Our life is nothing short of an adventure...

Wind in our hair and screams of delight but also unpredictable turns and unknown outcomes. We are a family of six; Dave, Susie, Nate, Jake, Sam, and Bella.

God has been faithful in our marriage and through the birth and blessings of our boys.

God has been faithful during our adoption journey and united Bella with us in May of 2008. We were privileged to visit with Bella's birth mother; therefore, Bella's family in Guatemala will always be dear to our hearts.

On October 16, 2008, Bella was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We are now battling the disease with 2 years and 3 months of treatment. We believe God will continue to be faithful!

Our family is committed to living life to the fullest...even on the hard days. Thank you for checking in and journeying with us!


Friday, March 26, 2010

Then and Now


This is Bella today! Full thick head of soft curly hair.


This was Bella a year ago, she had just lost her head of hair.

Through it all, a 2 year adoption process, missing the first 8 months of her life here at home, Leukemia diagnosis 5 months after getting her home and today, a thriving 2 1/2 year old walking in the Glory of God, its all been good! Someone said to me today that life is how you look at it, for us, it's how much trust do you put in God. This whole experience start to finish, has been more good than bad. Yes, we would rather have had her home at birth, and yes, we would rather have completely skipped the Leukemia diagnosis, however, God has turned all that to good over and over again. We know we live in a fallen world, sickness, disease, lack are not of God, but His Word prevails, His promises are true and we are a walking testimony of it. When I think of this entire experience since 2006 when we first started the process of adoption, I am brought to me knees in complete awe of what God has done. Not just in the physical, more importantly, our Spirits. We could start our own "Never the same Camp" with all we have experienced. It's all good, it's truly all good.

Bella wrapped up steroids this week, she and I are re-cooperating. Let's just say I hold very strong to God's promise of "He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world". Steroids are not only physically tough on Bella, but Mama too. Chemo in April includes spinal tap chemo and intervenous, but Bella is such a pro and it truly is no big deal now. It's a a half day spent at the hospital, but it feels so normal to us now...how crazy is that. Next year at this time, it will be OVER! We have 9 months left and are waiting for her "Make-A-Wish" paperwork to arrive so that we can apply for her wish. According to Bella, she want's to eat at "Cinderella's Castle", so looks like we will be heading back to Orlando after Christmas rather than a cruise. It's Bella's wish and none of us are complaining.

Have a blessed weekend, so much excitement as we prepare to celebrate and remember that "He has Risen", and therefore, so are we!


9 comments:

Vanessa said...

She's absolutly beautiful as always!! I'm thrilled that Bella is on the road to recovery and I'm counting down the days with you guys!! HUGS!

Leah Maya Benjamin said...

what an awesome post, so happy to see Bella smiling and healthy.

Tonya Brown said...

Your light shines bright in the hope of Jesus Christ... and it is so beautiful to see. In witnessing this entire journey, from then to now, I have been blessed as you have always put your trust and security in the only One who provides such. I can't thank you enough for living the faith you say you believe. So many followers so often lose faith in the valley, and it is in the valley where our testimonies are made.. it is that very valley that He wants to see us out of to bring all the glory to Him.

Girlfriend, thank you, thank you, thank you for glorifying God in ALL you do. I have watched as you have done it time and time again. and know from experience that He will give us faith when we can't even do it ourselves... if only we would put ALL THINGS in His hands and seek Him ALWAYS.

I just adore you and the ONE who dwells within you.

I am the Clay said...

Susie ~ I am new to your blog. I rejoice with you in God's goodness in Bella's life!

I too am touched by adoption - 5 adopted kiddos from Guatemala.. so when I fell upon your blog my heartstrings were pulled.

Be blessed ~
gloria

The Jeltema's said...

Susie, I have totally lost track of what has been happening with Bella..
I had no idea..and yet I should have known..what a testimony of God's ever present strength when we lean on Him..I just love you and how I see Christ in you..you're beautiful.
Will be keeping this little beauty in our prayers as God continues weaving your lives together..

The Jeltema's said...

Susie, I have totally lost track of what has been happening with Bella..
I had no idea..and yet I should have known..what a testimony of God's ever present strength when we lean on Him..I just love you and how I see Christ in you..you're beautiful.
Will be keeping this little beauty in our prayers as God continues weaving your lives together..

•Karis Brown• said...

She is so precious!
God is so good!

Anonymous said...

Isn't He amazing! Our God is Amazing! Not only for the victory we have in Jesus Christ, but also for His Grace which carries us through. No matter what comes our way, we can soar like eagles. We can go through the fire and come out not even smelling of smoke. We can weather the storm and not even feel the wind! His Grace keeps us smiling and the joy of the Lord is our Strength! Victory is always at hand.. His Grace carries us so our Faith can make it happen! And His Grace is always Sufficient! Praise God!

"And He said to me, “My Grace is sufficient, for My strength is made perfect in weakness...”
2 Corinthians 12:9

You are a perfect example of God's strength shining through during moments of weakness! You are a living testimony of God's Grace!

Love ya Girl,
Dana

B said...

Your blog is such an inspiration and a testimony to show all how the Word of God is true! I am so glad that Bella is doing well and that you have all been so richly blessed.