Sending a Latte Love

Good morning!

As I sit at my desk with a hot cup of coffee (and finally in a summer outfit - we went from about 50 degrees to 90 in one week here in PA), I took a moment to read my post from March. Sometimes I'm thankful that (while inconsistent) The Mustard Seed has forced me to keep a log about life for the past three years. [Disclaimer: Started typing an update this AM, and just finished around 4pm --- welcome to the world of higher education and unpredictable interruptions! Now on my afternoon cup of coffee...]

I've been doing lots of writing lately, thanks to a summer filled with graduate work, so this will be shorter than the last update. Don't let the brevity fool you, we have oodles to be thankful for over these past months, and so I'm happy to share!

Quick health update --- I visited NYC in March and had a great report --- I was given SIX months until my next set of scans. In our world, that's record-setting. We are so thankful. I'll continue to have lab work done every two months --- my May report was great, so it's checked off the list until July. We are so thankful, incredibly humbled, and continuously blessed.

Drew and I are proud to share that we have officially survived a year...a year with Drew serving in the role as Banquet Captain. Let me just say...it has not been easy...and as hard as the schedule has been for me, it has been ten times more difficult for Drew. I am SO proud of his hard work with Hershey Entertainment & Resorts and we are confident in the Lord's plan for Drew's career. He has made some great relationships, had the opportunity to be a light to so many co-workers and those that he manages, and we just know that this time in his career has been so strategically situated by our Heavenly Father. THIS is what keeps us going when he's working 70-hour weeks, leaving the house at 3:30am, and I'm working a "normal" work-day and then tied-up with events at school well into the evening. We've had to get creative with time spent together, but thankfully I have a very gracious boss who is happy to grant me a "Saturday" in the middle of the week during the summer if Drew is home. THANKFULLY summer is upon us. Life at the Hershey Lodge slows down significantly, the students have left LBC's campus, and vacation is in sight. We have some great trips planned this summer with both of our families, including some quality time in Lancaster with our southern family. We're pretty excited and so thankful for the reprieve of these next few months.

That being said, as school ended for our students at LBC, I just kicked back into gear. On top of my "regular job" this summer I am completing a 120-hour internship in another department on our campus and taking an institutional assessment and effectiveness course. The higher education buff inside of me loves it --- the other part of me is swooning over the day in 2017 that Lord-willing I will finish this advanced degree.

Just last week we celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary --- so crazy! I told Drew that I think we're inching out of that newlywed stage and now we're just officially "married people." Haha! It hit me when a co-worker of mine (who is getting married in July) came into my office and realized it was our wedding anniversary. She said, "How do you feel on this day?" "Why are you here?" "Two years ago this was the day you got married!!" My response? I feel...married! It's something we live-out each day and it's fun to remember the day we became husband and wife, but it's something to celebrate every day! Then I told her that we would celebrate by going out to dinner and pick out a Netflix movie we've been wanting to watch --- as you can tell, we're really tough to please! Actually, our gift to ourselves was some fresh mulch, a new laminate floor in our basement --- even splurged on pre-finished molding --- and my parents surprised us with a new sliding glass door. THESE are the things we get excited about in this chapter :)

To round out this update, I do have some sad news to share. This might sound strange, but I think it's impacted our family more than we could have anticipated. Not that this is anything easy, but I think it was my impression that we would be more prepared when this time eventually came. At the end of March we received some difficult news; my dear grandmother was diagnosed with an acute form of aggressive Leukemia --- four weeks later she went home to be with her Lord. I'll never forget the moment. We were packing our bags to head to my parents for my latest NYC appointment. I had just gotten off the phone with my Mom about an hour before, as I called regularly for updates. She told me that we were "turning a corner" and that she wouldn't be traveling to NYC with us that next day. As I loaded the car, Drew pulled in the driveway from work. My phone rang and the tears started rolling down my face. In just that short amount of time she had slipped away. I'm thankful for the visits we did have in those last weeks and comforted that she openly shared that she was ready to go home and be with her Lord. What a gift to know that with open arms she was in the presence of our Heavenly Father --- "Well done my good and faithful servant."

As we drove to my parents that night I remember exactly where we were on Route 30 when this song came on the radio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx1_7gfCy38. Such a joyous reminder of why we live this life and why we are called to live-out His will for us. It's humbling, in all circumstances.

I once was lost, but now I'm found,

So far away but I'm home now. I once was lost but now I'm found.

And now my life song sings.

I once was blind but now I see,

And now my life song sings,

Hallelujah, Hallelujah --- let my life song sing to You.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer --- I'm craving some "sand between the toes" time, and so I'll check-in after we've made plenty of that happen over these next weeks!

Love Sarah (& Drew too!)

I'm Still Here!

I've decided to not even do the math on how many days...weeks...months even, since I last posted in the Mustard Seed. Rather I'm going to send up praises that life has been THAT busy and THAT good that I haven't made the time to sit down and write. Our students are on spring break this week, so it's a good time to take a moment and write. Each of you who reads these updates are an integral part of our family's support network as you continue to pray and with us thank the Lord for his continued provision and blessing over our lives through the challenging times and good times.

So to give an update, we're going to go with bullet points. And I'm sure I'm missing something, because it's been that long, but I'll do my best to catch up...

• I believe the last time I posted, we were amidst a two week visit in Lancaster, Pa. with the Gilchrist family (Drew's sister, her husband, and their three precious kiddos). Following their PA tour, we all headed to Fripp Island, SC for a week at the beach and Drew/Carly's cousin Leah and her husband Travis and their (almost 2 year old!) son Ridgely joined. It was glorious and filled with lots of laughs - we've already booked our house for this year and I'm awaiting that "sand between the toes" feeling.

• Drew's "new" job (it will be a year this July) has provided a lot of growth opportunities for him - we are so blessed. He has truly expanded his skill sets and leadership within the industry and we're excited about future opportunities with Hershey. His schedule is challenging, for both of us, but so far our plan seems to be working well --- his long (and odd) hours have made time for me to go back to graduate school and work on finishing my Master's degree. Lord-willing I will finish May 2017, and already have 3 classes under my belt after beginning October 2015. It's been very enjoyable, but challenging to balance life, full-time work, and being a student again --- but I feel so blessed to have the opportunity!

• To celebrate our 1-year anniversary we made a special weekend out of our friend's wedding in Washington D.C. over Labor Day weekend. Two nights at the Ritz-Carlton and a weekend wardrobe from Rent the Runway gave us a glimpse of how the other half lives! It was a great weekend of celebration and truly fun to get away and splurge on one another. We did some great sight-seeing and wrapped up the weekend at Mount Vernon, President George Washington's estate - so beautiful! It was also during this weekend that we said goodbye to our forever furry family member, Abby. At 18-years old it was time for her to rest peacefully, and so mom and dad made the difficult decision and told Amanda and I at the end of that weekend. It has been a tough adjustment, especially for mom and dad, but she lived a great life and brought us so much joy!

• My job at Lancaster Bible College is truly more than I could have ever hoped for. We just closed out our men's and women's basketball seasons; our men saw an undefeated regular season and made it to the first round of the NCAA Div. III tournament - a first in school history. It has created great momentum for our Athletic Department and so to say we're excited about the future here would be an understatement. We're very blessed.

• December 24, 2015 was one-year in our home, and we've loved every minute of it. It was a fun way to commemorate a year as the Gilchrists visited for a week in December and we hosted Drew's family Christmas at our house. On a daily basis, Drew and I feel like it's too much "house" for us --- with 15 adults, 4 kiddos, and lots of presents we looked at each other throughout the day and thought --- I guess we need a bigger house. Haha! Not happening, but it was so joyful to have our home filled with such love and laughter this holiday season.
• December came with a dose of extra thankfulness as we had a bit of a scare at the beginning of that month. To sum it up in a very dry way...which I can now do, but at the time could barely mumble the words...the first week in December I had a breast biopsy. This was something we had known about since October, and my oncologist was sure that it was a benign, dense area in my breast or perhaps a "piece" of what I already have --- it seemed to be in the history of my scans, but because a radiologist had noted it in my fall appointment, my doctor said "We can't be too cautious, I just want to check it out." Fast forward to a week later when I walked into my office to answer my phone and was told, "Sarah, you have a completely different type of cancer in your breast. We're scheduling you to meet with a breast surgeon next week and they will review treatment options with you." My reaction? "What? Lord, really? Have we not faced enough? How can this be happening? Lord, you are so faithful to us and have blessed us so much, I know this in your perfect plan. But did this have to be the plan? Will I have to have a mastectomy? Will I have to have chemo? How can this be happening." Over the next 48-hours I made plans - to withdraw from my grad school classes (AGAIN), made arrangements at work should I need to be out for a while, told our entire staff - the whole campus was praying. I could be found in my office crying with co-workers, praying with co-workers, crying with my boss. It was so emotional for everyone...and I know all of you were in the loop via text message too. Fast forward to 48-hours after the proverbial bomb was dropped on our lives...and the breast doctor calls me back. I'll never forget the call, I was getting ready to take our Student Government officers to an end-of-year lunch and the doctor said, "We were wrong. It was a misdiagnosis. I am so sorry for what we put you through, Sarah. I am so, so, sorry." Insert more crying, running into my boss's office exclaiming, "They were wrong!" and then calling my husband and parents to tell them the news. Long story short --- it's what my primary specialist thought all along --- part of what I have, and it's been there for a bit. He said, "See you in March, as we planned." My scans and labs remain to be very stable, and this past January 25 marked three years since my diagnosis - praises!! So...did they, Memorial Sloan Kettering, make a mistake? Not sure, we'll never know the whole story (trust me, we had lengthy conversations following the "oops" phone call)...but we know that on Wednesday, I had breast cancer, and hundreds of people started praying...and on Friday, I did not have breast cancer. Prayers answered.

• In other news - I turned 26 last month - Drew and the family treated me to a day of retail therapy and dinner! Drew turns 27 next month. As a gift to ourselves we flew to GA for our nephew's third birthday over Valentine's Day weekend - it was a quick trip, but so good to be with family and love on those sweet kiddos. We're excited to get out in our yard this spring and have some home improvement projects planned for the spring. Drew is helping with men's volleyball again at LBC (as much as his schedule allows), and has joined a gym and racquetball league in Hershey - he loves it! I just finished up my third grad class and have a "break" until June, but we're coming up on several fundraising events and "end of year" at school, so it will no doubt be a busy and exciting time. My little sister (who is not so little anymore) moved to Lancaster after the holidays, and we're only 15 minutes from each other - so proud of her and how hard she works. She's in the thick of her OT Master's program and working for an out-patient therapy center in the area.

• Prayer requests? I go back to the doctor at the end of March -- March 31 to be exact. I feel great, and honestly if my lung hadn't collapsed three years ago I think we'd still be in the dark about what is going on inside my body. But God's timing is perfect, and we know he revealed this "adventure" to us for good reason and to be used for His glory. You should have seen the jaws drop when I shared with our staff the scare in December -- many of them had no idea, and I'm thankful to live life in that way. That being said, I always reach a certain level of anxiety when these appointments swing around.

• Also, if you could be praying for my parents and my grandmother (mom's mom), she is facing serious health concerns that started with pneumonia around Christmas. It seems we've turned a corner and God's perfect plan for her life is unfolding a little faster than we could have predicted --- but we know it's just that, His perfect plan and that all things will happen in His timing. Please pray for her heart (Grandma's) and that she can find peace in knowing that there is a place without suffering, sickness, and fatigue with our Heavenly Father whenever he may decide to call her home.

All in all, Drew and I are great and feel so blessed to be on this journey of life together and to know and love all of you. Some we see more than others, but no matter the distance, you're always in our hearts! Many of you sent photo cards for Christmas this year, and they completely cover one side of our refrigerator --- we've left them up so that we can think of you often and pray for you too! Thank you for your continued love, care, and prayer. We could not do this life without you.

Hugs,

Sarah

Sweet Summertime

I thought for sure a blog post was missing when I logged into the Mustard Seed today - how could it have been since March since I last wrote?!  It doesn't seem possible, but I'm so thankful for all of the goodness in these past 4(ish) months and happy to share a quick update on life with the Dillons!

It was a busy spring - all I remember from March is work and men's volleyball at Lancaster Bible College (Drew helps coach) and in April I think Drew and I had at least one or two "big" work events each week.  It was crazy, and in the midst of that everything defrosted outside and our new yard (which we had only seen in the snow) came to life - lots of grooming to be done and weekend projects to help us make it our own. All to say - the end of my first academic year at LBC was very smooth (and I'm cherishing the quietness of summer to cross some things off my to-do list at the office), Drew helped lead the event team at Hershey through a busy spring (and the marriage of his boss who then went to Ireland for two weeks amidst lots of events), and we were SO thankful for the impending arrival of SUMMER!

May was great - and stressful - and filled with some worry - it was a roller coaster.  The highlight for sure was traveling down to SC in the first week to spend a long weekend with the Gilchrists.  We got to meet our sweet and squirmy niece, Sadie Ann, for the first time, and did our best to keep up with her on-the-go brother and sister.  We loved every second of our visit and it was the perfect spring getaway.  We love the Gilchrists, that's all there is to it!

After our SC visit, Drew went on to a work conference in Atlanta for a few days and I returned to PA. To keep it simple, it was a tough few weeks.  I had a few very intense migraine headaches with complete tingling/numbing on my left side.  These would happen periodically (maybe once every 6 months) before I was ever diagnosed, so this wasn't something completely new.  However, 4 or 5 of these in 3 weeks suddenly became concerning.  Let's be honest, I was thinking the worst. We.were.terrified.  However, my symptoms weren't consistent.  So, I e-mailed my oncologist, he ordered a series of MRIs and so the last three weeks in May were...STRESSFUL. To be completely vulnerable with you, I let the devil get into my head, I had a complete meltdown, I was so scared.  And then, it was like a switch flipped.  I could feel the Lord just take my hand and say, "Sarah, we have been in the unknown together before.  This we know.  And I have NEVER failed you, I have ALWAYS protected you.  I KNOW this is challenging you, but you need to RE-LEARN to lean on me."

So, that's what we did.

Labs, scans and MRIs came back fine.  The "usual" tests were stable and the MRIs showed, nothing. They were clean.  Praise Jesus.  I'm now very aware of what can trigger a migraine and happy to report I haven't had one since.  And the tingling/numbing...a pinched nerve of sorts. I also learned that getting incredibly stressed can have a very negative impact on our physical well being. Oi vey. What a fiasco! Bottom line, I let worry get the best of me.

I'll go back for labs in August and provided everything is good I don't have the full work-up again until October.  Praising Jesus for that too.

I...we...learned a lot in May, and were reminded of His goodness, grace, provision, and protection over my life and our lives.

SO, amidst all of this - we had a pretty special day.  May 25 we celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary.  We had a wonderful day together - we worked in our yard and then went out for a delicious dinner to the place where we had our rehearsal dinner.  We did eat our thawed cake - it was good for being a year old, that's my only feedback there - haha!  We watched our wedding video and relished in the memories of our beautiful day.  I'll wish now until eternity that I could be back there for just 5 minutes.  It was the best.  But, living life as Drew's wife is pretty incredible, so I'll take that every minute of every day for a lifetime!

So, now to a summary of our summer thus far, it's been pretty sweet...

We spent 4 days in Tennessee with my parents, my sister, and our best friends Brooke & Bobby Rhoads (the couple that introduced Drew and I) - it was wonderful - we played in the water for 4 days straight. What a blast.

The Gilchrists are finishing up a two week visit at our house right now.  Time we wouldn't trade for anything.  We have had a blast with our three favorite kiddos and their mom.  Even better, we're headed to Fripp Island with them on Saturday (where their dad will meet up with us!) and Drew/Carly's cousin and her family for a full fledged family vaca.  We're pretty excited!

And one more bit of big news - Drew accepted a new position (and promotion!) with Hershey.  SO PROUD of him.  He's in his first week of the new gig, so there will be more to update after we get back from vacation and he has a few weeks on the books.  We're very excited and feel incredibly blessed for this wonderful opportunity.

I think I'll leave it at that!  Many of you probably saw this picture floating around on Facebook, but for those that didn't, here's a highlight with our nieces and nephew from the July 4 picnic we hosted at our home.

Drew and I hope everyone is finding some time for R&R this summer - look forward to checking in again soon!

Hugs,

Sarah

Welcome to 17 Cherry Tree Lane

Happy Spring!  I think...almost...maybe...okay we might get snow on Friday.  But nonetheless, I am choosing to embrace the 60 degree temps we'll see today.  Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, so my office is filled with Celtic tunes and the corned beef is defrosting for later in the week.  I've also decided that this week I'm taking back "Darling."  It's only right.  St. Patrick's Day was the perfect excuse for our family to get together - one of my Poppy's favorites.

I can't help but think about what Poppy Darling would think of us today - all seven "Darling girls" all grown up.  This weekend we'll gather to celebrate the April arrival of our very first BOY in the family since my dad was born - so excited for my cousin Kathleen and her husband Jason.  But again, I can't help what Poppy would think.  There have been weddings, babies, new homes, big moves, graduations, times with lots of laughter and plenty with tears.  I think he would be pretty proud - we've powered through like true Darlings, and at the end of the day we always have each other. Poppy loved toads.  It was one of his things.  This past Christmas at our exchange there was a frog wind chime - we all went crazy over it, I think mostly because it reminded us of him.  Needless to say, a few of us went to World Market later that week and bought our own.  I'm excited to hang my "toad" out on the patio this summer.  It's a great little reminder of the man who always brought us all together and loved us so much.

I'm happy to share that the week after my birthday - the big 2-5 - we made a trip to NYC.  Our patience was challenged as I was recovering from a stomach virus (one of the joys of working with college students) and Drew came down with the same virus the evening we were supposed to leave for the city - oh and we got about 10 inches of snow that day too.  I had a few meltdowns, as I've become quit accustomed to our NYC routine.  We travel to my parents the night before, Drew is always with me, then we drive in for an early appointment, pray for good news and then return to Lancaster.  So, I had to get a grip, put on my big girl pants and put my anxieties into the Lord's hands because let's face it, He's the common denominator in all of this.  He's the one constant.  He is ALWAYS there.

God is so good - I had a great report.  I didn't always understood tears of joy, but let me tell you over these past two years (yes, it has been over two years since my diagnosis!) I could quite literally cry tears of joy after the doctor says, "Things look very stable, Sarah."  I don't always hear much after that, I just sit in that chair and sink into God's abundant, unfailing provision, grace, and blessing on our lives.  Thank you, thank you.

So what does all this mean?  Things are stable?  It means that my scans are virtually unchanged since I was diagnosed in 2013.  I will return for scans and lab work in 3 months, as on of my lymph nodes was slightly enlarged, however the doctor is quite sure this is due to simple sinus congestion - something normal for just about everyone.  So we'll pray that the lymph node that looked slightly inflamed has returned to normal in a few months.  If all goes well, we can start to spread out the scans a little more.  My hope is that we could get to every 4-5 months as to reduce the amount of radiation exposure.  I will remain without treatment as I am asymptomatic.  I always love when they ask me about my energy level.  "Umm, Drew and I go about 110 mph every week.  So sometimes I'm tired on Friday nights, but I think that is expected."

To give a quick update on the Dillon household, we are well.  We are both loving our jobs and so thankful for our co-workers who have really become like family. Drew is finishing his second season as an Assistant Coach for the Men's Volleyball Team at Lancaster Bible.  We bought a house (hence the Cherry Tree Lane title, although sadly that is not our address), closed on December 24, left to visit our family in Georgia for 10 days and then came back to a snow-filled January in which we moved.  It was an adventure.  But we tried to keep perspective.  Two years ago we didn't know what was ahead.  To sit in OUR home at night with a cup of tea and the love of my life...it's pretty sweet.  I am blessed.

We're excited for the spring/summer and all that is to come - weddings - yes, more weddings! Vacation time with family and friends (we became an Uncle & Aunt again this past January - can't wait to meet sweet Sadie Ann!), warmer weather which means outdoor yard work...all great things!

We're so thankful for each of you, your continued prayers and unending support, encouragement and love.  You see us through it all, and for that we are so grateful.

Lots of love,

Sarah

This past Friday we enjoyed a date night out with one of Drew's high school friends and his girlfriend.
We may or may not have made our reservations for 8pm so we could come home from work
and take a power nap first!  Highlight of the evening?  Drew's friend owns a successful landscaping company in the area and offered some help - and these new homeowners have some seriously overgrown holly bushes that need some lovin!

Merry Wishes!

Hello all!

Just wanted to send some quick holiday greetings to my Mustard Seed'ers as we prepare for 2015.

I know it's been some time since my last update, but I am happy to report that my November visits to NJ and NYC were "quiet,"  labs and scans were stable and so for that we are very thankful!  There seems to be a steady, but very slow progression.  It's hard to believe that next month marks two years since my diagnosis.  While the number markers have increased, the rate of increase is reportedly insignificant.  Allow me to put this all in "non-doctor" terms for a moment - I feel wonderful.  My next visits are scheduled for the end of February - we appreciate your continued prayers!

Since I last checked-in on the blog, we've had some changes in our family.  On August 4 I started a new position with Lancaster Bible College as the Assistant Director of Athletics.  My primary responsibilities are department fundraising and academic support for our student-athletes.  I absolutely love it - the students are wonderful and the team I have the privilege to work with is incredible.  In addition to his work with Hershey Entertainment, Drew will assistant coach the Men's Volleyball team for the second season.  We're incredibly blessed to both have the opportunity to invest in the lives of students at LBC.  Looking back, Drew and I would say that two years ago this is where we hoped to be - I would be working in higher education and Drew would be climbing the corporate ladder at Hershey...

I'd be the first one to tell you that the journey "here" is not what we expected, but we're here and God is good!

I know everyone has holiday travel and family plans fast approaching as we prepare for December 25 - we'll be praying for safe travels and bountiful quality time with loved ones.  We're headed South to visit with Drew's sister and her family - and then to Hilton Head to ring in the New Year with my parents.  We're very much looking forward to some time together and away from e-mail!

Sending lots of love from PA and the warmest of wishes for a very Merry Christmas & blessed 2015 ~ The Dillons ~

The Dillons, Est. 2014

Tonight I'm signing in for the first time as Mrs. Sarah Dillon - whoa - it's still strange to see that in writing!

Let me begin by saying, our wedding was the most INCREDIBLE day.  From the sunshine to the people that were able to share in our celebration it was what we always dreamed of and more.  We have lots of photos to share (and even a video on the way!) but for now I'll share just one.

 

This was probably one of my favorite parts of our day.  Months before our wedding Drew and I were contemplating who should pray at the start of the reception.  After some discussion we decided that we wanted our first prayer together, as husband and wife, to be a prayer for everyone that surrounded us on that day and a prayer for all of you - those who have fervently lifted us up in prayer as we lived out our engagement, prepared for marriage, and yes - as we continue to face the challenges associated with my diagnosis.  You've loved us through thick and thin and so we wanted to take the opportunity to lift up everyone at that moment on our wedding day. 

I have to say - that time in the day came so quickly that I'm fearful my/our words were jumbled.  But, the Lord knows our hearts - and I guess our wedding video will reveal the truth too! (Haha.)

On that note, it's been on my heart to reach out for a little "extra" prayer this week.  After we returned from our honeymoon I had the routine round of labs that primarily check my CEA (tumor marker levels) and Calcitonin count - both came back more elevated than ever before, and so of course we panicked.  However, a quick call to the doctor revealed to us that we should not get overly anxious - levels can fluctuate - we needed to stay calm.  However, my August 1 appointment in NYC was moved up to this coming Friday just to see what is going on - to get some answers and continue to monitor things closely.

So, we're anxious; scared; worried; nervous; letting our minds wonder - we're being challenged as is any couple just 6 weeks into their marriage and then some.  We know this is in God's hands, we know this is for His glory, we know that this is the story he has called us to live-out.  But that doesn't change the fact that we have real fears, we have to discuss "things" that no one even wants to think about, and sometimes it's a challenge to repel the doubt that the devil puts on our hearts.  That being said, we KNOW God's faithfulness; we've SEEN God's faithfulness; we FEEL the grace He has bestowed upon our lives and we REJOICE in the blessings, trials and struggles that we face - because we know who goes before us and who stands behind us.

Please pray that our hearts might be prepared for my appointment on Friday and that we might find peace in the results and in this path the Lord has laid for us.  And as we pray each night - for healing, guidance and wisdom.

I always knew I was a blessed girl to have met Drew and to be able to share this life with him - and I am so thankful for such a faithful, God fearing and loyal man who I can now call my husband.  Together we are so thankful for each of you and the ways in which we can feel your prayers, daily.  We love you!

We have already been so blessed these past six weeks as we embark on this journey of "Mr. & Mrs." - there are exciting things ahead for the Dillons, and we know God has prepared the way and will provide for our needs as we strive to glorify him and live each day in His presence knowing that through Him we can face uncertainty with perfect peace.

Love,

Sarah Dillon

And for those that wanted to see just one more picture...Jamaica was amazing. :)

Six Weeks and Counting

As I sipped my tea and wrote this post earlier this morning I had a "moment," if you will, of being overwhelmed with thankfulness.  Not by coincidence (I'm sure) my devotionals this week have really focused on thankfulness in all seasons of life.  Here I sit six weeks away from one of the most important days of our life - Drew and I - we're REALLY about to be married!  I cannot even describe the weight that has been lifted off of our shoulders as we realize it really. is. coming.  The day will soon be here when we get to be husband and wife.  We are SO ready to start our life together - and we are beyond excited about celebrating with our family and friends on May 25.

Speaking of joyous days - we had a pretty great day on March 28.  First and foremost, we celebrated another year of my amazing Mom's life.  I won't announce her age - but my dad did feel the need to share over breakfast that morning that she still weighs the same as the day he met her...and to that he said, "How many guys can say that about their wives?!"  Great Dad, I'm sure Mom is just overwhelmed by your enthusiasm of her consistent weight (and even more enthused that I included it in today's blog - oops).  We all had to laugh - but with a bit of hesitation - as we sat in the 64th St. diner waiting to see Dr. Sherman at Memorial Sloan Kettering.  Those mornings are tough to describe; we are thankful to be seeing one of the best doctors; our nerves are through the roof as we anticipate the results; but there's also a sense of "God's totally got this."  That last feeling is what allows us to still laugh together even as we anticipate the doc's report.  God is so good, He is so faithful, and He is the Great Physician.  He's got this...it's too big for us.

So, we met with Dr. Sherman.  And my scans and lab work are stable.  Praise. the. Lord.  We looked at a calendar and he said, "Pick the date that you'd like to come back after your honeymoon - we'll see you after the wedding."  At that moment my pulse went from about 125 to 80 beats per minute.  Then, he shared some more news with us.  The research part of Memorial Sloan Kettering is offering a test to patients (that wasn't really available a year ago for people with my type of Cancer) - I'll be going for another thyroid biopsy (a 10 minute, non-invasive procedure) at the beginning of June.  This biopsy will be able to tell them why type of mutation I have that essentially is the cause for the Medullary Cancer.  This information will help us someday if/when we discuss a route of treatment because they will be able to specifically target the mutation (only the bad stuff), instead of using a general drug that might target the good and bad.  Patients who are able to make use of a mutation specific drug have had really great results - tumor shrinkage, slowing of the disease etc.  I won't need to have scans and the "whole work-up" until the end of July - so I'll see Dr. Sherman again in August.  Best feeling ever?  To be able to say - "See you at the end of the summer, and when I'm a 'Mrs.' doc."

The recap?  Dr. Sherman said this was all really his hope when I came to see him a year ago.  We have fourteen months of data on my specific Cancer and my scans and labs are virtually unchanged.  When my numbers are charted - it's a flat line.  This is a SLOW growing disease that I've had for a majority of my life (of course only having known for a year - but we trust that was all in God's timing).  We can have hope that treatment is a ways down the road, and that there will continue to be great advances in that treatment before the time comes for me.

Praise the Lord - am I right?!

Your prayers are felt and your continued support is so heartwarming.  We love all of you!  Please continue to pray for us as we field the challenges of these next six weeks - preparations, patience, excitement and heavy work schedules to manage.  And of course, as Drew and I pray together each day, for healing, guidance and wisdom.

Know that we're praying for all of YOU too!  To my USC friends who are beginning new jobs in new places - I am so proud of you!  The world of higher education is blessed to have you - and I know you'll make an incredible difference in the lives of your students!  And, to my little sister - who will graduate in just 4 weeks from college - we love you and can't wait to celebrate this great accomplishment (and cheer you on as you pursue even more education - woohoo!).

It's an exciting spring, and we're sending all of the glory up and living today in His presence knowing that through Him we can face uncertainty with perfect peace.

Hugs from PA!

Sarah