In the military life, there are far too many of those instances. People come into your life and with very little warning; orders are ripped, a new home is determined and those friendships become friends with miles of separation.
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I met Darnell in 2010, while we were both stationed at Aviano Air Base, in Italy. We were both members of a women's Bible study group and very quickly, I grew to admire this genuinely beautiful woman.
At the time I was pregnant with our Princepessa and spent quite a few Bible study mornings in the comfort of my home. I distinctly remember after returning from a couple week hiatus, questioning whether or not I had been "out of commission" for longer than a couple weeks. I walked in and was quickly greeted with a smile and bubbly "hi" from a woman I had never met. (Now, its not uncommon for newcomers to swiftly come in, but I was floored by this particular newcomers gusto.)
After introductions, and watching her interactions with the other ladies in our group, my admiration of this new found friend began to grow.
She not only was beautiful on the outside, but on the inside as well. A true mirror image of God's love, in human form.
A few months later, in February of 2011, I was about 11 weeks from my due date and decided to go home for a quick visit with family. Unfortunately, my husbands leave was not approved so I packed up my 2 little men and boarded the plane to cross the Atlantic alone. In all my preparations and angst, I completely forgot to pack the paperwork stating my boys and I were allowed back into Italy as more than just tourist. Without giving all the boring details- this tiny slip of paper caused us quite the headache! While trying to board our flight out of Baltimore, being told I may or may not be allowed to go any further than Germany, and crying through silent prayers; I spotted a couple familiar faces! Darnell and her husband, James, were in line to board the plane as well. After attending a family funeral, they too were on their way home. Obviously distraught, Darnell asks me what is wrong and again trying to choke back tears I explain our circumstances. What happened next is proof of this woman's admirable character. In the middle of BWI, she and her husband, set down their bags and take my hands and pray with me. They began to declare victory for me and my boys. Praying that we would find favor and would in fact be allowed back into Italy. I walked away feeling very hopeful. My boys and I boarded the plane and took flight to our first stop. Germany. I then hear my name called and we are given permission to deboard the flight first. As we are exiting I look back and see Darnell smiling with fingers crossed. I can say without any doubt that during those long hours in air, I remained in her (and James') prayers. I was greeted by a man in uniform who says "I know you have two little ones and you are pregnant, but I need you to run as fast as possible so we can get you on the connecting flight home." I almost lost it. All of it! All control I was holding in, all the tears and fear and worry.... My prayers had been answered! God was and is SO good! As soon as I could, I found Darnell and thanked her for her prayers and in all my thanksgiving, she never seemed phased. Not only was she humble in reception of my thanks; but she seemed as if she KNEW God was going to come through for us. Faith unshaken!
I would have never guessed what was going on in her personal life.
Two and a half years later, Darnell just fought the fight of a lifetime and is now standing in the gap and fighting for others.
You see, Darnell was born with Hepatitis C that she contracted from her Mom. In 1970, Darnell's Mom, Dona contracted Hep C from a blood transfusion. Darnell has spent the last several months undergoing Chemotherapy, and today, she is happy to report she is HEALED!
Currently stationed in Missouri with her husband, Darnell just recently moved home to be with her Mom. For now, her Mom's story is not as happy as hers. Dona's Hepatitis C, over time evolved into stage 4 cirrhosis and liver cancer. At the moment, Dona is fighting the battle of her life and a liver transplant is her only option for survival. By God's mercy and all powerful grace, Dona is currently on the transplant list and waiting her time out; however this family needs some big help. $75,00- $80,000 worth of help!
I know that is a big number. An intimidating number. Can you imagine the thoughts that have crossed Dona's and her families minds? Sitting here, after personally knowing Dona's daughter, I can say with certainty, that in spite of that big number this family has hope. They have faith. Faith unshaken! Even with all the hope and faith, though, they still need our help. I'm reaching out and asking that you search your hearts! Follow the link below and listen to Darnell tell her mom's story. Hear the voices of those who's lives are personally changed by knowing Dona. Remind yourself that this is someone's Mother. Someone's Wife. Those "someone's" are my friends, and want to see their loved one become a survivor! Please, pray and donate to this family. To this woman of God, and her journey towards healing; and please share this story. The more we make aware, the greater the odds a fully funded transplant for Dona!
You can follow Dona's story, updates and track how far they have until meeting goal through the link below:
http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/one-family-s-battle/102242/update/90539
Let's remember that in time of need, any amount will help and most importantly your prayers are priceless.
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