i'm not quite sure how to begin this blog, it's one that i wish i didn't have to write.
i wrote in my last blog that i haven't been feeling well since last weekend. i went to the doctor last monday, he gave me meds and told me if i didn't get better then i would have to think about seeing a specialist & getting tests done. i've been having really bad stomach pains & some other colon/intestine/stomach issues. i went back to the doctor today because my pain hasn't let up, it's gotten worse. i haven't been able to eat anything all week & what i do eat i throw up. the medicine i was put on last week was to determine if it was a bug, parasite, or virus. since im still in a lot of pain, they ruled any of that out. my doctor told me today that i had to get tests done asap & that it couldnt wait until i came home in may.  my family & i made the decision that i will be flying home early to get tests done & figure out what is wrong with my stomach. it's  the smartest thing to do & it's something that needs taken care of soon. i will be flying out of south africa wednesday morning @ 10:30 am / 4:30 am (indiana time). i will arrive back in indiana thursday morning & i will be going to the doctor immediately after i get home.
i'm extremely disappointed. i don't want to leave my team, the children @ ithemba, the youth group, deo doxa, or the town. i fell in love with jbay while i was here & it's extremely hard for me to think about leaving. i'm trying to understand that it is the smartest thing for me to do. i need to take care of my body.
please keep me in your prayers. pray for my health, not only my physical heath but also emotionally because it's a really difficult time for me. also please keep me in your prayers for safe travels.
thanks to everyone who has supported me & who has been there for me every step of this trip. it has been an experience of a lifetime & i wouldnt trade my time here since september for the world.