July 2006 entries

Saturday, July 29, 2006 7:40 AM CDT

***NEW PHOTOS***

Hello All,

long time no write! I have a bit to update on.

Firstly, I had a small medical issue that landed me in hospital for a couple of days, requiring some morphine for pain relief....things are still being "investigated" in regards to that issue...but at least things are better. I can be rather private about some things....some may know what I am talking about and some may not...but I am not going into any more details...just keep me in prayer. I may need surgery in relation to this issue..that is not yet set in concrete. Sometimes different issues with FA can be challenging and I have felt some areas to be very challenging lately....I am still trusting in Jesus for my miralce. He has been faithful to me even though sometimes it feels too rough. Although, there are many people out there who have had it more tough than me and you guys are really brave people.

Since my cat, Jemima died, I have actually felt miserable about her passing and it brought so many emotions out about death in general...I can be a pretty emotional gal sometimes...it has been tough! I really miss my precious cat. I don't know about you but when I was young...cats and kittens have been the only animals that have brightened my day and brought me joy...and it continues to have this effect...so not having Jemima around has been difficult. Obviously we have another cat, Matilda, but she and I never had the same "closeness" as Jemima and I did. However, I can't believe I am raving on about a cat..but it is important to me.

We got a NEW KITTEN! When Isaac saw the cat just before choosing..he announced it was a "daddy Jemima" and he "wants to take it back home"....and we called him Jerry. He is gorgeous and is only 9 weeks old. He is so sweet. He loves to be cuddled...which is just what I have needed....and Matilda seems to be taking him very well...no hissing or any type of really violent behaviour...she is still a young cat and loves to play...we can see them eyeing each other and getting ready to pounce...I am sure that they will "let go" and play properly soon. Matilda is such a rascal and always has such an "unimpressed" look on her face. Check out the photos of Jerry and Matilda in the photo section.

Also, because I have had a bit of a rough patch with feeling depressed...Alan took the week off and we went to Sellix Beach on holiday from Mon to Thurs last week. It was wonderful. I have never seen Isaac so happy...he was squealing...obviously so happy to be with just mummy and daddy and we were very relaxed the whole time...something that doesn't seem to happen with FA around...but we could forget about that and just enjoy. Alan was adding the pictures for me....so check if they are there...have a look...there are some lovely scenery photos of our Australian coast line....and hills in winter, sunsets and Isaac, Alan and I.....please have a look. We went to the beach and built sand castles even though it was so cold. We caught the horse and carriage over a jetty to Granite Island in Victor Habour and saw some whales! We went to Cape Jervis where the ferry leaves to go to Kangeroo Island. That is where the light house was and we took lots of beautiful photos...we checked out rabbit burrows together...Isaac thought that was exciting. We had a really good time together...just travelling and exploring and at night Isaac led us in many songs using his hand as a microphone and we cuddled up and watched a DVD after he was in bed....we just relaxed and had special family and couple time.

Anyway, please check out the photos because I will make sure Alan gets them there soon.
Please be sure to leave any messages in my guestbook. I find it exciting and encouraging!

I hope all of you who went to Camp Sunshine had a good time. I am sure that it was a mixture of feelings for many people!

Bless you and love you,
Charisse


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Saturday, July 8, 2006 8:19 AM CDT

Hello All,

WHAT an AMAZING weekend! It was awesome! This past weekend Alan and I traveled to Sydney and we attended a Christian Conference on Friday afternoon at the Acer Arena. Reinhard Bonki, an Evangelist with a powerful healing ministry in the Name of Jesus was speaking that afternoon! It was an amazing experience. I was still quite ill this weekend and was amazed that I survived! The message given by the Evangelist was powerful and I felt moved by the Holy Spirit! The prayer given to me also powerfully touched me and I was brought to tears...I knew the power of God was moving in that place Friday afternoon.

After this conference we headed out to Bondi where the Rodwells live. They had offered us a place to stay for the night. David Rodwell is 14 and he has FA....we have been chatting via IM and sometimes via phone and it was exciting knowing that we were going to meet! And it WAS! I had a great time. It was amazing! David, you are a great guy and I loved chatting with you! Cathy, Paul, Natalie...it was the greatest pleasure to be in your company and laugh and share! I cannot wait to see you guys again.....I felt heaps comfortable with you all!

On Saturday Ben Hilton who also has FA and he is 22 years old this month....he and his family joined Alan and I and the Rodwells for lunch. It was an amazing event....Ben, David and I got to spend some time together in our little groupee! Hehe...we got to chat....wow we chatted so much. It was great to meet other people with FA in Australia....this was an amazing event! Ben it was great to meet you and your family and I can't wait to meet you guys again.

David and I had an arm wrestle...everyone was cheering us on...boy David you are strong! Hehe.....I have to say that it was a good, decent arm wrestle....and for a girl...hehe...I am no weakling! Ha.,...still after a good fight...David won twice out of the three times and I won once...it was a close call though....great memories. Please go visit David's awesome site! The link is below..he is a great guy!

I am going to put some new photos of this great occasion in my photo section so check it out!

Love Charisse