Just a Note....8/3

Today at noon Ashley goes in for another gamma globulin treatment at Vanderbilt. She has made it through all her camps and will spend this week at cheer practice. Her energy seems to go up and down. Some days she's going full blast and feeling fine, then other days you can tell she's just tired. I think the Italy mission trip, the trip to Texas and the two camps...all in a row...did tire her out some. But she did have fun!

School begins next week, so her senior year will begin! Robin has been diligent about working on Ashley's college information, getting things lined up, forms together, etc. It's hard to believe we are in her final high school year. Ashley has about five colleges on her short list, so we'll see, as the months progress, where she decides to go.

July 20....

Where have the weeks gone? Ashley has returned from Italy....she really enjoyed the trip, and especially liked her quick stop in London. She did fine on the trip and felt great. Tired, of course, once she got back to Nashville. The day after she returned, she and Robin flew to Texas to help celebrate Robin's parents' 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise party. This week Ashley is at church camp and next week it's cheer camp. The summer is definitely slipping by fast. I'll attach a few photos!

July 2....

Today is Ashley's 17th birthday. We spoke with her late yesterday afternoon, which with the time difference was a few minutes after midnight on her birthday. She seemed to be doing well and having fun. Robin had sent decorations with the other girls to decorate Ashley's room with. I think when we called, Ash had been "locked out of her room" for the decorating to take place!

She told us a bit about her free day, but it was hard to understand what they were able to do and see. I did get that they went to the beach, of which she commented "there were no waves."

News 6/29....

Ashley and the group made in to Paterno, Italy. They have had trouble finding a wireless signal, but some of the girls stopped to admire a shop for children's clothes and the shopkeeper invited them to use his computer. They have been handing out flyers for their programs and have some kids coming this afternoon at 5:00. They are helping them with their English by using the Book of Luke. They have said the church is filled with beautiful people who are happy for their visit.

We have corresponded with Ashley via Robin's Facebook and she is doing fine. Not a lot to report as of yet, but I will soon. Keep her and the group in your thoughts and prayers as they share their faith.

Also, if you have heard the news in Honduras yesterday...one of our church's mission groups has been there this week and they are scheduled to leave today. All power in the city had been shut off and the airport had been closed. They were kept in their hotel unable to leave or go anywhere. A church they worked with brought them dinner last night. Keep them in your prayers for a safe return.

News 6/26...

Well, a late night of packing and double checking the packing has resulted in one 16-year-old ready for Italy...we think! Her suitcase came in right under the 50 pound limit (by our bathroom scale) so we think she'll be good to go. She has to be at the airport at 1:30 this afternoon. She is flying American to Chicago, then British Airways to London, then on to Sicily. I don't know all the exact times of arrivals, etc.

Since her treatment on Tuesday she has had a terrible headache so we hope she gets better as her trip begins. Off in a few minutes to take her to the airport. Will post more later!

Back...

It' about 4:30 here and Ashley should be close to Chicago. From there she flies to London and then to Italy. I think she arrives in Italy tomorrow around 4:30 in the afternoon....so they'll be tired. We took some photos at the airport and I'll post one or two later. 

Her suitcase weighed 50 pounds right on the dot...weight limit is 50 pounds without an extra charge. Leave it to Ashley & Robin to get it right on the nose.

I think her headache was starting to ease up. From what Robin read online the headaches tend to last about 48 hours after a treatment. So Ashley should be fine by the time she gets there. 

In the car going to the airport Ashley had to listen to my "Don'ts"....don't follow anyone anywhere, don't ever leave the group, don't give out personal information, etc. Then Robin began the "Where is...." quiz. Where is your English pound money, where is your bag of electronic converters, etc. 

There are about 15 going and they were all excited. Keep them all in your prayers for safe travel and for their safety while they are there! This will be an incredible experience for Ashley as she shares her faith personally with other kids her age. 

Ashley Update 6/23...

Ashley went this morning for her monthly Gamma Globulin treatment. She was pretty tired and slept through most of it, as she and Robin spent yesterday (the entire day) touring the University of Vanderbilt campus. More on that in a minute. The treatment went well and they met with Dr. Graham afterwards. He said she is looking good, and her weight is where it should be. He wants to schedule three more GG treatments for Aug, Sept, Oct. He also wants to do a bone density test before she starts cheer...very smart! Guess  that's why he's the doctor. She will continue her 10mg does of prednisone and her weekly methotrexate shots. So, we're excited about her progress and that she is doing and feeling well.

Yesterday, Vanderbilt had one of their PreVU campus visit days for high school seniors and Ashley and Robin left the house at 7:15 am to hit the campus. They spent the day touring the campus (= lots of walking, thus two very tired family members), learning about the admissions process, etc. Ashley liked the college and we'll move forward to make it one she applies to. Anyone out there with some great Vandy connections?

Birthday Girl...

Now that she's been given the okay by her doctor to travel, it seems our daughter will have to spend her 17th birthday in Italy. Poor thing.

Robin thought she'd collect cards and notes from family and friends to wish her a happy birthday while she's there. We'll secretly send these with a friend on the trip to give her on July 2. 

So, if you'd like to send Ash a card or a note, just mail or email Robin something to put in the large envelope. Their packing space is limited, so we're only asking for single cards or letters. Robin is trying to get everything into one legal size envelope. Pass this along to anyone who knows Ashley and might want to do this. 

Email messages to Robin at:

robin@nrcnet.com

Or mail cards or notes to: 

Robin Siptak

National Resources Company

1880 Gen. George Patton Dr., Suite 107

Franklin, TN 37067

It would be great to have these by June 20th. She leaves June 26th!

Thanks!