Okay, first of all, I realize it has been a CENTURY since I last updated my blog!!!! However, I feel that I have a few valid reasons to excuse the lack of life-sharing with you.
First off, my grandmother passed away at the end of January. Although she has been battling Alzheimer's for over five years, her death brought much sorrow and hardship on the family. As our family gathered together in Roseburg, OR, we marveled in the monumental memories we shared in that town...and even in my grandmother's home. She was a spectacular homemaker! Every room in the house was spotless, and she was usually brewing something yummy in kitchen. I specifically remember her making me a Barbie birthday cake for my 12th birthday - what a special memory! The morning of her funeral was filled with sunshine and warmth (unusual for a February day in Oregon), and we were reminded of the Lord's faithfulness and blessing over her celebration of life. We will miss you dearly, Grandma June!
Only a week and a half after my grandmother's funeral, Ivan received a call informing us that Hannah and Isaac had been in a serious car accident in Clovis, NM. As Ivan and I anxiously waited by the pone to receive updates of their conditions, we learned that Isaac was in critical condition and was being airlifted to Lubbock, TX. The minute we heard the news, we jumped on the internet and began searching for flights. My parents blessed us by paying for our tickets to travel to Texas, and we left the next morning. Thanks Mom and Dad! :) Ivan and I were flying on Valentine's Day, so there were several couples in the airport leaving for a special getaway. However, Ivan and I only had two things on our minds...prayer and Isaac. We finally arrived in Lubbock that evening and were welcomed by familiar friends and family with open arms. I don't think anything could have prepared us for that night, but at the same time, I have never seen the Body of Christ come together in such a touching and gratifying way. Ivan and I were able to be with the family for a week and a half praising Jesus for Hannah's recovery, as well as Isaac's small steps towards recovery. The whole family definitely experienced overwhelming roller-coasters of emotion, but we held our hope in the Lord and continued to rely on his steadfast love!
We returned to Oregon the end of February and found out March 1st that Isaac woke up from his coma!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!! Since that time, we have been experiencing God's never-ending love through the tremendous amounts of progress and strength the Lord has granted Isaac! Not only have Isaac's music abilities been restored, but his faith continues to prevail. I am very excited to visit him again next week, and I will be sure to continue updating his progress. For current updates and praises, you can visit: www.isaacgodwin.com.
For now, Ivan and I have been busy working and loving married life with NO SCHOOL! Ivan continues to work for Providence Health Systems in the Data Center while he searches for a career that better utilizes his degree. I have been subbing for the Tigard-Tualatin School District, and I absolutely love it! Sure, subbing is not my ideal career, but I still get to teach children and experience their immense learning everyday! :) I have made more connections with Principals throughout the district and things are looking up for finding a full-time job in the fall! Sorry about the very delayed and quite lengthy post...I will do my best to update the blog more frequently!
