Our First Day

I've never posted from my phone before, but I'll give it a whirl and see how it goes....

Bright and early we woke this morning to head on over to Seattle. After loading the Suburban, we hopped onto the ferry, a bit tired but in awe of the beautiful sun rise. The 7:20 ferry was the latest we could get and make it on time, so we had an hour after crossing until we needed to be at SCCA. We stopped off at (could you guess?) Starbucks! We enjoyed this time together then headed over for the appointments. After checking in, I took Daniel for his blood draws on the 1st floor while Craig took Anna up to the 6th floor for her 1st appointment. Today was more orientation and physicals for both Daniel and Anna. Daniel and I were able to stop for a quick lunch at their little Bistro, and Craig grabbed something for Anna to take with her to her next appointment. The last appointment of the day was Daniel's so Anna and I sat in the waiting room. The view is so beautiful. I filled out paperwork and Anna kicked back and took a nap. I dozed off a bit as well- I must have been exhausted because I HATE sleeping in front of people!!! But the surroundings are quiet and we were facing the windows over looking the lake and everyone there is in the same boat so I wasn't embarrassed. ;-) When we were finally done for the day, we came to the Ronald McDonald house to get checked into our new apartment. Everyone here is so nice! Anna and Daniel were both given handmade quilts of their choosing. Volunteers come out most nights to the common area and cook a big dinner for everyone. We enjoyed the meal and were so humbled and overwhelmed with emotions at the generosity of others! I choked up while I was thanking one of the servers as she asked me, with a tender look in her eyes, if we were new. We met a family who will be going home after tomorrow and saw many many more we know we will get to meet in the days and weeks ahead. It hasn't completely sunken in yet that this is really happening. But it is and there are little people all over the place here with sweet little bald heads and I am brought to tears looking on. Half of the children here are under age 6!!! All these precious babies and their families to minister to! God give us strength to be the ministers of grace that you intend!!!

Missing my babies at home sooo much already! This apartment won't feel like home because my family is not all here. I know this is just a season, but please pray for grace for this mama!!

25 comments:

  1. Hugs from Ohio! We love you guys and are praying for you all. Thank you for keeping us updated even when you are going through such a difficult time. My heart is breaking for you, Anna, and your family; I can't wait to rejoice with you when Anna begins her recovery.
    Congratulations on baby #12. That will be one blessed baby to be born into your wonderful family!

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  2. Emily, we are praying for peace for you all and strength, especially for Anna! Thank you for updating us. May God give wisdom to the doctors during these tough times and most of all heal Anna!
    Much love, the McIntosh family

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  3. Mrs. Houston,

    Will be praying for you..... As always but especially during this tough time of separation from some of your family. Will also pray for opportunities for you and Pastor as well as Anna and Daniel for opportunities to share the Love of Christ.

    Love and prayers,
    Rick Potvin
    Pr. 3:5-6

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  4. Oh Dear Emily and family,

    What a day you've had - many things are new and foreign to you now, but in time you'll become familiar with the places, routines, and people in your new world. You'll remember how it was at first, and you'll use that knowledge gained by experience to minister to others. Your family is such a blessing wherever you go, and it will be no different there.

    We continue to pray for the Lord to provide a place for you to be together in Seattle, for His comfort and grace to be abundant, and for health and strength for each of you.

    Our world is missing something as well just knowing that your family is apart. We trust in the Sovereign hand of the Lord Who loves you all so very much!

    We love you,
    Mike, Cyndie, and Danny

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your words! Spoken from experience! There are a lot of unknowns and unfamiliar and I'm completely out of my comfort zone here...I do know you are right, though, the routine will become familiar and we will get settled- more after Anna is actually in the hospital. Anyway, your words are a comfort as are everyone's .

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    2. God bless you Emily, you are awesome. I hurt for you. I continue to pray for each one of you each day.
      What a "Mission Field" you have there. I believe God will use you there, and when it's all finished, you will have gained a world of experience and blessings. I know God will sustain you, Pastor and Daniel. I also pray for the little ones at home.
      I feel sometimes I'm holding my breath until I can have the wisdom to know what to say. I want to encourage all of you, but I know it's God's Spirit and Word that will do that. Tell Anna and Daniel God bless them and keep them in His care.

      Much Love & Prayers,

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  5. Jesus told Jairus to fear not and to believe. God has already bestowed his grace on you. He let me feel that grace last Friday in a way I have never known. You are in an amazing mission field. I know we will all grow in God's grace as we read the story of your lives.

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  6. Along with the heaviness in reading this, there is also hope in knowing that God is in control and that He's with you. I will pray for grace for you all, and that Christ would enable your light to shine in the darkness. I love you all!

    ~Sarah S.

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  7. Along with the heaviness in reading this, there is also hope in knowing that God is in control and that He's with you. I will pray for grace for you all, and that Christ would enable your light to shine in the darkness. I love you all!

    ~Sarah S.

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  8. Dear Houston Family

    Love you all and am praying for you guys daily. I am praying that the housing situation will work out soon and you will all be able to be together soon. Love Sandee Ragsdale

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  9. I can't begin to imagine what you guys are going through, but this one thing I know: God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. We love you guys!

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  10. We are praying for you continually, and hoping that God's richest blessings will sustain you and protect you from evil.
    "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:16-21

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  11. Thank you so much for sharing your first day with us. I can only imagine what it is like to start down this journey. I am asking God for your family to be reunited quickly. I know I do not like to be out of my comfort zone either. So I will definitely be praying for you Emily. Even though we can not be with you all we are there through your words. Thank you so much for taking the time to share on the blog with us. A big virtual hug.
    I know God is walking with you and will give you all what you need when you need it.
    Love Jackie Harper

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  12. Dear Houston Family
    Thank you for sharing such a hard journey. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. I pray this time goes by fast and peaceful. Gods plan is not our own but this Mission field you are in will be glorious. Trials have beautiful endings. We love you. ;-) See you soon.

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  13. We will continue to pray for you all here! I am glad that you have started this leg of your journey, though I am sure it will be a long road. I am excited to hear how God continues to be glorified through you all. I can't even imagine what you all must be going through at this time, but I know you are leaning on the Lord. We'll keep praying!!

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  14. The Reilly Family
    We are praying openly and boldly for you all. Christ gives the strength we need one drop at a time, He will give you all you need. Thank you for sharing, and Thank Him for your ability to think of the others in the room.
    Being together in this Family of Christ we will continue to have you in our hearts through out these days.
    Sean and Holly and 13

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  15. We are praying for you. RMH is a sort of refuge in the time of storm. You will make lifetime friends, as your bond will be instant. Those other mommy's & daddy's share feelings & thoughts that are difficult to explain to others. They have walked a weary road & I know your family will be a blessing to those around you. May Christ give you strength as you are missing home - and have your mommy's heart in two places. We are praying for your entire family. We are right down the road from you & if you need anything - please know we desire to help. I can always drop off something right at the entrance or whatever.

    Also, there is a computer room there at RMH for your use. Next to TV room.

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  16. You are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Thank you for the updates. I know they must be so difficult to write, but it gives us a much better understand of what your family is going through and how we might better pray for you. We love you!
    The Hilsons

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  17. Dear Emily and family, We love you all so much and are PRAYING for you today. Anna, we know that the Lord is giving you the strength and grace you're showing us all, and we are praying for brave Daniel and each of your family members. May you feel that Jesus is with you right this second!

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  18. Sigh.

    So sorry you are having to walk this road, but it is so refreshing to hear of how you are holding on to the Lord with all of your strength.

    Hold on and when you feel that you are weary and worn and just plain done in the most raw sense of the word, just remember that you are surrounded by a strong and high wall of prayers from the Body of Christ, including me and my family. I pray for you, out loud and in my heart, at least once a day. For some reason, God has placed you and your daughter on my heart......

    Thank you for the update!

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  19. Dear Huston family,
    We are praying without ceasing for your family, Anna, and Daniel. I know that God will use your family as a light to those around you who are hurting. We will pray for your strength and for you Emily, I can't imagine my kids being in 2 places. We are 30 minutes away, if we can ever be of any help. Thank you for taking the time to update.
    In Christ,
    The Mcarthur family

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  20. We're back home now and I just got "caught up" with your last 3 posts. Thank you for taking time to keep us posted. A "new normal" may take a while before it really feels like normal.... praying for your whole family during this next phase of Anna's care. Please give her and Daniel hugs for me and let them know that they are constantly in my prayers. Praying for Pastor, you and baby too... strength, health, and continued comfort and peace.
    Remembering our time (years) going back and forth to Vanderbilt for Joseph.... though totally not in the same category as your family... our normal was changed also with many unknowns. It's comforting to know that there are NO UNKNOWNS to God.
    I'm hoping to hear from our Realtor soon about some Seattle rentals for you. I'll keep you posted... really praying you all can be together for this. Understanding your mother's heart. Much love and many prayers, Grace

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  21. 'And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will he heareth us."
    - 1 John 5:14
    Love you guys and am praying for you!

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  22. So, so, so praying...if all your babies aren't there...it's just NOT right! I so know, dear friend. We are so lifting you all up in prayer and hoping you know how much we do so love you! -Des & The Doerr's

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  23. You did a great job posting from your phone! Prayers are being sent up for all involved!

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