Some of you may have noticed I have been MIA over the last few months. I’m not going to bore you with all the details but a lot of life change for the better has been happening and I’m excited to share whats been going on! First of all, for all of my supporters it is important to know I have switched my route and my launch date will now be October 2019. I will now be going to the following countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland, India, Nepal, Ukraine, Moldova, Romania.
So for the people who do not know I was diagnosed almost two years ago now with Ulcerative Colitis. It is a lifelong disease and the biggest struggle for me, since it is still so new, has been finding out what my new “normal” is. Unfortunately, the disease can look drastically different from patient to patient so there isn’t a road map telling you what to do it comes with listening to your body with trial and error. Ulcerative Colitis, briefly defined, is when your body thinks the good bacteria in your colon is bad and your body essentially attacks itself. While there is no cure for this disease there are many medications and diet options to help live a “normal” life. Like I said before, the biggest struggle for me has been finding a good path of treatment. I was deeply discouraged when first diagnosed because my doctor at the time didn’t really give me the best care so I stopped seeing a doctor altogether (do not recommend).
It wasn’t until a little over a month ago I decided to try another doctor here in Florida and what do you know the man is a God send! I told him about my trip and he wanted to act fast to get my body where it needed to be before I left in January. I have been in and out of the doctors office from getting blood work done to check my levels for deficiencies to receiving a colonoscopy (good times). He even sent me to a nutritionist, who I LOVE, to have more confidence in choosing my meals. All though my doctor has given me the clearance to leave in January I personally don’t think I’m ready just yet. Talking with the doctor has been AMAZING but it has also been a huge reality check. Although you can’t outwardly see the disease it does have serious effects. If it goes untreated it can lead to anemia, arthritis, infertility, a high risk of colon cancer and that’s just some of it. Three weeks ago, with lots of prayer I decided to change my route to a later date. I really feel like my body needs good quality care before I leave. I want to be empowered and know what to do if a flare up happens overseas and that comes from seeking wisdom and counsel from medical professionals.
In other news, I am thrilled to announce I have taken a part time position at the church I attend as the Children’s Worship Coordinator. I will still keep my other job but lessen my hours. This is a huge blessing because it has been extremely difficult to get involved in community since moving down due to my jobs inconsistent schedule. This change will allow me to not only attend church on the regular but be a part of the body using the gifts God has given me to further the kingdom.
That’s all for now folks! I truly appreciate and love every one of you that has tagged along this bumpy ride and hope to keep you posted of great things to come.
Blessings,
Callie
