August 2013

Good morning!

As many children across the country return to school today, it's funny...this is the first time in 17 years (did I do my math right?) that I have not returned to the classroom.  That being said, I know more than ever that I am where I need to be.  The Lord has proved his faithfulness time and time again - His love is truly unfailing as we have once again felt the power of His strong embrace.

I know many of you received a quick text on Friday after my NYC appointment, but nonetheless I wanted to send out a brief update.  Thankfully, the update is short and sweet...my oncologist said, "You are doing great, Sarah." In fact, I think he used the word "great" three times in the 20 minutes we spent with him...and believe me, I'm embracing every single one of them. There has been no progression since I became a patient at MSKCC in February.  My lab work looks good, I feel great, and the plan is not to have another CT scan until December.  For good measure I will have lab work done mid-October.  I was very proud to say, "Have a great fall, Doc, see you in the winter!"

Additionally, for those of you who are well aware as to how this started, we have finally gotten clarification on why my lung collapsed.  My type of Cancer can sometimes be associated with protein deposits in the lung, and in my case one of them burst.  After several biopsy reviews and a visit to the pulmonologist at MSKCC, they have concluded that there is nothing to be done at this time and if/when treatment becomes necessary the existing deposits will probably shrink.  My oncologist also shared with us some "exciting" clinical trials - it's always good to know that the experts are hard at work.

Finally, thank you.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, calls, texts, e-mails - you have no idea how incredible it is to feel the power of your prayer. 

Sending hugs from PA!

Sarah

July 2013

Good morning!

I hope this e-mail finds each of you enjoying your summer.  It's hard to believe that it is almost mid-July!

Just wanted to send out a brief mid-summer update, as I have some good news to share! 

I had complete lab work done on July 1, and received word this morning that my oncologist at MSKCC is comfortable with not doing CT scans/an office visit until the end of August.  Yipee!  Dr. Sherman has an incredible nurse who has been so gracious in corresponding with me throughout the past six months.  This morning she said to me, "no worries" with regards to my lab results.  It might seem silly, but those are two words I don't often have the luxury of hearing...especially from medical doctors.  So, that was a big answer to prayer..

Also, last week I received a job offer from Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center - www.schreiberpediatric.org.  I have been the Interim Special Events Coordinator in Financial Development, but have been offered the permanent position - I will officially start August 5...my first big girl job, and I'll be making use of that PR degree from MU.  I am amazed by the ways that God has provided for me and for Drew as we begin to make steps towards building a life together.  Schreiber has been such a blessing - the people are incredible and the children who struggle day in and day out with varying disabilities remind me that we all have our own challenges to face, but it's how we face them that makes all the difference.  Many of you may be wondering about continuing my graduate work - that is on hold for now - I am just so thankful to be settled, working, and happy.  I am confident that the rest will come with time.

Drew and I went to our last of 5 weddings for the summer this past weekend, where we celebrated the incredible union of our very best friends - now Mr. and Mrs. Bobby & Brooke Rhoads.  It was definitely the highlight of our summer - we are beyond thrilled for the happy couple and felt so lucky to be part of their special day.  Now that we are finished attending weddings (for a little while), we are busy planning our own!  It is all very exciting and we cannot wait for our special day...318 days...but who is counting?

Sending hugs!

Love,
Sarah

May 2013

Good evening to my family and friends!

I hope this e-mail finds each of you well.  The past two months have been filled with an abundance of progress and therefore I am excited to send an update!

After receiving good news at my oncology appointment at the beginning of April, we wasted no time in putting together a plan to visit the south!  It did my heart such good to be able to arrive and depart from Columbia feeling physically strong and having had the opportunity to spend quality time (and a great quantity of laughs) with friends and new family! 

I was fortunate enough to spend a little over a week traveling between Hilton Head Island and Columbia.  One of the highlights of my Columbia visit was being able to attend the Student Personnel Association’s end-of-the-year banquet.  My classmates surprised me by voting me the “Most Outstanding First-Year of the Year”…let’s just say that resulted in a tearful and humbled “thank you" (see attached pictures).  Another Columbia highlight was having the opportunity to have lunch with the team of doctors that treated me at Palmetto-Richland hospital.  Having never seen me out of a hospital bed (or with freshly washed hair), it was certainly a pleasant reunion for everyone.  My mom and I also stopped by the floor I “lived” on for 2 ½ weeks with bagels for all of the wonderful nurses and patient care technicians who cared for me…and my parents!

After a great visit in Columbia and some island time in Hilton Head, Drew was able to fly into Augusta, GA where we spent 5 fun-filled days with the Gilchrist family (Drew’s sister’s family) – it was great to be “Uncle Drew & Aunt Sarah” – so sweet!  A visit to the Columbia zoo, a Blue-Grass festival, and genuine rodeo were just some of the highlights of our visit (see attached pictures).  Drew and I are so blessed with such fun, loving families, and are thrilled about bringing them together for our wedding next May.

After arriving home from our visit to SC and GA, it was time for some more change – on May 1 I was able to start a new job as the Interim Special Events Coordinator at Schreiber Pediatric Rehab Center of Lancaster County (www.schreiberpediatric.org).  Overall, May has brought a lot of excitement for Drew and I as I moved into an apartment in Lancaster City, we have started our pre-marital counseling, made additional wedding plans, and started to get more “connected” with our church, Calvary Church, in Lancaster.  We have been so blessed by all of these changes and not a day goes by when we are not thankful to be geographically close and both employed by great organizations.

So, that brings us to this past Friday where we traveled to NYC for another oncology appointment and this time an added pulmonologist (lung) appointment.  God is good and the power of prayer continues to overwhelm us as we received news that my blood work and CT scans showed that everything is stable.  This past Thursday marked four months since my lung collapsed, and to date my “images” are unchanged and therefore there is not a need for treatment at this time.  There will be some additional follow-up with the pulmonologist, as my doctors are not convinced that the “trouble” in my lungs is related to the Cancer (and thus the collapsed lung).  Additionally, I will have blood work in 6 weeks to check-in on everything, but Lord willing won’t need CT scans or an appointment in Manhattan until the end of August.   I remain without symptoms and am keeping as busy a schedule as ever – and for that, we are so thankful!

So, on that note – here is to a summer full of watching incredible friends tie the knot, spending time with family, and enjoying my engagement to the love of my life as we play our special day…May 25, 2014!

Thank you for all of your continued prayer.

Living today in His presence knowing that through Him I can face uncertainty with perfect peace –

Sarah

 

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

~  Romans 5:3-5

The Mustard Seed

Dear family and friends,

WOW...what a crazy few months it has been for myself, Drew, and the Darling family.  As I put together the "recipient" list for this e-mail, I quickly realized how wonderfully diverse and far-stretched our support is, and am reminded of how each of you have continued to pray for us, care for us, and show your love (which has left us at a loss for words time and time again).

As you all know, this past August I packed up my life and headed to SC to begin a Master's degree program at the University of South Carolina.  Upon heading south I started a blog called, "The Mustard Seed," in an attempt to keep everyone updated on my adventures below the Mason-Dixon line.  Below is an excerpt from my first entry...

First, I know the burning question you all have - "Where did she come up with the mustard seed?"  Well, it's quite simple.  As I was packing fervently earlier this week, I came across a necklace given to my by my aunt and uncle that has a mustard seed in the pendant...I thought of the parable of the mustard seed.  From what I can remember, indeed the mustard seed is small, but when it grows, it really grows - and if I'm correct, it can grow among weeds and all other sorts of plants.  I was reminded of the thought that even as the mustard seed starts small, it quickly grows into a flourishing and sizable mustard plant.  So here is my analogy, I might be like a mustard seed now - but I know that USC and SC is where God wants me to be, and therefore I know He will use me in ways that I can't even imagine right now as I am planted in my new home.  My prayer is that I can flourish and grow in my faith, while demonstrating God's love to others, just as a mustard plant becomes deeply rooted and grows strong from a small seed. 

Now, let's fast-forward 6 months...and each of you have heard the varying versions of the "walk to class" and collapsed lung that changed life forever. Here is the new take on the mustard seed analogy: The Lord has literally used something a comparable size to a mustard seed to lead me in a new direction of life in which we are confident is being used to glorify Him in more ways than we could ever imagine.

The mustard seed object?  The 1cm tumor on my thyroid that to the best of my doctors' knowledge started to take it's toll on my body 10+ years ago, and led to the diagnosis of metastasized medullary carcinoma (Cancer) on February 13, 2013.  The good in it all?  I have no symptoms, this type of Cancer is slow-growing, I am not receiving treatment at this time (CT scans and more blood work to monitor things at the beginning of May), I am young, healthy (besides this whole Cancer thing), and I have the love of incredible family, friends, and one outstanding fiancé who have stood by me through it all!

So, it's simple.  I rejoice in each new day, I praise God for the large and small victories, I place my trust in the Lord, the power of prayer, and the promise of hope and peace we have in Him.  (And I'm already working with those in SC and PA to decide how I can continue to move forward with my degree, have made significant changes towards an all organic, Cancer-fighting diet (yum!), and enjoy planning our wedding for next May!)

I promise to keep all of you updated by means of the "new" Mustard Seed...this e-mail group.  I think it will be the best way to reach out to everyone when I have an update.  Everything should be quiet for the next 6 weeks or so, as we had good results at my oncology appointment (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) last week.  Also, do not feel the need to reply, I just want to keep everyone in the "loop" (feel free to forward it too, I tried to make sure I got everyone)!

Wishing you all a wonderful week,

Sarah Darling

A New Year...and some News!

I am almost embarrassed about how long it has been since my last post...

...BUT, I can promise that I have a pretty good reason :)

I believe my last update was prior to my trip to the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC.  I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel there for the day with my office.  One of the programs under the realm of our office is the National Student Exchange - and so our trip to the Biltmore was an opportunity for us to take some students from other parts of the United States to see a gem of the South!

After our visit to the Biltmore, life at USC got pretty busy - final exams, projects and end of the year reports quickly took over for the final two weeks of the semester.  Overall, it was a great first semester at USC as I found much success in my classes, at work and was able to share the fall with some truly wonderful people as we all navigate the challenges of graduate school and being far from our families.

At the end of the semester I traveled back to PA and quickly went into "Christmas mode" as I had all of my shopping etc. to do...including making a t-shirt quilt for Drew!  It was a very busy first week home, but I was so happy to finally be back in PA...both Mount Bethel and Lancaster!

AND THEN...it happened...

1. Drew was offered and accepted a new position with Hershey.
2. Matt, Carly & Eva came for a PA visit from Georgia and we got to celebrate Christmas with them and attend a Straight No Chaser concert.
3. I was able to go with Drew to visit his extended family in Baltimore - SO fun!
4. Drew was able to come to Mount Bethel with me for both Christmas Eve and Christmas.
5. Melissa, Mike, Aubrey & Katelyn visited from Arkansas for Christmas - it was SO wonderful to have EVERYONE together...all 9 girls!
6. Drew and I were able to celebrate New Year's Eve with our great friends (and the couple that introduced us!) Brooke and Bobby
7. I got to spend some great time in Mount Bethel with Mom, Dad, Amanda and Grandma...and we had some snow!
7. Oh, and on December 21 Drew and I went out for a lovely Christmas "date" where we exchanged gifts and...

...HE PROPOSED! WE ARE GETTING MARRIED!

 

Looking forward to my second HESA semester at USC :)

Love you all, miss you always & I promise to "post" again soon!

SCD





There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays

Hi all!

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! I had a spectacular five days at home for the first time in almost four months, and have been anxious to update everyone on the latest in SC.

Everything is starting to come to a close for the semester here at USC - I cannot believe it!  While I have missed home since the day I arrived, I must say that the semester has really flown by.  We have just a week and a half of classes left and then a few final papers before I officially complete my first nine graduate school credits - here's hoping to land that 4.0 this semester? We'll see!

Work is still great, and this past week I found myself intentionally reflecting on how thankful I am for those that I work and interact with on a daily basis.  Our office truly has a great balance of hard working individuals, humor and overall passion for our work at this unviersity - I'm one lucky girl to be among such a fantastic bunch!

My little apartment is still standing, although sometimes I wonder what appliance might "go" next!  Since arriving I've had everything replaced besides the washer and dryer - I'm so thankful for the flexibility and willingness of the realty group, but sometimes wonder how the person before me survived?!  Let's just say it's a cozy little place that get's a "pretty penny" for rent because of its awesome location.  I've been awfully lucky to call it home this year, but look forward to changing things up next year and moving in with a super sweet girl that I met at USC and is in the same master's degree program.  Additionally, because of the close quarters, this is the first year I won't have a Christmas tree in the place I'm renting, but had to show some holiday spirit (and dress up our very beige hallway)!  A big thank you to Carly Gilchrist for the fun day of wreath making a few weeks ago!

 

So Thanksgiving...what a FUN five days!  It started off with one of the best surprises I've ever been able to give someone...and that someone was Drew!  Here is how it went...

1. I was originally supposed to fly home Tuesday night, but due to a last minute flight change I was lucky enough to be flying into an airport closer to home and at an earlier time.

2. Rather than tell Drew about my new travel plans, I called my best friend Brooke and her lovely fiance, Bobby, and together we set up plans for a double date (of which Drew thought would just be him and Bobby for dinner and bible study).

3. I arrive in Lancaster around 6pm on Tuesday evening - Brooke and I promptly head to the restaurant where we wait for Drew and Bobby to arrive.  While waiting, one of the employees at the restaurant was talking with us and found out that I was surprising Drew after not seeing him for 2.5 months (who's counting? This girl.)  Upon finding out about the surprise, she got me one of the restaurant's uniforms and told me to go behind the counter where your "order."  When the guys entered the restaurant she said "Hello there, how are you guys doing tonight?" which was my cue to jump up from behind the counter and say, "Hello, welcome to Seniorita Burrita, how can I take your order?"

4. So fun!  Surprise "execution" credit to Brooke Schreiter and Bobby Rhoads - you guys are the absolute BEST!

After Tuesday's surprise, I enjoyed a fabulous day in Millersville on Wednesday, having lunch, coffee and dinner with dear friends and co-workers that I have missed SO much.  Let's just say, I would love to settle for a while in that area of the state!

Thanksgiving day was wonderful, as I shared it with my parents, sister, grandma and fantastic family friends.  Friday, Saturday and Sunday were very relaxing and consisted of a brisk hike, double date with my parents, an afternoon at Starbucks while visiting some local shops, some extra sleep and lots of laughs.  So blessed and cannot wait to return home.

Until December...


PS: Here is a little teaser for my next post...this Saturday I'll be visiting the famous, Biltmore Estate in NC - it's all decorated for Christmas, and I cannot wait to get into the holiday spirit!  Pictures to come...

 Love you all, miss you always, and I promise to "post" again soon!

SCD

Fall Fun

Hello all!

I cannot believe I am able to say this...but I'll be making my first trip back to PA in just two short weeks!  I am beyond excited and cannot wait to dish out the hugs and kisses to everyone I've missed so much.

The past month in Columbia has encompassed all ends of the relaxed/stressed spectrum, as I spent five days with mom and dad on Hilton Head Island and have also completed a number of "big" assignments for my classes at USC.  Highlight: I've just completed and submitted my first article for publication to the Journal of Appreciative Education and am hopeful that I might be included in one of their upcoming publications!  Needless to say, I'll be thrilled to wrap up these next two weeks before Turkey-Day when most of my coursework will be behind me!

Fall break was a delight and came at a much needed time.  While I have absolutely loved everything about my time in Columbia, the time between Drew's visit after Labor Day and my parents visit was quite a stretch for me!

We enjoyed 5 days of biking, beach walks, good food, great talks and most importantly were able to give each other the gift of time together.  Priceless.

 

Check out some pictures from our island bike ride to South Beach, Salty Dog Cafe & Harbor Town.

 

 

 

After a few work-filled weekends, I had the opportunity this yesterda to enjoy some quality time with great new friends.  Yesterday we went to the Riverbanks Zoo (right here in Columbia - the one that Drew and I visited) and we got to feed the giraffes - and do some other great things, but that was definitely the highlight.



I can guarantee you a moment of laughter with this video of the monkeys yesterday!

 

The "icing on the cake" of this weekend was church this morning.  First Presbyterian of Columbia had their "Kirkin' o' the Tartan" Scottish celebration. It only happens once every two years, and today I was able to share this special service with two HESA friends.  Check out the video below for the post-service entertainment in the courtyard.  I would also be remiss to mention that after church this morning we shared a wonderful brunch at Harper's - loving that southern weekly tradition!



 

 

Hope you all enjoy the update!  I am so excited that the holiday season is approaching and I'll be able to share stories and experiences with everyone in person.  I must thank everyone for your thoughtful notes in the mail, Skype/FaceTime dates and phone calls.  While our time physically together has been limited over the past few months, I truly appreciate the time everyone takes to keep in touch - it makes the miles between us much more manageable.  As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, I am truly thankful and blessed by all my dear family and friends, near and far!

 

Love you all, miss you always, and I promise to "post" again soon!

 

SCD