Day Nineteen - February 27, 2026
A quick Friday update on my end of the day yesterday and the day today. I started some significant heartbeat fluctuations with chest pains last night which became fairly pronounced. We monitored them the best we could, I rested, and then tried to sleep. The next morning they were still there and we discussed whether we did need to try to get across the border, go to the ER, or see if things would settle. The searching for wisdom in times of distress is difficult. We’d just put down more finances on another VRBO and we would lose out on the full amount, plus we would lose out on further medical treatment if we left for home. Also, I was not in any state to travel. I have a finger monitor for O2 levels and heart rate which I was using. Either the finger monitor was very excitable, or it was glitchy, either way we were getting “interesting” readings, some I imagine were fairly accurate. We decided to go to the clinic where I had a 9:30 am sauna scheduled. We were happy to see nurse Pam was in and she ran my vitals which came back relatively stable. Given my condition we decided to forgo the sauna as did the clinic and we headed back to our cottage to try and get some down time and rest. First we stopped at Walgreens to buy a blood pressure cuff and a glucose monitoring kit.
I had a few people praying for me this morning which was wonderful. Over the course of the day I have had a reduction in symptoms and they seem more manageable. I’m not introducing any new meds until I feel a bit more stable. I’m reacting to my few foods again, and with the resurgence of difficulty breathing, its hard to pinpoint a primary cause. The new diagnosis this week coupled with the constant doctors appointments has been tiring on my body, although very informative.
Thank you , thank you, for all for your notes of encouragement. They are cherished in difficult days and times. Many days in the past three weeks have been touch and go with my resilience and my wondering for the future, but we press on. Today I received multiple notes of encouragement (as I have in days past) and my gratitude is beyond words. My Mom messaged me that my Aunt Mary (Marijke) had called her today saying she wanted me to know that there's an army of her church people praying for me. The imagery of this is incredible to feel. My heart glowed. The words of Lauren Daigle’s song “Rescue” came to mind immediately”
I will send out an army to find you
In the middle of the darkest night
It's true, I will rescue you
There is no distance
That cannot be covered over and over
You're not defenseless
I'll be your shelter, I'll be your armor
I will never stop marching to reach you
In the middle of the hardest fight
It's true, I will rescue you
I’m not alone. You are all part of “my army” and you pour into me. Then notes from my family talking about their churches and bible study groups, coupled with their own prayers. It’s truly beyond words, that all I can say is, Thankyou. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! .” 1 John 3:1
Somewhat added stress today is that we have to be out of our current VRBO cottage first thing tomorrow morning, so I have picked away at packing up our things and Jeff has worked on starting to move stuff out. We can’t move immediately to our next location, so we will be somewhat homeless for the afternoon, which will make my food intake difficult :) )Please pray I will not be reactive to the next location and we will have a quiet and healing remainder of our time here. Please also continue to pray for my complete healing, wisdom for the staff at Biologix (may their hands be God’s hands) and our safety here in Tennessee and in the week to come. What a joy to be part of the body of Christ, what a blessing beyond measure. My heart overflows with thanksgiving (even through trying times when it’s marching to its own beat). You make this journey bearable and full of moments of joy and hope.
I am blessed.
Maria
Our next home for the remaining time here…