teambuna

I have been battling Breast Cancer for nearly 4 years now, and I gotta tell ya, I get pretty tired of it. Sometimes, I have “words” for the Big Guy when I go to talk to Him. Sometimes, I get scared. Sometimes, I feeling like screaming. Other times, I cry. But my cries aren’t always because of the previously mentioned fears or angers. Naturally, I cry tears of fatigue and frustration of just not wanting to do this any more. However, at other moments, I’m overwhelmed by the blessings that seem to just pop up on that very day of the day after (literally), that I was melting down. God knows me. He gets my erratic prayers and emotions. He knows that, although I am extremely positive and seek Hope and signs of gratitude in as much as possible, I’m only human. And times are tough. He knows me, and He knows it comes in waves.

Much like the highs and lows of our relapses and great progress to each form of treatment… the waves come right at us, looking larger than life, then before we know it, they’ve disapated on the shore.

Isn’t that just life though?

I recently had the chance to sneak away to a weekend of prayer at the beach with a few other women and God was just speaking to my heart over and over again. He spoke through images, he spoke through our surroundings, He spoke through the “Bible roulette” game I like to play when I just say a little prayer and see where my finger lands in the Holy book. Over and over again, He reminded me that everything passes, He is always with me, and my main job is to continue to keep my gaze on him, trusting in Him always. So I spent my time that weekend, trying to be quiet (haha!) and just listen to the waves roll in and out, getting bigger, and then just slowly washing calmly over the shore. As each the waves appeared to rise faster and faster in the wind further out in the bay, getting bigger and cresting just feet off the shore, they always seemed to wear down to just a small rush of water gently washing over the sand once they reached shore. Mimicking much of what I feel of the waves in this season of my life, as I pray it’s only that. A season.

I also listened to the flicker of the candle the way it lit up the room with just the tiniest of flames, yet could be feared if I let the fire over take me. Instead, I felt it’s warmth. I felt God’s presence and thought over these past four years, recognizing the many blessings that have touched our lives amidst the many storms and typhoon size waves that seemed to be heading straight for us over and over again. But His answer? Stay in the gaze. I am watching over you like a shepherd keeps track of EVERY sheep. Fixate your eyes on me and you won’t lose your footing.

So I gaze at him.

I was given this picture by a dear spiritual leader and friend a few years back. She brought it up again over my weekend at the beach. I love the way Mary lays down on the uncomfortable hay, in the midst of her situation of discomfort and cold, having just delivered a baby, yet she’s so fixated on the gift of her son and the glory that’s coming in His life. She also knows the anguish that is to come, yet she says “Yes” and just gazes at him in love and awe.

Sometimes, I gaze at my kids when they sleep, praying I can always be here to gaze at the grandchildren just the same. I pray I can be here long enough to gaze at them as they walk down the aisle or see my son’s smiling face as he greets his bride at the altar. I make deals with God, begging for these moments. But for now, I am committed to this moment above. Resting in THIS moment. I know I’m still in the midst of the discomfort. I have a long road ahead. But I pray that I can always stay in the gaze and continue to trust in Him.

It’s never been MY STRENGTH that has gotten me this far. It’s always been HIS. It’s always been the grace from all of your prayers. Our prayers. All of the outstanding support of this village we call TEAM BUNA. I can’t thank you enough.

I know this isn’t a more mushy post of mine, but I don’t control what I write. I just write when I feel I can, and I write what’s there. And today, I’m writing what is on my heart.

I just have to thank you all. We still have so much ahead to get through. So much to navigate with my cancer to make it “go away and stay away!” while still figuring out this whole parenting thing and raising 5 kiddos in the midst of the chaos.

I always ask, pray for my family, pray for my kiddos.

This water bottle was given to me when I was first diagnosed. There’s a pic of all 5 of my kids on one side and This cool inspiration reminder on the other. I have had it with me for every infusion and surgery. It reminds me to keep going. They are my why! (And my hubby, of course!)

Just as our Buna’s Hope non-profit and ALL of YOU who got involved helped us to bless TWO FAMILIES to send them on trips of hope and memories with their families in time of struggle, a dear friend has stepped in to send our family on a trip of Hope ourselves! God shows up again!! (BUNA’S HOPE UPDATE: The Cards will be taking a Cruise to the Bahamas, while the Bayhii family will be heading to a DUDE RANCH! How cool is that?! Thank you, TEAM BUNA/BUNA’s HOPE!!)

Our family is being sent off to “the happiest place on Earth”, DisneyWorld, over Mardi Gras this year! The count down is on, fast passes booked, dinner reservations set, and kids practically holding their breath with excitement. I’m ready to go make some memories with my crew. Never want to miss a moment to see them smile and just be kids having fun!

Pray that I’m able to keep up for the trip. Pray that we can all stay healthy and well to make it happen. We just need a little pixie dust (Bibbity Bobbity Boo!) and whole lot of graces! 😉

And know that we keep you all in our hearts and thank you all for all of your support in prayer and love always.

God bless you and know I’m sending my love and graces and “BIBBITY BOBBITY BOO!” right back to you! Have a grace filled and magical day, as you get in the gaze with me.

Just like Peter, when he stepped out of the boat to walk on water with Jesus, it wasn’t until he took his eyes off of him that He sank. May we all have the strength to keep our eyes fixated on HIM no matter the waves that are crashing around us so our feet can keep firmly planted wherever He asks us to stand. And HIS STRENGTH will keep us upright, standing strong. I have no more strength in this body, but God continues to provide. There is no other explanation.

#GodsGotThis

#Waves

#GonnaBeAlright

We’ve all been on pins and needles waiting for nominations to come in and for yesterday, December 27th, the day of the big drawing. Well, it happened! My family (aka: my board of executives for Buna’s Hope) gathered in pjs in our living room to each draw small slips of paper from one large box of nominations, put them into a smaller envelope, and then have my husband and I draw from that envelope for the final 2 winners. Mind you, we didn’t even begin the drawing system until every family member had extended hands over the total number of ballots, praying for God’s blessing upon these families and their compelling stories. It is very clear to us after reading their stories and praying for them each night, that EVERY ONE OF THESE families is deserving of one of these trips. Every family will in turn be given the greatest gifts of all: GRACE and HOPE. We plan to keep each family’s name and story in our prayer intention book where they will always remain. (GRACE from prayer- priceless). We also are making plans to pack a new order of boxes for each of these families and send them out to their family as a gift of HOPE for each and every family member. No stone left unturned, no family left to be forgotten.

(Above you see our Buna Box set up. Please check out our Buna’s Hope Amazon list to find out how YOU can help send our needed supply to pack some more boxes and send out some love.

…………………………

So, let’s get down to what you’re really looking for… OUR WINNERS.

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THE DRAWING:

First 2 little videos of the drawings themselves (Part 1 and Part 2 below… CLICK on LINKS to VIEW)

Part 1- Bunas Hope Vacay Giveaway- prayer & Initial Draw

Part 2- Bunas Hope Vacay Giveaway Final Drawing

We hope these videos show the thought and the PRAYER that was given to the names of nominees, asking for miracles of healing and peace for their families and for God’s guidance and His will to be done as we drew each name. All in prayer. )

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CONTACTING THE WINNERS

These gifts are intended to bring JOY, HOPE, and LESS STRESS to families. Therefore, I wanted to approach this in the most delicate of manners. No posting of any kind until I was able to get the approval from the families themselves and talk to them about what information they were comfortable with me sharing and start getting excited with them as to how we can perfectly tailor these trips to be just for them. Some like Disney, some may prefer a relaxing time at the beach, while others may feel their happiest in the great out doors in a cabin in the mountains. Our travel agent, Kristen Schonburg Blackburn of Cupcakes and Castles, will be working with us again (Thank the Lord! She’s amazing!) to help find that perfect fit for each recipient.

And Those (2) Recipients are… (in alphabetical order):

(drumroll please)

1- THE BAYHII CHILDREN & FAMILY

(Pictured below with their father who is dearly missed by all)

*This family lost their father tragically in a car accident this fall. I am very grateful that these children, their mother, and grandfather will be able to use this trip together to make some new memories, getaway for a bit, and draw closer together. God guided our hand to their nomination and I’m sure He knows just what He wants to speak to them in their time together. God bless you, Bayhii family!

2- THE CARD FAMILY

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*This is a family that I’ve known for years. I went to college with Tim and Tricia card, and our entire college alum community has been devastated to hear of Tim’s recent diagnosis of cancer, specifically “Diffuse large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Stage 3.” Their family has an amazing hopeful attitude, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t difficult and that they don’t need to just get away and recoup. This will be actually be the very first family vacation EVER for this family of 9. What a blessing that BUNA’s HOPE could pay it forward to such a loving and deserving family. God bless you, CARD FAMILY, can’t wait to get our wheels turning to tailor a trip just perfect for you and your crew.

3- All of this, because of YOU!

YOU are the reason we are able to bless these families and be the very hands and feet of JESUS. Buna’s HOPE is giving us all the opportunity to pay it forward, have a chance to be a part of something special that is gonna make families like these and so many more keep HOPE alive, make memories that will last forever with the ones that they love, and find the joy, laughter, and faith as well that we insist on threading through all that we do in this project. Thank you for your fundraising. Thank you for your monetary donations. Thank you for sending more BUNA BOX supplies, and Thank you for praying for each of these families that have won our giveaways, as well as for the many other nominees who are so deserving of grace, hope and miracles.

We have to believe in MIRACLES.

We’ve gotta believe there’s always HOPE.

I have to believe that our village will keep on supporting, in any way possible, to keep this project, this dream, BUNA’s HOPE, alive and growing.

Thank you for being part of our team. Thank you, TEAM BUNA.

To do this and put this together gave me greater joy than anything before. I started my 2nd round of chemo this Wednesday, drew the names of our winners on Thursday morning before my follow-up fluids and infusions, and have been typing away at this blog and contacting nominees & chosen recipients from my chair at the infusion suite all day both yesterday and today. I promise you, nothing made me happier. I felt like Santa! ‘Tis definitely better to give than to receive!

Thank you for giving with all of your heart.

God is good. All the Time. All the Time. God is good.