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Kara’s Story

Site created on September 14, 2016

Dear Friends and Family,

Thank you for taking the time to read
this. I absolutely love sports and grew up running track and playing basketball. In 1991 my basketball team made it to the national
play offs twice and won! I was offered a full basketball
scholarship to Baylor University and Texas A&M.
However, about a
month later I would make a decision that would change my life forever. I
will never forget sitting in a seminar, my mind wandering about
colleges,basketball, and majors at the ripe age of fifteen, when an
orphan from Russia shared about her life and how there were so many
people in Russia that needed our help. That was it. I remember that tug
that only the Holy Spirit can give. I knew I was supposed to serve in
Russia. I had no reservations, but remember praying about going and
kept getting a very strong "YES!" from the Lord. I knew this decision
was going to change my life and it was not to be taken lightly. However,
I had no idea that it would bring me to my death bed. While in Russia I
was poisoned with mercury. I became very ill quickly. After being back
in the United States for over five years and seeing more doctors than I
can count. I had no answers for this mysterious illness that was killing
me.

God in His Sovereignty allowed one phone call from a
physician, I did not know, to change my world. I refused to talk to him,
at first, I had nothing left in me to fight. I had seen so many doctors
and none of them could figure it out so why should he? I finally agreed
to speak to him and he asked me a few questions then said "I believe I
know what is wrong". "Would you be willing to take one test for me?" I
was stunned..."What do you mean you know what is wrong?!"
This
physician was a God send. He didn't even live in the same state but had
heard about my case through word of mouth. I took the test requested and
he asked me to repeat it. Mercury levels were "off the chart". I had no
idea what that meant. He called asked my parents to start driving with
me right away toward his home in AR while he ran another test in hope it
was a lab error . He was honest and said" she may not make it but don't
tell her that yet". My parents drove all evening and into the night,
arrived at his home and he started my first of many IV treatments right
there in his living room at 2:00am.
We had no idea it would be
several surgeries, IV's, and procedures later that we would still be
trying to draw out the mercury. Two and a half years later of everyday
oral and IV chelation It was decided to stop in order to save my kidneys.
This
was over 20 years ago. Today I am still facing the undeniable effects of how
mercury ravaged my body. I have prayed for healing, strength and
direction. Still fighting for my health as my heart among other organs
are failing.
God has sent so many sweet friends who encourage me along
the way. Recently, raising up people to pray specifically for my health.
I feel so honored, humbled, and blessed by this. Thank you for your love

and prayers. I struggled greatly with insomnia as a child but didn't know to say anything. I thought it would be perceived as complaining. So I just powered through every single day... not understanding the severe pain that comes with that. Thank you all so much for your continued prayers . We are still at Mayo Clinic praying for a miracle. Fell free to read and share with anyone that could pray with us.

Kara Goodman-Vigil

Newest Update

Journal entry by Kara Vigil — Jul 8, 2020

Dear Friends and Family,

First, thank you so much for all your encouraging words and prayers. Update on health:
I was recently diagnosed with COPD and Heart failure. These felt like a kick in the gut on top of dealing with all other health issues. However, it may explain why I have had such difficulty breathing. I will be searching for specialist to confirm and help with these. I was told to see a geneticist for the COPD and we need to understand completely about the numbers that indicated the heart failure.
Please pray for:
Total healing
The right doctors and testing as well as correct treatment plan.
God's continued provision.
The seemingly never ending insomnia
Stamina for all appointments needed
Wisdom for me and the doctors on the best treatment plans
That my body will somehow find the ability to get much needed sleep and rest.
That I will be able to continue to lean on the only one who has all the answers and not feel totally overwhelmed.
That the chronic pain from Fibromyalgia and Nephropathy would ease.
That the permanent damage already done to my lungs would heal and not become worse.

Praise
You! I am so thankful for those of you that are reading this and continue to pray and encourage me through this very long and difficult journey. God has used you in so many ways throughout my life and I so very grateful.

Love,
Kara

Read More of the journal titled "July 8, 2020"

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