“I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and faithfulness from the congregation.”
~ Psalm 40:10
After a year-and-a-half of almost launching this blog but finding every reason not to, it is finally time. It’s not ready, not what I envisioned, and certainly anything but perfect. But I suppose in a way these imperfections are an accurate reflection of our lives. We’re not ready, life is not what we envisioned, and it’s anything but perfect. I used to imagine a lighthearted blog chronically humorous snapshots of life–classroom funnies, blind dates, kitchen-fails as a newlywed. But here we are, 22 months out from the stillbirth of our firstborn, Elliott, 10 months out from the birth of our daughter, Pippa, and 2 months out from Chris’s cancer diagnosis.
Before we plunged headlong into the wild waters of both grief and joy as parents, and before we heard the word cancer associated with either one of us, our lives were fairly simple. But also very good. One of our greatest joys as a couple has been investing in students’ lives together after years of working with students independently. Before we got married, I was a teacher for 11 years and Chris worked as a journalist for six years and then with college students with Cru for four years. Currently, our home base is in Longmont, Colorado, working for Lifelines, the outdoor and experiential ministry of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). In other words, we get to take college students on outdoor adventures and help them grow spiritually, relationally, emotionally, and physically. Our job is a gift we’re both thankful for and honored to do.
We hope that some day down the road we’ll be able to continue working with students together. For now, we’re living in Sioux Falls, SD, where is Chris is from originally. Chris’s family is here (and they are great), and the medical care is surprisingly cutting edge. We don’t know how long we’ll be here, but we’re grateful Chris has access to such exceptional medical care.
I hope to keep you updated here on Chris’s progress, but I may also meander into other aspects of our lives from time to time as cancer certainly doesn’t define all of who we are or what we’re experiencing right now. In fact, like stacks of mail that pile up over time, we’ve accumulated a rich stash of stories of God’s grace in the midst of life’s most painful and horrifying and life’s most sunshiny and sweet. I would like to share some of these with you, and I hope you will be encouraged. Even now it’s good for me to remember and feel God’s love all over again.
A Fragmentary Blue 
Elizabeth, I’ve been thinking about you and your beautiful family every day since receiving your first letter about Chris’s cancer. Our family will be praying for you, really praying (not just saying so). You all are such an amazing family and have given your lives to serving others. I am grieved that you must go through such suffering. Yet, you cling to an “optimistic faith” and we will do so along with you! I wish I could give you a hug and cry and laugh with you. Pippa is so darling. I hope I can meet her someday! Sending you all loads of love. Love, Sarah (in Oklahoma)
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Thanks so much Sarah! Knowing you’re faithfully praying means a lot. We’d love to see you sometime too and introduce you to our little Pippa :-). Lots of love to you to friend.
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“Hope” is the thing with feathers – (314)
By Emily Dickinson
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.
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Wow Dad! Way to get all technological and comment on a blog post :-). I’ve been thinking about this poem…now I don’t have to look it up. Thanks! It’s an encouraging image. Love you.
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My dear Elizabeth,
I’m so glad you finally started your blog, though I know it’s a different story/journey to share than you thought. Thank you for sharing your heart, your pain, your hope, and your beautiful love! I love you so much! Praying for you all the time!
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Elizabeth, you are amazing. Oh how you write so beautifully and your faith is encouraging mine. Thank you for sharing what’s going on. I love your sweet family and continue to pray night and day for Chris, you and Pippa.
Please give your precious girl a hug from her BFF Josie! 😉 Can’t believe her first birthday is around the corner!
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7-8
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Thanks Annie! We appreciate you guys and your prayers so much. And I can’t believe these girls are turning one this summer!! Hope they can hang out soon 🙂
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Elisabeth and Chris,
Please know you are in our prayers. We know God is at work in and through you. He is enough. Always. Our confession even when we can’t see the how. We look forward to hearing more of the how as you share your journey here. Huge hugs from Florida. Pippa is one gorgeous little girl!
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Greetings, Elisabeth and family! Just paid my first visit to your blog (your Mom wrote me about it.) God’s ways are past finding out, so I truly appreciate your observations – full of hope, faith, love, and encouragement.
Praying for you here in middle Tennessee, Bettyann
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Elizabeth and Chris,
You both have been in our thoughts – wondering how things are going. Drop a line when you have a minute.
Michelle & Jaymi
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Hi Michelle! I hope this update was helpful. I really do want to do a better job of keeping everyone updated :). We miss you guys and hope you’re doing well. Say hi to Jaymi for us! Much love, Elizabeth (and Chris and Pippa)
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