The Privilege of Prayer

Hey friends!

I called my blog title the Privilege of Prayer because we have been given the great opportunity and responsibility to pray for a family in a very similar situation as us.

I noticed a few days ago that I had a "friend request" on facebook but when I looked at the name I did not recognize the person.  So I ignored it initially.  I  noticed it again a few days later and thought, Well, I'll just accept the request.  It's probably someone who knows Reyn.

But then I received the most interesting message.  It was from a lady, Timea and she lives in Hungary.  She told me that she happened across my blog after her husband was also diagnosed with a brain tumor.  He was actually diagnosed in September of 2012.  He then had surgery and has since been treated with radiation.  His tumor type is the same type that Reyn was initially diagnosed with- an oligoastrocytoma.  Those of you following the blog know that after much prayer Reyn's diagnosis was changed to oligodendroglioma, a less aggressive tumor type.  So...my challenge and request to you is to pray for this sweet family.  The husband's name is Gabor , the Hungarian version of Gabriel.  They are a young couple with 2 daughters.  The most inspiring part of their story to me is that Timea is 16 weeks pregnant with their 3rd child.  She said that back in September she would never have dreamed of having another child but that after considerable prayer, she & Gabor both felt like God was leading them to have another child.  They felt God saying, "Do not be afraid.  Take this gift."  And so they conceived in December. 

So I ask that you pray for the following:

1.  Pray that Gabor regains his strength.  He also has some problems with concentration so please pray for complete healing.
2.  Pray that his tumor would be non-existent at his next MRI.
3.  If the tumor still exists pray that any aggressive cells present would be removed.
4.  Pray for Timea's strength as she seeks to take care of her family and the sweet baby growing in her womb.
5.  Pray for a healthy pregnancy.
6.  Pray that God will be revealed in their situation and that this family will have peace.

What an honor that we can pray for this precious family half a world away!  Thank you all for being willing to lift them up.

Love,

The Connellys

A Little Bit of Normal

Hello everyone.

I know it has been 2 weeks since my last update but life has certainly picked up speed with both of us being back at work and juggling our new roles as a family of four!

Reyn is doing exceptionally well!  He enjoys being back at work and his energy levels are keeping up with his many demands.  The patients are so happy to see him and as I have said many times, he couldn't have asked for a better work family!  I'm so relieved to know they are taking care of him when I am unable to be around.

Last Sunday was the first Sunday we returned to church....and boy was it good to be back!!  We missed our church family and just worship in general.  This upcoming Sunday, April 21st we will have the honor of dedicating our baby girl at JFBC.  I'm so excited that mom saved the outfit that I came home in from the hospital 32 years ago because our little Grier will wear the same dress this Sunday for her baby dedication.  Don't worry- I'm not one of those who thinks she will want to wear my wedding dress one day....but for now I can force my will upon her.  ;).

I will continue to update periodically but as they say, "no news is good news."  Our next big moments will be A) Reyn can officially drive again on May 19th.  This is a BIG deal.  For those of you who have lost this privilege, you understand the freedom that is taken away when you can't drive yourself to work, or Target, or as Reyn is most concerned in the Spring- the driving range. ;). So I am so happy for him that this date is quickly approaching.  B) our next follow up appointment at Duke.  This should just be a standard MRI and follow up so prayers for this visit as well.

We love you all and thank you for checking in on us.  More updates to come along the way!

Reflections

The chaos of our lives seems to have slowed ever so slightly so it has given me a time to reflect on these past few months.  Someone asked me over Easter what I had learned throughout all of this.  I simply smiled and responded, "Perspective."  God has taught me more in the past few months about perspective than I could ever thank Him for.  All of the things that I allowed to consume me with stress in the past seem to take a backseat these days.  I am able to respond instead of react in many situations.  Most importantly I value every minute that I have with my family...there is simply nothing more precious.  God has shown us such great love through so many of you that we have never even met.  I have asked myself many times if I would have gone out of my way to bless a friend or stranger the way you all have blessed us.  Before November of last year I think my "busy schedule" may have gotten in the way, but thankfully now I know what is important. 

I would add to my "lessons" over the past few months that God has taught me He is truly faithful and that He loves us, especially when we are hurting.  Much in the same way we hug our children tighter when they are sick and not feeling well I know for a fact God himself held me together these past few months.

Even with the many lessons I have learned I still had to apologize to my husband a few weeks ago.  I apologized for acting more like a nurse and appointment scheduler than his wife.  My type A, Mrs. Fix It personality took over to some extent.  I was so overwhelmed with getting his medications right that some days I had to remind myself just to love on my husband and just BE with him.  Reyn has been through so much and continues to have such a great outlook on things.  He is so happy to be back to work and his staff was thrilled to see him walk through those doors last Thursday.  I can tell he feels better just getting back into a schedule and seeing patients again.  He has an unparalleled love for his job and it shows!

We know this is a big part of our journey but I know we do not want a brain tumor diagnosis to define us.  Yes, it is part of our story but God is still weaving a beautiful story together for us.  Thanks for being a part of our journey.

Love,

Jordan