Day two of our cruise could only be summed as an adventure filled with lots of laughter and memories. *smiles* First thought I want to show a couple of pictures from the concerts at night from day one that I talked about in the blog post from yesterday! (And maybe this is a good time to mention that a few some lots pretty much every picture from the concerts all revolve around the Wissmann Family. *smiles* ) Our cruise was on Royal Caribbean(the Majesty of the Seas ship) and most of our entertainment was in the Spectrum Lounge on the ship. It was a lovely room and venue for the entertainment.
Some of the Wissmann Family singing at night. (Sorry that this picture is a little blury!)
On day two of our cruise we arrived in Nassau in the morning and Michelle and I enjoyed an absolutely beautiful view as we ate breakfast. The colors of the water are so absolutely stunning!! Those unique blues were breath-taking!
After eating breakfast we headed out into Nassau and grabbed a taxi (a story for another time *smiles*) and were taken to Atlantis. After walking around and chatting with a lovely staff member we decided to purchase a ticket to have access to the aquariums, a couple of beaches, and also were given a complimentary lunch voucher. We had a lovely time walking around and chatting and catching up on life. God was so good to give me the energy to have the opportunity to explore Atlantis as it was definitely all Him!
This rope bridge was so adorable!
All of the animals that we saw around the property were so unique and interesting!
This guy was approximately 75 pounds... I don't know why but I couldn't stop giggling as I looked at him!
The Atlantis grounds are truly beautiful! They are filled with lots of beautiful waterfalls, trees, and gorgeous colors.
As I mentioned above we were given a lunch voucher with our ticket and we ate lunch around a pool (and near some of the water slides that I definitely want to go on the next time I go to Atlantis !!) & had the most delightful time relaxing, talking, & laughing while we ate.
In my next post I will share pictures of our time in Nassau which was an adventure (to say the least). It was delightful to see Atlantis and I would love to return again one day!
It's hard to believe that it was just a week ago that this adventure began! There are so many AMAZING details that God did on this trip that I am still processing and will share in the near future but am also anxious to share with y'all some lots of pictures from this amazing week. It would be an understatement to say that this week was literally a MIRACLE from the Lord and I am confident that this was simply the answer to hundreds and hundreds of you that have been praying on my behalf! THANK YOU so much for all of your prayers last week and for all of your prayers that you pray every single day for my health. Slowly, Surely, Steadily (Habakkuk 2:3) the Lord is healing each day and this week away was just what the doctor ordered.
The trip began last Sunday afternoon with a tearful goodbye to my mama. I know that this will seem silly but I can't explain the way that this trip was truly a LEAP of faith for me as I had not been away from my parents or family (or at least doctors) for over a year and a half. The thought of stepping out and leaving the country was very overwhelming for me, especially in light of the extremely difficult days leading up to the trip. I share this only so that you can see through the next several days the countless prayers that were answered throughout this special trip !
On my first flight I sat next to a woman who was going through an extremely difficult time as she was headed to see her best friend who has been fighting cancer and was heading into hospice. The minute that she sat down I could tell that she was hurting and her eyes welled up with tears as she told her story. Please keep this lady and her precious friend in your prayers whenever you think of them (and their families). On the second flight into Miami (where our cruise was leaving from) I (and many others on the plane) were given the nicest gift of having a practically empty plane for about 30 of us. It was such a treat from the Lord to have the opportunity to stretch out, pray, and sleep. The Lord knew that I would need that sleep and it was a delightful surprise! As you can see from these pictures that I took from the window we were headed into Florida and the weather was beautiful!
Almost to Miami (and I was so excited to see Michelle!)
I was so blessed to have a nice military man help me with bag at the baggage claim and was headed over to pick up the rental car to drive to the hotel when I ran into some issues. Unfortunately the baggage claim is quite a LONG distance from the Car rental area. As I went to the service/information area at the Miami Airport to look into getting some assistance I was informed that because I didn't "look like I was sick enough" (despite having the disability tag, documentation from my doctor, etc) I could not get assistance. I honestly was near tears at this point as I was exhausted and embarrassed as this woman yelled at me. Looking back I should have definitely requested to speak to her manager but unfortunately was to tired to think through that rationally. Instead I ended up dragging my heavy bags approximately a mile, and after arriving at my rental car I broke down sobbing to Michelle and to my parents begging them to let me just come home. Once again I am amazed at how the Lord meets us each minute as my parents calmly listened, encouraged me, and then suggested that I meet up with Michelle before I make any decisions. (yes, my parents are very wise hahaha) When I finally arrived at the hotel (yes, the story is true that I almost was arrested because I turned into a "secure entrance" hahaha you would think I had never lived away from my family in three major cities and abroad as you read this story hahaha) Michelle sweetly met me with a hug and encouraged me and promptly took over with the preparations that we needed to make. After resting a little bit, some good laughs with this dear woman and eating a good dinner, we headed back to the hotel to find out that we were not assigned a shuttle to the port like we were originally told. Thankfully we were able to get one of the last spots for the last available shuttle and both of us were glad to get some good nights sleep that evening before the adventure of the cruise began!
Because our shuttle didn't leave until early afternoon for the port Michelle and I spent the morning driving around some of Miami, heading to Whole Foods to pick up some supplies for the trip, and returning the rental car. Thankfully and an answer to prayer was that the rental company helped us immensely and we were able to catch a taxi that took us right to the hotel with minimal walking. After we ate a snack and packed up the room we went downstairs to catch the shuttle and both Michelle and I were incredibly grateful for the spacious shuttle van that took us down to the port! If we look a little tired in this picture it is only because we had been informed that we only had a few minutes to grab all of our stuff or the shuttle was going to leave without us.
After we arrived at the port we made our way (with the gracious and amazing help of some Royal Caribbean staff) to the boat! We had a few minutes to put our things in our room and grab lunch before our 2:45pm introduction meeting. During the course of the week this became the joke between Michelle & I and some friends at our table as we started off carrying our lunches into this meeting and pretty much every activity at night our group did we continued to carry food in. Yes, there were some giggles but many people actually admitted that they were jealous that they had not thought of bringing in the food! Soon we started seeing several people copying our example! *smiles*
After the meeting we headed to our Master Muster (why is it called this??) Station drill and then we grabbed some seats at the top of the boat for the launch!
We were so blessed to have such a beautiful view and weather!
Bye Miami!
There was another cruise ship leaving in front of us!
It was absolutely beautiful!
We were so excited to be on the cruise and officially meet (and have a chance to talk with) some of the Wissmann Family! It was a little surreal because we had both been excited and planned this trip for over a year but simply lovely. Each member that we spoke with was so incredibly kind, gracious, and inviting. It was truly a wonderful week getting to know them a little bit and spend time with such generous and amazing people.
It was also the most amazing week with one of my best friends! From the moment that we connected in Miami Michelle was the absolute model of grace. Thank you so much my dear friend for your constant support and love, your encouragement to my little heart, your understanding and selfless nature that constantly put me first on this trip, your encouragement as I was in tears in Atlantis, the laughter and understanding that you extended when I didn't have enough energy to "go go go" all day long, and your ability to bring joy to each person that encounters you. I am so thankful to the Lord for your beautiful friendship! Thank you so much for a WONDERFUL week!!
It's hard to explain how much this trip impacted me but I am so incredibly thankful for each prayer that you prayed and can't wait to share more with y'all in the coming days!
Hi y'all! Thank you so much for your prayers for this past week as I was away! I can't wait to share with y'all the MILLION different miracles that the Lord did on this trip due to your prayers! Posts and pictures are coming soon!!
Today I wanted to write a reminder that sign ups for the March Parcel Post Tribe end on FRIDAY (the 7th)! Order now as space is limited!
Here are a few pictures from the February Parcel Post Tribe! February's membership package included a "Thinking of You" card & a "Happy St. Patrick's Day" card! For the "Thinking of You" card I went with a whimsical and fun approach that incorporated twine, bright colors, happy stickers and a little bit of gold!
I wanted to make the "Happy St. Patrick's Day" card beautiful so I worked hard to incorporate delicate and detailed touches to each part of the card.
This sweet paper flower with the little touch of a jewel helped make this card even happier!
I loved the outcome and final product of the card!
As y'all know postage for each card you receive comes with a Parcel Post Tribe Membership. I love to use colorful & creative stamps and these stamps seemed to fit the feel of these cards!
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I have always adored snail mail. Honestly to me there is nothing better than receiving a beautiful and thoughtful card in the mail that always seems to arrive at "just the right time". But I often hear from friends that they simply don't have the time to make cards, go to a store to purchase them, or have the correct postage for specialty made cards.
Answer: the parcel post tribe
The parcel post tribe will mail to you TWO beautiful and handmade cards each month for a very low cost. In addition to this you will receive a surprise little gift in the mail (for you to keep or giveaway), a 10% coupon for the month to spend at my Etsy shop, The Paper Sonnet, and an e-newsletter that is designed to encourage you to find joy in the simple beauty of life and to be inspired to live a creative life everyday! (The e-newsletter will also feature other artists who are living life beautiful and creatively!) AND guess what?!? The two cards will also come with the correct amount of postage so all you have to do is address them and drop them in the mail! AND a portion of all of the proceeds from each month will go to those who are chronically ill and struggling financially.
the cost:
For a VERY low cost you will receive all of the items above. Did you know that cards can run as much as $5-$7 each? The Parcel Post Tribe is committed to making snail mail not only beautiful, but affordable.
Here are the options that you can choose from:
Here are the options that you can choose from:
1 Month Membership Purchase: $8.00
6 Month Membership Purchase*: $40.00
1 Year Membership Purchase*: $75.00
* Can be purchased to start on any month
Please choose an option that best suits your needs. Looking to save money? The 6 Month & 1 Year Membership purchases can save you money! To purchase any of the options just simply choose the option you would like from the drop down menu and then click on the "buy now" button.
Please choose an option that best suits your needs. Looking to save money? The 6 Month & 1 Year Membership purchases can save you money! To purchase any of the options just simply choose the option you would like from the drop down menu and then click on the "buy now" button.
the fine print:
* These cards are unique and will not be sold in The Paper Sonnet
*The beautifully handmade cards are made with vintage and acid-free materials so that these cards can also be used as keepsakes for your friends and family for years to come.
*As stated above: in order to receive the current months order you must purchase the tribe membership by the 7th of the month. If purchased after this you will receive the following months package.
*Cards will be mailed out NO later than the 10th of the month, but often times will be shipped out much sooner!
* As you check out using PayPal DON'T forget to put your address in the note section and your email address that you would like the e-newsletter sent to.
*The e-newsletter will be delivered on the 20th of the month via email.
*Each card comes with the correct postage.
* If a "special" date for a month happens before the 20th of the following month then the month before will feature a card that recognizes that holiday/occasion in the future. (Please see listed below for the breakdown of the monthly listing of cards for the 2013 year.)
the monthly listing of cards (2013):
March: Administrative Professionals Day & Happy Spring Cards
April: Easter & Mother's Day Cards
May: Happy Birthday & Fathers Day Cards
June: July 4th & Wedding Day Cards
July: Baby & Anniversary Cards
August: Back to School** & Grandparents Day Cards
**For August ONLY when purchasing this months cards you can "personalize" them with details of age for "back to school" & how to appropriate address your Grandparents Day Cards.
September: Welcome Autumn & Sympathy Cards
October: Fall/Halloween Card & Veteran's Day Cards
November: TWO Thanksgiving Day Cards
December: Happy Holidays & Christmas Cards
January: Welcome Winter & Valentines Day Cards
February: St. Patrick's Day & Thinking of You Cards
January: Welcome Winter & Valentines Day Cards
February: St. Patrick's Day & Thinking of You Cards
Hello sweet friends! I am always so humbled as I write these Notes from the Porch Updates & know that so many of you are praying for me & walking with me on this long journey. Since my last update there have been several serious things that have occurred & I wanted to take just a few brief moments to update you & ask for continued prayer. As I mentioned last time because my iron dropped so low I needed to have another couple of Iron treatments. During this time I was so blessed to have a woman come over & just encourage me & start praying for me. It is always such a blessing when the Lord uses people to show you such extreme kindness during these very hard moments. It truly humbles me how the Lord shows his mercies (Lamentations 3) every single day. Shortly after the iron treatment was finished I posted this picture on instagram & was grateful for so many prayers that there was no immediate severe reaction.
Unfortunately shortly after I posted that picture things started to go downhill. By the time that my mom had reached a grocery store (approximately 15 minutes away) I was already starting to feel the full side effects & had become very ill. (It should be noted here that many many people receive different types of iron infusions. For some people it helps them feel immediately better, while others, like myself extremely struggle due to the fact that we have other complicating illnesses that the body is fighting. For me with Lyme Disease my blood does not "move" as much as it should anyway and the iron infusion is literally "forcing" this to happen so the body feels like it needs to "fight off" the "invader" (iron) instead of readily accepting it.) Unfortunately most people that suffer are able to have several steroid shots to help this reaction be less severe but because Lyme feeds on steroids this is not an option for me. Several of you were immediately praying as I was feeling extremely poorly.
It was a rough trip home & definitely the next few days were extremely rough. By Friday I was starting to feel a little bit better but was not able to do any of my normal treatments that week. Unfortunately on Saturday it became quickly obvious that I was not doing better & now it had nothing to do with the iron infusion, instead I had contracted a virus.
I think that this is a great place to state that this post will show how much my little immune system is so severely compromised at this moment. I contracted a 24 hour virus that has been going on around our area & instead of it being 24 hours it turned into a 5 day "event". The littlest things & germs are a direct threat to my immune system & this is often a constant part of many peoples prayers. I will be honest & also say that for the first time in my life it is also a very very scary reality of my life. By Sunday morning (after being up all night) it became obvious that a trip to the hospital was going to be needed as I could not keep anything in me. Because of the complications of having Sojourn's disease (where I get severely dehydrated) this was a necessary decision that I hated to make. Thankfully we arrived at the hospital & were taken back pretty quickly &I was given lots of anti-nausea meds & several IV bags of fluid.
Unfortunately, it took two nurses & seven sticks (including a mis-stick to hit a tendon- OUCH!!) to have us decide that we will not ever be returning to this hospital ER again. (The pictures below just show one arm as the other arm was WAY too awful to show.)
Also unfortunately, while I felt better after we left the hospital for a few hours, it truly did nothing to help & it required a couple of more IV times. On Tuesday I sent out a picture on instagram begging y'all to pray & thankfully this third IV infusion (with several AMAZINGLY compassionate doctors & nurses praying over me) started to help.
Finally on Wednesday five days after the virus ordeal started I was able to sip a few sips of liquids & yesterday eat some bites of food. To say that it has been an easy journey would be a ridiculous lie & to say that it has been one of the more difficult parts of this long road would be simplifying the intense struggle these last two weeks have been. There are times where I honestly try not to focus on how sick that I am but instead just take one day at a time (or one moment at a time as the case may be) but these last five days in particular have been a reminder of how big this battle is & the reality of needing to see a new doctor to help me in this journey. It has been incredibly scary (it still is) & truthfully at one point I was sure that I was dying & definitely felt like I wanted to as that is how awful I felt. I am sooo appreciative of my TREMENDOUS family & incredible friends who never condemn me for these feelings but simply cry with me, send me hugs from afar, & remind me to hope in the truth of the Lord. When I was able to listen to music I definitely had these two songs on repeat.
As I close out this update I want to say that I am so incredibly grateful for your prayers. I know that often times in these updates I try to focus solely on the positive but I do have two prayer requests & I appreciate your kind understanding that these are not all "positive".
(1) Under the care of my doctors and family I have decided to still step forward & go on the trip next week. Obviously, I am sure it goes without saying about how nerve-wracking that this is for me at this point. Coming off of a "normal" week in this journey had me a little apprehensive about this trip but after this past week I am more than a little concerned. At the same time though I do agree that emotionally (which is also a HUGE part of this battle) this is very important. While I have been shocked by the turn of events these last two weeks the Lord is not. Thank you in advance for your prayers of health protection, safety, and travel mercies.
(2) I will be blunt about this next point as I feel awkward even saying this... but the truth is that I am in need of money for weekly treatment and for the trip out to California that I mentioned in my last update. So far I have only raised 1% of my goal for this trip and honestly these last weeks have showed me how necessary this trip is to save my life. Through Chalk and Pine, some Ebay sales (I am trying to sell off all of my belongings at this point for money), some free lance writing work, The Parcel Post Tribe, and The Paper Sonnet I have been able to scrape by some funds for continued treatment here on a weekly basis but after hospital bills from December and from this past week I have not been able to apply any of these funds so far to going to California. In addition to this as most of you know my savings account and some other peoples has been obliterated in this long journey. All of that to say I appreciate any and all donations and your prayers for money for California. As I mentioned last time I have set up a "Go Fund Me" page for donations. Again, thank you so much for your prayers for this particular issue as this is a HUGE stress factor for me right at this moment. You can click HERE to find the page. Thank you for your compassion as this is probably the most awkward part of the journey.
I love y'all, thank you again for all of your prayers and support.
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