Gratitude...My day started with a phone call in the shuttle on our way to Mayo.  A dear friend who is bravely fighting a long and hard battle with cancer called to let me know she was praying for me.  Comment after comment on my FB shows the love of amazing, faithful people who are praying for me.  And that is only my FB savvy friends and family!  I know their are countless more prayer warriors taking the time to lift me and my diagnosis up in prayer.  I just want to say thank you! 

I think of all the stories behind each face as we ride the shuttle to and from the clinic.  A lot of people facing a lot of really hard things.  People of all ages and backgrounds all brought to this place seeking hope and healing.  Amazing people who can laugh and cry while so many things are uncertain.  I pray they know the hope and love of our Savior.  I know I have seen his face in many of the people we have met.  I feel so blessed to have my wonderful husband right here beside me and my friends and family  taking care of my kids and so many other things while we are away.  Thank you! 

Life is easier when we are grateful..."and in everything, with prayer and thanksgiving, make your requests known unto God.  And the peace that passes understanding will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

I made it through the EMG today.  Electric shocks to test the health of the nerves, and tiny microphones inserted into the muscles to test the health of the muscles.  Not my favorite test.  Made it through by singing songs of thankfulness under my breath.  It still was no fun, but a little perspective goes a long way. 

Tomorrow will be the Evoked Potential, MRI & then meeting with the neurologist at 4.  I do not know what we will find out tomorrow if anything.  Not sure if the blood work will be back before my appointment.  We will need to return next Wednesday & Thursday for more tests & meeting with the neurogeneticist.  

Well it has definitely been a crazy 24 hours.  I did not complete my preliminary paperwork until we arrived last night.  I sent in all the forms they requested, but the medical history form needed to be brought to my 1st appointment.  I am a very compartmentalized person.  I can only process so much at a time, and if I cant fix it, I need to close the compartment.  Otherwise I try and spin solutions.  I am a fixer, it is in my nature... So needless to say, going over everything last night was kind of like ripping a scab off of an old wound.  My mind started spinning.  "What will tomorrow hold?" "What will the doctor think?", "Will he take me seriously?"  "What tests do I need to redo?"  There are so many what ifs!  I got my paperwork done and looked over my medical records.  The whole thing seems so unbelievable.  Why can I function perfectly normally at times, and other times my legs just do not do what I tell them too?  It seems crazy to me, how am I going to try and explain this to yet another doctor? 

I spent some time in prayer and reading my devotion.  God is so awesome to always, always give us just what we need, when we need it.  I have been reading Jesus Calling, a devotional book by Sarah Young.  Yesterdays devotional reminded me that God is taking care of me.  My prayer has been for Peace, Protection, and Provision for our time here at Mayo.  I know that God has it all under control, I just need those reminders.  The devotion went on to say "When your mind goes into neutral and your thoughts flow freely, you tend to feel anxious and alone.  Your focus becomes problem solving (Who me?!?).  To get your mind back into gear, just turn toward Me, bringing yourself and your problems into My presence."  Exodus 33:14 "The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you and I will give you rest."

It still took a long time to unwind and fall asleep, but I fell asleep in God's presence, in His peace, whispering the name of Jesus. 

Today went well.  My doctor is very knowledgeable and took the time to really review my records and listen to my symptoms.  We are starting the full barrage of testing tomorrow.  I have an EMG (no fun :() scheduled for 1:50 - we are hoping to get in sooner on standby.  I am still waiting for an appointment with a neurogeneticist to see what all we need to do.  I have a couple other tests scheduled for Thursday and then more next week.  We are praying that maybe by going on standby we can speed up the process.  If not we should be able to come home Friday and then return next week.   Thank you for all of your continued prayers!  God is good, all the time!!!

Well, the long awaited appointment to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is approaching.  Amidst preparations for our Easter celebration, I am writing out packing lists and trying to think of everything the kids may need for their time at Nana & Poppy's.   Last week I was terribly anxious.  I had a hard time sleeping and was really dreading this appointment.  I am thankful that so many dear pray warriors are covering me in prayer.  I really feel more at peace.  I can't say I am looking forward to this at all, but I am more at ease.  I have been reading an amazing devotional called "Jesus Calling" and God has really been using it to speak right into my heart.  I am going to try and update my blog while we are away, as time and energy permit.  Thank you again for all your prayers and notes of encouragement!