OOHH and By the WAY!

Yes...and by the way DARIEN IS my hometown!

I grew up in Darien, CT for 20 years and attended the Darien Public Schools from Kindergarten all the way through my high school graduation at Darien High School!

AND...

Now I will be beginning my teaching career there!

So, YES, Darien is my HOMETOWN!

(This is for those who think Stamford, CT is my hometown...! You know who you are!)

Anyways, in all seriousness, I am truly excited and privileged to be working as a teacher with the school district I attended my whole life and I look forward to ALL of the new opportunities it will bring in the future!

Thanks to ALL of you who have supported me in this decision and your listening ears!

So....which is it?

I have finally made a DECISION on which job!

After hours of sleeplessness, phone conversations, emails, research, meetings, careful consideration, more research and reflection...I have made a commitment to work with Darien Public Schools in Darien, CT!

I will be hired as a Special Education Teacher (who has the ability to work with ages 3-21 and grades K-12) by the Darien Public School District. For the coming 2009-2010 school year I will be working at Holmes Elementary School with seven 4th grade students who receive special education services in and out of the regular education classroom setting.

I am so thrilled to have this opportunity and I look forward to what God has in store for me in this coming first year of teaching and beyond!

AND...for now, I may return to normal sleep patterns (well...hopefully!)

A Good Can of Worms!

So Monday came....and there was a job offer in Greenwich Public Schools.

I was SUPER excited and ready for the school year to start!

Then...Tuesday came along...

I had another interview with Darien Public Schools. (I was not thinking this one was going to go well so I just went and did it.)

Well...it went GREAT!

So...I got a call three hours later saying, "Hi Heidi, we were very very impressed with you today so we would like to set up more interviews."

Wednesday morning arrived and I received a call...for another interview (Interview number 7) to occur on Thursday.

Thursday came and I had the interview. This one went even better..and the principal said, "Heidi I had a wonderful time meeting with you and I am sure we will be seeing a whole lot more of you and we will be keeping you around."

So I am guessing this means that I will probably be receiving a phone call sometime after July 4th weekend....maybe....perhaps....with another OFFER for a job....SO I will keep you posted!

I came home from that interview, wrote my follow up letters and heard back from the principal in the same day saying she was very pleased and would be in communication with me soon after speaking with the rest of the team.

WELL...I DO believe I have opened a whole new can of worms....GOOD WORMS that is!
I may even have a choice in this whole job thing! God is Good!

So then Thursday afternoon came around and I received another call. A call from another school in upstate CT that I applied to and received a notice in the mail saying they would contact me within a couple weeks if I were to be considered...well those 5 weeks passed and nothing so I just let that one go....well MORE WORMS!

I have an interview set up with this Autism school for the week of the 13th~

You know...just in case!

More news to come shortly!

The Tour is OVER!

For the last few months I have been hard at work in finding work.

I have spent hours filling out 30 step job applications, perfecting my resume, communicating with professors for letters of recommendation, writing long essays for applications, perfecting my portfolio, emailing, phone calling, snail mailing, networking, and of course MORE phone calling and emailing!

On top of all of those items, I have spent challenging times journeying through the complicated steps to earn my teaching certificate in Connecticut. Before I could attempt this project I had spent hours working on getting the official paperwork for my Illinois certificate and endorsements as well as the paper work for my official diploma and transcripts from college.

Everyone of these items has been nothing but complicated...but I am getting closer to the finish line. This finish line will allow me to begin the next chapter in my life....MY CAREER...that I have waited so long to begin!

I received a call this past Monday for a job offer at a middle school for a special education teaching position. When the principal called he said, "Heidi, welcome, your tour is over. Your tour of the many interviews is OVER!" I thought: Oh boy what does that mean....I have no job....or I HAVE a job! The principal continued, "So welcome to Eastern!"

I just about lost my pants! I have WAITED and prayed for this day to arrive for a VERY VERY LONG time! It has ARRIVED! I truly believe that God is doing incredible things and they are ALL in His PERFECT TIMING.

I remember a couple weeks ago when I told my dad that I felt I was in a famine in finding job or even finding hope in a possible job. Praise God for His perfect timing!

Now for the hard part....DECISION TIME!
More to come on this exciting news!

Graduation Day....I MADE IT!

This Saturday, May 16th was my college graduation! I had the pleasure of spending this wonderful milestone and celebration with all of my family present in Palos Heights, Illinois.

Friday evening we attended my Honors Convocation Ceremony where I received High Honors from the College's President. At this ceremony I received my golden cord, which I had worked for four long years to receive! I also received my Trinity Christian College Alumni Medallion. Both of these items were also worn with my graduation gown on Saturday's Graduation Ceremony.

Whitney was able to get a video of me receiving my diploma during Saturday's graduation ceremony as well!

A few hours later, after a lovely time with friends, faculty, and family at a reception following the ceremony, we packed our Suburban and my car full of my entire apartment and four years worth of STUFF! We just BARELY fit it all! Everything was packed like sardines! Thanks to Dad who is the ultimate car packer!

I am truly amazed at God's work in my life and I continually praise Him for allowing me to complete all 13 weeks of my student teaching! I honestly doubted that this would ever be completely finished and God gave me the daily strength to meet this huge goal of mine. AND then of course GRADUATION DAY! I praise God for these wonderful milestones in my life!

I thank you all for your continued support, encouraging words, and prayers. They are so appreciated and a huge part of what keeps me journeying forward on this road. More updates soon to come. I apologize this one came so late, it's been a crazy time in my life finishing teaching.... but I am officially a TEACHER! I actually said my Teacher Vows to Trinity Christian College on Wednesday, May, 13th at my commissioning teachers luncheon and I passed my final teacher's certification test in the state of Illinois about a month ago. Now I just need to file the paper work with the state in July!

Always full of Hope in Christ,
Heidi

Surprised

Heidi had her first meeting with Dr. Mancini, head of heart transplant at NY Presbyterian, Columbia hospital Friday April 3rd. It was a straightforward time, and at the end of the doctor taking a medial history, and examining Heidi, she made the comment, "well, I am not sure why my colleagues sent you to me, but I don't think you will need to come back for a while."She scratched her head, we scratched ours, and went away with goofy grins on our faces! While she admitted that Heidi had concerning heart failure, she felt that currently, the best way to proceed was to maximize Heidi's medicines, and watch her carefully for changes. She also indicated, that we had already jumped through most of the hoops necessary to get on the transplant list, and that Heidi has type A positive blood, and the ability to receive either a pediatric or adult size heart. This means that obtaining an appropriate heart, when Heidi's needs to be replaced, should not be too arduous. We thank God for this good news, and Heidi is busy finishing up student teaching, and looking for a job.

Prayer requests:

A continuing heart of trust and praise of our God.

Energy and wisdom in finishing up student teaching.

Energy and discernment in applying for jobs.

Wisdom for how to manage her many medications and side effects of medicines, and the symptoms of heart failure.

A good outcome in the current medical work up for why Heidi has a lot of calcium in her blood.

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms..." Eph. 1:17-20

MAY WE HUMBLY KNOW HIS POWER IN OUR LIVES, MAY WE LIVE IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS, AND REJOICE IN THE RESURRECTION.
Kim Gropp

While I'm Waiting

Today is my 22nd Birthday! God has given me 8,030 days of life. Each one of these days has been a wonderful gift and I praise Him today for this gift!

My mother came to Chicago for the weekend to visit and celebrate my birthday and we had a wonderful time with each other!

Over the weekend I watched a great movie titled: Fireproof. It was the second time viewing it and I loved it just the same! One particular song in the movie really touched me this weekend. This song is titled "While I am Waiting" by John Waller. The lyrics are as follows...

"While I am Waiting"

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord


I have discovered through my teaching that God's purpose and plan for my life right now is to WORSHIP, SERVE, SEEK HIM, and WAIT PATIENTLY on His perfect timing. I couldn't think of a better way to serve God and worship God than with my Student Teaching! God has called me to serve these students and I worship Him and praise Him for this wonderful blessing in my life!

Though no one knows just what, where, when, or how I will receive a heart transplant...this song gives me so much comfort, a promise, and word of encouragement from the Lord that He has his hand on every detail of my life including my health. So just as the song says, I am waiting patiently on the Lord and while I do this I will worship, serve, seek, and praise Him.

Whatever you are waiting on the Lord for today, wait patiently and while your waiting join me in worshiping, serving, and seeking Him daily.

This song has had a very meaningful impact on me and I hope you take the take the time to listen and watch this video clip! If you would like to hear the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller go to this address: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb7TSGptd3Y or youtube it yourself!

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the LORD more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning." Psalm 130:5-6

Blessings on your day!
Heidi

A New Perspective on Strength

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26

The last few weeks have been VERY busy with my student teaching...and as a result my updates have not been quite frequent! I do apologize!

Over the past four weeks I have been journeying through my student teaching experience. This experience has been a fully packaged deal in a way I never could have imagined!

First, the individual's I work with are a complete blessing and gift. I could not be more fortunate! Second, I am learning so many new things about teaching that I had not yet experienced. Third, everyone is so helpful, generous, supportive, and accommodating. Fourth, and MOST importantly, I see God at work EVERY DAY! I have never seen God at work in my life in a more vivid way than now. Each day I step into my school God's plans, timing, faithfulness, graciousness, and strength are revealed and unfolded in every single detail.

A couple weeks ago, I met with a new Cardiac specialist in downtown Chicago. This first time meeting went very well and I felt very confident that this doctor is a good fit for while I am out here in Chicago. Our next appointment out in Chicago with this specialist is in mid-April.

About a week ago, I received notice that I would be continuing the "heart transplant process" by having some of the pre-testing done downtown Chicago. These tests and other procedures must be done in order to get me ready to be placed onto the heart transplant list. This past Friday, March 6th I spent the day getting some of these tests completed. Though there were some frustrating complications with the scheduling aspects of these tests, they were completed on Friday in good spirits! (We do not have any updates on these tests yet. We will update these results when we know more!)

Most recently, in the past couple days, I have been having some pretty severe shortness of breath. The best way I can explain it is that I feel that I cannot get enough air to satisfy what my body needs. I also feel like my body is just exhausted physically after activities that take a lot of energy like showering, using stairs, erasing the board at school, and other random times. This can get frustrating for me because I feel that it sets me back on what I need and want to get done! I had been doing fairly well considering all of the busy schedules with my teaching until a couple days ago, so your prayers for continued strength are so appreciated!

In spite of the last couple days, it truly is incredible the strength God provides me with each second of the day. I don't even ask for it and it is given to me as a gift! We are so undeserving and God gives us SO much! God knows our EVERY need and provides us with these needs at the PERFECT time. 2 Samuel 22:33 says, "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." Just when I am feeling like I cannot go up another stair or another stroke while erasing the board--God provides me with that strength in such a PERFECT way and in such a PERFECT moment. I praise Him for these things.

So whether my heart is literally failing, spiritually failing, or emotionally failing I choose to claim God as my strength for HE IS strength. His strength is perfect.

His strength is perfect for ALL of our needs, so remember to praise Him for the ways in which He has given YOU strength on a daily basis.

I am learning that through my physical, emotional, and spiritual weaknesses I may better see my need for Christ. God has revealed to me my desperate need to rely on Him daily for everything--even strength to shower in the morning.

For when WE are Weak He is made STRONG. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

So I thank you again for continuing to pray for me and journey ahead with me even when we cannot see the road ahead. I am so thrilled with where God is using me for His kingdom right at this current moment and I look forward to what He has for me ahead in my future.

Prayer Requests:
- Pray that we find out or control what is causing this worsened shortness of breath
- Pray that I am not retaining fluid (I have had a rapid weight gain)
- Pray that the "weird circulation sensations" in my legs improves (sometimes I feel that my legs are giving out on me as well as my arms)

In Christ,
Heidi


Here is a praise and worship song that has been ringing through my thoughts constantly...titled "Salvation is Here"

God above all the world in motion,
God above all my hopes and fears,
Well I don't care what the world throws at me now,
It's gonna be alright!


Hear the sounds of the generations,
Making loud our freedom song,
All in all that the world will know Your name,
We're gonna be alright!

Cause I know my God saved the day,
And I know His word never fails,
And I know my God made a way for me,
Salvation is here.

God above all the world in motion,
God above all my hopes and fears,
Well I don't care what the world throws at me now,
It's gonna be alright!

Cause I know my God saved the day,
And I know His word never fails,
And I know my God made a way for me,
It's gonna be alright!

Cause I know my God saved the day,
And I know His word never fails,
And I know my God made a way for me,
Salvation is here.

Salvation is here,
Salvation is here and it lives in me,
Salvation is here,
Salvation in God means to set me free,
Salvation is here,
Salvation is here and it lives in me,
Salvation is here,
Cause you are alive and you live in me!
Salvation is here,
Salvation is here and it lives in me,
Salvation is here,
Cause you are alive and you live in me!

Cause I know my God saved the day,
And I know His word never fails,
And I know my God made a way for me,
It's gonna be alright!

Cause I know my God saved the day,
And I know His word never fails,
And I know my God made a way for me,
Salvation is here.

Salvation is here and it lives in me,
Salvation is here,
Cause you are alive and you live in me!
Salvation is here.

SIX THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE DAYS

HAPPY BONE MARROW ANNIVERSARY STEVE AND HEIDI!
Nineteen years is 6935 days! Psalm 90:12 tells us to: "number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." So while the Psalm's theme is about a God who should have poured out his wrath on us, but instead gives us a dwelling place and unfailing love, may we remember to thank Him for each day he has given Heidi (and each one of us). May our hearts be filled with awe at God's mysterious plans that we see "but a poor reflection as in a mirror; (but) then shall see face to face."
Kim Gropp

God Doesn't Sleep

WOW...is this legal to do 2 posts in one day? I wasn't expecting to log on and find a post today! Thank you Whitney for reminding us of "the road" and that our citizenship is in heaven, and that is our goal!Whether we are worried about the economy, our health, or what tomorrow will look like, God is leading us!

Well, after talking with Heidi on the phone several times this week, and hearing her many God-sitings of His care and blessings with her visit to the new cardiologist in Chicago, and how God is giving her strength in the student teaching classroom, and how the body of believers is such an incredible support to her in Illinois, I had a wow today as well!

I had a patient come into my office today with a sinus infection, and she said that she was "run down". I asked what was exhausting her, and she shared that her sister (mid-life) had died 2 weeks ago of a brain aneurysm. She said that the one "redeeming" part of it all was that she was an organ donor and that it was very comforting to my patient and the siblings that they could help their sister fulfill these wishes, despite the gruesome process that organ donation is for families. Honestly, I had been feeling overwhelmed with the whole heart transplant prospect. While Heidi and Steve's bone marrow transplant 19 years ago on February 21st was a very difficult process, it was not at the cost of a life, and it turned out to be very exciting and wonderful event and outcome. So today, just when I needed God's voice, I evidenced His mercy through this suffering patient of mine. I was clearly reminded of what the psalmist says in Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the hills-
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip-
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you-
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm-
He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

This evening I received a call from Heidi's new cardiologist in Chicago. While Heidi had done a great job at reviewing the visit with me from earlier in the week, it was such a blessing to hear from this physician personally, explaining what his thoughts and plans were, and assuring me that he was pleased to be part of the "team" of guarding her health. Heidi is in God's merciful hand, and as Steven Curtis Chapman has put it: "these are the finger-prints of God". God, working his purposes out in many jars of clay. Amen.

Gratefully,
Kim Gropp

This Road

As I was driving to work this morning I was singing along to one of my favorite CD's- a Ginny Owens CD. About three quarters of the way through the song, "This Road" I realized I had become so familiar with the lyrics that I did not realize what I was even singing about (sound familiar? Happens to me frequently!)

All of a sudden I found myself singing, "and I ask why this road?" and I stopped in my tracks and thought of my sister, Heidi. While it is a common occurrence for me to think of Heids, thinking of her situation in light of this song created an opportunity to praise the Lord for her circumstances once again, which in turn caused me to reflect on my life circumstances (and praise the Lord). I thought I would share the song lyrics below for anyone interested. Ginny Owens is an amazing vocalist and pianist with an amazing story (her website is www.ginnyowens.com, however, it is currently not loading).

"This Road" (Ginny Owens)

A million miles away from anything familiar
a thousand places I would rather be
so I choke back the tears and try to find the bright side
though I find it hard to see beyond my suffering
in my heart I know your plan is so much bigger
but this small part is all that I can see
and I believe you haven’t left me here to wander
still I can't help but ponder where you're leading me
(chorus)
and I ask why this road
why this way
and this load
tell me how far must I go
till I see
till I know
why this road
A million miles away from anything familiar
what was it like to be so far from home
though you came in love
the world misunderstood you
there must have been some days when you felt so alone
but you endured, cause there was joy before you
joy that came because you sacrificed
Since you gave yourself just to spend forever with me
surely I can trust you'll lead me through my darkest times
when I ask why....(chorus)
From here I can not see
why you'd choose this path for me
but I don't have to understand to believe
that you know why
You know why this road
why this way
and this load
you know how far I must go
till I see
till I know
why this road

(I thought I would include a pic of Heids from Christmas break just because it's pretty ;))

~Whitney

First Days

"Many are the plans in a Man's heart,
but it is the LORD'S purpose that prevails."
Proverbs 19:21

"May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners
in the name of our God."

God has given me one of the largest desires of my heart, to serve those with special needs! His plans are filling me with renewed joy each day and I praise Him for that!

The First Days back in Chicago have been SO full of God's blessings!

Not even 48 hours after arriving in Chicago I witnessed God working through my circumstances to glorify Him at Trader Joes's....YES, Trader Joes!

I cannot thank all of you enough for all of your prayers! My first days back in Chicago have been so spectacular! I am so joyful to be back in my ELEMENT! Upon arriving at my apartment door step with a friend, the best tears of joy filled my eyes and cheeks--Just so thankful to be BACK!

I have never been so thankful to be somewhere or doing something in my entire life! God's timing is SO perfect, even when I didn't think it was! God has been preparing me for a very special journey--my Student Teaching.

My first day of my Student Teaching experience arrived today at Southwest Chicago Christian School working with K-8th grade students in a Resource Academic Support classroom. I will be teaching a variety of learners (more updates and details to come on this later). I am so thrilled to have this opportunity and I am excited to see how God will use my gifts to serve these students. I have waited so long for this and God's timing has officially been revealed to me today! Praise the Lord!

I am continuing to learn to take everyday one step at a time literally and I am beginning to follow God's timing--NOT my own! Yes, that is very hard, but I am willing to follow as best I can!

My left shoulder and upper left chest area are still very sore (and now more sore with all of the activity I am doing at school, etc.) So please continue to pray for healing and more range of motion. I am struggling to be patient with the healing/recovery process...I would like to just get going as best as I can! Please also continue to pray for strength in the rest of my body, I have really lost a lot of my strength since the surgery and cardiac catheterization procedure.

Once again, I thank you ALL for ALL of your continued support and prayers. I have experienced so much support, encouragement, and help out here in Chicago as well and it is so helpful (I could not do it without everyone)! Thank you ALL for everything you do for me!

In Christ,
Heidi

Hallelujah!

Today was my final cardiologist/doctor's appointment before returning to Chicago to finish my senior year! Hallelujah!

In the last week many things have improved and there are many praises:

- my nausea has greatly improved, but still remains from time to time
- Blood work findings have become more clear
- my surgery recovery is going pretty well, quite a bit less soreness and pain
- my immune system has remained relatively healthy!
- sleep has been a bit better
- Doctors have been able to stabilize my cardiac medications for the time being

I would appreciate your continued prayer for:

- I have pretty bad tendinitis in my left shoulder/armpit area from the ICD surgery, please pray for gradual movement and strength in this area as it is quite painful and immobilizing at times
- Strength for my overall body and spirit (I have lost a lot of previous physical strength, weight and endurance)
- My acceptance of this new lifestyle with an ICD
- A positive attitude for the coming weeks ahead out in Chicago

This week I had two doctor's appointments and some more blood work done. After carefully going over the heart transplant blood "workup" my specialists informed us that it looks like I have a "metabolic syndrome" developing (pre-diabetes). We spent some time discussing the different details and options that are involved and decided it would be a good intervention to begin a new medication to lower my triglycerides and cholesterol. My hemoglobin A1C, triglycerides, cholesterol, calcium, bun, and blood sugar have been quite high or very high. Many of these things are related to a development of diabetes and must be monitored closely to best treat any further development. We will let you know about any further information on this additional health "complexity" when we know more!

My next doctor's appointment will be in mid-February to meet with the Heart Failure/Transplant specialist in Chicago. Updates about this visit will follow later in the month of February. No more doctor's appointments...just blood work! Hallelujah!

For now, I am stable and praising God for every minute of it! I truly am looking forward to returning to Chicago to complete the semester and begin my student teaching! Saturday is just upon us! Please pray that God would give me strength to do more things on my own since the surgery, develop more endurance that has been lost, and energy during the long days ahead for my student teaching!

Updates to come again soon!
In Christ,
Heidi

Deuteronomy 10:21

He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

Deuteronomy 32:3
I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God!

A Plan!

Today I was in NYC at a doctor's appointment to see my Heart Failure Specialist for more follow up. I thought I would take a moment to share some plans and developments for the coming weeks and months ahead.

New developments from today's appointment include:

- I have been given the OKAY to RETURN to Trinity Christian College to finish my senior year and begin my Student Teaching! I will return on Sat. Jan. 31st!
- My doctor provided a specialist at the University of Chicago for local needed visits
- Blood work follow ups will occur every two weeks to provide specialists back home with up to date necessary information.
- Heart Transplant preliminary processes will be able to be done in Chicago and long weekends back at home.

I would appreciate your continued prayer for:

- Blood work findings to become more clear at this coming weeks doctor appointments
- Continued healing of ICD incision site and implant (I am still experiencing a significant amount of pain/soreness
- Strength for my overall body and spirit (I have lost a lot of previous physical strength and endurance)
- A healthy immune system (our family is suffering from bad colds!)
- Nausea to improve
- My acceptance of this new lifestyle with an ICD
- Better sleep at night
- A positive attitude for the coming weeks ahead out in Chicago

Some answers to prayer include:

- Doctors have mostly been able to stabilize my cardiac medications accurately
- Date to be able to return to Trinity Christian College to begin my Student Teaching
- Found a Chicago Heart specialist for "backup" out at school
- The many blessings of this blog!

I have truly enjoyed every comment each of you has contributed to this blog AND additional emails, cards, and visits. I am so thankful to have each and EVERY one of you in my life. You are all a gift from God!

More updates to come!
In Christ's Love,
Heidi

Special Needs

I thought I (Whitney) might take some time to journal some of the ways in which God has been teaching me throughout Heidi’s more immediate health journey.

As I have prayed for Heidi over the last several weeks, I have of course been praying for her very life to be preserved, however, much of my focus has been on her speedy return to school so that she can get back to what she’s wanted to do for so long. Heidi’s desire to serve others with special needs is so evident when you speak to her. In fact, her desire to serve others with severe special needs is all the more evident as you get to know her.

Initially, my prayers for Heidi focused on asking God, “Why?” “Why now, God? She’s at the climax of her education and future career! How could this possibly be your timing?”

God has answered my prayers by providing his Holy word for me to read, meditate on, and share with others.

We are a “sinful nation” (Isaiah 1:4) in need of a gracious savior (Romans 3:23-24). Yes, we are a people with one severe, special need. Although it wasn’t a part of Heidi’s plan to undergo these trials, God is working it out for good.

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Our idea of what is “good” is not always in line with God’s idea of Good. God is using Heidi to serve others with special needs in all circumstances-whether she is in the classroom or in the hospital. It is my prayer that no matter where she goes or what she does in life (and I do hope for her return to the classroom), that she would be clay in the potter’s hands (Isaiah 64) in order to become a vessel that first and foremost desires to spread the word about our greatest and most special need.

Heids, with God’s help and strength, you are doing a great job. I praise God for your life and for your circumstances because of the testimony that it has been for so many.

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone the Glory),

Whitney

Patience

I thought I would make a post now that I am beginning to feel a bit better.

This past week has required me to have lots of patience. I have been fighting quite a bit of pain, nausea, body ache, loss of appetite, and loss of sleep. It has been difficult to stay positive in conditions like these, so your prayers have been so appreciated and have helped me persevere through this past week. Thank you ALL so Much!

Today (Wednesday, January 21) is the first day I have felt up to writing on the computer and moving around quite a bit more. Doing minor daily activities are a BIG chore for me to complete being that I am still not feeling up to regular speed yet. The pain has begun to improve, but the soreness at the incision site and the implant area will most likely remain for some time yet.

I would appreciate your continued prayer for:

- soreness/pain at the incision site and implant area to improve
- nausea to improve
- my acceptance of this new lifestyle with an ICD
- better sleep at night
- a positive attitude for the coming weeks ahead
- clear direction on the next steps in my health journey
- that the doctors would be able to stabilize my cardiac medications accurately
- for clarity as to a future date to be able to return to Trinity Christian College to complete my Student Teaching
- a healthy immune system (our family is suffering from bad colds!)

I have really enjoyed reading all of your encouraging, supportive, loving, and prayer-filled comments! They are the highlights of my day! Thank you all so much, Heidi

Psalm 40:1-3, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and the mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord."

January 15, 2009

Heidi is home from the hospital 10:30 this morning. Everything post surgery is looking good, her AICD was "interrogated last night, and again this morning, and it is working well and indicates it is "ready" but hopefully not for "action"! She needs to be careful for the next 5 days to keep her left arm quiet so the wires that go from the generator to the heart have a chance to graft and secure themselves. She will follow up with the electrophysiologist in five days. Meanwhile, the site is quite painful and the pain medicines are not her stomach's best friend, so we ask prayers for speedy healing, and that we will figure out the best pain control for her in the mean time. Thank you all for your support and prayers. Kim Gropp

HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SHELTER OF THE MOST HIGH
WILL REST IN THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY.
I WILL SAY OF THE LORD, "HE IS MY REFUGE AND MY FORTRESS,
MY GOD, IN WHOM I TRUST." Psalm 91:1-2

Surgery Update

Just wanted to post a quick update on Heidi's status post-op:

She is out of surgery, alert, and seems to be doing well. My parents and Heidi agree that the staff have been wonderful. Heidi is in some pain but is hoping that the pain medications kick in soon.

A more detailed update will follow...

In Christ's Love,

Whitney (Heidi's sister)

Awaiting Surgery-- God's Perfect Timing

Today I woke up and found these verses in an email I opened! They are so perfect! God's timing is so PERFECT (even when I am doubting it at times)!

Proverbs 12:25 ~ An anxious heart weighs a man down but a kind word cheers him up.

I thank you all for kind and encouraging words of support and prayer--they cheer me up!

Philippians 4:13 ~ For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.

And just when I am feeling I cannot go through anymore, God re-directs my mind and spirit allowing me to do it ALL in HIS strength!

Thank you all for your continued support and unending prayers!
Heidi

Surgery Date Scheduled

Heidi has received notice of a surgery date- praise the Lord! This news is truly an answer to prayer, as the necessary communication and scheduling happened in such a timely manner after a decision was made to go ahead with the procedure.

This Wednesday, January 14th at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern Standard Time) Heidi will be having an AICD implanted at a hospital in Connecticut. Click here for more information about AICD's.

Heidi will need to stay overnight at the hospital after her surgery. In general, recovery time from a surgery like this can vary.

Your prayers, words of encouragement, and support have been greatly appreciated. It is so evident that God is at work and that his perfect will is unfolding just as he planned it long ago (Psalm 139).

Here is how you can be praying for the Gropp Family in the coming week:

-For God's protection of Heidi during the surgery
-Guidance for the surgeon's hands as the device is implanted
-Heidi's overall health prior to, during, and after the procedure (restful sleep, free of infections)
-Heidi's anxiety and concerns about the upcoming procedure and her concerns about the cosmetics of the AICD in her chest
-Strength, energy, and comfort for the Gropp Family as they seek to support Heidi through this trying time
-And last, but certainly not least, that God's kingdom purposes would be evident in the midst of Heidi's circumstances

Psalm 139: 13-18,

13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand.
When I awake,
I am still with you.

Decisions

The last two days I have felt quite torn in my decision to move forward with having the AICD (defibrillator) surgery. There are many decisions to make regarding who will perform the surgery, how it will be implanted, where it will be placed, at what hospital, and when the surgery will be performed.

The last 48 hours has been a lot of waiting to hear from several different specialists who have tried to help us sift through the decisions and details. We have now heard from a variety of specialists and I feel a bit overwhelmed with all of the options and details. I have sat on my thoughts about the smartest and safest way to have this surgery performed and have contacted a few doctors about setting a date for surgery. The only problem is one is on vacation! So as soon as we are in touch, I will set up a date and will be ready to move forward and have the surgery completed. More updates on surgery date to follow, Thanks again for all of your support and prayers!

Heidi

Difficulties accessing Heidi's Hope?

Dear Friends and Family,

Heidi, myself, and my family have greatly appreciated your prayers over the last few days. Heidi will be having several appointments, consults, and possibly procedures in the future, so updates are likely to be relatively frequent. I have received a few e-mails mentioning difficulties with posting comments or accessing the blog. If you have difficulty accessing the blog or remembering to go to it for updates and you would like to be put on an automatic e-mail list that will forward the text of the blog (and a link) I can try to make this happen. If you are interested in this, please respond to this e-mail with your e-mail address. You can always e-mail me again if you'd like to be taken off.

Other ways to access the blog are through creating a bookmark in your browser, using a "reader" and clicking on the RSS feed, or just going to www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com every once in awhile. For more information about using a "reader" or RSS, click on this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_(file_format)

Lastly, here are some more detailed instructions on how to leave a comment if you had difficulty leaving one prior:

1. Click on "comments" at the bottom of any post or entry (it should be a blue link)
2. If others have commented, you will be able to read their comments here
3. Once you click on the link, you should see a white box (similar to when you would compose an e-mail)- this is where you can write your text
4. Below the white box, there is a drop down window- click on this to decide your "identity". In other words, if you do not have a "google" account, you should probably click "anonymous" and then feel free to sign your first name at the bottom of the post so we know who has posted.
5. Next, click the button below the drop down window that says "Post Comment"
6. Once you have done this, another window should pop up that will ask you to copy the word you see above (this is to prevent Spam)
7. Once you have copied the word, click submit
8. Now your comment should be posted and you should be able to view it on the comments section

A final note: Although Heidi's Hope is not accessible via search engines, I would recommend using discretion when posting comments (e.g. writing your first name and last initial rather than your full name, not providing contact information directly on the blog, or providing other information that you would not want others to see)

Feel free to click this link to check out the latest post: http://hope4heidi.blogspot.com/2009/01/january.html

Or just go to the blog address to see all of the posts (including the newest): www.hope4heidi.blogspot.com

Thanks for taking the time to read! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Whitney

January 6, 2009

Today started with an evaluation by an electrophysiologist locally who in discussion with Heidi's heart failure specialist at NY Presbyterian Cornell, feels Heidi definitely needs an AICD (automated internal cardiac defibrillator)sooner than later. This device gives your heart a "jump start" if it decides to go into a dangerous rhythm and stop. He also felt we should consult a plastic surgeon regarding the best way to place the device in her smaller frame. Our hope is that we can coordinate this very soon so that Heidi can return to school in Chicago in a timely fashion.
We then went on to see the Cornell doctor, (Dr. Horn) who reviewed the results of the cardiac catheterization with us in more detail. The results indicate that Heidi should start the process for heart transplant. While this can be more fully addressed late spring, it is a long "application process" and a potentially long wait for a donor heart, so she actually had 21 vials of blood drawn today in preparation for further work up. Heidi told the technician she'd like to negotiate $100.00 per vial! Meanwhile, we are happy we didn't have to carry her back to the subway! While the overall readings of the cardiac catheterization are not desirable, the good news is that she does not appear to have any current clinical features that would not allow her to be on the heart transplant list.
Our current prayer concerns are:
*For wisdom in deciding on a "team" for the AICD surgery (cardiac and plastic surgeon) and for it's speedy organization and healing.
*For wisdom, trust and patience as we see God's plan unfold for Heidi finishing her senior year at college.
*For Heidi's general protection of body and spirit in the days ahead.

Psalm 73:28
"But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."

We are thankful for the outpouring of God's kindness through our friends and family.
Kim Gropp

Cardiac Catheterization

Tuesday, December 23^rd arrived, and I was scared, nervous, and very anxious about my cardiac catheterization. I entered a pre-operation room that looked like a zoo of people also having the same procedure. However, there was one big difference between myself and the others- I was the ONLY young one there! The nurses told me I was the youngest they had seen in years!

After having an IV put in and several other procedural tasks completed, I was finally wheeled into one of the hospital's “brand new” Cardiac Catheterization Labs (similar to a smaller Operating Room). I was under the understanding that I would be sedated or put into “Twilight” for my procedure….well, that never happened! This made me very scared and nervous. Shortly into the procedure, the newly installed and brand new machine that was being used for my procedure lost power! A few minutes later, the surgeon was able to get it working again- Praise the Lord! After about an hour or so of different catheterization wires being placed inside my groin which led up to my heart, various induced palpitations, chemical contrasts, and medications inserted through my IV- the procedure was finally finished!

The Cardiac Catheterization was an exploratory procedure in order to help my doctor's better understand what might be best for the health of my heart in the future. The procedure confirmed some information that was already known and revealed other information as well (more to follow in future posts).

Following the procedure, I was wheeled into a loud recovery room where I had to lay flat for four hours without moving so that the bleeding would begin to stop and the wound site would begin to heal. After a long wait, my parents and I were able to go home later that evening- Praise God!

The next few days were very painful and sore at the incision site near my groin (not an easy location to avoid when walking, sitting, etc.)! I was not allowed to take pain medications, so it took four days or so to begin feeling better. However, the joy of being with family and meditating on Christ's birth nearly 2,000 years ago certainly helped me to get into the spirit of the season.

January 1^st was the first day I truly began to feel like myself again- Praise God! I have learned to take every day one step at a time-Literally!

For more information about Cardiac Catheterizations,click here

My family and I greatly appreciate your prayers during these uncertain times- we praise God for such an incredible support system of family, friends, and the church.

December 2008

On December 14^th I returned to Connecticut and had a consultation with Dr. Horn, a Cardiac Heart Failure and Pulmonary Hypertension specialist at NY Colombia Presbyterian/ Cornell Hospital (in NYC) the following day.

Prior to my consultation, I had a Cardiac MRI (very different from a regular MRI) which provided more information and concrete numbers on my heart function. Following the MRI, my parents and I met with Dr. Horn for three hours in order to discuss the future steps necessary to protect my heart. My doctor recommended a Cardiac Catheterization as the first step.

The Cardiac Catheterization was planned for that same week (Thursday the 18^th). However, my body had other plans, and I found myself in the Emergency Room late in the evening after my Cardiac MRI secondary to a fever of 102, chills, sweats, and diminished lung sounds. My white blood count was alarmingly high -19,000 (Regular white blood count is usually 10,000)! No one knows for sure, but speculations were made that I might have had an infection from the contrast or at the IV site during the MRI. After more IVs, blood work, blood cultures, and doctor's visits, my white blood count came back down to 10,000.

Thankfully, by Friday the 19^th, I was able to re-schedule my Cardiac Catheterization for Tuesday, December 23^rd.

See this post for information about my cardiac catheterization.