Personal.

 I must admit, this is a very difficult post to write. There are at least three things that I have always had immense trouble doing: expressing my feelings, admitting weakness, and requesting prayer. This, unfortunately, involves all three. However, I am grateful for this outlet because it is much easier for me to write than to speak.

As some of you may know, I have spent the past four months in and out of doctor's offices. In April of this year, I was diagnosed with undifferentiated colitis, an autoimmune disease that affects the large intestine. I am very fortunate in that my colitis is currently mild and well-controlled.

After my colitis diagnosis, I decided to investigate the hip pain that I have become so well-acquainted with over the past year. Chiropractors and doctors alike had previously told me that the pain is merely associated with hyper-mobile ligaments. My gastroenterologist, however, informed me that, in rare cases, the antibody attacking colitis patients can spread to joints. I am very thankful for his foresight.

Through a long series of events, tests have now proven that this is the case. I have an inherited gene named MLA-B27. People with this gene are at a greatly increased risk for primarily three autoimmune diseases: colitis, inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic, spondylosis, rheumatoid, etc), and psoriasis. Currently, I have been diagnosed with both colitis and inflammatory arthritis of my pelvis and spine. Thankfully, I have no signs or symptoms of psoriasis to date.

Primarily, this means a few things for me:

1. I currently experience varying degrees of pain on a daily basis in my hips, SI joint, and spine.
2. If not treated properly, my arthritis could take on rheumatic tendencies, causing increased inflammation and, eventually, spinal fusion.
3. I am now labeled as a person with a "pre-existing autoimmune genetic disorder," meaning that insurance companies are not very excited about serving me. Thankfully, I already have insurance, but if for any reason this insurance is ever lost or terminated, I will have a very difficult time finding an insurance company that will cover me for any amount of money that even resembles a rational cost.
4. I am currently on a pill-based tetracycline drug that will (hopefully) treat both my colitis and my arthritis effectively. If, however, this medicine proves itself inadequate, we will half to explore injection-based options, such as Humira or Remicaid. These medicines, although very effective, carry a hefty price tag and a large list of potential side effects.
5. In terms of future career plans, things have greatly changed for us. Kyle is transferring from the 2+2 program at Southeastern to the Christian Ministry concentration. In other words, we will not be going overseas with the International Mission Board in the near future, which has been our hope since coming to Southeastern. God, though, is funny like that. We still hope to serve overseas in our lifetime, but the timing is no longer certain.

I have two requests in this matter. First, I beg you to pray for Kyle and I. Specifically, pray that we will find peace in the Lord, that the affordable, pill-based medication will effectively suppress my autoimmune response, and pray that the Lord will faithfully direct us in whatever new, uncertain path that our future may take. Second, please keep discussions with me minimal in this matter. I am grateful for your love, encouragement, and prayer in this matter, and I will gladly answer any lingering questions that you may have. Nevertheless, I retain that there is more to my life than this disease, and yet I have spent a great deal of time talking with doctors about my disease, thinking through my disease, and praying over my disease. I need a break from my disease.

Please know this: I am so grateful for all of you. I hope I am never discouraged from serving you. I never, ever want to become so self-centered around my own weaknesses that I cease to pour out love to those who have been such a blessing in my life.