May 2, 2016

Tomorrow is a HUGE day...Sis is going back to work for the first time since February!

We continue to stand in awe of what our miracle-working God has done. “Hallelujah! Thank GOD! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music! Honor his holy name with Hallelujahs, you who seek GOD. Live a happy life! Keep your eyes open for GOD, watch for his works; be alert for signs of his presence. Remember the world of wonders he has made, his miracles...”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭105:1-5 MSG‬‬

As Carissa takes on this next step, we're praying for a couple things and would love to have you join us!

1. Pray for Sis to have strength and stamina for her workday.

2. Pray for her to know when she needs to take a break and not overdo it.

3. Praise for Nordstrom's support and flexibility as she transitions back into her position.

4. Pray that she will be bold in her testimony!

Keep praying...God is good!

April 22, 2016

Well, Sis and I spent the day down at her house getting her room all situated. We came back to our house, she packed her stuff up and she just headed out! Whhhhaaaaatttt??!!??

THIS.IS.A.HUGE.DEAL!

February 23 began this crazy ride and here we are, just 2 months later, celebrating the miracle and gift of a healthy, vibrant life! Thank you Jesus!!

Check out the video below to hear a little message from Sis!

Oh, and of course, keep praying...God is good!

April 13, 2016

This morning brought great news of counts continuing to drop!! And after a couple days filled with some adventure - a little shopping, a little driving, and going to a movie - Carissa had a day of relaxing.

While she continues to make great progress there are a couple things that have been frustrating. We've become keenly aware that no matter how big or small our challenges are, our great God is concerned with them all!

“Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” ‭Psalms‬ ‭116:2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Here's what we're praying for right now:

1. Fluid retention in legs and feet to lessen

2. Ability to sleep through the night

3. The wound (from where one of the abdomen drains was) to fully heal and stop leaking

As you continue this journey with us, we want to encourage you to bring YOUR big and YOUR little to Jesus! Even if you've never considered doing something like that before, He's ready...He's listening...just talk to Him like you'd talk to a friend. "God, I'm facing ________________. Please make yourself known to me in the midst of this. Amen"

If there's something we can be praying about for you, we would be honored to do so! Just leave us a message and we'll be ON IT!

Keep praying...God is good!

April 11, 2016

It's been one month since Sis received her new liver! ONE MONTH!!

What a day of celebration it's been! She was able to make it to the 5:00 service at church. And tonight has been FULL of laughter...so.much.laughter.

We're so grateful for this mountain-top day!

"A joyful heart helps healing..." Proverbs 17:22

Keep praying...God is good! <3

April 8, 2016

Today has been just amazing! Check out the vid to hear how everything went at UVA...

April 4, 2016

Did you know that April is National Donate Life Month? We didn't either, until now!

It's amazing to look back and think about all that we've experienced and learned since February 23. That day was really no different than any other Tuesday, work and getting ready for our awesome BeGroup. Yet here we are, 6 weeks later, filled with a new appreciation for those who give life to others through organ donation!

Carissa continues her journey to full recovery with her eyes fixed on Jesus! All of her drains have been removed, her blood/liver counts are continuing to improve and she is, albeit slowly but surely, gaining strength and stamina. The weekend has brought confidence to this stage of the "new normal." And even though there are still ups and downs, Sis knows that they're all part of the healing, as well as a faith-building process.

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” James‬ ‭1:2-4‬ ‭MSG‬

Keep praying...God is good!

March 31, 2016

“If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you.” Psalm‬ ‭143:8 MSG

Amidst all of the ups and downs in this journey, what a blessing it to know the sound of His loving voice. We go to sleep each night trusting in Him!

It has been an absolutely beautiful week here, in south eastern Virginia! Having the sunshine break through the blinds and the cool, crisp breeze blow through the room has made way for Sis to take walks outside and rests on the deck.

Tomorrow morning, labs will be taken and Fridah morning we'll head back to UVA for an appointment with Dr. Pelletier. Here are a few things you can be praying for:

1. Good blood counts, including low white blood cell and bilirubin counts.

2. Good reading from the CT scan (to be done on Friday) and for the back drain to be ready for removal.

3. The process of adjusting to how her body is handling different foods. Some things that sound good initially well, they just don't work right now.

March 29, 2016

Carissa, Mom and Kim are road tripping back to UVA this afternoon. There is a small leak in one of the drains and instead of waiting for Friday's appointment, Sis' doc has time to see her this afternoon. There's a possibility they'll be able to remove one or more of the drains; shes's REALLY hoping that can happen! :D

She has also been fever free since last night - WOOOWHOOO!!!

BTW, there are just two days left to get your Tees for Carissa ordered! AND...don't miss out on the OBX raffle! Tickets can be purchased through May 7th!! You can click on the links in the Fundraising Activities section below for more info and to get the links to participate in either/both.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support, y'all!! We LOVE you!

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 29, 2016

It's been a nice day ~ time outside, visit from the niece and nephews, hair wash and cut!!

March 28, 2016

Happy Easter Everyone!

Our family's prayer is that each of you knows the power of Jesus' resurrection and that you accept the greatness and depth of His unconditional love for you!! (www.bible.com

Sis spent a quiet day at home (a.k.a. Dad's house) with Dad and Mom and was able to do 8-10 laps around the house!!! The afternoon and evening were filled with a visit by Roomie Lauren and family game night, playing Scene It! All in all a pretty good day!

Labs will be taken in the morning; be praying that her blood counts are right where they're supposed to be! Also pray that her body continues to strengthen, the fluid retention subsides and that nights are peace-filled and restful.

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 26, 2016

Home sweet home! And not hotel home...home home!!

It was a long day and Carissa is wiped out. Hopefully tonight will be filled with rest! While we're so excited about this step, we're aware there could still be some bumps in the road. After making sure she was settled for the evening ~ meds, blankets, pillows, etc. ~ Sis said, "I'm just praying I can stay here."

So, will you join her in that prayer? The next several days, weeks, even months could bring ups and downs, including more hospital stays. We are hopeful that her counts will continue to stabilize, that her body will remain free from infection, that the incision will heal quickly, and that her body will accept and adjust to the new liver completely.

Whatever twists and turns may come, despite the unknowns of this journey, we continue to know one thing: GOD IS GOOD. He is in control. He loves us more than we can fathom. He is in the midst of the little and the big. He IS!

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 24, 2016

Good morning from UVA! Things are trending in the right direction. Here are a few things to pray for:

1. Her liver and bilirubin counts to continue to go down. Specifically, her bili count is 12 right now; they'd like to get it down to about 8 before discharging her.

2. Her biopsy results (should be back this afternoon) to be all clear.

3. Her to enjoy some sunshine! She's been encouraged to go outside today and it's a beautiful day.

Keep praying...God is good!

March 24, 2016

Today...where do I begin?

I guess I'll begin with Happy Hospitalversary! Carissa has now been in the hospital for 1 month. On February 23, she and I entered the ER in Suffolk and we've been on this crazy journey from that moment to the present.

And, while I said "Happy Hospitalversary", today wasn't filled with happiness. Today was actually filled with some weariness...

some fatigue...

some frustration.

The morning started off on the right foot. Sis was feeling pretty good about having the procedure done and they took her down right around 8:30. When she got back to the room, she was in fairly good spirits, but a little disappointed that they weren't able to accomplish all they set out to - they were able to get a biopsy of the liver but unable to safely drain any of the fluid. The fluid is what is causing her sick state, so it needed to come off which meant going through yet another procedure.

As the afternoon set in and the waiting game for the next attempt began, disappointment mounted. Physically, she continued to weaken, to yellow, and seemed to continue to take steps backward. All of that called for one thing:

a GOOD CRY.

Then, we made an executive decision...it was time to watch Legally Blonde!

Around 5:45, this evening, she was whisked away to try again with a slightly different method. As soon as she was rolled out of the room I asked all of you to start praying specifically for the procedure. And, as you have faithfully done, time and time again, you encouraged, prayed, and spread the word.

Some sweet friends stopped by to see Sis, yesterday. Hannah was telling her how many people she had praying and was excited just thinking about if she had that many people praying how many more were praying because of all Carissa's other friends sharing her story! That thought has resonated with us throughout the day and evening.

Even in the lowest moments of the day, we were reminded of God's constant presence. Watching the body of Christ work on Carissa's behalf is just amazing - thinking on those things sure doesn't allow for low moments to last long!

"Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies." Philippians 4:8-9

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 23, 2016

Carissa just got back from the morning procedure. They were able to get a biopsy of the liver but unable to remove any of the fluid from behind it. There are plans to try another method this afternoon.

Here's how you can be praying, right now:

1. That they are able to safely get to and remove the fluid that has built up behind the liver.

2. For the tests being done on the biopsy and fluid to yield results that give docs the information they need to bring bilirubin and white blood cell counts down.

3. For Carissa's spirit to continue handling the ups and downs that the unknown continues to bring.

We have been assured that these bumps in the road are the normal abnormalities of the transplant journey. They are diligently working to get to the bottom of things while being very mindful of the risks associated with the various procedures. We are in constant prayer for her Transplant Team to be granted wisdom and discernment.

Keep praying...God is good!<3

March 22, 2016

Sis has made it back to her room and is enjoying some ice chips until she gets the green light to have something to eat. They did place the stint and everthing went really well with the procedure. We are all hoping and praying this is the solution to keep her bilirubin counts down.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support! There are a few more days - ends 3/31 - that Tees for Carissa are available (see link in the Fundraising Activites section, below). You can also give directly to help with her transplant expenses by clicking the "donate now" button, or by sending funds to the address below. We are so grateful for each gift, each word of encouragement and especially each prayer that has been said on Carissa's behalf. Our family has been so blessed as each of you have rallied around us!

“I’m thanking you, GOD, out loud in the streets, singing your praises in town and country. The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭57:9-10‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Keep praying...God is good!

March 21, 2016

Good morning from UVA!! They will be doing the ERCP (fancy endoscopy) "sometime today"- (that's become my favorite answer). They feel this will give them a well rounded look at the duct. They will look around and see if a stint will be helpful or if they just need to push something through and not place a stint. If a stint is placed it will have to be replace/removed in about three months. Praying a stint isn't needed, but if it is it's all minor procedures and I'm big time praising Jesus for that!!! Will post again when we find out more!!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 20, 2016

A great update from a Sissy:

As the day has progressed we have noticed some signs that my bilirubin may be coming down which could be an indicator of my system working through this hiccup on its own... We won't know for sure until blood work tomorrow, but please be praying these counts come down and things clear up on their own! I'm feeling really great!! God is in every step of this journey and I'm excited to see what He's going to do next!! There is purpose in each step here. Thank you for all the love and support and for being the hands and feet of Jesus to me and my family during this time! I can't that you all enough!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 20, 2016

Answered prayer!!!

(from Sis:) So, after review of my ultrasound everything is running very well!!! There are a couple small hematoma that are the cause- since my counts are coming down it is very possible that it will clear on its own and no intervention will be needed. If they don't move they will do the stint procedure just to clean that out. God is so so good!!! He has answered every prayer!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 19, 2016

Well, looks like the morning off to a good start! Here's the latest from Carissa:

"Still waiting on official results from MRI, but counts are back down where they need to be!!!! There may be a little fluid build up, but that's often something that will clear on its own. If it's more than my body can handle there's the possibility of needing a stint but that would be a minor procedure! Thank you all for your continued prayers and for encouraging me through this little bump in the road!! I'm so thankful I have such a massive prayer team behind me!"

Keep praying...God is good!

March 19, 2016

Update from Sis:

Going in for an MRI soon! Please pray that everything is shown running clearly and smoothly! We want everything to be functioning perfectly! God's got this! He's got a plan and I'm along for the ride! Praying for a simple solution to the mystery in causing the docs right now! May they see God's hand in my life and come to know their savior!! I want it to undeniably HIM!

Should have MRI results in the morning.

Keep praying...God is good!

March 18, 2016

They've decided to re-admit Sis to the hospital. Her counts were still a little wonky today. This is part of the process...figuring out meds, her body adjusting to the new liver, etc.

She's feeling pretty good, no fever but quite tired today.

Keep praying...God is good!

March 18, 2016

This St. Patrick's Day was full of new things, for Sis, including emptying her own drains and hooking up her own antibiotics through her port! She also had some awesome visits with special friends. All in all it was a good day!

Today was also the first day of doing labs at the clinic. She and Mom went first thing in the morning and after some trial and error discovered the best way to do get them done moving forward. :) The labs came back later on in the day and while some counts are continuing to go down, a couple counts are up a bit and causing a little concern.

So, Prayer Warriors, are you ready? Here's how you can be praying tonight (or probably more likely, this morning):

1. White blood cells to return to normal range

2. Bilirubin count to return to normal range

3. For there to be no signs of infection nor blockage (she has an ultra sound at 2:30).

We are trusting in our Great Physician who has already answered so many of our prayers! We have another opportunity to come before Him with praise for His protection and healing so, let's do just that.

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 17, 2016

If you are local and would like to help with meals over the next several weeks, you can check out the MEAL TRAIN that has been set up, mealtrain.com Sis does have dietary restrictions and all of that is explained on the Meal Train site.

March 17, 2016

Good Morning!

Carissa had a good night OUT OF THE HOSPITAL...first time since February 23! It's sounding like she'll be heading to Dad's tomorrow, after her appointment with the docs.

The plan is that she will continue her road to recover from Dad's house, over the next 8 weeks. She will be working with her home health care nurses, PT/OT providers and adjusting to her new normal.

Thank you for your continued support, through prayer, encouragement and financially! If you are local and would like to help with meals over the next several weeks, you can check out the Meal Train that has been set up, mealtrain.com Sis does have dietary restrictions and all of that is explained on the Meal Train site.

We love y'all and will keep you posted as this journey continues. There is still a long road ahead, sure to be filled with some ups and downs so, you know what to do...

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 16, 2016

Not even a week post transplant AND another surgery and this girl has been discharged to the Cville hotel!!! Whaaaaaatt???!!!!

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 16, 2016

Good morning from Cville!

We've had a great night, Carissa has been able to get some good chunks of sleep. We're getting closer and closer to being discharged!!!!

Here are a couple of things Sis has asked prayer for today:

1. That the swelling/fluid retention (especially in her arms and legs) would go down drastically. It is very uncomfortable.

2. That her pain (incision and muscles) would subside as she is becoming more mobile! She's also starting to cough as she adds a little more movement, doing so is very painful...the cough is good, it clears her lungs, but the pain of it stinks!

3. That her body would be strengthened as she continues to work on sitting up, walking, and getting in and out of bed.

Have a great Wednesday y'all!

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 15, 2016

Carissa has something to share with you. :D

Check out the video below!

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 15, 2016

Ummm, have I mentioned how fierce Carissa is? I know I have and maybe, as the reader, you're sick of me repeating myself but, I mean this girl just doesn't quit!

Today was filled with eating solid foods, sitting up in a chair, using a therapy bike, moving to a new room (on the step down unit). And, with each addition to this adventure, each painful movement, she would take a deep breath (or 2) in and just DO IT!

It is now 10:30 PM. The room is dark and calm; there's a gentle hum of IV drips, the soft fragrance of a diffuser enveloping the sterile smells of the hospital, worship music playing...Sis sleeps as I type.

I have had the great privilege of being a fly on the wall to the impact Carissa is making on so many.

This evening, as one tech came in to draw blood, Sis encouraged him not to feel bad when he couldn't find a vein in her puffy arms or hands. She made the food delivery guy feel special by saying, "thank you, Brian!"...he was quick to turn and say, "you remembered my name!?!"; "Of course I remember!"

And once again, nurses that she's had since we got here have tracked her down and come by to check in. One nurse, that's she's particularly fond of, came by and said, "As a nurse, there are some patients that are just...well...special. You are one of them! You have inspired me and I won't forget you!" She then gave Sis a beautiful bracelet that the two of them talked about yesterday.

After she left, Carissa told me that she doesn't even have words to say how remarkable this whole journey has been. "I feel like I can never tell them how much they mean to me! I mean...I have no words...I wouldn't be able to find the words to express that even if I tried forever."

I have a feeling they all feel the same way...

"Praise the Lord!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

His faithful love endures forever.

Who can list the glorious miracles of the lord?

Who can ever praise him enough?"

Psalm 106:1

Good night y'all!

Keep praying...God is good!<3

March 14, 2016

It was a good night! Carissa was able to get some periods of deep sleep and she is feeling good this morning! All of her counts are trending in the right direction and they are beginning the process of moving her from ICU to the Step Down Unit. Her pain is under control and we are praising the Lord for his continued answers to our prayers!

Today has been filled with visitors. Not family and friends, but hospital staff coming back in from the weekend. Many have found out ,through the grapevine, that she received transplant and they've just had to come find Sis to tell her how excited they are! Her sweet spirit is contagious and it's left a mark on each one she's come into contact with...it's so fun to watch!

While she has a little bit of a hard time staying focused on reading much, she really enjoys hearing from you. We are reading her your posts, notes of encouragement and scripture, so keep 'em coming!

Have a great Monday y'all!

Keep praying...God is good!<3

March 14, 2016

March 13th has been a day full of ups, downs and more ups!

I was able to be home over the weekend spending time with my family and church family. It was great to be at Believers today - lots of hugs and opportunity to celebrate what God has done already!

After the 11:30 service, I got home, started lunch and to get ready to head back to UVA later in the afternoon. All of that got short-circuited when I got a text from Dad saying they were taking Sis back to the OR after finding that the arterial flow from one of the arteries wasn't functioning as it should. I called Dad, talked with him and prayed with Sis. Then, I called on you...YOU...our army of support...our prayer warriors! And within minutes, hundreds of you answered the call!

After talking with her surgeon, she felt quite confident going back for the second surgery but only if they agreed to remove the breathing tube before leaving the OR (she HATED having that in after transplant). They agreed; with the caveat that she would have to receive a lower dose of pain meds so her breathing could be monitored more closely. Done deal! By the time I got to her room, they had just brought her back from the successful procedure! Not long after that, Jonathan was here so Mom and Dad can get a much needed break.

She has been in a tremendous amount of pain most of the evening and yet, remains calm, cool and collected. I'm on night watch, so as things started to settle down, we got to chat during awake moments. :)

Ever since she was a little girl, Carissa has known that her experiences with this disease would be used to point people to her Savior. She has a deep, passionate, and sincere desire to share His plan in all of this with anyone she can. With a smile on her face and tears in her sedation laden eyes, she told me 3 different stories of how, in the past two days, she's been able to do just that. From praying for another patient on this ICU wing to telling her anesthesiologist that she wasn't worried, "God has a plan in everything." Her bold and gentle spirit, in sharing Jesus with others, are evident!

"My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection." Psalms 71:7 (NLT)

She is also quite spunky and has done a great job letting her team know what she's comfortable with having done and what she needs them to do at another time. Her strength and toughness are amazing...#toughliketante!!

I know it's late, but if you happen to still be awake, prayers for pain to subside and sleep to come are welcomed. She is exhausted!

Keep praying...God is good! <3

~Heather

March 13, 2016

Today has been another BIG day for Sis. With very little assistance, she was able to sit in a chair today!!! How awesome is that?!

She's still chillin' in the ICU as we are definitely not "out of the woods" yet and they want to keep an eye on those blood counts. That's totally fine with her (and us). Roomie, Lauren, just let us know that her room has been moved down the hall due to a "squirrley" patient that needs to be closer to the nurses' station! :D

Tonight, Carissa even got her hair washed from one of her fave nurses, Emily! Really, the entire staff continues to be awesome and we are just so blessed to have each one of them on our team!

Not surprisingly, Carissa is leaving an impression on each person she comes into contact with, along this journey. Our friend Molly, a paramedic, dropped a patient off at Bell Harbor (the ER where this whole thing started) and the staff there was asking her what happened with Carissa!! Molly was able to tell them the miraculous story and share how amazing our God is! That's good stuff!!

"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done." Psalm 9:1

Keep praying...God is good! <3

(oh and don't forget to spring forward tonight!)

March 12, 2016

Today marks our 2 week anniversary at UVA Medical Center and there's only one thing to do when an anniversary rolls around...CeLeBrAtE!!!

As we said in the "About Carissa" section of this site, she fights fiercely. From convincing herself to take deep breaths, even though it puts pressure on her massive incision, to toughing it out while the nurses count then roll Sis on her side, enabling a bedding change...well, she simply continues to AMAZE us.

It's been a big day! There have been some tremendous highs and she continues to impress docs with her progress. Though she's still working through the sedation, we've been able to see her sweet, spunky, funny self shining through. She's cracking little jokes when she can and giving us lots of beautiful smiles! This afternoon, she was able to sit on the side of the bed, brush her teeth, and start clear liquids. FIERCE!

There have also been a few things causing some concern. Mainly, she is still having some clotting difficulty off and on. However, her team continues to be outstanding, monitoring and tending to each nuance. We have no doubt they are providing stellar care.

Tonight we are praying for:

1. Continued improvement - that the blood products she's receiving would help her counts to stabilize.

2. Continued rest - even things like sitting on the side of the bed can wipe a girl out!

3. Our friends and family - each one that continues to shower us with love through much encouragement and support!

"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God’s Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present." ~Philippians 1:3-5 (MSG)

Sis wanted me to let you know that she really enjoys reading your posts and notes. She especially loves the scripture you're sharing with her. It's a little tough for her to read her Bible right now (she just gets a little sleepy) so she's enjoying the times when she can read the verses that you're sending to her. Keep it up!!

Keep praying...God is good!<3

March 11, 2016

Once again friends and family, we are experiencing answers to our prayers! We just got blood work back and counts are IMPROVING!!! She's even drinking a little apple juice!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 10, 2016

We have so much we want to share with you and hopefully we'll be able to do that tonight as we "stand watch" in the ICU. For now, here's a little recap:

Carissa handled the operation better than they even expected! She is recovering in the ICU right now; it's typical to be there for 24-36 hours. I was just with her when the ICU Fellow came by and he said she is way ahead of where they would expect her to be right now!

Y'all, you have rallied...you've prayed with us on Carissa's behalf and we hope that you are so aware of how God is answering those prayers! So, with that confidence, here's what we can be focusing on right now:

1. Praising the Lord for His provision, for hearing our prayers and answering! Woot woot!! Holla!!!

2. The next several hours are critical; pray that they are successful in getting her pain level down, manage the drainage that is happening from her incision, and for her kidneys to keep working properly.

3. The next several days tend to be a roller coaster ride for transplant patients, not just physically but emotionally. We are praying that Jesus continues to amaze us with His peace and mercy in these days; that Carissa would continue to defy the norms (we're getting her to smile and laugh little bit right now...having Jon and Nate in the room make that a pretty easy task)!

We love you all and thank you for your partnership in this journey. We keep telling everyone about our powerful God and our army of support!

Keep praying...God is good!<3

March 10, 2016

Ummmm...so, as soon as I posted the last update, the OR nurse called!

SHE IS DOING GREAT...she has a new liver!!! All of the main arteries and veins have been connected and it is functioning! She hasn't need very much by way of blood products. They are anticipating removing the breathing tube before taking her to ICU, which means she's doing really well! She should be to the ICU in a little over an hour...5 hour surgery!!

PRAISE JESUS!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 10, 2016

We got a call from the OR nurse at 6:00 AM letting us know the anesthesia had been administered and the were beginning the surgery. They let us know that they would try to call every 2 hours; it's now 9:28 and we haven't received an update yet.

Mom and I went up to the ICU to get some of her things and we talked with Joe, her nurse for post-op. He said he hasn't heard anything yet but was hopeful she'd be coming up to him around noon.

I have to say, I have a twinge of worry creeping in, but I am clinging to Philippians 4:8 ~ "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

We have much to give praise for! So instead of letting my mind wander and fear set in, I am praising God for what He has already done, what He is doing NOW and that which He is going to do!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 10, 2016

At 4:15 this morning, Carissa was taken back to the OR! Surgery is expected to take 6-8 hours, at best. Will keep update as we are able!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 9, 2016

YOU GUYS!!!!! WE HAVE A LIVER!!!!!!!!!

Things are looking very good, they are beginning to prep Sis for surgery to happen first thing in the morning!!

There is a SMALL chance that once they actually have the liver extracted that something will prevent it from working, but Y'ALL...our God is bigger than that!!! Pray it up people!!!

We are ever grateful for this gift if life!!! May Jesus bring comfort to their family!

Keep praying...God is good!

March 6, 2016

Today has been filled with REST!

We are claiming this scripture as we wait:

"A, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. NOTHING is too hard for YOU!" ~ Jeremiah 32:17

Sis has a little something she'd like to tell you so follow the link to watch the vid. :D

Keep praying...God is good! <3

March 5, 2016

Today marks one week of being guests at UVA Medical Center. One week of top-notch care from, what we can only assume is, the best liver transplant team on the planet.

The last couple of days have been a little uncomfortable for Carissa. Retaining fluid, her body working hard to keep going, and being in a hospital bed for a couple weeks is all adding up to making sleep a bit illusive. Fortunately, today afforded her a nap or two. That, along with a visit from a good friend and a surprise of her niece and nephews has given her a shot of perseverance!

Brother Jon and Mom are on their way back to Hampton Roads for a little reprieve. Nate and I came back to UVA, with the boys, for the weekend. With us, we brought lots of hugs, words of encouragement, cards, and gifts for Sis! As she opened each one, she was reminded over and over of how very loved and supported she is.

We've just been talking about how amazing this experience has been. None of this was even a blip on our radar even 3 weeks ago and yet, here we are, watching Jesus work in the little and the big.

Our prayer has been and continues to be that He gets all the glory! And you know what? It's happening!! Many of you have shared how Carissa's faith and her trust in God being in control has been strengthening your walk with Him.

"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)

Sis has been trying to find a way to express her gratitude for the outpouring of generosity. The bottom line is she's speechless...we all are! You continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus - we see Him shining in and through you!

"Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart." Philippians 1:3 (MSG)

Keep praying...God is good! <3

Heather, for The Fam

March 3, 2016

Carissa is officially ON THE LIST!

As we pray and await a liver that will give Sissy life and restore her health, we continue to be so mindful of the donor's family. Our prayer is that 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 would wash over them!

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God our Father, who has loved us and has given us eternal consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work."

Keep praying...God is good!<3