80,000 Views of the Blog!!! --About the "Journey" & UPDATE

Hello To All,

As we begin this Lenten season, I received an e-mail from one of my wonderful Monterrey friends Barbara. She is truly a special person and she attends the local church called Union Church, here in Monterrey. She sent along this devotional to Jessica and I that was written by Pastor Dave Long, a true man of God. It speaks of the "journey" that we are sometimes asked to take in our walk with the Christian faith. Barbara thought of Jessica and the journey she has had to take with her illness.

Here is the devotional:

Answering the Call to Journey

Genesis 12:1-9

God called Abraham to leave his country and go to the land that God would show him. It was the beginning of the journey to the Promised Land and it would take his family and future generations on a circuitous route until they arrived.

There was a promise that kept him going: I will make you…, I will bless you…, I will make your name…, I will bless those who bless…, I will curse those who curse…, all peoples will be blessed through you. He was traveling with a promise.

Cynthia Clawson is one of my favorite singers. She wrote, My journey has taken me through smiles and miles, fears and tears, doubt and faith, hope and light. It has been a struggle at times, but struggles sometimes help us grow stronger. My trip through this life has been a time to love and learn. It has been during quiet walks with the Master that I have grown most.

These are the lyrics to a song that she and her husband wrote and she sings: The Journey

I’m making a journey, Lord,

The greatest journey of all;

My steps may fail, Lord,

So please don’t let me fall.

The way is narrow, Lord,

And sometimes I feel alone;

And when my heart fears, Lord,

I softly pray this song:

Give me the heart to be pure,

Give me the faith to be sure,

Give me the strength to endure

All of my tribulations.

I need some courage, Lord,

To make it just one more mile;

I want to hold your hand,

I want to see your smile.

Give me the heart to be pure,

Give me the faith to be sure,

Give me the strength to endure

All of my tribulations.

No matter where our journey may take us – to another country or our hometown, through lush green lands or dry deserts, to fame and fortune or unknown and poverty – God has promised to be with us. So may our prayer be to keep a pure heart, to have an abiding faith, to have strength to endure all of our tribulations.

Journey well…God is beside you!

Union Church of Monterrey

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Update on Jessica:

We hope that this message lifts you up during this season of Lent. We thank you all for taking this "Journey" with us and for all the prayers that have been offered on Jessica's and our family's behalf. Jessica has been having a few ups and downs, as you know, and with that a flare of her RSD in the right foot, right arm and stomach. We are forever grateful to Dr. Cantu for all he continues to do for Jessica and his perseverance, commitment and wisdom with this illness. We know that God is in control and we praise him always for all of his miracles and healing for Jessica.

On another note, we ask for your prayers for Jessica's Dad who will be undergoing surgery next week for hernia repair. We ask that all goes well with the surgery and his recovery and we ask God to guide the hands of his surgeon Dr. Greenstein.

Jessica and I are so thrilled to have Katherine here with us this week! We have not seen her since last June-except via Skype-and she was so thrilled to see how improved Jessica is since then! When she arrived to the apartment, Jessica was in her recliner chair to welcome her! They kissed and hugged (something that couldn't be done last year!) They have been enjoying their time together-reconnecting-and we all keep saying to one another how we can't believe that we can enjoy the hugging again, feeling the fresh air together again, seeing the beautiful blue sky, laughing again, listening to music, watching a movie, to see Jessica in so much less pain, etc.......I could go on and on! For me, as their Mom, it takes my breath away, and I have shed a few happy tears this week to see them together like that again! We praise God for all his mighty works, Dr. Cantu for all his love, and I praise my daughter Jessica-she is a fighter and her determination is amazing and inspiring!

May this day find you all well,

In God's love,always,

Sarah Gina

(Mom to 3)

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Update

Hi everyone!

I am sorry for not doing a better job of keeping this blog updated. The past couple of weeks have been a little rough for me and I sometimes just don’t know what to say.

To start with, my 23^rd birthday was wonderful!!! It was definitely the Happiest Birthday that I have had and the best part was being able to eat my own birthday cake for the first time in 4 years! My mom made me a Mexican chocolate chip cake with pink and green frosting and it was so delicious! To think that last year at this time I was very sick in the hospital and still being fed through a feeding tube...Praise God!

I have certainly come a long way, even if there is still a long way to go.

Along with the great progress, there are still challenges and times when fear and uncertainty seem to take hold. The past few weeks have been one of these times as I have been having some problems that I had not been experiencing since leaving the hospital. I will be going for some tests to further check things out.

I know that all RSD patients deal with setbacks and it is never easy. It is very difficult for me to even write about anything remotely negative on here because I have come so far and I feel so blessed to be getting better.

I don’t want this blog to ever be about the uncertainty, the fear or the pain…But rather, the hope, the joy and the strength we can all find in Jesus through the challenges. Nothing is impossible for Him! He redeems. He saves. He restores and He HEALS! I am living proof of that!

I have complete confidence that with God’s grace, Dr. Cantu’s wisdom and my Mom’s love, I cannot lose! As for me and my family, we will continue to speak of God’s great and mighty work in our lives, now and forever.

As always, thank you for the love, support and prayers for me and my family and a special thanks to the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, who once again, held a successful art auction fundraiser to help me continue my recovery.

Please pray for healing and peace for all who are suffering, for strength and comfort for all of the devoted caregivers and for wisdom and understanding for the doctors who are trying so hard to help.

In God’s love, Jessica

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, I will not fear.”- Psalm 46:1

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Upcoming Fundraiser in Garden City, NY

Hello To All,

UPCOMING FUNDRAISER FOR JESSICA'S JOURNEY:

Resurrection To Host Art And Memorabilia Auction

Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Garden City, N.Y. will host an Art & Memorabilia Auction, Friday, Feb. 4, starting at 7 PM. The fund-raiser will assist with two important causes. Monies raised will go toward medical expenses for Jessica Stevens, a member of Resurrection who is battling severe complications from Reflex Sympathetic Dstrophy(RSD) & Lyme Disease. Funds will also support The Mission of Resurrection & The Life Church.

An Art Preview will begin at 7 p.m. when guests may view the art and memorabilia for auction, while enjoying an array of hors d’oeuvres and beverages from many local restaurants.

At 8 p.m., a professional auctioneer from Marlin Art will open bids on a vast selection of fine art and items from sports, music and entertainment. The event also includes a Door Prizes and a Silent Auction for gift baskets packed with exquisite prizes.

Rev. Jeff Browning, Pastor of Resurrection, said this is the second such fund-raiser Resurrection will host to benefit the Stevens family. “Jessica and the Stevens family are such special people. We are thrilled to be able to do whatever we can for them.”

The evening will conclude with coffee and desserts, featuring sweet delicacies made by many of the church’s finest bakers.

Resurrection & The Life Church is a Christian community of faith, with their main campus located at 420 Stewart Ave., near Clinton Rd., in Garden City. For more information, call 516.746.4426, or visit resgc.org or thelifeny.org.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Pastor Browning and the entire congregational family at The Lutheran CHurch of the Resurrection for ALL of their continued efforts in fund-raising, their donations, and mostly ALL of their love, support, and prayers offered on behalf of Jessica and our family! We could not have taken this journey towards wellness without you ALL!!!

In God's Love,always,

Sarah Gina

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HAPPY 23rd BIRTHDAY JESSICA!!!

Jessica & Dr. Green Shirt (aka Cantu)

Blessings To ALL,

Today is Jessica's 23rd Birthday and oh what a difference a year has made! Last year on this day, she was in the hospital going on 5 months, had a 104 fever and was fighting infections and many obstacles! This year, although we are still here in Monterrey, she is out of the hospital after being there for over a year, and her journey of hope seems that much brighter! Praise God!

" The appearance of a beautiful and magnificent Rainbow was God's promise of Hope to Noah and his family. It was a sign of peace, comfort and joy."
"The Rainbow is a sign of God's promise that He will guide us thru any storm, that He will ease all our troubles, no matter what their form!"

My Dearest Daughter Jessica,

This journey that you and I began together, has been one incredible journey -- many highs, many lows; many obstacles, many miracles. But, through it all, you have never given up Hope. It was and is that hope you had and continue to have in God, in your doctors, in prayers, in miracles, and in yourself, that has been the focus of your journey to having a life again. Jessica - never let go of hope. One day you will see that it All has come together and what you wished and prayed for has finally come to be! You will look back one day at what has passed and you will ask yourself "How did I ever get through All of that?"

Jessica, my hopes for your birthday are:

That you wake up in the morning with a big smile on your face...
That the sun is shining just for you... and the birds are singing their very best songs...
That your day is filled with lovely surprises, and that family & friends call or write you just to say "Hi"...
That everything goes your way...and everything is well with your world...

I hope that you enjoy all that you can do... and that you can laugh and talk to your heart's content...
That you have all that you wish for yourself and those dear to you, and that ALL your dreams come true...

And, at the end of this day, I wish you a perfect moon above the Monterrey mountains, shining just for you...
and a snug and cozy bed with the softest of pillows, so that you can sleep like a baby with a smile on your face...

I hope you have a perfect end to a perfect day... and I hope that every day is just as wonderful in its own way...

So, Jessica, think of Mommy's Hopes for you, and let them turn on the sunshine inside of You! That's my Birthday Hope for You!!!

I Love you Jessica and always will...
You have my heart forever...
Happy 23rd Birthday!!!

Love,
Mommy
xoxoxo

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MESSAGES FROM HOME:

Dear Jessica,

The fact that you are turning 23 is wonderful. The fact that you're turning 23 in Mexico is cool and the fact that you're turning 23 and feeling good is just amazing and a miracle!

You are definitely the strongest person in faith, resolve and courage that I know.

I hope you have a special day on your Special Day.

When I saw you recently, I saw for the first time in over four years the daughter I used to know. I saw my oldest daughter who is funny, witty and beautiful.

And, I know that you will eventually WALK out of Mexico.

So have a Happy Birthday.

May God, continue to bless you, keep you and strengthen you.

Love,

Daddy

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Dear Jessica,

Today is your 23^rd birthday, YAY!!! When I think of birthdays the first thing that comes to my mind is the cake, the parties, the presents and most importantly the wish that the person makes when they blow out the candles. I know that your last couples of birthdays haven’t been fun for you; I think they were mostly reminders that you were still sick. This birthday, however, is so much different!! I’m sooo happy that you will finally have a birthday that you can really enjoy! You’re doing so amazingly great and I am beyond proud of you! I thank God everyday for these wonderful blessings that have happened to you this year.

Your last healthy birthday was when you turned 18 years old. The whole family went to a nice restaurant together and then afterwards you went downtown with your friends. We never knew that birthday would be your last happy one for a few years, but we also never knew that your 23^rd birthday would be one of the best that you have had in a long time!! You amaze me more and more everyday and there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you’ll be even better by your 24^th!!

Most people’s role models are their parents or maybe some famous old person, but my role model is a young, beautiful, intelligent 23 year old...Can you guess who that is?..YOU! You have taught me so many life lessons that you didn’t even know you were teaching me and I am so grateful to have you as my older sister!

So, as I was saying before, people make wishes on their birthdays and when I think about it most wishes really don’t come true. But on rare occasions, when the time is right, and maybe if the wish is not just a wish but somewhat more of a hope or a prayer that wish may just come true. I know this. I know this because every wish that I’ve made for my last 5 birthdays were all the same thing: “Please bless Jessica to be healthy, please bless this to be the year.” My wish finally came true and I couldn’t be happier! I love you with all of my heart and I will never stop loving you no matter what.

Happy Birthday!
Love, your sister Katherine

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Dear Jessica,

HAPPY 23^rd BIRTHDAY! I cannot believe how far you have come in one year! Your 22^nd birthday was only last year. Last year was a year of troubles and recovery! To think that only one year ago, only 365 days, you were in the hospital, that we thought that would be the only room you would see, room 845.

Now, the new year has brought a whole new time filled with happiness and joy. Birthdays are entertaining and filled with laughs, birthday cake and balloons. And after someone’s birthday what do they think of? How fast it went. Some of the fun of a birthday is the anticipation, well this birthday couldn’t have come sooner.

For my whole life, I have called you my wessie. You have been like a second mom and role model to me. I used to always think, “This will be the year, this will be the day”. Finally that day, and that year has come. Ever since I started to talk you’ve been my wessie, because as you know, I couldn’t say Jessica or “Jessie” so I called you “Wessie”. This birthday will be the best one in five years and I am so proud of you! I hope this birthday is the best one! Happy 23^rd! Love you my wessie!

Love, your mini-wessie,
Michelle

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HAPPY 23RD BIRTHDAY JESSICA - WE LOVE YOU & ADMIRE YOU!!!
P.S. MOLLY -your beloved dog- says "Woof-Woof" to You Too!!!

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Tomorrow is Jessica's Birthday!

Hello to All our Family, Friends, and Bloggers,


Tomorrow - January 15th - is Jessica's 23rd birthday!

I will be posting special letters to her in honor of her day!

When I think of what a difference a year has made........She truly is a very courageous young woman. I am honored to have her as my daughter!

Look for the special posting to the blog tomorrow and feel free to send her your well wishes also. We look forward to all of your comments!

In God's love, always,
Sarah Gina
(Jessica's Mom)
xoxo

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