Update 1/26/10 Day 79

Dear friends,

You've probably heard of the novel "Around the World in Eighty Days"written by French novelist Jules Verne. In the story, Englishman Phileas Fogg wins a bet that he can circle the globe in 80 days. Well, that was fiction in 1873, but 16 years later a female reporter named Nellie Bly took a real trip around the planet, and she did it in 72 days! In the midst of her feat, she received 2 marriage proposals, avoided a smallpox quarantine and bought a monkey. Her accomplishment took less time than our road since November 8. But we, like her, have a goal, and all sorts of interesting things happen along the way. So much can happen in 79 days. For one, you find out how steadfast your God is. You find out how greatly you love your family, immediate and extended. And you come face to face with the rock solid friends going "around the world in who-knows-how-many-days with you. It's a trip I never asked for, but one where I have seen great sights and amazing feats of love and kindness.

The man worked hard at PT and OT today, stretching out those stubborn muscles and joints to gain range of motion. Sandy the Sweet, his Occupational Therapist, has an amazing way of aggressively rotating the shoulder and straightening the elbow (as much as possible) with a gentle smile and tender heart. Here she is, going for it with all her might to get Stephen as much function as she can, but doing it with extreme attention to how much he can take. Now you already know I'm going to spiritualize this, and I certainly don't want to disappoint you...Isn't it like the troubles of life? The Great One wants his children to have the most freedom, the most fulfillment, a depth of passion for life and people. So He takes the rickety, stiff, unpliable spots and uses the trials to stretch and change and expand us. He keeps a close eye to know exactly how much pressure to allow, and I can tell you first hand He's going for it, but always with compassion. "Count it all joy when you face trials of various kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith produces perseverance...." James 1. Perseverance. I'm quite sure Nellie Bly needed it. As does anyone with a job, a dream and a passion.

My kids survived day one of midterms. I'm incredibly proud of Hannah. She missed 2 months of school. She's been fighting her way back. And she finished her Geometry and AP History exams within the allotted time. She has been studying like an Oxford scholar for the last few weeks. She writes many things out (on her fabulous yellow laptop) as she cultivates all that knowledge, and in so doing compensates for some of her short term memory issues. What a trooper! She's a lion in a bunny rabbit suit.

To make a long story short (and you can ask me about it in person, because it's really kind of amazing), Stephen has a new job with a new company and has been given the great opportunity to work part time from home until he's able to get back to an office full time. (Ain't technology grand?) I am really so thrilled for him, and he is excited about the opportunity. At some point in the near future, I too will have to return to work. Sigh. I don't know how it will all play out, but I trust the Great One to show us the way. Soon we will begin looking for a second car in anticipation of Smitty being able to drive not too long after being able to walk. We may need a little help along the way here and there to get our kids to and fro. You have all been such a help in every way. I am humbled every day.

Speaking of which, time to go pick up the girl at music practice for the Gen Church worship team. I love you dearly, my friends, and we'll pick this up again tomorrow, Lord willing and the creek don't run dry (pretty sure that won't happen!)

BTW, today is the anniversary of Miss Bly's arrival in Jersey City after her amazing trip. Ours continues, all of ours.

Your friend on the pilgrim road,

Loriann

P.S. Fab Phyllis made fab meatloaf, and oh those banana cream puffs...