule out and confirm several different things. We are still waiting to hear the results. I know a lot of people have asked about whether a stroke has been considered or ruled out. According to the doctor, a stroke has been ruled out. Ronnie was also able to see a therapist who gave him exercises for his still limp arm to help him regain some strength. The doctors also talked of the possibility of transferring him to a military hospital a few hours away later in the week. For now, the tests continue. All we can do is pray that with each test, the doctors are one step closer to a diagnosis.

In addition, Ronnie's mom, dad, and brother arrived to the hospital a couple hours ago.

Still Testing

Just in case you are wondering, this is Ronnie's "They took away my cookies" face. He continues to be in good spirits even in the face of uncertainty. There is still no definite answer to what is wrong in Ronnie's body. He has seen several more doctors and had more tests run today. They are hoping steroids will help to speed up the healing process in his eye and that a cortisone treatment will help his body as well. He can now lift his left arm but still has limited feeling and muscle control. The doctors expect to keep him in the hospital for quite a while. His mom, dad, and brother will be joining him tomorrow. Please continue to pray.

URGENT Prayer for Ronnie

While I would love to spend time telling you all about the last few days of my Germany trip, it will have to wait. Right now I am asking that you take a moment and pray for Ronnie. I'm sure this short blog will lead you with a lot of questions, but unfortunately, neither Ronnie nor I can answer them.

Ronnie dropped my off at the Frankfurt airport yesterday afternoon (German time which is 6hrs ahead of IN). As I made my way back to the US, Ronnie took a train back to the base. He began to not feel well in the evening. He said it was minor chest pain. He went to the store and, on the way back, collapsed. He said it was like getting stabbed in the chest but it sent a pain surging through his left arm and up his neck. He cant remember what happened after that or how long he laid there, but he woke up to some guys dragging him through the woods and asking him how long he had been there and what had happened. they got him to the base clinic and called an ambulance which took him to the closest hospital.

He had/has paralysis on his left side in his arm and something wrong with his left eye. He can move a couple fingers now, but his arm is still limp. The doctors have been running tests. His MRI and CAT Scan came back fine. He is waiting to see/hear from a neurologist in the morning that will hopefully be able to explain the results of another shock-type test.

Please, please pray for Ronnie as he goes through all of this. I know he feels very alone in it all because he is so far away and I'm sure that is scary too. Also pray that the doctors will find out what is wrong quickly and that it will be an easy fix. Also, we are not sure what the Army will do with all of this. Your prayers are coveted. Thank you.

please feel free to comment.

A Practical Treasure

Ronnie and I have seen probably 7 or 8 different Catholic Cathedrals since I have been here in Germany. Each is unique. Some are decorated with wood carvings while others are coated with Gold. One even had skeletons in glass caskets all around! Despite the differences, the Cathedrals are all treasures.

A relationship with Christ use to be something treasured, much like these cathedrals. It was worth a high price; it was a sacrifice. But somewhere along the way the beautiful treasure became untouchable; too valuable to be of everyday importance. It lost its practicality. Later down the line, some people rediscovered the practicality of the treasure and began allowing it to be used again, but soon the treasure was no longer seen as a treasure but as normal. It lost its beauty and its value. We are called to treasure what Christ has done for us as well as grow daily in relationship with him. A relationship with Christ is both practical and beautiful, and these Cathedrals helped me to remember that.

From Planes and Taxis to Trains, Oh my!

My first time on a German train was a lot of fun! We did have a bit of an adventure though... our train was late to our first stop so we missed our next train. But, after a brief panic we were on our way. Ronnie was great at making sure we found out were to go for the next one. Eventually, we made it to Vilseck. What a fun day!

The Bon Hof