New Year. New Beginnings. New Wells. New Femur Parts.

Welcome to 2012! Doesn't it feel good to be in a new year?! New year. New beginnings. New wells. New femur parts! Yes, I like 2012 so far! We had a great New Years Eve and even managed to stay awake to usher it in! I haven't seen the clock at 1am in ...ummm... a looong time! So much fun! Zach wanted to point out that my crutches were waaaay to short for him. Thanks Zach. Rub it in. I'm not using them yet... so I can still chase you. Don't sass your momma. 

It's been a dizzying week of preparation for the first annual Charity Water Fundraiser at Lone Tree Athletic Club on January 7th! I am sooooo sooooo sooooo disappointed that I won't be there in person! It's like being pregnant and missing the delivery.... awkward. My sweet friends and clients have been delivering checks to me all week for Charity Water... and my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I just see the faces of the people who will be blessed by everyones generosity and I cry every time. And my amazing co-workers have really stepped up to the plate with this passion of funding water wells and I am in awe of their commitment. Just yesterday I was convincing a few of them to come with me next time we go to Africa. One of them said she couldn't because it would wreck her! I laughed, and said that's the point! That is exactly why you should go. I love being wrecked. Absolutely love being wrecked. I know first hand what it feels like to allow God to transform you into a new person. And I so desire for others to experience this transformation as well! God is good, always. 

Romans 12:22 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. 

And my sweet little (uh, big... 6 feet big) Mary Beth is determined to bedazzle my crutches. The hot glue gun came out and I ran the other direction. That's considered a craft... I don't do crafts. Ever. Knock yourself out sister! 

I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I am. This is a lot different than I have ever experienced. And there's a lot on the line. I had my pre-op team meeting at the hospital this morning and my surgeon really put J and I at ease. He is so chilled. Of course, he deals with complicated situations everyday. I, do not. And it is my leg. And my life. So I just smile and pray. Smile and pray. Smile and pray. The alternative is not an option. I'm already hearing Docs voice in post-op saying everything went great Noell... you are healthy and going to be back in Africa in no time flat! I gave him a post it with those words written on it... yes, ordering Dr's around is fun! Wait until I hit him up for a Charity Water donation in pre-op! :) And while doing x-rays I got to share Jesus with the technician. That was great! She laughed... "you sure are chipper" she says. No, just blessed. And happy to tell anyone within ear shot why. God is faithful.  God is real. And He is always good. No matter my circumstances.

See you soon friends! Thanks for your prayers.....