Hello, friends. We are going to try something a bit different this time. I often am asked how Holly and Alyssa are doing, what health updates there are, what ways people can pray for them, etc. So I figured I’d let you hear from the “horse’s” mouths, interview style.
Eric: So my girls, how are you feeling this evening?
Alyssa: Well, Dad, Jesus is on the throne, and I’m one day closer to heaven.
Holly: Ha ha, she sure sounds like your daughter!
Eric: Hon, can you give any health updates on how you and Alyssa are doing these days?
Holly: Some days we get by OK, and other days are a real challenge.
Eric: Can you give any more details?
Holly: We both struggle with low energy levels to the point that regular activities become very difficult.
Eric: Can you share about the unusual dietary plan you are on?
Holly: Ha ha, yes, it is rather unusual. In an effort to stabilize my hypoglycemia, I only eat tons of cooked vegetables, and healthy animal proteins, but I need to eat frequently throughout the day and night which gets tiring.
Eric: Alyssa, what do you feel like these days?
Alyssa: It feels like we are weak, tired, and sick just about all the time. If we do anything out of the ordinary, then we feel more sick and horrible afterward.
Eric: What do you mean by feeling sick?
Alyssa: Bleck! Yuck! It’s not just pain in one place, but it is kind of like feeling horrible all over!
Holly: To be honest, I’m doing better in many ways than I was three years ago when we first came back from Africa. But there are also new problems and challenges that keep popping up. But I have hope that my health in general is improving.
Eric: How does the fact that both of you have been sick for a long time make you feel, and how do you deal with it?
Holly: It can be very discouraging, but we have also gained a new perspective on life. I am thankful now for each day that God gives me, and every time I’m able to do something, I thank him for the energy that he gives. I get excited now about being able to do laundry and cook for my family, which I couldn’t do a couple years ago.
Alyssa: Ya know, I just want to go to Disneyland.
Eric: Disneyland, that sounds like fun. It makes sense that in discouraging times you’d hang on to a dream. Can either of you share about ways you have grown or how maybe God has been working through these difficult times?
Holly: Hang on, let me get my Bible. I’m back. I’ve learned to know God in ways that I never did before.
Eric: Is there a certain verse or passage that you think about often these days?
Holly: I’ve been reading Psalm 34 many times. Also, in Job 42:5 it says, “I had heard of you by hearing of my ear, but now my eyes see you.”
Eric: How is that verse encouraging for you?
Holly: A lot of the truths of God’s Word I had not experienced to this depth before. I feel like I know God much more intimately now. Just like Job went through trials, and ended up knowing God better, so I know that what I’ve gone through has enabled me to see God in a new, amazing way.
Eric: Awesome! I’ve really seen a lot of growth in both of you, and I watch you reading Bible verses you have posted around various places and drawing near to God through dark times. What is one thing people can be praying for each of you about?
Alyssa: That we would have energy. And that next year I will be able to go to school full time.
Eric: Yes, that would be awesome, and we are certainly hoping and praying for that.
Holly: I’ve seen amazing answers to prayer over the last few years, and I know they are what help sustain me and the family. One thing you and I have been talking about, Eric, is how we can bring God glory through all of this. So I’m praying that in each challenging situation that comes up, I would have the mind of Christ instead of the mind of Holly.
Eric: Thank you both so very much for being willing to share about these personal matters. I know both of you get tired of talking about these things. Many people are praying for you both, and I know God has a good plan in all of this. I love you, my girls.
Girls: We love you too!