Well, it’s been awhile since an update on this little bloggy blog, but I tell you what: the past month has been a spinning, swirling, swooshing storm of a schedule. Three conferences, a big book deadline and now Washington DC for ALS Advocacy. Have I ever mentioned how I love this city? I do. I love it with all my little heart.
We’re not actually to the “sight-seeing” part of our trip yet, but Steve and I took a short walk after a long day and just happened to run into this beauty:
Amazing is what you are, America.
Our reason for being in the nation’s capitol this week is to advocate for ALS research funding. You know what another word for “advocate” is? Lobby. And that is a word I never imagined I would want to attach to my person. It seems like a label that is usually preceded by negative words like “fat cat”. Perhaps this is an erroneous assumption drawn from one weekend of continuous West Wing watching, but the phrase “fat cat Washington DC lobbyist” sticks in my brain like a festering splinter. And yet…I will wear it proudly for this cause.
We have spent hours and hours in sessions, learning about the latest in ALS research developments. We have spent hours in meetings with congressional representatives. We have spent hours in the bowels of the capitol, going through tunnels and hallways and a strange little subway, trying to find our way to offices. We have also spent hours together, our little 7-person delegation from Oregon – we have laughed and cried , shared stories of those we love and in short, helped one another have hope. I have so many feelings to share but I’m frankly, still processing so many things. The week has been beautiful, deep, difficult and amazing. For today, let me just say: we are grateful for a God who loves us and people who care about a cause that isn’t very pretty to look at. The ALS Association crew? Nothing short of astounding. Incredible. Dedicated. Driven.
So, that’s a brief update. Thanks for all your prayers and love…we’ve needed and felt every one.
Big love,
Bo for Team Stern
You go girl. I find it amazing how the gifts the Lord gives us are multifaceted… One strength sparkling in different directions (yet always fully for Him). Today your are shining for ALS. Use what you got!!
Blessings, Debbie
<3
You bless my heart.
YOU SHINE.
You can count on the prayers from your family in Central Oregon WE ARE WITH YOU!
Beautiful picture of one of the most prominent visual objects of our Nation’s capital. I hope to go there and see it myself someday.
I am so glad that you are helping the fight. I can’t even imagine how intimidating it would be to stand in front of the people who run our country and ask for their help. I am glad you have the courage and strength and I praise God that you and Steve have those traits. Tony and I will continue to pray!
ahhh…..you’re in my neck of the woods!! My husband is a chaplain at Andrews Air Force Base… and we live about 30 miles from D.C. Praying for you and your time here.
Your honesty with the disease and your own heart has blessed this girl today! You and Steve are forever in our prayers and hearts…Thank you for all you write (and do!)