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As we move through life, we all reach seasons where getting older brings new realities. Sometimes those realities require difficult—but responsible—decisions. One of those decisions is recognizing when a current housing situation no longer supports health and safety. This is the season Julie and I are in. Although we are no longer able to move forward with the home we were under contract for, we still must purchase a newer home closer to medical facilities in or near Brainerd or Crosby, Minnesota. This move is not a luxury, an upgrade, or a want—it is a necessary, life-protecting decision for our family. Julie is once again in the hospital as I write this. Our focus right now is her health, stability, and peace. This reality underscores why proximity to medical care is not optional for us, but critical. Julie is a giver like no other. Even on her hardest days—when she is hurting, exhausted, or facing serious medical battles—she still smiles, offers a hug, and asks how she can help others. Serving people has always come naturally to her, not out of obligation, but out of love. That is who she is at her core. Asking for help now is not easy for her. This season has required humility where she has always shown generosity. If you know Julie, you love her—without reservation. And if you haven’t met her yet, when you do, you’ll quickly understand why so many people are drawn to her heart. Julie has a rare way of making others feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for. I still remember the moment she hugged me for the first time—my heart was stolen instantly. That moment stayed with me so deeply that I later wrote a song about it. If you’d like to listen, here is that song inspired by that moment: ⬇️ https://youtu.be/lNqEbDuaLBk?si=5FUOUCt5hNskc1Te During one of the most frightening seasons of Julie’s health journey, I wrote her another song called “Hang With Me, Lady Bug”—a prayer set to music, asking her to keep fighting and reminding her how deeply she is loved. ⬇️ https://youtu.be/3mXX1AbosoQ We also want to be transparent about how we arrived at this point. We received a written FHA loan approval requiring 3.5% down, which is what we planned and prepared for in good faith. Based on that approval, we packed our home and moved forward toward our scheduled closing. Then, less than 10 days before closing, underwriting unexpectedly changed the loan structure from the approved FHA loan to a conventional loan requiring 20% down—an amount we simply do not have. This last-minute change, after we had already packed and prepared to move in reliance on the original approval, created an unexpected financial gap we cannot bridge alone—at a time when Julie’s health requires stability, reduced stress, and immediate access to care. ⸻ Julie’s Story My health journey began in March of 2002, when I was diagnosed with heart failure caused by an autoimmune disease. At that time, doctors told my family I had only six months left to live. By God’s grace, I am still here today. For more than two decades, I have continued to walk this road with faith, strength, and perseverance—trusting God to lead me each step of the way. There have been moments when we did not know if I would make it, but God has been faithful through every season. Over the years, my body has faced many serious challenges. I live with advanced heart failure and cardiomyopathy, and I am dependent on a pacemaker and defibrillator. I have a history of heart attack and stroke, multiple deep vein blood clots, kidney and adrenal complications, diabetes, and autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s). Even on my hardest days, my heart for people has never changed. Loving others, encouraging them, and being present has always given me purpose and strength. Right now, I am facing another important step in my care. My doctors have recommended a Barostim cardiac procedure, which is intended to help support my heart function and improve stability and quality of life. While this is not an easy step, I am trusting God with my health, my future, and the path ahead. Asking for help does not come naturally to me, but this season has taught me humility and the importance of allowing others to come alongside us. Your prayers, kindness, and support mean more than words can express. — Julie ⸻ Scripture teaches us that we are saved by grace through faith, and that God often works through His people to meet real needs. We are stepping out in humility, asking for help—not out of entitlement, but necessity. If you feel led to support us—whether through prayer, sharing this message, or contributing financially in any amount—we would be deeply grateful. Every gift goes directly toward helping us secure safe housing closer to essential medical care and assisting with Julie’s Barostim cardiac procedure and related medical expenses. We trust God completely with the outcome and are thankful beyond words for every kindness, prayer, and act of compassion shown during this season. With sincere gratitude, ~Ted & Julie Munger
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