PROGRESS!

God is so good. We are starting to see HUGE gains in Charlotte! Okay, they may not seem huge to you, but to me, they are tangible evidence that GAPS is working, and most importantly, that GOD is working. It is a wonderful feeling to finally start seeing her improving, after it felt like we were doggie paddling in a sea of broth and meat!

After our successful addition of rutabaga to Charlotte's diet, we tried leek. I had to watch a youtube video to figure out what I was supposed to do with this grubby vegetable! It tastes milder than an onion and it's been a nice flavor to add to broths. I have also minced it and cooked it in ground meat, and pan-fried it in bacon fat and then added to broths. Yummy!

Also, raw egg yolk! I know, most people say, "yuck!" But Charlotte asks for "Moah egg peeeese!" Raw egg yolks are amazingly healthy since they contain cholin, an important amino acid in terms of liver function and for the nervous system. When eaten raw, the yolks need practically no digestion, similar to breastmilk. The body can instantly absorb tons of vitamins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc. They are very high in B12, which is necessary for a developing nervous system and immunity. So I'm really excited Charlotte is tolerating them!

In the beginning of this diet, we tried raw egg yolk twice- both times I only gave 1 drop from a syringe. She was up all night crying and had rashes all over. This time, 1/4 tsp is going down just fine! If that isn't progress, I don't know what is!

I have plans to introduce cooked celery this week, and possibly some ginger or mint tea with raw honey. We'll see how it goes and I'll keep you posted!

In other news, we're still partying in limbo-land. No positive news yet on the job front for CJ. We've been on the lookout for houses but obviously can't do anything until we know exactly where we'll be and have income once again. If you think of it, please pray for us during this time- to wait for Him to guide us, and trust that He's got this all figured out already. (I just hope he lets us in on it soon...!)

A new friend of mine whom I met through a Facebook group for parents with kids on the GAPS diet, has a young daughter on GAPS. She is a Christian too and we have conversed back and forth a bit. I have really been thinking about something she said. She said something to the effect of us not expecting blessings from God. He chooses to bless us, since He loves and cares about us, but He doesn't have to. I have grown up learning to step out in faith and trust that God will be there for my every need. But in truth, I think she's right. God's not just giving hand-outs, He asks us to trust and take His hand even when it seems empty. To have faith regardless of what He does or does not do. We need to praise Him even when there doesn't seem to be a silver lining in the clouds. He doesn't change, and He will always be faithful. He exceeds our expectations, not by giving us more than we ask for, but by giving or withholding according to His wisdom and grace. Just some food for thought.

We found a local organic farm where we have ordered 1/4 cow, hopefully to be delivered sometime this week. It makes so much more sense to purchase in bulk (literally half the price, though still a pretty penny) than to buy it as we go. We're thankful we've found a way to do this. My brother has graciously offered up freezer space for now, but we will be in need of a big freezer come fall. If anyone knows of one going for cheap, let us know!

Our "Gut Garden" aka our "Victory Garden" is looking so well! We have already enjoyed fresh lettuce, beet greens, zucchini and broccoli. My Grampa gave us raspberries and we've been strawberry picking twice. Bring on the summer bounty!

We're also thinking and planning to put Parker on GAPS as soon as we can. It's a hectic time right now, but we'll figure it out.

I'll keep the updates coming- will you keep the prayers coming? :) Thanks and love!