Dear Family and Friends

February 21, 2008
Dear __________________,

It has been a very big pleasure to have the opportunity over the last year to get to know each of you more. It has always been something Lance and I pride ourselves in spending time visiting with family and friends that we don’t have the opportunity to see regularly. I have really enjoyed this past year and will continue to look forward to the upcoming years spending time with all of you.
This past summer Lance and I have been extremely grateful for moving into such a wonderful and supportive community. It has been nice to live near family and make new lasting friendships with people in the community. We feel that we have been truly blessed in that respect.
This fall I was diagnosed with a medical condition that has put our future on hold. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which means that I have cysts on my ovaries. The cysts on my ovaries are very similar to the cysts that cows or pigs can develop, but also more complicated to treat. Lance and I feel that God is pushing us to build a lasting future together and also prepare the way for a growing family. Unfortunately, it is going to be a more difficult road for building a family than we originally anticipated. Yes, we would love to have children and as of recently are going through infertility treatments.
These treatments come in the form of fertility pills, daily injections, or more complicated procedures. This cycle I will be taking my third round of fertility pills, which so far have been unsuccessful. If this round doesn’t work for us, we will be considering the option of fertility injections. Lance and I will continue to pray daily for our miracle. We ask for your continued support and encouragement from all of you. It has been an extremely stressful and painful time for us, for which we find the strength in the Lord.
I encourage you all to ask any necessary questions that you might be having, but refrain from consulting others about our sensitive issue. Many comments and advice that may seem harmless can be very damaging to the pain that we are currently enduring. We are continually grateful for your love and support, but ask that you also respect our needs for privacy. We love you all!

Love and Hugs,
Lance and Rachel Christianson