grace led in life

It is surgery time...
Thank you so much for praying! 
We made our way to Philadelphia today. 
We woke at 3:15am to make our way to the airport and watch the sunrise from above the clouds.  
Two flights, one layover - 2,830 miles

We are all feeling exhausted but have thankful hearts to have gotten through travel day here. 
This time is always so bittersweet. We are deeply grateful for great doctors saying yes to fighting for Isla but with each surgery, it does not get easier. There are trauma triggers and while Isla is so resilient, the pain both physically and emotionally is very real and hard. Justin and I constantly feel bittersweet in this journey - SO THANKFUL for miracles that are saving our precious girl's life, but goodness, it is so hard to put her through these surgeries too. 

Please pray for Zeke and Isla. Due to COVID-19, Zeke was unable to come with us this time.
These two are very close...like peanut butter & jelly. They constantly cheer each other on in all things...so supportive of each other. Isla always asks for her Zeker-boo right when waking up after surgery. It will be hard on her to not have him there and hard on Zeke to not be there with her. Love their bond so very much!! 
They miss each other greatly already. Will be a sweet reunion when we head home. 

(A big thank you to Papa and Ga for being with Zeke during this surgery.)

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Tomorrow will be a full morning of tests, x-rays, and pre-op visits.
Surgery is on Friday. 
The goal, hope, and prayer is that this surgery will be one last VEPTR expansion before needing to replace her rods. This surgery is expansion #4, Isla's 6th VEPTR surgery. 

We so appreciate all the prayers and encouragement! 
Please pray for Isla to feel peace through another surgery, for a successful surgery, and a safe and fast recovery (no infection!) 
Thank you for those that have checked in on my health as well...
I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to everyone. I'm hangin' in there, but it is not easy right now. 
Would love prayer for endurance and strength for us all! 
I want to share that we had good news - I was accepted as a patient with a doctor/specialist that is out of state. Would love prayer as we continue to navigate this as well. 
All in all - We have joy in each day, we have difficulty in each day, and we keep pressing into Jesus for strength through it all.