Be Encouraged

Whenever I feel myself sliding down into despair, I try to remind myself of the ways that we have already seen God work in the midst of our heartache.  Recording them here allows me remember when worries crowd them out of my mind and perhaps may serve as an encouragement to those who are walking this path with us...

1.  When our pediatrician recommended that I take Noah to an eye doctor, she gave me a list of three names to choose from.  Using a very un-scientific process, I picked a name from the list.  Not only was this eye doctor able to see Noah within a few days, his office manager knew Josh because her daughter played volleyball in the St. Louis area.  When the eye doctor made his concerns about Noah known, she was responsible for the speed with which we were able to get an MRI scheduled and ensured that we would get results quickly.

2.  The house we are renting is owned by the administrative assistant to the volleyball program at Alabama.  She and her husband were having a difficult time selling and decided to rent to us in the meantime.  The length of the lease, the monthly cost, the number of bedrooms, and location were all exactly what we had been hoping and praying for.  Aside from the fact that it is on "Championship Drive" -- how perfect for the new volleyball recruiting coordinator and his family!

3.  Rise School of Tuscaloosa is ranked one of the best in the country for kids with disabilities aged birth to five.  It is located on the University of Alabama campus.

4.  Noah's condition will most likely prevent me from going back to teaching in the fall.  Josh's new position in Alabama provides us with the financial stability for me to stay home... if we were remaining in St. Louis, I would have to go back to work.  

5.  While we have had some differences with our pediatrician, her 30 years of experience is allowing us to get connected with some of the best specialists in the area.  When she calls, they answer the phone and seem to be very willing to help.

6.  Birmingham is home to a well-respected children's hospital that is associated with the University of Alabama Medical School.  Josh's affiliation with the university will hopefully ensure that any treatment Noah may need in Birmingham will be covered by our university insurance.  Also, our pediatric neurologist here in St. Louis knows a pediatric neurologist in Birmingham that we will be able to transfer Noah's care to once we have officially relocated.

7.  We have already received emails from people in Tuscaloosa supporting us on this journey with Noah... most are associated with UA but some are total strangers who have heard our story through the grapevine.  

I'm sure I will have more to add as time goes on.  Be encouraged.