It has been in the works: recovery awakening, hope’s horizon, healing happening. Faith and resilience are forging a new story—a journey with a continually unending storyline, with twists and turns, hiccups, and surprises.
Surprise: we have two new kittens, Wisk and Willow. Yes, I know Wisk has an h, but I also know I can make my own way. And God’s way is teaching us newfound joy with these tiny fur balls that share a new dimension of seeing His creation and care. As I was pondering and praying yesterday, their names together are actually a prayer…Stir up a rebirth. Of course, their names are a prayer—no surprise to God. We are just following His lead.
Other surprises on the horizon.
Surprise: I passed my driving evaluation with flying colors. It may be a while before I venture out solo. At least not until I get my yabba dabba do feet under me. Now, I get to chauffeur Steve for a bit. Not surprisingly, I made a new friend, my rehab driving OT, and we prayed together and exchanged info cause she wants to see Morocco, and might even want to see a client ride a camel. Oh, how I do love divine encounters.
If you have been following along, it was 2017, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving when I was diagnosed. I recall reading Jesus Calling before heading out to walk the Grateful Gobbler that morning; the passage reminded me to pick up blessings along the day and make a bouquet of them to offer back to Jesus. And so instead of despair, I found blessings in our community, our neighbors, and our friends as I shared our news as we walked, and we crossed the finish line with all the Cingillis in tow.
And probably not a surprise: We committed to the Gobbler once again, a Thanksgiving tradition, and a 5k. I may walk, roll, or get a ride, but we are going to make it happen. This year we set out to celebrate all that God has done. Ladonna is championing this journey. If you’re local, see Facebook to join us, or just look for the queen’s parade. We will all be surprised if I walk the whole way. Cue up the prayers, please.
And while you are pondering coming alongside us, there is a Moroccan bucket list cruise in the works. April 2025. Again, see Facebook, Ryan Joy, or send me an email. So, why a cruise? Because even a bad day is a good day onboard Windstar. Join us for spice markets, souks and artisans in Tangier, mosaics of bold, bright colors and cafes in Marrakesh, and other ports of call through the Straits of Gibraltar. I am so excited to see all the colors and textures, patterns and possibilities.
We are enjoying hoping and planning ahead. Living forward, a shift in our way of thinking. No longer preparing for worst-case scenarios. The weight has lifted that I didn’t know existed. Eternal optimism doesn’t mean I was living in the clouds with rainbows and unicorns; it just means I continue to trust in God’s mighty hand, outstretched arm, and His miracles, and I press on, seeing a better life together. That’s where you come in… so much gratitude for all the ways together, collectively and individually, each of you encourages, stands with us, shows up, and helps us [yes, Maggie and Roger, that’s you two, and two of the many] through this long journey of twists and turns, hiccups and surprises… and heart overflowing with gratitude.
Some days and nights are downright hard, and some days are surprisingly easy breezy. But always, prayers answered over and over again.
May each of you find blessings in your journey to offer up to God this Thanksgiving, as a bouquet of gratitude and worship. I know I will.
Love and joy, Victoria
