Quick Summary
Due to a significant flare in my POTS symptoms over the past few months—including frequent fainting episodes and several medical procedures—I’m having to step away from finishing my FOCUS apprenticeship this year, ending April 15th.
After prayer and conversations with my supervisors, I’m staying with my family for the time being to focus on stabilizing my health and continuing treatment with my doctors. I’m incredibly grateful for your prayers and support during this unexpected season.
I will reach out to each of you personally as I end the apprenticeship in the next 4 weeks about how to end your giving or support another FOCUS pastor. Stay tuned to see what God has for me next.
If you want to know more, please read below:
Health Update
Hello everyone,
Thank you so much for your patience while I’ve been quiet the past few months. The beginning of this year has looked very different than I expected, and I wanted to share a quick update about what has been going on.
As many of you know, I have an ongoing health condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). When I began this apprenticeship, I knew there was a possibility my symptoms could flare at some point. Unfortunately, since December, my symptoms have increased significantly and have become difficult to manage.
Over the past few months, I’ve faced several medical challenges, including needing an endoscopy and experiencing fainting or nearly fainting fairly frequently while at work. Because of my symptoms, normal day-to-day activities have become much harder, and it has become clear that my body needs a level of care and stability that I’m not able to maintain while continuing the apprenticeship. I also have an upcoming appointment with my POTS specialist as we continue trying to determine the best path forward for treatment.
After many conversations and a lot of prayer with my supervisors and directors, we ultimately decided that I am not able to finish the apprenticeship this year. For now, I’ve moved back home so I can be closer to my doctors and focus on stabilizing my health.
This decision was not easy and has honestly been heartbreaking. I loved getting to be part of what God is doing on campus, and it was a joy to serve the students this year. Even in the uncertainty, though, I trust that the Lord is present and continuing to guide this season.
In the midst of everything, my family, roommates, and FOCUS coworkers have cared for me in incredible ways—bringing meals, accompanying me to appointments, and constantly praying for me. I’m so grateful for the community God has provided.
Prayer Requests & Praises
Praises
I’m very grateful to be able to stay with my family while my health is unstable. Their support has been a huge blessing.
God has been reminding me in new ways that He is near and that I can rely on Him daily.
Prayer Requests
Please pray for wisdom for my doctors and clarity as I have several important medical appointments coming up, including with my POTS specialist.
Please pray for peace and trust as I process this unexpected change and seek the Lord’s direction for what comes next.
One of our students has stepped up to help lead the small group I served with, and I’m so proud of her. Please pray that God continues to guide and strengthen her.
Moving Forward
I will remain employed by FOCUS until April 15th while I go through the off-boarding process. During that time, I will reach out to each of you personally about ending your giving or sharing options if you would prefer to support another FOCUS pastor.
Thank you so much for the generosity, encouragement, and prayers you have shown throughout this season. I’m incredibly grateful for each of you and the role you’ve played in this journey.
I cannot express how honored I am that you have been so excited about God’s mission in Denton and about my small role in it. Your generosity, encouragement, and prayers have meant so much to me. You have truly reflected God’s joy and faithfulness to me throughout this journey. Thank you so, so much.
Please know that I am praying for each of you, and I’m so grateful for you. Thank you for walking with me in God’s mission and also in this unexpected season of healing!