Hi everyone! We are Lindsay and Nathan Brown. We've been married for five years and have been trying to grow our family for the last two years. During that time, I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Many women have this condition, and it doesn't always cause problems with fertility. I, however, am one of the lucky ducks who struggles. My body does not ovulate on its own and therefore we have an extremely slim chance of conceiving naturally. Over the last two years we've had many tests, diagnostic procedures and fertility treatments. We've done multiple medicated cycles and IUI (intrauterine insemination) cycles. Sadly, they have all been unsuccessful... We've been working with our fertility clinic for eight months and are now at the point where our next step in Operation Baby Brown is IVF... Nathan and I have had such amazing support from all of our friends and family. We've had so many people praying over us for the last two years. We really could not have made it this far without all of you. We want to say a huge thank you for all you have done so far. The next step in our journey is IVF. We have done every other treatment available to us. This is a big step, and we are super nervous. However, we know that you all are still by our side. We are also holding tightly to the promises of God. Through this journey I have continued to hold on to Hebrews 10:23 "So now wrap your heart tightly around the hope that lives within us, knowing that God always keeps His promises." This journey has definitely had its highs and lows. The waves of emotion we've experienced have been overwhelming. Every cycle begins with such hope. From starting medications to ultrasounds to appointments at the clinic, our excitement and hope grows. After all the rushing and planning and moving parts, comes the hardest part, the two-week wait... As we wait to test, we start out so hopeful, then the anxiety comes, the impatience and the fear. Testing day for us started out exciting, but after 24 negative tests that excitement has diminished. Each time we see only one pink line our hearts break a little more. This journey has taught me so much about myself, my husband and God. I have never before felt such a wide range of emotions at the same time. I've felt such excitement, intense fear, jealousy, hope, inadequacy and guilt all at the same time. There have been many days that I thought I would never get out of the sadness. Those have been the times that my amazing husband has helped me back up. He has been a strong pillar that I've been able to lean on. He has shown constant unwavering support. I can't imagine walking through this journey without him. Our church family and our work friends have also made such a difference. Infertility can be very lonely and isolating. Sometimes I feel like I'm stuck on an island where I can see everyone else but am separated by an ocean. Infertility is a unique type of grief. It's grieving for someone you've never met but miss so much. We have the constant feeling that someone is missing from our family. It's an emptiness we feel. The feeling of empty arms that we so dearly wish were full... Now that we are starting our IVF journey, we need your support more than ever before. IVF is extremely expensive and sadly insurance doesn't cover it. We are hoping to raise some funds to help us get started. One of the scariest parts of IVF is the financial burden. We have been saving over the last two years in case we got to this point. However, we don't have enough to cover what's needed. After reading our story, if you feel lead to donate to Operation Baby Brown, we would be forever grateful. We are also asking for your prayers! Doctors can do so much, but our greatest hope is in the healing power of Christ. We trust that no matter what happens during this journey, He will work all things together for our good and for His glory. God Bless, Nathan and Lindsay Brown (and future baby Brown)