He's not Finished with Me Yet

What a ride... Sometimes I am so in awe of the journey God has me on, and am just thankful for the beauty of the relationships, experiences, and opportunities He's given me. Sometimes I am simply holding on for dear life through the unknown, unexpected, discouraging moments. This week was a little of both.

I'm sorry if anyone gets tired of pictures of the river, but I don't think I'll ever get tired of those quiet walks... It was necessary before the whirlwind that came later in the week.

I had headaches again off and on last week. After a few days, we figured we should get it checked out at the hospital. It was disheartening to see that my shunt was again malfunctioning. Based on what the doctor had seen during my last surgery, he was pretty certain he knew what the issue was and thought it would be an easy fix, so surgery was scheduled for Monday.

The thought of surgery again was looming, but that didn't stop a wonderful, refreshing weekend of celebrating Thanksgiving on Sunday with my church family here. There is so much to be thankful for! A little taste of traditional American food and the local Japanese flavors blended together in our full stomachs. Friends and family, new and old, shared in a time of giving thanks from hearts that were overflowing. God is good.

The day after such a wonderful feast, I headed back to the hospital for surgery. This time, they were using a different type of anesthesia, which meant the hospital stay could be shorter. I had to chuckle when I found out I was assigned the exact same room as last time. Home sweet home...

Throughout this hospital stay, I found myself wondering if this would always be a recurring problem or if the fix would last. I wondered again what God was doing. The question "Why?" surfaced in my mind more than I care to count.

Yet, I'm thankful to report that surgery went well, a CT scan and the doctor confirmed that things were up and running again, I felt much better, and I was able to go home just two days later. During my stay, I was even able to enjoy the fall colors from a window of the hospital.

It's not for me to know why right now. I do know that God remains faithful. Yes, there have been doubts, but God's word speaks to the heart. He is still at work. He's not finished with me yet. So with each breath He's given, I will praise the Lord!

Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6