Greetings from Yei!
I am so excited to finally be updating the blog!!! The internet has been down since Monday *sigh* .We arrived a week and a half ago before lunch after Isaac's FIRST plane flight! He just smiled a lot and was excited to see Yei out of the window. When we reached the turning point to get to the compound we were greeted with a celebration! The Youth and Sunday School Choirs (in their awesome purple and blue uniforms…solid bottoms and tie-dyed shirts) met us with a procession of singing and dancing! How fun! Everyone was thrilled to have Isaac back! *grin* Once we reached the church Bishop had all three of us say a few words to the congregation (he videoed it!) and we had a time thanking God for all he'd done. What a great way to start things off!
We got recruited for our second painting job! When Meg and I (among others) were here in December we painted the clinic (turned computer lab for CWEP [Christian Women's Empowerment Program]…now it was time for the new Sunday School room! We had help from pastors, pastor's wives, Sunday school teachers, and kids alike! So fun! Not to mention, yet again, soaking our hands in diesel to get the paint off… actually, I don't think we've managed to completely rid ourselves of paint! And what can we say about the fumes? Um, they clear out our sinuses?! Yes… Anyhow… It's a bright mustardy yellow room with silhouettes of African style trees and words about faith…really fun…we'll put up photos when we can!
Leapin' Lizards! I really should have paid more attention in December when the widows tried to teach me to say "I see the giant lizard" in Arabic! We were having a great Sunday service, (complete with a baby dedication!) and right at the end I thought Meg had slapped me on the back…I glanced over only to see her hands at her sides… then something on my back moved. Oh yes, a decent sized lizard leaped off my back on onto my chair! Crazy! I jumped… Did I mention that Megan I were sitting in the very front of the church next to Anne Grace? Bishop just said that I should have been nicer to the lizard, it just wanted to have fellowship with me! Overall, we were so happy to be back worshipping with our EPC family; it really brings us joy! The Youth and Sunday School choirs sang; what a great day!
Isaac is staying on the compound in a room not to far from me so I can make sure he's still eating well, healing well, change his dressings, etc… The occupational therapist who lives on the compound is helping me with Isaac!! He's having FUN and doing really well with the exercises! We took him to get his stitches out (apparently they weren't the dissolvable kind like we thought!) on Thursday at the YWAM base (there's a medically trained gal there!) He's doing really well and is incredibly happy to be home, see friends and family, jump back into choir, and eat his fill of beans and rice!
A great surprise on Sunday was seeing Esther… she is back from getting her passport in Juba (Praise God!!!) So the next step is to begin working on her visa for the U.S.; please be praying for that process. (She needs surgery on her heart!) We're so grateful to see God's faithfulness to Isaac and to Esther and we just want to continue to see His hand move!
The last few days in Kijabe were great! We had missionary roommates who blessed us; we hiked 45 minutes up a steep hill to go to church. I was calf deep in mud after it began to pour and Megan and Isaac chose the safe side of the road! Pastor Erik prayed over Isaac during the service; it's such a blessing to have our Kenyan family! We also had a chance to have dinner with Dr. Carter and his wife before we left; just talking, telling stories, etc… lovely!
Our trio lost Megan on Tuesday as she began her journey back to the States! And she should be there now. Needless to say, Isaac and I will miss her! Playing Skip-bo just isn't the same! (We miss you girlie!)
It's been a great week here at EPC. I got to sit down with Ann Grace and begin talking about CWEP (Christian Women's Empowerment Program) and am looking forward to more conversations! Hearing her heart for the women's ministry is absolutely amazing! It's really tugged on my heart. I'm teaching some of the trainers about the Bible this week and am stoked!
Oh, if anyone has children's ministries or adult ministries materials (Bible studies, curriculum, teacher's trainings, etc…) that can be e-mailed or mailed or whatnot, EPC would love to have them. They're trying to find ways to get more materials and you can't pop over to your local Bible bookstore here!
Other than that I've been enjoying watching the rain, reading, spending time with Isaac, and just generally entering in all that EPC's doing.. I leave in a week and I'm already not ready to go! I'm just sitting in awe of God and all He's doing all over the world…WOW! I just keep thinking of how much we take for granted and how often we overlook the little things that bring God delight (for example, do you know how many different types of Lizards I've noticed since last Sunday? What creativity!)
Ok, my class is about to begin! So I'll say g'bye for now and will try and update again soon! Cheers mates!
Love,
Robin
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Whoo-hoo!!! We are blessed!!!!!!!!
Howdy friends!
You know those days when your driving down the road and have to stop because the cart and donkey are in the way? Without anyone guiding them? And people trying to figure out what to do? Oh, really? You haven't experienced that? Well, welcome to Africa!
We've been so blessed in so many ways...Even in just seeing the animals that roam: chickens, donkeys, cows, baboons, and funny little black monkeys trimmed with white flying fur (we thought they were skunks before they began to jump!)...but WOW it's really bringing us all a sense of the wonder and awe of God. We are being intentional about basking in the view of the mountains, the valley and reveling in the amazing artist our God is. Isaac really wants to go photograph the baboons down at the Biblical Training College...somehow that sounds both cool and scary...All in all we think we liked seeing them from INSIDE a car...after all they can be as tall as Megan or I on their hind legs with pretty gnarly fangs to accompany it, not to mention they're NOT shy... none the less, it was really awesome to see them in the wild!
Here's a glimpse at laundry our style... 1) get hot water out of the tap (or if that runs out boil it) 2) Wash the laundry in a bucket...scrub scrub scrub...and try not to get water on the floor! 3) Rinse the laundry in the sink for dear life! And only possibly get all the soap out...if you're lucky 4) Hang clothes on the line and then repeatedly squeeze the water out so they dry faster... and hope there's not an impromptu rain shower! Oh, but we love it. We are extremely grateful that we have hot water from the tap AND that we're not pumping water from a well and hauling it over to do the washing... oh are we grateful!
GUESS WHAT?! It's a little moment of pride...WE MADE TORTILLA CHIPS, SALSA, AND GUACAMOLE!!!!! A little taste of home that Texans and Californians (at the least) alike can celebrate with us. Megan has been making us mouthwatering snicker doodles and I think Isaac is having a hard time deciding whether he likes snicker doodles or brownies more! Yet again, today is brownie day at the edict of Sir Isaac! We aren't complaining!
It's really encouraging to see Isaac hunger for the Bible. We'll sit outside on the porch in chairs and read from the scriptures. We've been looking at Acts, Daniel, and all other sorts of good stuff... the other afternoon he wouldn't even let us get him a blanket (he was shivering, the clouds do unexpectedly roll in) because he didn't want to stop reading. He's sharp in remembering what we've read too. We'll be so excited to see what God's going to do in his life. His future has really been tugging on our hearts, we love and enjoy him so much and want to see God's best for him. We're learning to listen to God and trust him with his future too!
We've been taking walks around the area to help Isaac get his strength up, move around a little, and just enjoy the beauty of Kijabe! I (Robin) was taking the walk the other day and 2 Kenyan girls recognized me from church as being with "the boy with his arm bandaged" so they came back to the motel and played cards with Isaac, talked with us, and gave Isaac an American nickle, and a Kenyan shilling...very sweet! They're going to come over to learn to make snicker doodles on Saturday.
So, speaking of English muffins... we are really really jazzed... not just from eating them (yum!) but the fact that one of the women is going to come over on Sunday afternoon and teach us to make them! Not only will this be a good party trick for us, but more importantly it will be something we hope to introduce to the Christian Women's Empowerment Program at EPC (in Yei). We're hoping the missionary/UN population will gobble up the idea!
Isaac's last dressing change went wonderfully! No pain medication needed for the change and Dr. Carter said he was quiet and just looked at his arm and hand! What good news! We'll see the pins pulled Monday and Isaac is really excited about it. We'll hopefully meet with the therapist to figure out how he can work on getting his arm and hand into excellent working condition.
Isaac's even more excited that we'll be getting on a plane next Wed. (the 19th of Sept. 2007) and flying into Yei! He can't stop smiling! He's anticipating going to choir practice, seeing his sister (who he got to talk to on the phone!), and being back in school... I'd almost put him as giddy! We're pretty anxious to get there too because it will be so awesome to see the people we love and to join them in ministry!
We went down to see Mercy, the children's ward chaplain, and just loved having the chance to love on her, bless her, and talk with her. She was slightly covered in bubbles from playing with the children. God shines through her so much and just a brief visit really brightened our day!
Oh, and apparently there was a show on T.V. that featured something on Christianity in Midland, Texas! Amazing, when you're across the world...
As you read and pray...drink coffee... rumor has it that Starbucks is featuring coffee from the Rift Valley right now, which is EXACTLY where we are...
We keep seeing more and more of God's faithfulness-- he really does watch over all our details and pull things into place in HIS perfect time. HOW AMAZING!!! God keeps bringing different scriptures and ideas up to us in various ways and we know he's trying to teach us lots! Hopefully we are listening as well as we should! It's been great to work together, talk about God, live daily life... The people who he's brought to us are a blessing as well... WOW... God is good... WOW...
We love you all!
Love,
Robin, Megan, and Isaac
P.S. Our respect for our parents, and parents in general, grows in leaps every day!
P.P.S. Isaac is now a champion skip-bo player! wheeeee!!!!!
P.P.P.S. We are thankful for fresh strawberries....Isaac has his FIRST and loved it! In fact, we had a chat with the guy selling who wanted to know about our ministry and really encouraged us in persevering in God! Very cool!
You know those days when your driving down the road and have to stop because the cart and donkey are in the way? Without anyone guiding them? And people trying to figure out what to do? Oh, really? You haven't experienced that? Well, welcome to Africa!
We've been so blessed in so many ways...Even in just seeing the animals that roam: chickens, donkeys, cows, baboons, and funny little black monkeys trimmed with white flying fur (we thought they were skunks before they began to jump!)...but WOW it's really bringing us all a sense of the wonder and awe of God. We are being intentional about basking in the view of the mountains, the valley and reveling in the amazing artist our God is. Isaac really wants to go photograph the baboons down at the Biblical Training College...somehow that sounds both cool and scary...All in all we think we liked seeing them from INSIDE a car...after all they can be as tall as Megan or I on their hind legs with pretty gnarly fangs to accompany it, not to mention they're NOT shy... none the less, it was really awesome to see them in the wild!
Here's a glimpse at laundry our style... 1) get hot water out of the tap (or if that runs out boil it) 2) Wash the laundry in a bucket...scrub scrub scrub...and try not to get water on the floor! 3) Rinse the laundry in the sink for dear life! And only possibly get all the soap out...if you're lucky 4) Hang clothes on the line and then repeatedly squeeze the water out so they dry faster... and hope there's not an impromptu rain shower! Oh, but we love it. We are extremely grateful that we have hot water from the tap AND that we're not pumping water from a well and hauling it over to do the washing... oh are we grateful!
GUESS WHAT?! It's a little moment of pride...WE MADE TORTILLA CHIPS, SALSA, AND GUACAMOLE!!!!! A little taste of home that Texans and Californians (at the least) alike can celebrate with us. Megan has been making us mouthwatering snicker doodles and I think Isaac is having a hard time deciding whether he likes snicker doodles or brownies more! Yet again, today is brownie day at the edict of Sir Isaac! We aren't complaining!
It's really encouraging to see Isaac hunger for the Bible. We'll sit outside on the porch in chairs and read from the scriptures. We've been looking at Acts, Daniel, and all other sorts of good stuff... the other afternoon he wouldn't even let us get him a blanket (he was shivering, the clouds do unexpectedly roll in) because he didn't want to stop reading. He's sharp in remembering what we've read too. We'll be so excited to see what God's going to do in his life. His future has really been tugging on our hearts, we love and enjoy him so much and want to see God's best for him. We're learning to listen to God and trust him with his future too!
We've been taking walks around the area to help Isaac get his strength up, move around a little, and just enjoy the beauty of Kijabe! I (Robin) was taking the walk the other day and 2 Kenyan girls recognized me from church as being with "the boy with his arm bandaged" so they came back to the motel and played cards with Isaac, talked with us, and gave Isaac an American nickle, and a Kenyan shilling...very sweet! They're going to come over to learn to make snicker doodles on Saturday.
So, speaking of English muffins... we are really really jazzed... not just from eating them (yum!) but the fact that one of the women is going to come over on Sunday afternoon and teach us to make them! Not only will this be a good party trick for us, but more importantly it will be something we hope to introduce to the Christian Women's Empowerment Program at EPC (in Yei). We're hoping the missionary/UN population will gobble up the idea!
Isaac's last dressing change went wonderfully! No pain medication needed for the change and Dr. Carter said he was quiet and just looked at his arm and hand! What good news! We'll see the pins pulled Monday and Isaac is really excited about it. We'll hopefully meet with the therapist to figure out how he can work on getting his arm and hand into excellent working condition.
Isaac's even more excited that we'll be getting on a plane next Wed. (the 19th of Sept. 2007) and flying into Yei! He can't stop smiling! He's anticipating going to choir practice, seeing his sister (who he got to talk to on the phone!), and being back in school... I'd almost put him as giddy! We're pretty anxious to get there too because it will be so awesome to see the people we love and to join them in ministry!
We went down to see Mercy, the children's ward chaplain, and just loved having the chance to love on her, bless her, and talk with her. She was slightly covered in bubbles from playing with the children. God shines through her so much and just a brief visit really brightened our day!
Oh, and apparently there was a show on T.V. that featured something on Christianity in Midland, Texas! Amazing, when you're across the world...
As you read and pray...drink coffee... rumor has it that Starbucks is featuring coffee from the Rift Valley right now, which is EXACTLY where we are...
We keep seeing more and more of God's faithfulness-- he really does watch over all our details and pull things into place in HIS perfect time. HOW AMAZING!!! God keeps bringing different scriptures and ideas up to us in various ways and we know he's trying to teach us lots! Hopefully we are listening as well as we should! It's been great to work together, talk about God, live daily life... The people who he's brought to us are a blessing as well... WOW... God is good... WOW...
We love you all!
Love,
Robin, Megan, and Isaac
P.S. Our respect for our parents, and parents in general, grows in leaps every day!
P.P.S. Isaac is now a champion skip-bo player! wheeeee!!!!!
P.P.P.S. We are thankful for fresh strawberries....Isaac has his FIRST and loved it! In fact, we had a chat with the guy selling who wanted to know about our ministry and really encouraged us in persevering in God! Very cool!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Life at the Hotel
Hello everyone!
We are THANKFUL that Dan's computer is connected to the internet...for the moment at least... we still have a few videos to upload if it ever lets us! And thank you FAITHFUL bloggers, we love love LOVE it! We can't begin to tell you how much it encourages us (please keep it up!) Wish we had the time to write each of you back to tell you how special you are to us, so please accept some lovin' through the blog! yay!
We're getting into the groove of daily life at the hotel. Saturdays and Tuesdays (today!) the village ladies bring around fresh veggies, tortillas, english muffins, fruits, etc... YUM! Let's just say that's what we've been eating. And we've been VERY creative with what we have. Even attempting to cook pizza on a stove since the electricty was out all day...not normal, but it worked! Isaac had mashed potatoes for the first time last night and gave them a BIG THUMBS UP!!! Needless to say, that might become a staple! Tonight is his FAVORITE, however, beans and chipote! There will be big grins at the dinner table! He's already asked Megan to make brownies tonight; won't be too hard to consider that request! mmmmmm....chocolate....mmmmm...
We've been taking walks around beautiful Kijabe! We're beginning to realize that we ought to have our camera on us at all moments since it's so incredibly stunning. It blows us away at the way God creates beauty for us to enjoy-- all we can say is WOW!
Today Isaac will get to watch the RVA (Rift Valley Academy...the largest missionary boarding school in Afica or something like that) soccer practice as long as the weather holds. He'd adore that... but he did enjoy our little excursion up to RVA to see the veggie/fruit/etc ladies with all their things laid out... not to mention the crafts!
That reminds us, he LOVES birds. We have a little alcove on the porch outside our room and he sits and watches the birds fly in and out...He's mesmorized... it's great!
His pain is in control, HALLELUJAH!!!! Dressing change is scheduled again for Friday. We got to see his arm this last Friday and things look good; but he didn't (he was sedated). Hopefully Dr. Carter will pull out the pins sometime the week of the 18th through the 21st and we will be headed back to Yei. YAY! :)
We finally got to go to church on Sunday. We went to the English service at AIC and it was a bit like going to church in the states! It even had a projector for the song words! Crazy! Lots of missionaries here, lets just say that... lots... really...
I think that's it for now...Isaac is enjoying a movie compliments of Dan's hospitality! fun stuff!
Much love,
thanks again for all your support!
Hope today finds you smiling!
In Christs strong grip,
Robin, Megan, and Isaac
We are THANKFUL that Dan's computer is connected to the internet...for the moment at least... we still have a few videos to upload if it ever lets us! And thank you FAITHFUL bloggers, we love love LOVE it! We can't begin to tell you how much it encourages us (please keep it up!) Wish we had the time to write each of you back to tell you how special you are to us, so please accept some lovin' through the blog! yay!
We're getting into the groove of daily life at the hotel. Saturdays and Tuesdays (today!) the village ladies bring around fresh veggies, tortillas, english muffins, fruits, etc... YUM! Let's just say that's what we've been eating. And we've been VERY creative with what we have. Even attempting to cook pizza on a stove since the electricty was out all day...not normal, but it worked! Isaac had mashed potatoes for the first time last night and gave them a BIG THUMBS UP!!! Needless to say, that might become a staple! Tonight is his FAVORITE, however, beans and chipote! There will be big grins at the dinner table! He's already asked Megan to make brownies tonight; won't be too hard to consider that request! mmmmmm....chocolate....mmmmm...
We've been taking walks around beautiful Kijabe! We're beginning to realize that we ought to have our camera on us at all moments since it's so incredibly stunning. It blows us away at the way God creates beauty for us to enjoy-- all we can say is WOW!
Today Isaac will get to watch the RVA (Rift Valley Academy...the largest missionary boarding school in Afica or something like that) soccer practice as long as the weather holds. He'd adore that... but he did enjoy our little excursion up to RVA to see the veggie/fruit/etc ladies with all their things laid out... not to mention the crafts!
That reminds us, he LOVES birds. We have a little alcove on the porch outside our room and he sits and watches the birds fly in and out...He's mesmorized... it's great!
His pain is in control, HALLELUJAH!!!! Dressing change is scheduled again for Friday. We got to see his arm this last Friday and things look good; but he didn't (he was sedated). Hopefully Dr. Carter will pull out the pins sometime the week of the 18th through the 21st and we will be headed back to Yei. YAY! :)
We finally got to go to church on Sunday. We went to the English service at AIC and it was a bit like going to church in the states! It even had a projector for the song words! Crazy! Lots of missionaries here, lets just say that... lots... really...
I think that's it for now...Isaac is enjoying a movie compliments of Dan's hospitality! fun stuff!
Much love,
thanks again for all your support!
Hope today finds you smiling!
In Christs strong grip,
Robin, Megan, and Isaac
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Discharged from the Hospital!!!
Here is the latest news via the phone!!!!
The guys have been discharged from the hospital!!!! Isaacs pain is under control enough to let him go to the hotel to recuperate. They said being at the hotel was a welcome change from the sterile environment with the single twin bed that was permanently stuck in the upright position. Isaac can rest comfortably while the girls have a kitchenette they can prepare meals for themselves in. Today they went to Nairobi to buy supplies and Isaac went with them!!! They had just returned when I called and Isaac was already in bed resting but he had a great day finally just getting out for a bit. They went by a wild life preserve and Dan (the hotel manager/radio guy/all around mission dude) said he might be able to swing a trip to come back later and they could take Isaac on a safari before they leave. How crazy is that!!! So with the sound of it God is really performing an amazing speedy recovery and healing for Isaac and He continues to bless the team with His love and grace. Please continue to pray as tomorrow they return to the hospital to change the bandages on Isaacs legs and arm. Megan said that one of his legs has a lot of drainage and wants to see what Doctor Carter thinks. Right now if everything continues as planned Dr Carter said they may be able to remove the pins from his figures in 2 ½ weeks. Pray Gods continued speedy healing in Isaacs life!!!! There have been so many answered prayers and the girls sound like they are in good spirits and good health. All glory to God. He does all things well!!!
Bless all of you as well.
Mike
The guys have been discharged from the hospital!!!! Isaacs pain is under control enough to let him go to the hotel to recuperate. They said being at the hotel was a welcome change from the sterile environment with the single twin bed that was permanently stuck in the upright position. Isaac can rest comfortably while the girls have a kitchenette they can prepare meals for themselves in. Today they went to Nairobi to buy supplies and Isaac went with them!!! They had just returned when I called and Isaac was already in bed resting but he had a great day finally just getting out for a bit. They went by a wild life preserve and Dan (the hotel manager/radio guy/all around mission dude) said he might be able to swing a trip to come back later and they could take Isaac on a safari before they leave. How crazy is that!!! So with the sound of it God is really performing an amazing speedy recovery and healing for Isaac and He continues to bless the team with His love and grace. Please continue to pray as tomorrow they return to the hospital to change the bandages on Isaacs legs and arm. Megan said that one of his legs has a lot of drainage and wants to see what Doctor Carter thinks. Right now if everything continues as planned Dr Carter said they may be able to remove the pins from his figures in 2 ½ weeks. Pray Gods continued speedy healing in Isaacs life!!!! There have been so many answered prayers and the girls sound like they are in good spirits and good health. All glory to God. He does all things well!!!
Bless all of you as well.
Mike
Sunday, August 26, 2007
FINALLY an update! phew!
Hi everyone!
It's Megan AND Robin today! Fancy that! We left Isaac resting in the hospital so we could come up make some HOT food and get a well deserved change of clothes! So, we just got done reading ALL the comments from the previous blogs, it's been our first chance and the internet has shown us some love today! It really warmed our hearts and gave us some much much MUCH needed encouragement! Keep 'em comin'! *grin* We love you all heaps!
Isaac had his second surgery on Friday. After 7 1/2 hours (and the two of us getting very restless for his return by the end) Isaac was brought back to our small, but colorful, hospital room. We got to chat with Doctor Carter about the surgery. They were able to straighten out Isaac's arm even more (yay!) and bring his wrist to a more "normal" position (they had to take out a row of bones, ouch!). They also straightened his fingers as much as they could and placed pins to keep them straight. From the couple of fingers we can see it rather looks like they have staples in the finger tips! He had to get a graft at his wrist, the top of his hand, and on all four fingers (but not the thumb!). Oh yeah, they were able to bring his thumb from being the wrong direction to the right one. If you're confused look at YOUR thumb and Isaac's now looks about the same! The surgery was tough and Doctor Carter was tired but he left with a smile on his face.
Please pray for patience. The last few days have been difficult as Isaac, yet again, has been in excruciating pain. He is on the mend though as last night he basically slept all night and most of the morning. He's not a happy camper in pain. His attitude, plus a lot less sleep for us, challenges our patience. Its been good that we've been able to teach him how Christ walks along side us in these times, how He sometimes takes us through hard times to get to what He has planned for us, etc... It may not be sitting down and reading his Bible with him, but we are learning that it's another level of how to love and train him about following Christ. Mercy, the chaplain, has been a blessing to us. She's walked beside us every step of the way (and even checked in with us on her day off!) and prays with us and encourages us. We love her. Pray for God to keep blessing her amazing ministry in the children's ward!
Tomorrow is the dressing (on his arm and hand...we do change his clothes, don't worry) change #2... and surgical cleansing. He'll be sedated again so we are already trying to round up the next batch of 80 samosas! ha ha! Doctor Carter says that Wednesday we should be hotel bound for the rest of the recoup! HURRAY!!! That's also done a lot to bolster all of our spirits! He says he will probably just keep the pins in for 3 weeks depending on healing so we might have an early departure to Sudan. We found out we get to fly and Isaac's excited about his FIRST airplane trip. And we are thrilled about not taking the bus. (I, Robin, was supposed to take a bus last time I went to Sudan...but it caught on fire...) Despite the pain and sleep deprivation we are still hopeful and strengthened by God!!!!!!!
We love you all dearly,
you are on our hearts and in our prayers,
Hope today finds that God has blessed your socks off with His grace, mercy, and hope!
Cheers!
Megan, Robin, and Isaac!
It's Megan AND Robin today! Fancy that! We left Isaac resting in the hospital so we could come up make some HOT food and get a well deserved change of clothes! So, we just got done reading ALL the comments from the previous blogs, it's been our first chance and the internet has shown us some love today! It really warmed our hearts and gave us some much much MUCH needed encouragement! Keep 'em comin'! *grin* We love you all heaps!
Isaac had his second surgery on Friday. After 7 1/2 hours (and the two of us getting very restless for his return by the end) Isaac was brought back to our small, but colorful, hospital room. We got to chat with Doctor Carter about the surgery. They were able to straighten out Isaac's arm even more (yay!) and bring his wrist to a more "normal" position (they had to take out a row of bones, ouch!). They also straightened his fingers as much as they could and placed pins to keep them straight. From the couple of fingers we can see it rather looks like they have staples in the finger tips! He had to get a graft at his wrist, the top of his hand, and on all four fingers (but not the thumb!). Oh yeah, they were able to bring his thumb from being the wrong direction to the right one. If you're confused look at YOUR thumb and Isaac's now looks about the same! The surgery was tough and Doctor Carter was tired but he left with a smile on his face.
Please pray for patience. The last few days have been difficult as Isaac, yet again, has been in excruciating pain. He is on the mend though as last night he basically slept all night and most of the morning. He's not a happy camper in pain. His attitude, plus a lot less sleep for us, challenges our patience. Its been good that we've been able to teach him how Christ walks along side us in these times, how He sometimes takes us through hard times to get to what He has planned for us, etc... It may not be sitting down and reading his Bible with him, but we are learning that it's another level of how to love and train him about following Christ. Mercy, the chaplain, has been a blessing to us. She's walked beside us every step of the way (and even checked in with us on her day off!) and prays with us and encourages us. We love her. Pray for God to keep blessing her amazing ministry in the children's ward!
Tomorrow is the dressing (on his arm and hand...we do change his clothes, don't worry) change #2... and surgical cleansing. He'll be sedated again so we are already trying to round up the next batch of 80 samosas! ha ha! Doctor Carter says that Wednesday we should be hotel bound for the rest of the recoup! HURRAY!!! That's also done a lot to bolster all of our spirits! He says he will probably just keep the pins in for 3 weeks depending on healing so we might have an early departure to Sudan. We found out we get to fly and Isaac's excited about his FIRST airplane trip. And we are thrilled about not taking the bus. (I, Robin, was supposed to take a bus last time I went to Sudan...but it caught on fire...) Despite the pain and sleep deprivation we are still hopeful and strengthened by God!!!!!!!
We love you all dearly,
you are on our hearts and in our prayers,
Hope today finds that God has blessed your socks off with His grace, mercy, and hope!
Cheers!
Megan, Robin, and Isaac!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Hurrah for Internet!
Hello everyone!
I am blessed to have access to the Internet tonight! Our friend Dan, who runs the hotel has graciously let me use his computer (plus some English tea and cookies!yum!)...currently the only computer that will connect to the Internet and possibly not for long! Oh, the joys of blogging in Africa!
God has been SO good- I am constantly amazed by the way He provides exactly when we need it. From Doctor Carter (and his wife Ann) picking up groceries for us in Nairobi, to the woman across the hall in the kids ward bringing us oranges, to timely encouragement from the hospital chaplain (Mercy...a perfect name for her, she is definitely in the exact role God's called her, WOW!)...it never ceases to amaze me. I feel God's hand of favor on us and I am confident in the fact that he will provide in HIS perfect time- Not always when we need it but always on time.
It's a stretching thing to spend days on end in a small hospital room. Megan and I often squeeze into what I am convinced is not quite even a complete twin sized bed that permanently angles up! ha! It's comical, but hey, we both get rest and that's the important part! Isaac is only a couple feet from us (we have our own room, yet another blessing!) and depending on the day or the pain level he either stares into space, cries out in pain, or has fun. We've taught him to play skipbo and connect four and he loves them. Last night, Megan had the evening off, Isaac and I played games and then he said he was ready for bed. Three HOURS later he fell asleep after talking about life in Sudan, the Bible, etc... that time really blessed my heart, just to have a chance to get to know the person that God's creating him to be. It's beautiful. Also, thankfully, his pain was under control last night and he got some good rest!
He's been craving reading from the Bible. He had me read from my Bible while he compared it to the rhyming Bible. Smart Kid!
The surgery has been painful. And today when they changed the dressing on his arm and his leg (where they took skin for his arm) he was in a lot of pain while walking back to the operating room. He had tears running down his face and I found myself asking why can't they use a wheel chair? Why can't he be moved with less pain? Thankfully for the procedure he was sedated and he's always a little crazy when coming off the drugs... he demanded 80 samosas (a fried tortilla-ish thing filled with meat and spices)NOW, not in an hour, NOW and told us we were mean. It's like an alien took him over. But when it wears off he's back to his good ol' self. However the nurses, doctors, Megan and I were having a giggle, it was comical.
The heart wrenching moments are when the pain is unbearable and he's crying out for Jesus to save him and shaking and crying. It's those moments I wish I could just whisk the pain away. It really breaks my heart (and Megan's too). We've been up at the smallest noise, and we're tired but I find it a privilege to be along side him, to hold his hand when he grips it tightly in pain
It looks like Isaac's second surgery is set for Friday. Doctor Carter had originally been a little worried about doing surgery on his hand. But what do you have it? There's a hand surgeon in town!!! Praise God!!! Isaac seems ready for it mostly, but pray, he gets nervous. He's great about asking for prayer. I don't know if this was in the last blog, but Isaac woke me up the night before he was admitted to pray with him. I prayed and just sat with him while he clutched my hand for a couple of hours, agitated if he tried to move, the same happened the night before surgery. (Although add coloring like a maniac in a coloring book to try and distract himself!)
Everyone is taken with Isaac. Dan brought him a goodie bag, the hospital staff come visit, other mom's in the ward love him, and he has a new friend (who we've never heard speak) who hangs out in our room constantly. It's so encouraging!
Megan and I are looking for ways to serve. Right now it's been all about taking care of Isaac, but we're trying to listen for all the ways God wants us to serve. A lot of that's been prayer for what we can think of. I'm thinking of using my art to encourage people in the hospital, we'll see what that looks like. But whatever it is, even the moment by moment task of lovin' on Isaac, will be GOOD because it's God's!
I hope your day is filled with joy,
May the God of all creation season your day with his amazing grace,
Robin (Megan and Isaac too!)
I am blessed to have access to the Internet tonight! Our friend Dan, who runs the hotel has graciously let me use his computer (plus some English tea and cookies!yum!)...currently the only computer that will connect to the Internet and possibly not for long! Oh, the joys of blogging in Africa!
God has been SO good- I am constantly amazed by the way He provides exactly when we need it. From Doctor Carter (and his wife Ann) picking up groceries for us in Nairobi, to the woman across the hall in the kids ward bringing us oranges, to timely encouragement from the hospital chaplain (Mercy...a perfect name for her, she is definitely in the exact role God's called her, WOW!)...it never ceases to amaze me. I feel God's hand of favor on us and I am confident in the fact that he will provide in HIS perfect time- Not always when we need it but always on time.
It's a stretching thing to spend days on end in a small hospital room. Megan and I often squeeze into what I am convinced is not quite even a complete twin sized bed that permanently angles up! ha! It's comical, but hey, we both get rest and that's the important part! Isaac is only a couple feet from us (we have our own room, yet another blessing!) and depending on the day or the pain level he either stares into space, cries out in pain, or has fun. We've taught him to play skipbo and connect four and he loves them. Last night, Megan had the evening off, Isaac and I played games and then he said he was ready for bed. Three HOURS later he fell asleep after talking about life in Sudan, the Bible, etc... that time really blessed my heart, just to have a chance to get to know the person that God's creating him to be. It's beautiful. Also, thankfully, his pain was under control last night and he got some good rest!
He's been craving reading from the Bible. He had me read from my Bible while he compared it to the rhyming Bible. Smart Kid!
The surgery has been painful. And today when they changed the dressing on his arm and his leg (where they took skin for his arm) he was in a lot of pain while walking back to the operating room. He had tears running down his face and I found myself asking why can't they use a wheel chair? Why can't he be moved with less pain? Thankfully for the procedure he was sedated and he's always a little crazy when coming off the drugs... he demanded 80 samosas (a fried tortilla-ish thing filled with meat and spices)NOW, not in an hour, NOW and told us we were mean. It's like an alien took him over. But when it wears off he's back to his good ol' self. However the nurses, doctors, Megan and I were having a giggle, it was comical.
The heart wrenching moments are when the pain is unbearable and he's crying out for Jesus to save him and shaking and crying. It's those moments I wish I could just whisk the pain away. It really breaks my heart (and Megan's too). We've been up at the smallest noise, and we're tired but I find it a privilege to be along side him, to hold his hand when he grips it tightly in pain
It looks like Isaac's second surgery is set for Friday. Doctor Carter had originally been a little worried about doing surgery on his hand. But what do you have it? There's a hand surgeon in town!!! Praise God!!! Isaac seems ready for it mostly, but pray, he gets nervous. He's great about asking for prayer. I don't know if this was in the last blog, but Isaac woke me up the night before he was admitted to pray with him. I prayed and just sat with him while he clutched my hand for a couple of hours, agitated if he tried to move, the same happened the night before surgery. (Although add coloring like a maniac in a coloring book to try and distract himself!)
Everyone is taken with Isaac. Dan brought him a goodie bag, the hospital staff come visit, other mom's in the ward love him, and he has a new friend (who we've never heard speak) who hangs out in our room constantly. It's so encouraging!
Megan and I are looking for ways to serve. Right now it's been all about taking care of Isaac, but we're trying to listen for all the ways God wants us to serve. A lot of that's been prayer for what we can think of. I'm thinking of using my art to encourage people in the hospital, we'll see what that looks like. But whatever it is, even the moment by moment task of lovin' on Isaac, will be GOOD because it's God's!
I hope your day is filled with joy,
May the God of all creation season your day with his amazing grace,
Robin (Megan and Isaac too!)
Sunday, August 19, 2007
First surgery is over.
Hello All!!
This is Mike in Midland Texas and the girls have asked me to update the blog because the school that was providing Internet is currently on break so they haven’t been able to update everyone.
So here goes…… Isaac surgery on his arm is done, while the extensiveness of the burn was worse than they thought Dr Cater was still able to straighten the arm out from 180 to about 45 degrees, which is an amazing improvement! Isaac was in recovery for a couple of hours and then returned to his room. Megan and Robin have been staying with Isaac so when he woke up they were there. As Isaac became more awake his realization of the pain also increased and Megan began to work with the nurses to try and manage how Isaac was feeling. The skin graft on Isaacs’s leg is about 7 inches long and 3 inches wide and is very painful. Isaac asked Megan if kids in America had to have skin taken off their leg when they do surgery. The pain he is feeling is affecting both Isaac and Megan as they go through this time. Thoughts about weather or not this is worth all the pain is plaguing all of the guys. Please be praying as the pain of this surgery fades and as they talk about the next operation that needs to take place for his hand. Megan’s soft heart hates to see Isaac in so much pain as I talk to her on the phone I could hear Isaac in the background moaning.
As I spoke to them today the pain is now being controlled more and Isaac is feeling much better. He asked when they were going to be able to return to the hotel and Megan said he is talking more than she has ever heard before. This time is really bonding all of them together in the love of God. During the night when Isaac would be in pain he would ask for Megan and Robin to pray with him for the pain to go. Megan said he would cry out for Jesus to make him better and then ask them to pray again.
This Tuesday they will take off the dressing and this will be the first time Isaac will see his new arm. They will look to see how the skin graft is healing and if it is doing well they want to try and do the surgery on the hand on Friday. Megan said that there just so happens to be a hand specialist there with Dr Carter and he is going to assist with the next surgery. How amazing is the timing of God. I asked how Isaac felt about the hand surgery and Meg said he wanted to go forward with next operation. I am astounded at how the Lord is encouraging him in this time. Megan said there would be pins in his hand after the surgery and they are not sure how long they will need to stay in Kenya before they feel they can return to Sudan.
Please pray;
Healing for the first surgery
Isaacs pain level to continue to drop
Megan and Robin to maintain health
Good sleep for everyone
Prepare and encourage Isaac for the next surgery
When Isaac sees his new arm he wont “freak out”
Prepare the way for the return to Sudan
This is Mike in Midland Texas and the girls have asked me to update the blog because the school that was providing Internet is currently on break so they haven’t been able to update everyone.
So here goes…… Isaac surgery on his arm is done, while the extensiveness of the burn was worse than they thought Dr Cater was still able to straighten the arm out from 180 to about 45 degrees, which is an amazing improvement! Isaac was in recovery for a couple of hours and then returned to his room. Megan and Robin have been staying with Isaac so when he woke up they were there. As Isaac became more awake his realization of the pain also increased and Megan began to work with the nurses to try and manage how Isaac was feeling. The skin graft on Isaacs’s leg is about 7 inches long and 3 inches wide and is very painful. Isaac asked Megan if kids in America had to have skin taken off their leg when they do surgery. The pain he is feeling is affecting both Isaac and Megan as they go through this time. Thoughts about weather or not this is worth all the pain is plaguing all of the guys. Please be praying as the pain of this surgery fades and as they talk about the next operation that needs to take place for his hand. Megan’s soft heart hates to see Isaac in so much pain as I talk to her on the phone I could hear Isaac in the background moaning.
As I spoke to them today the pain is now being controlled more and Isaac is feeling much better. He asked when they were going to be able to return to the hotel and Megan said he is talking more than she has ever heard before. This time is really bonding all of them together in the love of God. During the night when Isaac would be in pain he would ask for Megan and Robin to pray with him for the pain to go. Megan said he would cry out for Jesus to make him better and then ask them to pray again.
This Tuesday they will take off the dressing and this will be the first time Isaac will see his new arm. They will look to see how the skin graft is healing and if it is doing well they want to try and do the surgery on the hand on Friday. Megan said that there just so happens to be a hand specialist there with Dr Carter and he is going to assist with the next surgery. How amazing is the timing of God. I asked how Isaac felt about the hand surgery and Meg said he wanted to go forward with next operation. I am astounded at how the Lord is encouraging him in this time. Megan said there would be pins in his hand after the surgery and they are not sure how long they will need to stay in Kenya before they feel they can return to Sudan.Please pray;
Healing for the first surgery
Isaacs pain level to continue to drop
Megan and Robin to maintain health
Good sleep for everyone
Prepare and encourage Isaac for the next surgery
When Isaac sees his new arm he wont “freak out”
Prepare the way for the return to Sudan
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