My Testimony

          On January 31st 2009, God did something in my life that was so amazing it is hard to describe, but I will do my best.

           I was working with my cousin on my Dad's farm. We were digging holes for the new peach trees that were going to arrive any day. We had been digging holes with an auger since around the first of January. My job was to hold the auger straight up and down so that the whole would be straight for the tree. I held onto the frame that connected to the tractor. Under the frame was the PTO shaft that makes the auger turn and dig the whole and there was a guard that covered the whole PTO shaft to prevent you from getting hurt. At the end there were 2 screws; they were the only things that were not covered. It was a very pretty day and I was enjoying the sunshine and warm air while working. We had just started on another row of holes and had about 100 or so more to go before we were finished with the job. I glanced away for a second and when I did I took my hand off of the auger. When I went to put my hand back on the auger I put it down too low and the screws caught my glove. Suddenly everything was spinning and my first thought was "This is it, I'm going to die." One thing that is so amazing is at that moment... as soon as that thought went through my mind God said, "NO YOU WON'T, BECAUSE I'M NOT DONE WITH YOU YET"  As soon as he said that everything stopped, It was all over. I was just waiting on the paramedics to get there. My Mother, Father, and Brother were in the field next to the one I had been working in, they were instantly by my side. My cousin had run to the road to show the ambulances where to go. They got there, put me on a  stretcher,  put me in an ambulance then took me to a nearby cross road to put me on a helicopter.

             I was flown to Chapel Hill, N.C. and rushed to the emergency room. One thing that is odd was that as they took me off the helicopter I remember looking up at the sky, at how gorgeous it was. It was like God said "Look at that sky, I made it just for you". So in the midst of everything God was still there, just like he promises to never leave your side. Once I was stabilized, the doctor came out into the waiting room where my parents and a few friends were waiting to let them know what was going on. They said that IF I made it through the night, it would be a minimum of  8 months before I even think about going home. Something the Doctor didnt know was that I had an almighty, all-powerful God on my side. 33 DAYS after my accident I WENT HOME!!!  Praise God for performing the impossible!

             In the accident I lost three fingers on my right hand, my hair, and my right outer ear. I was right handed so I had to learn to write all over again. I became ampidextrious and now right with both hands and am currently a part of the Grace Writers Group in Aberdeen N.C.  I also love to ride my horses western style and often hold the reigns in my right hand as well.Many people were wondering if I was ever going to use my right hand "normally" ever again. Once again what is impossible with God?  Two years after my accident I can now do pretty much anything that a "regular" teenage girl can do. I am back to working on the farm, of course with the few exceptions of certain equipment (we no longer use the auger), and I enjoy it tremendously. I was asked to be the NC Peach Queen of 2011, a dream of mine since childhood, and I can do all sorts of other things. I plan to go to New York City this summer on my first Missions Trip, which is what I feel the Lord has called me to do full time after school. So you see, even in the midst of tragedy, God is there. He always has been. He knows what  he is doing, all we have to do is trust in him and He will take care of everything else. I don't think that I would have made it through everything  without God standing beside me the entire way.  Since my accident I have come so much closer to God and he has taught me many things through circumstances and His word.

              This is just my story and the great things God did! He loves you so much and he is always there, always listening. If you don't know God and would like me to tell you more about him please, e-mail at dancing-124@hotmail.com,or if you just would like talk. Thank you for reading and I pray that God Blesses you tremendously                                                                                                                           
                                                                                                           ~Katie Leah