I've wanted to write an update for quite some time. It's amazing how much harder it is to take opportunities to write when I don't have repeated days of hanging out in a hospital room without kids! 😄 But I don't want that to be an excuse to not reflect or to neglect updating those who have so generously prayed for and supported us.

This day is really important for us. Most of all because on this day seven years ago, we became parents for the first time! And now it carries another unforgettable significance in our lives - on this day one year ago, Bjorn was given his cancer diagnosis.

In some ways, it's still really raw to think back on that day and to look at pictures of our sweet little boy happily spending his birthday in an ER room with his parents. And yet as I think back over this last year and especially the ways that God has been SO kind and faithful to us, I can honestly say that I wouldn't wish for it to have been different.

We have experienced strengthened faith in Jesus, expanded gratitude for His million kindnesses each day, greater compassion for those suffering and eagerness to pray, deepened friendships, and innumerable other gifts. As I look at August 26, 2020, I see so much growth and opportunities for ministry that would not be possible without August 26, 2019.

Every time I get to talk with someone we've not been able to interact with in a while, it brings me fresh joy to be able to say that Bjorn is doing really well! I hope that as you read this you will rejoice with me in just how gracious God has been! Recovery after his stem cell transplant seemed incremental and often slow-going, but now, at seven months out, I'd say Bjorn is mostly back to normal. In some ways, since he had been feeling so badly for so long, he feels better now than he had for the last year and a half! He still struggles with daily headaches, occasional migraines, and permanent numbness in his foot and hand. If you saw Bjorn, you'd see that he looks great! And in true Bjorn fashion, he's tackling large landscaping and home improvement projects, golfing, swimming, and running around with the kids. It makes me cry every time I think that at this point a year ago, we didn't know if he'd ever do any of those things again! Thank You, Jesus!

Bjorn's last two MRIs continued to show no evidence of cancer, as well as decreasing inflammation along his spine! He will continue having an MRI every 3 months (with periodic lumbar punctures) for at least this first year after treatment. Then it will space out to every 4 months for a year, then every 6 months, etc. And every clean scan is a sweet new reason for rejoicing and gratitude!

"Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness And justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy."

Psalm 103:1‭-‬8

As crazy as it sounds, Bjorn and I are both grateful for the gift of cancer. God has used it to solidify our Indomitable Hope in Him and show us truly that no matter what happens, Jesus is better! To God be the glory!