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Welcome

Welcome to my little corner of the world. I am so honored by your visit today. My name is Kristi and I am married to my college sweetheart(I refer to him here as "Mr. Incredible"), momma to my 2 beautiful girls who are growing much too quickly, a high school computer teacher, photographer, and a gardener (at times~right now I'm growing weeds). I love to laugh, drink strong Starbucks coffee, take pictures, and be anywhere my family is. Jesus is my Savior and I try so hard to be the wife and momma that He has called me to be. I often fail but He lovingly picks me up, dusts me off, and encourages me that with Him all things are possible. Feel free to join me on this journey of faith, stop in and say hello, look around, and leave a comment~I love comments. Why "Kiki's Corner?" My nephews call me Aunt Kiki and I love that too.

Prayers for Rachel

Dear Faithful Prayer Warriors,

Thank you for your faithful prayers on behalf of our precious daughter. I hope you know how much that blesses us. We know that you have been praying but not fully understanding what you were praying for. Many of you know that Rachel has been suffering from migraine-like headaches since Christmas day; she has not had a day without headaches. I'll try to explain: We received her diagnosis on January 3, that she has a very rare brain malformation called Arnold Chiari I. The doctors believe that she has had this since she was born but for some reason the symptoms are just now becoming an issue. This was the cause for her hospitalization in February.

A Chiari Malformation means that the cerebella tonsils have moved out of the brain and are crowding the spinal cord. There is a lot of misinformation about chiari on the internet, our neurosurgeon very graciously explained that this is just how Rachel was made; it wasn't caused by genetics, or problems or exposures to harmful things during pregnancy. God made her this way for a reason...and I might add for His good purpose.

We feel blessed to have an incredible pediatric neurologist and pediatric neurosurgeon who take very good care of our daughter. Three weeks ago we traveled back for follow up brain scans and appointments with her doctors. After seeing the pediatric neurologist and pediatric neurosurgeon our family was sent home to pray through some tough decisions. We have prayerfully reached a decision that we want you to know about. Oh, it has been a decision that we didn't want to make, but we know that it is absolutely necessary. Rachel will have decompression brain surgery on Tuesday, December 15th (that was the plan originally but symptoms increased and her surgery was actually November 24th) unless the Great Physician intervenes between now and then. {My hands are shaking as I type this as this is a hard thing to wrap my heart and mind around}.

The anticipated surgery will involve making more room in her brain which will involve enlarging the opening of the posterior fossa of the skull and shaving off the backside of her c-1 vertebrae, if everything goes according to plan.This has certainly been the most agonizing and difficult decision we have ever made but amazingly His peace that passes all understanding is certainly surrounding our hearts and minds and we are thankful. We covet your prayers for our daughter. We know that she is really His child and He knows what is best for her and somehow He loves her even more than we do~which much be more than this heart of mine can begin to comprehend.

Specifically, we are pleading with the Lord to heal her completely so that surgery will not be necessary. But, if His will involves surgery, that His mighty hand would guide Dr. Roberts, that there would be absolutely no complications or problems, no spinal fluid leaks, no infections, for a full and speedy recovery time, that Rachel will continue to have full confidence and assurance in the One who knows her by name and takes great delight in her precious life, that the Lord's name would be known in this process, that her choking would be completely alleviated, and that she would be completely healed of her headaches (even though the doctor told us not to expect Rachel to be headache free after the surgery-we are believing God for this). Thank you for loving us and for your prayers. We are so blessed by you. Please, feel free to grab the Praying for Rachel button on my sidebar.

44 comments:

Amy said...

Praying for your daughter.
Blessings,
Amy

Unknown said...

Our faith is what always takes us through the difficult times. Think of those we do not believe and how struggles must ovewhelm them. I can see God's healing grace in your words of faith. I will ask his blessing on Rachel and your family.

Charla

shelly said...

My prayers will continue! Sometimes its the Isaac-ness of a situation, totally letting go and trusting her in God's hands, that will bring about His healing! I'll be praying for you to find your ram in the bush! Keep up your faith and remember that God works all things for the good of those who love him!!!

Blue Creek Home said...

I am so sorry. I can't imagine how difficult having to make this decision was.
God has her...and God is good.
Please know that I am praying for Rachel and your family as you face this.
Rhonda

Melanie said...

Kristi, You certainly have our prayers.. for Rachel and for each one of you that loves her so very much! I can't even begin to imagine what you are dealing with as a family, but God does and my prayer is that He will hold you and comfort and continue to give you that peace that DOES pass all understanding. I certainly will also pray for Rachel's FULL and COMPLETE healing.

Love you!

bp said...

Thank you for sharing these prayer requests. I'll be lifting Rachel and all of your family in prayer over the next few months.

BARBIE said...

I cannot imagine having to walk through this. May the Lord continue to grant you peace. Praying for a divine miracle!

The Jungs said...

Kristi and Rachel,

Our hearts wish so badly that we were there to hug and comfort you. We will be praying, fervently, for healing if that be the Lord's will. And we will be praying many other things for your family and will be watching the blog closely for updates

Much love.
Daniel and Caanon

Lana said...

I'm praying for COMPLETE healing!

You are loved dear sister...

Please tell her my little prayer warriors are going to pray for her every morning, as we have our prayer time in school.

God has such a plan for your family, He knows everything and loves you guys so much!

With much love,
~Lana and 5 kids~

Tracy said...

My goodness. What a journey you're on. I can't imagine. Trust in my continuing prayers for God's intervention, guidance, wisdom and care. He is faithful...

Melissa @ Southern Mommas said...

Will be praying for both Rachel and your entire family that God may wrap you in complete peace and comfort. I pray that he will ease your mind and take away the uncertainty. I have suffered from unexplained seizures for many years. I know this can be a long and scary process. Blessings,Melissa

Julianna said...

Please know that I am praying for Rachel to be healed. The Lord will not let you go and He will never let you down.

Love & Blessings,
Julianna

Erica said...

I will absolutely join you in praying for her! I will also be praying for you and your husband as I know this was a tough decision to come to.

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

OH my friend, I've been so out of the loop. I had no idea it was that serious. I'm grabbing your button and will be praying for a healing for your precious daughter. I can't imagine what you are feeling but praise the Lord you have Him to lean on.
Love you sweet friend.
Kim

Holly said...

Kristi,

I've been a lurker on your blog for a few months now. I just love coming here... it just feels like "home", however you do that! I apologize for not leaving a comment before, but I definitely wanted to let you know that I will be praying for your sweet Rachel here in Virginia!
Only God's best to you all...
Holly

Smelling Coffee said...

Kristi~ I'm a friend of Kim (Season's of my heart), and my name is mention with yours on her wonderfully blessed post she wrote today. I just wanted you to know that I am praying with you for your beautiful daughter - agreeing in asking for her healing. Oh, may the Lord do so for His glory!

As He brings you to my mind and heart, I am asking Him to help me be faithful to pray for your family.

The Lord's Strength and Peace be to you all... In the name of Jesus,
Jennifer

Traci@ Beneath My Heart said...

Wow! You definitely KNOW about liquid prayers and I can only imagaine how many buckets God has collected. Thank you for visiting my blog and for praying for my mom. Life has taken us both by surprise, hasn't it? Nothing is normal. I am commiting to prayer for your daughter and I am adding her button to my sidebar.
Your family is beautiful and I know that Christ will be glorified through this trial. I am praying for complete healing in Christ.
Love in Him,
Traci

sister sheri said...

Agreeing with you in prayer...

Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. Isaiah 59:1 NIV

Brenda said...

Praying for Rachel & your family,
Blessings to you, Brenda

Debra Kaye said...

Don't know why I'm crying. I'm trusting in the Great Physician for healing on my heart and for my migraines and I found myself saying while reading this...Lord, she is a child...I'll keep the headaches...set her free! Isn't that just like us to want to exchange or alter His plans. My sweet friend...I love you. I will grab her button and be praying. Is it okay if I put her on our church's prayer list?

And of course, I will share with my husband and son and you can count on their prayers too!

Big ginormous hugs. Love ya to the moon and back plus twelve. tee hee

Michele Williams said...

Oh my.... I am praying!!!! Thank you for this update. I have been praying for her even though I have been off the net for a while now... But I am back!!! I have missed you and everyone else! Love you..

Mikki said...

Hi Kristi-
I'm stopping by via Debra's blog and will be praying for your dear sweet baby girl.
God is amazing and I can't wait to see what He has in store for your family through all of this.
I pray for continued peace and comfort for you and your family as you await the December date.
Awaiting God's glorifying work..
Mikki

McCrakensx4 said...

Blogging over from Debra's Blog to meet your family and read Rachel's stroy. May God continue to reassure you during this anxious time of waiting and praying for you as you await that December date. God is good, all the time, and I love the faith you have in Him. Rachel is in His hands...Take care.
In His Glory,
Stacey

LisaShaw said...

I found you through our mutual sweet friend Debra from Clothed with Scarlet.

I read your post for your beautiful daughter and please add me to the list of Believers in the Great Physician for Rachel.

May the comfort, peace, wisdom, love and grace of GOD be with your entire family especially Rachel.

I will post this link on FB and her button on my blog.

Blessings and love in Jesus Name,
Lisa

Susan said...

Hey Kristi,

Please count me in to be praying for your daughter!

I have a good friend via the internet who has a daughter that has been dealing with this for years. She's 21 now.

I can put you in touch with her mother who is a strong Christian.

Who knows your girls could become great friends.

She's had the surgery you've spoken of and others as well.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Meanwhile I'll be praying and believing for her miracle!

Nothing is too difficult for HIM!

My email is: Susan2956@yahoo.com

PS She sees the best doctor in the US for Chiari Malformation. Dr. Frim.

April said...

Praying for your sweet daughter.

Melanie said...

Dear Family,
I will put Rachel on my personal prayer list in my journal.
Last week our 12 yr. old son, Andrew, was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer. We, too, are standing in faith for a miracle. I'll stand with you for THE MIRACLE FOR RACHEL.
"Thanks be to God who always leads us in truimphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him." 2 Cor. 2:14
Melanie@Bella~Mella

B His Girl said...

Hi Kristi,

I came over from Lisa Shaw's blog. I will pray for healing for Rachel and relief from headaches. I also pray God makes the path clear for you to follow and gives you peace. You have a beautiful daughter. B

Unknown said...

Kristi,

I may not get here often- but know that our prayers are with Rachel!

Blessings and love,
Jill

Saralyn said...

My sweet friend Molly has this issue, too. If you're interested in her story you can find it on her husband's blog www.stevekmccoy.com.

Kathy C. said...

Kristi, please know that I'm praying for a complete healing for your daughter. I can't imagine what you are feeling inside - my heart and prayers are for your entire family as you struggle to understand and live through this entire process that God is allowing to happen in your lives.
Blessings,
Kathy C.

Marsha said...

Kiki, I will be praying for the Great Physician to place His healing hand upon her, either supernaturally or through this surgery. I can't even begin to fathom the pain you've been going through all these months, and Rachel especially.

I will be adding Rachel's button to my blog and praying for you as you take this break. You are wise to draw close to Him and sort out the emotions you are feeling right now.

You are loved and in my prayers. If you need us, you know we are just a post away.

Beth in NC said...

Rachel is in my prayers. So is her Mommy. I am praying for complete healing Kristi.

Bless you!
Beth

Anonymous said...

We are definitely praying for Rachel! The power of prayer is amazing....keep your faith strong and know that everything will be just fine!

Kim Milius said...

Will be praying for Rachel & your family. If there are any financial concerns for your family with her treatments, I work with a company that has a wonderful non-profit foundation to help families going through these situations. Let me know & I can help you do a grant request.

Kathy Schwanke said...

Kristi, I have been sadly away from blogging for quite awhile with the wedding. After seeing your button on a couple of blogs I wanted to come and find out what was going on. I will add her to my prayer list, and trust in our Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals to give you a miracle!
Love,
Kathy

Debbie Petras said...

I've been seeing Rachel's face on the prayer button on many of the blogs I visit. So, I finally decided to come to your corner and find out for myself. I'm glad that I did visit and will join in praying for your precious daughter. I will place her prayer button on Heart Choices to help spread the word. May the Lord provide all you need during this challenging season.

Debbie

Melissa said...

Dear ones, God is good! I have seen his amazing power in my own healing this past spring with a sudden acute liver failure and then a life-changing liver transplant. The prayers of loved ones and believers all over the world got me and my family through a very difficult time. And God brought me through it, so now I can attest to his goodness and faithfulness, even through a storm like this.

Praying for Rachel! God bless and keep you!

Melissa said...

Dear ones, God is good! I have seen his amazing power in my own healing this past spring with a sudden acute liver failure and then a life-changing liver transplant. The prayers of loved ones and believers all over the world got me and my family through a very difficult time. And God brought me through it, so now I can attest to his goodness and faithfulness, even through a storm like this.

Praying for Rachel! God bless and keep you!

justastonesthrowaway said...

I just saw Rachel's button on Beneath My Heart's blog. I wanted to let you know that I am praying for your precious Rachel. I am believing with you and I know God is more than able. Bless you!

Amy's Blah, Blah, Blogging said...

Hi, this is my first visit to your blog. Not sure how I wound up here but I wanted to let you know I'll pray for Rachel too. It's interesting because as soon as I read ongoing headaches I knew it was chiari. My aunt and cousin have it and this has been a very long road. I hope the surgery will be an amazing success for her next week. God bless each of you!

~Kathie~ said...

I just stopped by after you left a comment on my blog from Kelly's Korner sharing our Christmas trees. And I stopped to read your daughter's story and just wanted to say I am glad that she is doing so well now after her surgery and how encouraging that was for me to hear.
My 14 year old son also has Chiari Malformation which was diagnosed a couple of years ago. We have not had to go the surgery route yet (he is only suffering with motor skill issues, no headaches) but the Drs are anticipatng surgery at some point. Anyway, thank you for sharing your story- I am so glad I found your blog!

Lisa Smith said...

I will be praying for Rachel even though I know she has come through surgery very well! I am praying for no more headaches and her healing would be complete. As a mother of two sisters, I was especially brought to tears of the picture of Hannah removing Rachel's toenail polish. They are beautiful girls. lisa

Anonymous said...

Wow. Reading this makes me and thinking "been (almost) there." Our story is similar as my son had the same surgery! Now, at 5, he is 2 1/2 years out and doing much better! Our decision was hard in that he couldn't completely communicate his pain. However, his surgery recovery was amazingly easy! God is good! I can't wait to come back and read more when it is not so far past bedtime!

Amy AJ