I've never blogged before, but I'm hoping this will be a good time to start. I appreciate the kindness, concern and grace shown to me and my family during the weeks my back has hurt. Everyone has been more than wonderful!

I'm glad I can start my week with worship. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow and praising God together. I'm sure I'll need the encouragement and taste of the Holy Spirit in the coming week.

Plans are for surgery at Bone & Joint Hospital -- downtown -- on Wednesday morning, June 17. We don't know what time yet, just that I am the second person on Dr. Scott Robertson's schedule. He has prepared us for the surgery by telling us it is a fusion of the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. It involves removing the disc and putting in a bone graft -- then connecting the two vertebrae with a metal plate. Over the course of 12 months, the bone graft will grow, eventually completely fusing those two vertebrae together. The surgeon will go from the front, making a small incision in my lower abdomen. He has a vascular surgeon do this part of the surgery, making sure everything is safely out of the way. Once the spine is exposed, he'll remove the disc and insert the bone graft. Then, they close me up and I'm good to go!

He's said I'll probably spend one night in the hospital, going home on Thursday. If I could make one request -- please, no visitors in the hospital. I'm sure that will not be my best moment, and I'd rather just focus on recovery and pain control while there.

Dr. Robertson said I'll be recovering full-time for two weeks -- probably on pain medicine, while everything heals. I'm hoping to return to work for short periods around July 1. The doctor said once I'm off the pain meds, I can go back to work. He said my pain will tell me when I've done too much. He also said I will have to wear a back brace for three months to keep me from bending and putting the healing at risk.

I'm certainly not looking forward to surgery, but I so want to feel better. As I've experienced the debilitating nature of this pain -- and seen my function and mobility deteriorate by the week -- it has been humbling. As I hope, I'm looking forward to being able to enjoy a dinner out with my family, being present for worship services, and even unloading the dishwasher.

Hope with me. Pray with me. God is good. I'm sure that God will make it possible for me to keep Kingdom Building!

Peace and grace, Charla