Tomorrow we will awaken very early to be on a 7:15 a.m. flight to Cincinnati, Ohio, via Dallas. It will be Melody, Hannah and I. Taking Hannah is such a blessing as having her help during the travel will be invaluable.
Over the past week I've experienced many emotions. Excitement, fear, worry, confidence, misgivings. I guess it is pretty normal as it is a huge deal to take 12 days and travel about 2000 miles to take your child to a Colorectal Center weeklong program. Acting on faith and a parental belief that this will be a huge positive step for Melody and her future independence.
We have the testamonials of other parents spurring us on, "this is the best thing we've ever done for our child." But still, sight unseen, it is a pretty radical step. We know of no other programs like this where we live or anywhere else in the U.S., but that is mind-boggling, too, as we are accustomed to believing that comprehensive and excellent medical care is available anywhere in the U.S.
We are incredibly grateful that though this program is 2000 miles from home, it just "happens" to be within an hour of my cousin and her family and my Aunt and Uncle. As well as near enough for my brother to drive down from Michigan. Between them, we have a car to use and a place to stay. We are so thankful for family and God's provision through them.
We will arrive Tuesday evening and Melody's first medical test is first thing in the morning on Wed. Our adventure with driving in Cincinnati and vicinity and navigating an enormous hospital campus will begin then. By the end of our trip it should be very familiar.
So, tomorrow we'll step on the plane and trust God's leading in this huge endeavor. We will trust that even in February snow storms, cold and likely travel delays will not derail getting to and traveling around Cincinnati as needed.
Isaiah 41:13
For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.