12.6.12

Faith, Hope, & Love


Sometimes being optimistic is easier said then done. These past few months have not been easy for our family. When I contracted the RSV this winter, we were told of the doctor's concerns that this could lead to rejection. Rejection, something that doctors are continuing to learn about and the treatment is not quite down to a predictable science. We were praying and hoping for the best. Throughout the course of the winter and spring I had up's and down's, many trips to Duke and back, and continual testing.

Despite this, my health seemed to be in a good enough state that we were able to continue with foster care. I have felt passionate about foster care. Why do we do it? Well, for many reasons. Because we both love children. We wanted to expand our family and since having a lung transplant didn't allow me to bring another child into this world, why not take care of a child in need. I too, was a foster child before I was adopted and have always considered being a foster parent myself. Our family also believes our role in this world is to care and love for the child that has no family. Being involved in our local foster care system has been such a blessing to our family. We love to share our stories of the two children that have been under our care.

Just this past month, my health has seem to go downhill quickly. Mainly my breathing and the symptoms of rejection that constrict me. This has effected my entire family. This past week has been the hardest. In so many ways.


But I hold onto my faith, God's promises, hope, and optimism. No matter how difficult it may seem.

God has shown me throughout the course of the day here at Duke, how I can be hopeful. He has shown me this through the course of my life.  I have been hearing good news throughout the entire day in relation to my health. I also am continually amazed by the prayers that are being offered on our family's behalf. It is very encouraging! The doctor's here have some very big decisions to agree on that could make/break my health. But I have to constantly be aware of who is really in control. My Master. These are the encouraging words Moses delivered to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land, and which I hold onto today. "But Adonai — it is he who will go ahead of you. He will be with you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you, so don’t be afraid or downhearted."


There will be two important meetings taking place on Tuesday, that we ask you to be in prayer about. One is regarding our foster child and their placement during this time of uncertainty. Our family was in the process of considering adoption, so this is heartbreaking for us to say goodbye. The second is a meeting of Duke's transplant team to make a treatment plan for my health. My case is complicating, which makes the decisions for the doctors a bit more difficult. There will be about 10 doctors discussing the case and plan of treatment.

There are so many uncertainties for us at this time. But ultimately, we will have faith  that God has our foster child, our family, and my health's best interest at mind. We will have hope of His plan for us in the grand scheme of things. And that we will continue to love others as God pours His love into our hearts.

Romans 5:2-5

 Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.



27 comments:

  1. You have such a sweet spirit, my friend. You are such an incredible encouragement and blessing to me and so many others. The Lord has carried you through so much and we trust and pray for you during this time. And God has a perfect plan for your foster! We pray for God's comfort and the love of family and friends all around you right now. We pray with confidence in Jesus' name.

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  2. I am praying for you, your foster child and your family! You have been an encouragement to me! I will also pray for your doctors as they work with you and make the right decisions for your health.

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  3. Tricia, You are such an inspiration! You, your foster child, and all of your family are in our continued thoughts and prayers. God Bless.

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  4. Praying for your whole family and all the doctors. So thankful that you know the One who is really in charge. :) Love your attitude despite how terrifying all of this must be at times. Keep remembering that God is in control and you're in the best of hands. :)

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  5. Praying, praying, praying for you--your family, your foster boy and your doctors. Thank you for sharing your heart--you are such a blessing Tricia! I pray God continues to bless you the way that you are blessing others!

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  6. Tricia, I am praying for you, your family and your precious foster child who also holds your heart. Asking God to lead each step of the way.

    Your faith is an encouragement to all.

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  7. Praying for you and your family constantly Tricia, asking God to continue His Plan for your lives. Praying for your precious foster child to be placed in another set of loving arms at this time. Really praying for His Peace over all of you during this uncertain time, knowing He has you all covered. Love and Hugs, Laurie

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  8. I love your spirit and outlook on life, you are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  9. Praying and standing in faith with you

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  10. Tricia, you've always stood for what we too believe in. Thank you for being that example and for leading with hope and courage even when the circumstances are dim. I am right here cyster, waiting, hoping, and learning every step of the way. The prayer warriors have been summoned, now we must wait to see what God wants. You are never alone.

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  11. Tricia, you are so strong and so sure in your faith... what a gift. I pray every day that my son, also a transplant recipient (heart) would find that place where he could flourish and stop waiting for the other shoe to drop... I guess I wish I could get there too.

    We are praying for you and your sweet family so hard, here in jersey!

    gena

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  12. Tricia I am thinking about you and praying for you. I have a precious adopted child who is 16 now. It was a risky adoption and i feared for a long time that I would lose her. It's amazing how our hearts just open as big as they need to to include all the babies that God has planned for us. God knew when he formed the earth that you were going to be Gwyneth's mommy and He knew then whether you were going to be the forever mommy to your foster child. If not, know that y'all have made a profound difference in a little life, one that God planned for and try to take a little comfort from that. I'll pray for your other little one too.

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  13. Tricia, We have followed and stood with you and your family since the "public" beginning of this journey you have been on these last four years! You and Nate continue to amaze me with your strong faith - rooted and grounded in God and His word! You are an inspiration to so many. I was abandoned as a child before the foster system really existed. When I look back on the years that I lived with a family other than my birth mother, I marvel how even then God used that special family to show me the love of a father and mother toward each other and used them to point me to God. I know that God will gently wrap His arms around your foster child and keep them in his loving care. Know that you, Nate, Gwyneth and your foster child are being prayed for daily by so many! Hugs

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  14. Tricia, you continue to inspire me every single day. You are such a ray of sunshine! Thank you for continuing to share your light, hope, and faith with us. I pray that your heart continues to be pure and despite the circumstances, you are filled with joy and love. :)

    Praying for more good news! :)

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  15. Praying for you and yours. You are such an inspiration!

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  16. Thank you so much for this. You inspire me to lean on God in all situations and to be thankful for each moment.
    I am praying for you continually. I pray for the rest of your sweet family, too. I wish I could be nearby so I could be of some help in a physical way, but since I can't, you may depend on my sincere prayers.
    Much love from Kingston, Tennessee

    Kim Waggoner

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  17. YOU are an amazing example Miss Tricia!!!! Prayers and thoughts are with you all... so sad and heart wrenching for you to have to postpone the adoption process.

    ToOdLeS.

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  18. i wish i had beautiful words to share...i can only say God is still in control and He is still in the miracle business...and i am praying for a miracle in your life.
    love and blessings to you all!

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  19. Thinking of you and praying . We all know who is control and he seems to have a handle on this :) .You are a inspiration May God Continue to Bless you and your family:)

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  20. Tricia, I count it a privilege to pray for you and your family. Thank you for the update. I know your hearts are breaking over the decision for your foster child, prayers for all of you. I'm also thanking God for Gweneth, for the opportunity to see her grow up and loving on her mama.

    Continuing to pray for you in Waterford, MI
    Kim M

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  21. Tricia and Nate, I was just introduced to your blogs by a friend. I am also trying to adopt through foster care. If you feel comfortable, please tell me how I might be a part of your discussion as you seek placement for this child. I live close to Durham so visits with you might be possible if you desire. I don't often reply to blogs so I'm not sure how to make certain we are contacting each other. I will check back here.

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  22. praying for you, Nate and Gwyneth. <3

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  23. Our God is for us!! Prayer is often used in the OT as the deciding factor for victory or failure. People sought the wisdom of God through prayer. God often gave them victory for obedience in prayer. We will pray for you!

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  24. Hi Tricia,
    Just want to remind you that you are loved and being prayed for.

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