What I Have Learned...

Wow! The past three months have been the hardest and most rewarding months of our life...



I, Rachel, have learned so much about myself that I probably would have never realized until much later in life. What have I learned? Well, I almost don't know where to begin. Before we learned of Braelyn's coming, I was a very reserved person. I probably doubted myself 90% of the time and beat myself up constantly. I tried so hard to make everyone happy - that I completely forgot about myself. I was literally hiding from ME - and I had gotten pretty good at it! I hid from Daniel, my family, my friends, and myself.



Now that I have been forced to be with ME all day - every day - for three whole months...I have begun to discover who God made me to be. I am slowly shedding the fear and doubt that Satan did so well to place in my heart. God has given me a love for him and for myself - and I think it shows.



Trust me when I say that I can't take credit for any of this! I have had some amazing people in my life who have been the hands and feet of Jesus. Thanks to some wonderful godly women, I took the time to truly look at who I am and who I am able to be. Thank you Kristi, Cindy, Pam, and Mindy for helping me find my true self! If it were not for you guys and book club, I know that I would not have the strength that I do now.



I have already mentioned in previous posts how wonderful my husband, Daniel, has been through everything...but I had to get it in here as well - because he is THAT amazing!! I truly can't express how much I love him and will always appreciate his thoughtfulness and support!! Thanks Dan!



Of course, my family has played an equally significant role in all of this. Thanks mom and dad for always being there for us in all the ways that you have. For visiting and acting like everything is normal...for fixing us meals...for helping us financially when we didn't know how we would make it...and for always having smiles on your faces. Thanks Jana, Jason and Jamie for always stopping by and just chillin with me. It has been great to just have company. And Jason, you know how much we love our lights!!! Haha!



And of course all of the people from church and school that would be pretty impossible to list out here - but they know who they are. Thanks for all of the meals and visits over the past three months! We appreciate everything that God has done for us through you!



Well, I know this was long - and technically we still could have almost three months to go...but I had to get all of this out. I am just so appreciative-I can't hold it in any more! God is wonderful and has been wonderful to us throughout our lives! He gives us just what we need, and doesn't give us more than we can handle. (Even though at times - I'll be honest - I feel like I can't do this anymore...) God has used this situation to form Daniel and I into better spouses and better parents...and we can't wait to continue this amazing journey!



We love you all!