Working at the YMCA has opened some new doors for me. While totally different from my choice in career and not my top option, I embraced the opportunity to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor. I finished my first set of swimming lessons last week. I taught preschoolers and it was an adventure! Some days were good and others not so much. I learned so much though! And definitely what not to do ever again with little ones in the water! It's really amazing how much they accomplished in just six lessons. I didn't think I would like teaching swimming lessons and I admit I was a little scared, but I ended up actually liking them more than lifeguarding! It's funny how that tends to happen.
With noodles flying everywhere, kids trying to let go of the wall, taking off their floats, and then the child who just is not interested in swimming; the kids taught me a lot those few weeks! A preschooler's point of view is absolutely incredible. I had one that kept saying after only five minutes in the water "I don't want to be here," another stating "My hands look like raisins I need to get out," another "I need to go to the bathroom," "I can't do that," and then "Miss Courtney, don't let go, ok?" These four and five year olds had placed their trust in me. And one precious girl trusted me enough to do something she was scared to do, only if I did not let go. Still gives me chills to think about it.
As I am now getting super close to the bone marrow transplant time I am reminded even more that God never lets go. With all the crazy changes in weather, allergies everywhere in full swing, mid-term time in graduate school, and fall colors beginning to peak through, I can see God so evident. He has truly had His Hand on me throughout this whole process. Like I've said before, I am nervous about donation but excited! I am praying that God's will may be done and this girl would be able to enjoy a little more time with her family and friends.
I will begin shots in just a few days that will begin stimulating blood cell formation in my body. The shots have been known to have side effects but we will pray for the least if possible. After several days of shots I will go for the donation procedure. It is a procedure called apheresis, in which blood is drawn from one vein, separated into various areas, and the remaining blood is returned through an IV in your other arm. I know several of you have asked about the procedure, so I've included just a short clip below to help explain way better than I could ever do!
Thank you all again for the prayers and continued support you have shown to me. I am blown away by God's goodness and how exciting all of this really is. Please continue praying in the days to come and I'll try to update again afterwards as I am able!
Remember wherever you are today, God doesn't let go of you. He has brought you this far in life and He is not going to let you go now. Keep trusting and plowing through life knowing the best is yet to come!
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