Hope Does Not Disappoint...

On Monday (2.26.18), Josh went in for what we thought would be a minor outpatient surgery to remove one side of his thyroid and see about some spots that the doctor had noticed in earlier tests. Once the doctor got in, he realized there was a cancerous spot and ended up removing both glands. By all indications so far, it appears that the cancer was contained to the gland, but we will know for sure once test results come back next week. While we knew this was a possibility, it was still a surprise and this surgery ended up being a much bigger ordeal than we planned or hoped.

In the past couple days, we've found ourselves saying, "we're disappointed," yet in the back of my (Jenn's) mind, I keep remembering the Scripture phrase, "and hope does not disappoint." This creates a bit of tension. How do you process having cancer and lean in to hope at the same time? What I've realized is, that if we are placing our hope in the fact that the doctor won't find cancer, then of course, we'll be disappointed. But if our hope is that God will be glorified within our story and journey we can't be. We believe and trust in a good God who is working in and through each step of our adventure. Some adventures are fun road trips through Utah, or moving across the country for a job in Arkansas, yet others are more complicated like cancer. Even though, it super stinks! And we are still asking "Why?," we enter this season with renewed hope. 
 
As you pray for us, please pray for continuing healing from the surgery and wisdom of what to do next. Additionally, pray that this piece of our story will provide more opportunities to love and care for other people and families coming face to face with the word, "cancer."  We have been so encouraged by friends who have come to visit and new friends in Arkansas who have encouraged us well.

Thank you!
Josh & Jenn