From Jessica

My fast day was a week ago today, but I haven't gotten the chance to post since then.

Because I can't physically fast from food, I planned myself a service fast. I kept my day cleared to work on Humanitarian Aid projects for as long as I would have fasted from food.

The day before my fast my Grandpa Chris had a stroke. Because I'd kept my schedule clear I was able to go down and be with family all day Friday. Instead of working on humanitarian aid projects, suddenly my service project became setting up a slide show of grandpa's life and designing a program we used yesterday for his funeral. I am so grateful I had that block of service scheduled so I could do that for him. Even my fast day turned into a blessing!

As far as other blessings, we have already seen one on our behalf. As I'm sure most of you know, I've been sick ever since I got home from my mission. I've recently felt impressed to start searching for coping methods rather than a 'cure' and braced myself for a long, annoying road of finding professionals who would actually understand my condition. (finding understanding doctors has been one of the hardest parts of all this)

A few weeks ago I met with the first one, a physical therapist, and to my complete surprise it worked! He just transferred from a clinic where he'd been working with cardiac patients and so instantly understood my condition. That never happens and certainly not on a first try- my condition is rare enough most doctors just look at me with a blank stare as I explain it to them. I'm really excited to work with someone who can help me learn how to manage my symptoms a little better.

We are still searching for doctors, specialists or coping methods to help us figure out the best quality of life I can have with my illness. (specifically a chronic fatigue specialist, POTS specialist, a dietitian or possibly someone else- Who knows! We're just kind of making this up as we go.) While we appreciate all prayers in our behalf during this fast, we would really appreciate prayers in this specific search.

Thanks for your sacrifices. I know we are fasting and praying for a large number of family members, but it's amazing how it can still feel very personal.

-Jessica