Throwback Thursday: A Little High School Reflection

Tonight my high school Alma mater's football team is playing in the state championship game. Over the last couple of days I've seen lots of pictures, statuses, and well-wishes scattered across Facebook, reminding me of life as a teenager. Tonight as I baked some pumpkin bread and made dinner I got to thinking about high school, my time in high school, and the Lord. As I did I felt this blog begin to form in my head and I knew I needed to write. So here I am...

We moved to East Bernard the summer before my sixth grade year. I didn't really know where it was, had gone to the same school since kindergarten, and was leaving my best friends. Needless to say I was not excited. After the first day of school, however, I found it wasn't going to be so bad. I giggled to myself as I made dinner tonight, thinking about junior high and high school. Here are a few random tidbits I thought about: We joined First Baptist Church, and I became pretty much the Baptist girl of my small class. I played sports for the first time and wasn't exactly a star athlete, but it was still fun (most of the time). I wouldn't say I was popular, but I had a good group of friends (some of whom I still keep in touch with today). I had really bad hair, complete with puffy bangs, wore braces for forever, and was super scrawny. We had to wear our shirts tucked in and a belt as part of the dress code, which is probably why I don't think I've worn a belt with jeans since 2001. Right before I turned 17 I got my grandpa's old Audi - the kind the dad drives in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The fan belt was messed up, causing it to squeal horribly when I accelerated so my friends lovingly nicknamed it "The Beast."And I was on the newspaper staff and even competed in UIL journalism. I even think I initially got my letter jacket from placing in the regional news writing contest. Lol...

I wonder how my life would be different had we not moved to EB. Now that I'm older I realize that moving there truly was a huge blessing. You see, when I was 14 I attended my very first youth camp with FBC and my life was forever changed. I had accepted Christ as a little girl, but like a lot of teenagers I had fallen away. At that camp, I realized I had a decision to make: I could truly follow Christ as my Lord or not. I decided at that moment that I wanted to serve the Lord for real.

Tonight as I watch the Brahmas (who are completely annihilating the other team by the way) and reminisce about high school, I wonder... did my friends and peers at EBHS see Jesus in me? I mean I spent a lot of nights at home because I didn't drink or party (and I was a bit of a homebody anyway), but did I actually tell people about the Lord and the hope I have in Him? I don't know. I remember very few conversations with people that were about Christ or the Gospel. Sure people knew that I was a Christian and knew me as a "goody goody," but was I bold for my Savior?

I don't know who even bothers to read this, but I pray that if you were there in the halls with me at EBHS that you saw Jesus in me. I pray that the teens of our youth group that Todd and I have the honor of leading are bolder than I was. I pray they will realize how fleeting high school is, that they don't "peak" there, that there's more to life than who they are within those walls. I pray they speak the name of Jesus with boldness and share his love with those who desperately need it. Look at our world... we're a big fat mess, and He's the answer.

And as I reminisce on those days of high school and I wonder if people saw Jesus in me, I also have to evaluate myself today and ask, "Do they see Jesus in me now?"

The only picture of me in HS that could find...I guess all the rest are at my parents'! On a mission trip the summer after I graduated. Who's the slightly chubby younger guy? That would be my now brother-in-law. Love you, Larry!!

T-Day

It's Saturday afternoon, and Todd is resting while our families have all gone to nap and site-see, so I thought I'd take an opportunity to reflect on the past 36 hours. It's been a whirlwind for sure.

Yesterday was Transplant Day (T-Day)! The guys found out on Thursday during some pre-op stuff that they were second in line, so we didn't have to be at the hospital at the crack of dawn as originally planned. We arrived around 9, finally found the correct waiting/check-in area, and the guys finished up some paperwork. By 9:30 it was time for them to take Todd back to be prepped for surgery. Our families gathered in a huge circle, and my dad tearfully led us in prayer for the day's events. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house.

Todd went back, changed, got his IV inserted, and went through some other stuff that I couldn't be a part of. Then they let me go back to see him and stay until it was time for him to go to the OR. Ricky was next for Pre-Op, and the 3 of us were able to talk smack through the curtain while they prepped him. Mel was allowed back after that, but light-weight Ricky had been given Benadryl and was pretty out of it from that point forward. :)

The guys in Pre-Op

After a little while, the curtain opened and in came Bro. Duane Mayberry. For those of you who don't have a clue who that is, he is the dad of my brother-in-law, Larry. He was the pastor of the church in which I grew up starting my senior year of HS and thus how my sis met her hubby. He and his wife, Mrs. Sharon, are super close to my family and live here in the SA area. Because they love us and because of his incredible pastor's heart, they came out to pray over Todd and Ricky before the surgery, got me Chick fil A for lunch, and stayed until Todd was in recovery. Love them!

Around 11:30 the surgeon came in and introduced himself, followed by the anesthesiologist. Then the nurse administered Todd's anesthesia, and I walked him through the hallway. On our way out, he said, "So this is what it feels like on E.R." What a goober. He kissed my hand, and I watched him roll down the hallway.

I went to the waiting room with all the family, and we had another sweet surprise. Our pastor's wife's dad came and brought us a dozen Krispy Kream donuts! He and his wife live here in San Antonio but have been to Midland several times and know Todd and me from visiting. He knew of the surgery, had been praying, was headed to Midland, and wanted to stop by to bless us. I just love the Church. After a yummy donut, I headed back to find Mel. My timing was perfect, and I got to be with her when they came for Ricky. Thus began the waiting process.

My timeline is a bit fuzzy from here, but I spoke with the surgeon sometime later, and he said Todd did great and would be in recovery for a couple of hours. Then a little while later Mel was called and came back with the most incredible news of all. Ricky's body had accepted Todd's kidney beautifully, and it had already begun to produce urine!!

After over my "hour and a half" timeline to see Todd, I got restless and went back to see if I could find an update. My mom and I were standing outside of recovery, waiting on someone to come out to ask, when the doors opened, and there was Todd! I was able to walk beside his bed the whole way to his room. As we waited for the first elevator, Todd said, "How's Ricky?" I told him the news, and he choked with tears. I had held it together most of the day, but delivering that news and seeing him tear up with relief caused my voice to crack and my eyes to well up. You want to talk about an overwhelming, humbling, precious moment... Tears well up every time I think about it. I mean, really?! God makes us so perfectly that we are able to share parts with one another, if needed! And the fact that Ricky's body just adapted right off the bat... no word is good enough to use here. Incredible. Amazing. Jaw-dropping. Insert whatever word you feel is relevant, but mine is "sovereign." My Lord knew from creation that we would walk through this, and thus He provided Todd & Ricky just the right match of genes, our families the encouragement and support, and Mel & I the peace that is so far beyond me I can't even begin to describe it. HOLY IS THE LORD!

At that time our families were able to come up and visit. My mom hung back across the room since she wasn't feeling too great, and Todd didn't see my dad. After several minutes of talking with everyone in the room, Todd asked where he was, so I went to get him. He came in, pulled up a chair next to the bed, and grabbed Todd's hand. At that moment, all the emotions of the day officially caught up to me, and I turned and sobbed on my mom's shoulder. There's just something about my tender-hearted daddy that gets me every time, and seeing them sitting there hand-in-hand was just too much.

Around this same time, Ricky was taken to ICU, where he would have to stay for 24 hours. Todd kept asking about Ricky, so I headed to ICU to check on him. He was pretty groggy but able to talk a little and give Todd a thumbs-up for a photo op. As I headed out the door, I reached down and patted his hand, and he grabbed my hand with both of his. We didn't say anything, but that simple gesture said 1000 words. I turned, left ICU, and found the nearest bathroom where I was overcome by tears and just cried to the Lord over His faithfulness.

Please excuse my finger!

The rest of the day passed fairly quickly, and I ended up staying at the hospital until 2:30am. My dad took me to the hotel then, and he came and stayed with Todd until 9am this morning. Since last night Todd has been able to start liquids, hold them down, be taken off his IVs, and then have the burger he'd been craving for lunch. Ricky was also moved just down the hall, and the two were able to see each other for the first time. Unfortunately I wasn't quick enough with my camera, but I'm sure there will be plenty of photo ops of these two trying to beat each other's "times" around the floor. Always a workout...

Todd on his 2nd round of walking

Ricky lapping our room... Show off ;)

To those of you who have prayed, come to visit, texted, called, etc. we are so grateful. Words can't express our gratitude. We are so thankful to be a part of our families and church family and to see the Body of Christ in action. We love you all!!

My God Will Meet All Your Needs...

The end of last week was a whirlwind to say the least, and after a weekend of cleaning and relaxing I now have time to reflect on it all.

As most know, we had our Transplant Fundraiser on Thursday. I don't know that there are adjectives that truly describe the events of that day. None just seem good enough, but I'll try to get in as many details as I don't want to forget any part of it.

It was hard to work that day. There was an expectancy in the air about how the fundraiser would go. Would people come? How many would show? Would they give? Could I actually finish the WOD with a stupid sinus infection?

Oh ye of little faith...

After the first two morning workouts, Todd texted me the totals of attendants and their donations, and tears sprung to my eyes. Between those 2 WODs alone, we had already seen 58 people give almost $13,000! Praise the Lord!! My excitement and expectancy only grew as the day went on.

Finally 5:00 came, and I headed to the church for the workout. There were already about 20 people in the gym when I arrived, and they just continued to flood in. On our highest attended day so far, FFTC had seen about 80 people. That evening alone (at one point) I counted 72!!

Ricky, Melissa, Todd and I were asked to step out for a bit so Lavonda could talk to everyone. I'm not sure what she said, but I heard it was a tearjerker. When we came back in, she had the four of us come up and gave us t-shirts she'd had made for the transplant. Most faithful Fit for the Crossers all received one, orders have since been taken for more, and we're going to wear them on Friday to stand united as Todd's and Ricky's prayer covering! (Insert tears here.)

Front of the shirts

Back of the shirts

From there it's all a bit of a blur. In case you're wondering, 70+ people is a lot of people all working out at one time; we had to break into a few groups to manage. Melissa and I partnered together and started after most in the first heat were finished. She had already done the WOD earlier in the day (lifting 135lbs on her deadlifts... beast) and I had my nagging sinus junk, so needless to say we were puffing pretty hard. After the first 1/3 of the workout, our dear friend, Andrea, stepped in and we were able to break up the reps into threes instead of twos. Thank you again, Andrea! So, yes, because of her incredible help, I was able to finish!

By the time it was all over, only a few of us sweaty, sore, out-of-breath, people remained, and Todd and Mel counted the donations. As only the Lord can do, he allowed us to raise more than we ever could have thought possible. In that one day alone, He provided almost $24,000. THANK YOU, LORD!!

And to top it off, a reporter from the local Midland paper had seen our posts on Facebook, came and interviewed us, and then put us front and center on the Midland paper the next day! She did an incredible job on the article and was so gracious to include our quotes about the Lord and Scripture. The entire thing was uplifting and gave the Lord the credit, as was our desire. (To read the newspaper article, click here) We have received several donations since Thursday, and the outpouring of notes, texts, Facebook posts, and love has just overwhelmed us. We are forever grateful for those of you who have supported us, and we are in such awe of God's hand. His fingerprints are all over this, and we are truly honored that He would give us the opportunity to go on this incredible journey of faith and friendship.

Father, we give you all the glory, and we are humbled and honored. Bless the Lord, O my soul, bless His holy name!!

Todd & Ricky partnering during the "Bestie" WOD (Photo by Chaney Mitchell of the MRT)

 

Transplant Fundraiser

I cannot begin to express my thanks for the outpouring of love and support we have seen through this kidney donation process. So many of our family, church family, and friends have approached us to ask what they can do during this time. And so I'm excited to tell you about an incredible event happening this Thursday!

One of Ricky's friends has put together a transplant fundraiser to cover travel, lodging, and medical expenses for both of our families. And of course, he's created an event that is only fitting for us Gatlin and Garcia folks: a Fit for the Cross workout (WOD).

Here is a copy of the flyer and an explanation of the WOD itself. If you're in the area and would like to join us, come on out. If you can't join us, but would like to contribute just let me know. And if you can't or don't want to do either, then please hold us up in prayer. We appreciate your support and encouragement no matter in what form it comes.

This WOD was programmed to honor the pain and sacrifice Ricky and Todd have and are about to endure. Todd's humbling sacrifice and gift to Ricky will allow him to continue being a wonderful father, husband and Christian with an improved physical and mental health with no more dialysis treatments. Ricky is an inspiration to all Crossfitters by being living proof that anything is possible with the right attitude. He still continues a tough workout regimen even with kidney failure.

This WOD represents the upcoming procedure.

It will be performed in a team of 2 to represent the unique bond Ricky and Todd will always have. Each team member will perform the reps alone while the other team member gives support/coaching. You cannot move to the next exercise until the team is done with all reps. Team completes the reps however they want to split the load for each exercise. Each team member must perform a minimum of 15 reps per exercise. STAY TOGETHER except during the run/row.

The rope climb represents the 1 kidney that both Ricky and Todd each will function with for the rest of their lives.

The number of exercises represents the projected 6 week recovery time for Ricky. The number of reps for each team member represents the number of members in the Fit For the Cross group."

The average cost of a kidney transplant is $160,000. Every 1 meter represents a $25 contribution to the cost from each team. So 1600m = $ 40,000. One member will run while the other rows. Switch positions during following runs/rows. (last one that ran, rows this time) ANY DONATION OF YOUR CHOICE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

By: Jamie Moon 

I don't want to sound pretentious, but after all the Lord has done so far, I can just picture the four of us standing in awe on Thursday as people flood in to participate in this WOD. I mean, already our little group of FFTC challengers has grown from the 3-10 people of past years to a consistent 40-60 people PER DAY way beyond our usual 7 weeks. So imagine if everyone who comes invites a friend, and then they show up on Thursday.... WOW. I don't know how many will come out, but I do know this: God has proven His sovereignty and faithfulness through every detail of this process, and I trust Him to continue to blow our minds. I can't wait to share what HE does on Thursday and in the weeks to come!!

Officially Official - Kidney Donation Update

Well folks, it's all officially official. Yesterday the donor board at the Transplant Institute voted and cleared Todd to be Ricky's donor! They are supposed to call Ricky today to fill him in on details, and then we just wait. In 2 weeks, both men will do another round of blood work to check for possible infections, etc. If there is anything that could cause potential harm, they will postpone until both are well. If both are infection-free (and we're believing they will be!), we will head to San Antonio on Thursday, July 5. Todd has to register the night before, we'll stay in a hotel that night, and then we'll arrive on Friday morning, July 6, for the transplant.

Here are the current prayer needs:

• Health & wellness for Ricky & Todd. Specifically, Todd has been struggling with a sore throat this week, and we have youth camp next week. He needs to kick this sore throat and stay well despite the busy weeks ahead!
• Continued peace beyond all understanding for Melissa, me, and our families
• Travel safety for all involved
• Finances for the Garcias (all medical costs fall on them)
• The Lord to do show Himself in a mighty way to those doctors and nurses who perform the surgeries
• Quick recovery & healing
• Ricky's body to accept Todd's kidney with no complications or infections

Thank you for your love and support. We continue to be in awe of this whole process, and we covet your prayers now more than ever.

We love you all,
Nikki & Todd

Greater Love Has No Man Than This...

I'm officially the world's worst blogger. I tend to only remember this thing when it's time to share the big stuff, so here I go again with another pretty significant blog to update friends and family on our latest adventure.

Over the last year or so Todd and I have grown significantly closer to our friends, Ricky and Melissa, and their four boys. Ricky and Mel are a hardcore Cross Fitters who coach our church's Fit for the Cross with Todd, and Mel is my assistant director at Little Sprouts. They have also come alongside Todd and me to work with our Junior High students in youth ministry. You could say we see each other quite a lot.

In early February we started our 3rd annual Fit for the Cross Challenge. Ricky and Todd coached the early morning workout, but after just a couple of weeks Ricky had to take a break due to illness. Over time, his list of symptoms increased, and he started to feel really badly. Long story short, he went from being diagnosed with just an ear infection in February to finally being diagnosed with 5% kidney function by mid-March. He would need to start dialysis as soon as possible and would need a kidney transplant. The day Ricky and Mel were summoned to Lubbock and were given this news, Todd and I both joked with them about giving Ricky a kidney. Oh, little did we know...

Todd began to research what donating a kidney involved, and we discovered that he and Ricky have the same blood type. During Ricky's initial stay in the hospital to begin dialysis, Todd told him he would be willing to go through the initial testing to see if he was a compatible match. Ricky's brother, Mickey, also offered to be tested, and both went in for blood work. After about a week, doctors confirmed that both Todd and Mickey were compatible, and Ricky just needed to pick who he wanted to donate. However, at dialysis the next day, Ricky learned that Todd is an H-4 match (which I'm still not sure what this term medically means). To us this just means one thing: Todd is a closer match genetically than Ricky's own brother! Ricky came to the church, the four of us sat down at lunch together, and he told us the news. Then he and Melissa asked Todd if he'd be willing to move forward as the potential donor, and they asked me if I would be OK with this. I want to bawl now just thinking about it again. Am I OK?? My response was, "How in the world can I NOT be OK?!?" The thought that Todd was knit together from birth to genetically match, not a sibling, but a friend is mind-blowing. For us to all be in Midland, TX at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship and to have become such good friends with this family in the last year is beyond anything I could EVER imagine. I am overwhelmed by God's sovereignty... absolutely overwhelmed.

There are so many more details I could share, but I will catch you up to our current status quickly. Since the first of May, Todd has done several urine collections to check his kidney function, has given more blood, has been to San Antonio to the donor center where he has had a physical exam, a medical history evaluation, a CT scan, etc. Yesterday he got his final results from these tests, clearing him to be the donor. The last step prior to surgery is a board meeting on Monday to officially declare him a compatible and fit donor. Todd's contact at the donor center says he will pass with flying colors, because he is in perfect condition to donate.

So there you have it: Our newest adventure! People keep asking me how I'm holding up in all of this, and I am able to confidently say that I am doing amazingly well. I suppose our joking around about Todd and Ricky sharing organs helped in preparing me for this moment of reality, but more than that I serve a good God who has orchestrated our lives for such a time as this. Todd and I both have an opportunity that not many people get: to actually walk out our life verses. His is John 15:13: Greater love has no man than this: to lay down his life for his friend. Todd has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live this out and to see our dear friend receive life. As for me I'm getting a major opportunity to trust the Lord with all my heart, to lean not on my own understanding, but in all my ways to follow Him and see Him direct my path (Prov 3:5-6).

I will not fear, for God has His fingerprints all over this. He is a good God, and I'm honored to witness this incredible process. To Him be the glory now and forever.

Prayer Requests through this journey:

• Continued peace that surpasses all understanding from now through the day of surgery
• Health for both Todd and Ricky so the surgery can go as scheduled
• Finances for Ricky & Mel - all financial responsibility falls on the recipient
• A quick recovery for both Todd & Ricky
• For Ricky's body to accept Todd's kidney with no complications

We covet your prayers. I'll keep you all updated as July approaches.
We love you, Nikki & Todd