Little Blessings

This past week has been extremely hectic, and filled with both joyous and sad occasions. I will start with the sad, so I can end on a positive note. 

I went to the doctor last week, as I finished my second chemo cycle (yay!) to get blood work done. My doctor then told me that my WBC (white blood count) is extremely low, and by far the lowest it has ever been. WBC has a normal range from 4.5-11.0 (as in, 4,500 to 11,000). Previously, the lowest mine has ever been is at least 3.0. Last week, they reported that I had fallen down to 1.4. As a result of my low counts, I have been completely exhausted and lethargic, despite being done with the cycle. I feel like I have been unable to focus, and mentally exhausted too, making school difficult. I have had to only do minimal activities, and try to sleep a lot more. But hopefully my counts will be back to normal in the next few days, and I will start feeling well again. 

But this also means that when I start my third chemo cycle, my dose will be greatly reduced yet again. My body does not tolerate the medicine well enough for me to stay on these strong doses. I am praying that this makes it more livable, because these past two cycles have been an extreme struggle. 

But on a happier note- this weekend was Furman's homecoming weekend! I was nominated to be the junior representative on Homecoming Court, which was really special to me. My whole family came down from Richmond to cheer me on, and it was so fun to be with them! 

Dad escorting me! :)

My awesome apartment with me on the field!

Homecoming was so fun! My sorority built a float, and Friday night there was a huge carnival out on the mall. The next morning, I was so blessed to see tons of my friends who graduated last spring. I hadn't seen them since March, and getting to see so many people at once was incredible. Then at the game, I was with my family, and my dad escorted me onto the field at halftime for the homecoming ceremonies. It was so special. And that night I went to dinner with my family and then went to the homecoming dance. The whole day was fantastic, so even though I was exhausted and didn't feel great, I was able to push through and have an amazing time. 

So even though I am exhausted, and have been struggling the past few days, there have been many blessings each day to keep me going. God seems to be giving me little blessings each day, just to keep me going when the days are hard.

Fall. The weather outside is beautiful. I am convinced that fall is the most beautiful season at Furman. The leaves are changing to brilliant reds and oranges, and there is color everywhere you look. I am in awe of the beauty every morning when I leave my apartment.

Also, Taylor Swift's new album came out Monday. And while this might not seem like a big deal to most people, I have been looking forward to this for months. And I love the album. I have had it on repeat practically since Monday. Even when I am sad or tired, listening to great music seems to have a restoring effect on me, and automatically can brighten my day. 

And thanks to everyone for the constant stream of prayers and encouragement. Truly every prayer, email, letter, or kind word means so much to me. 

The Lord is doing good things, even in the midst of hard times. On bad days, I find myself trying to find some redeeming factor, whether it is music, the weather or a great conversation. And I am very grateful for those things, no matter how small they might be. 

"L'ange de l'Eternel campe autour de ceux qui le craignent, et il les arrache au danger." -Psaume 34:7

[The angel of the Lord camps around those who fear Him, and he protects them from danger.]