they're coming out

I'm getting all my wisdom teeth out next Friday. Hopefully that will go smoothly. Other than the pain from those, my health has been pretty stable. Not much nausea or pain.

I'm really enjoying Younglife right now. I am interested to see where God is going to use me at Webb this year. The guys that I knew well graduated in the spring. So I'm trying to decide which guys God is leading me toward now.

Keiran, Lauren, and Andrew are all in town this weekend for the Ole Miss game and my b'day....Should be an awesome time.

dentist and documentary

I see the oral surgeon today to decide what to do about my teeth. Also, got an email yesterday asking me if I would be in a documentary about my disease. We'll see how both of those things turn out.

new adventure

Well. My energy level got much better as the week went on. I did have a new adventure yesterday. I was supposed to get my wisdom teeth out a while ago. We have just kept putting it off because of other issues. The roots are really deep now and my bones are in bad shape. They started hurting me pretty bad this week and were terrible yesterday morning. Russell took me to the ER...got an antibiotic and pain meds. So I have to meet with an oral surgeon this week and decide what to do. Other than my jaw and teeth, I feel much better.

Younglife started up this week. Had such a great time at club with my team and the high school kids Thursday night. It's funny that God uses that crazy loud time with friends and kids as a form of rest and reengerizing time.

A week from today I will be 26. It's strange that at times that number seems so old to me and at times so young.

tired

The last couple of days I have been very tired. Fortunately, I haven't had a lot to do. Please pray that I would have more energy.

first class

Failed to mention that Hanna Steel, a company in Alabama, paid for my mom and I to make the Houston trip in first class. I don't know if I own anything from Hannah Steel...but i should, and so should you.

God is so good. Church yesterday was unreal. Spiritually, I love the place God has me right now.

trying to get back home

Well we spent about 16 hours in Houston....including a few hours in the emergency room. Everything calmed down and we actually got to come home a day early. Our luggage was lost and so I am waiting for it to get here before I drive back to knoxville.

But healthwise, we got no news from the trip. There is still no shown response of the leukemia from the chemo. The doctor wants to wait two more months to see if this will begin to work.

Back to knoxville, to teaching, and to YL...hate that I had to miss our first club...but crazy excited about this week.

week 3

As of tomorrow, I begin my third week on the new chemo. It really hasn't been that bad. Steroids are a wonderful thing. I go back to Houston Thursday. Angel Flight, the ministry which was supposed to fly me out there, is overbooked because of Katrina. So I am still waiting to hear if they will fly me or not.

Had a great weekend in Alabama. Got to grab lunch with some of my SU professors and see Jennifer Dunn. Also had a great time with Andy, the Emily's, Amy, and Stephanie. Great to go to church with the family and see some Gadsden folk.

I am just so honored that people are reading this. The care and concern each of you have expressed is so awesome.

busy

Checking things off my To Do list is one of my favorite things. Gave an exam this week, so tons of grading (which I had help with). The tutoring business is slowly picking up for the semester. And Younglife club begins next week. My Younglife team is another one of my favorite things. I'm excited about YL at Webb this fall. I am heading to Birmingham for the weekend tongiht. Meeting with Andy; His dad is wanting to join in our tutoring business.

Healthwise, not much to speak of. Not feeling a lot of side effects from the chemo. Steroids are keeping things running pretty smoothly.

running smoothly

Well... I have been back on the chemo for about a week now. There are some symptoms, but bearable. I have headaches, waves of nausea, and slight fatigue. Please pray that they will be minimal. Pray also that this chemo would work and work quickly. I am teaching for the next two weeks, then I head back to houston for a short visit. That you all again for your prayers and sweet words. I am overwhelmed with the encouragement God has provided, especially through His people.