Look out Peru because here we come!
The Visas have arrived and are processed. The plane tickets are purchased and at least one bag is packed. Okay, so it's full of stuff I never use; but it's packed nonetheless.
We are heading out in 9 weeks and 1 day - August 16th at 10ish a.m.
I seriously can't even believe I'm writing this. The end and the beginning are so close I can almost reach it.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Addisson's Disease
We found out yesterday that John's dad has Addisson's Disease. Actually, this is quite good news because it is treatable (although can be fatal), but makes perfect sense and fits with all of the problems he has had. Can you believe he has been in the hospital since May 15 - 1 month.
Click here to learn more abotu Addisson's Disease:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/addisons-disease/DS00361
His dad walked a little during physical therapy yesterday. John was able to talk to him on the phone and he is seemingly more coherent each day that he is receiving treatment. Things are looking GOOD! I will keep you posted.
Click here to learn more abotu Addisson's Disease:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/addisons-disease/DS00361
His dad walked a little during physical therapy yesterday. John was able to talk to him on the phone and he is seemingly more coherent each day that he is receiving treatment. Things are looking GOOD! I will keep you posted.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
extra credit
As I was about to go to sleep and was revelling in my 100%, I recalled that I received 4 extra points for extra credit on my test. BUMMER! Okay, so I guess it wasn't actually perfect. But I'm still happy!
A good grade! A nice encouragement!
It's only taken 10 months of language study, but I received my FIRST 100% EVER on a Spanish examen. And it was over 2 rules of subjunctive and ALL sentence writing - no fill in the blanks or anything. All that to say, that it was ALL God b/c life here has been so crazy, insane, upside down, challenging, and unusual, that I can tell you it certainly wasn't from all of my "hard" work. It was a nice blessing to receive my grade today. I was honestly expecting a 70ish%. Praise God for such a treat. It definitely put a pep back in my step.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Fear
I'm not a woman who generally lives in fear. However, tonight at the mall I was truly scared. I took the two little girls on a date. After we ate, they were playing at the indoor playground. All of a sudden I am hearing yelling. Like 100 people yelling - not screaming, not shouting, not cussing....just one long aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh that lasted for like 2 minutes. At first I thought it was maybe some kind of cultural thing I hadn't heard of, but then when the national next to me said "Que es esto?" (what is this?) which is exactly what I had been thinking, I knew it wasn't cultural. Everyone was just standing around watching these people shout and staring in disbelief. And then a group of like 20 people (the same ones who were shouting) got in a single file line and started marching through the food court, up and down the aisles through the table. They were getting closer and chanting, yelling all the way.
In all transparency, thoughts of Virginia Tech and Columbine and Church Shootings and Mall Shootings were running through my head. My human interest wanted to stick around to see what these loonies were doing, but my instinct said get out of here. I scooped up the girls and we ran to the closest department store in utter fear. Yes, I was the only one running. I was also the only gringo in the mall. Too many bad American "news" stories have gotten the best of me. I can tell you that I was so scared that I was nauseous from fear. I really felt like something bad could've happened. And once I got into the department store, I saw that the group was marching around the kid's section where we had just been. Relief that I had escaped filled my body. We quickly high-tailed it to the other side of the mall.
When I asked the security guard what was happening, he said it was just some crazy's wanting to get attention.
Indeed they got my attention and sparked a fear in my heart that I didn't know existed. I'm glad that God gave me the sense to be aware and get out of there. Even if it all did end well. You just never know! I hope I never feel that sense of "entrapment" and fear again.
In all transparency, thoughts of Virginia Tech and Columbine and Church Shootings and Mall Shootings were running through my head. My human interest wanted to stick around to see what these loonies were doing, but my instinct said get out of here. I scooped up the girls and we ran to the closest department store in utter fear. Yes, I was the only one running. I was also the only gringo in the mall. Too many bad American "news" stories have gotten the best of me. I can tell you that I was so scared that I was nauseous from fear. I really felt like something bad could've happened. And once I got into the department store, I saw that the group was marching around the kid's section where we had just been. Relief that I had escaped filled my body. We quickly high-tailed it to the other side of the mall.
When I asked the security guard what was happening, he said it was just some crazy's wanting to get attention.
Indeed they got my attention and sparked a fear in my heart that I didn't know existed. I'm glad that God gave me the sense to be aware and get out of there. Even if it all did end well. You just never know! I hope I never feel that sense of "entrapment" and fear again.
Update on John's Dad
John wrote:
Just talked to my sister. My dad is not doing well. He is lathargic, can't hardly open his eyes, and has a hard time breathing. The doctors think he has "myasthenia gravis" which, according to wikipedia, causes muscle weakness. Muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are especially susceptible. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements can also be affected. The onset of the disorder can be sudden or rapid. They are doing blood tests. Also, his hemoglobin is low. I ask that you would continue to pray.
Also, please pray for Ancelmo, a Hispanic man whom I shared my testimony and the Gospel with in the waiting room when I was there. He is 80. Though it was all in spanish, I believe he understood, before his family came out to leave just as I finished. So I was not able to offer a time of decision.
Just talked to my sister. My dad is not doing well. He is lathargic, can't hardly open his eyes, and has a hard time breathing. The doctors think he has "myasthenia gravis" which, according to wikipedia, causes muscle weakness. Muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, chewing, talking, and swallowing are especially susceptible. The muscles that control breathing and neck and limb movements can also be affected. The onset of the disorder can be sudden or rapid. They are doing blood tests. Also, his hemoglobin is low. I ask that you would continue to pray.
Also, please pray for Ancelmo, a Hispanic man whom I shared my testimony and the Gospel with in the waiting room when I was there. He is 80. Though it was all in spanish, I believe he understood, before his family came out to leave just as I finished. So I was not able to offer a time of decision.
This week I have had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Jaxson alone. He has been sleeping on a mattress next to our bed! Last night he wanted to sleep back in his own room and I pretty much had to beg him to stay with us. I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE having him with us. I love rolling over and seeing his cute body and face on the floor next to me. And I love laying on his mattress cuddling with him before he goes to sleep.
Last night he decide that he is going to marry "me!" Jokingly, I said, "Well, we can get married right now. Daddy can marry us."
He replied, "I can't marry you right now because I don't have any fancy clothes."
Oh, he is so precious!
Well, when it came time for me to tell him 7 times to lay down and go to sleep he said angrily, "Well then....I'm not going to marry you anymore!"
Of course, I chuckled under my breath and then said, "Go to sleep Jaxson!"
Last night he decide that he is going to marry "me!" Jokingly, I said, "Well, we can get married right now. Daddy can marry us."
He replied, "I can't marry you right now because I don't have any fancy clothes."
Oh, he is so precious!
Well, when it came time for me to tell him 7 times to lay down and go to sleep he said angrily, "Well then....I'm not going to marry you anymore!"
Of course, I chuckled under my breath and then said, "Go to sleep Jaxson!"
Friday, June 6, 2008
John's Dad
Maybe yesterday's post was a little pre-mature! However, John's dad's progress was definitely a miracle for that day! Praise God for such an awesome day.
However, we got a call last night saying that John's dad isn't doing well. He is totally out of it - worse than before! He can't even open his eyes. The doctor's are concerned about a pulmonary embolism or a stroke. Yesterday's decline was not good and is very concerning to everyone. Please continue to pray!
However, we got a call last night saying that John's dad isn't doing well. He is totally out of it - worse than before! He can't even open his eyes. The doctor's are concerned about a pulmonary embolism or a stroke. Yesterday's decline was not good and is very concerning to everyone. Please continue to pray!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
A Miracle in the Making
I seldom use the word miracle. But I have to say....the progress John's dad has made in the past 2 days has been nothing short of a miracle. He was basically at death's door. And in the past 2 days, he has become alert, is recognizing people, can swallow again, and he even walked 40 feet (with help, of course) yesterday. His lungs are improving, his diabetes is under control (as much as possible), and his infections are cleared up and the alzheimer's is giving him a break. Although he doesn't remember John's visit last week at all. However, he is slowly getting his functions back; something I didn't expect to see. He is truly making progress. I know that this is from the power of all the people praying for him.
He is still in the hospital and he will be moving to a rehab facility sometime in the near future.
WOW! I was truly floored when we got the great report. But I shouldn't be, because God's powers are endless and he is in the business of healing. What a mighty Lord we serve.
He is still in the hospital and he will be moving to a rehab facility sometime in the near future.
WOW! I was truly floored when we got the great report. But I shouldn't be, because God's powers are endless and he is in the business of healing. What a mighty Lord we serve.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Saturday Fun!
Our neighbor needed to make some extra money so she held a little workshop in her house for kids a few Saturdays ago. Check out the masks they made!
Surgery Day
JAXSON'S Big Day!!! Operation Tonsils out.
The view of the city from the surgery floor.
Waiting to register at 5:45 a.m.
Waiting for the doctor to call his name before the surgery.
All these tears from having to change his clothes. He was really getting scared until we told him he could be any super-hero he wanted to be. He chose larry boy/peter-pan. You can see he had his peter-pan sword on.
See, he didn't stay upset for long.
His doctor and future wife. He said he wants to marry her. He said, "Does she have any kids? No, she can't have any kids....cause she's married to me and I don't have any!" He adores her. I think it's mutual. But then later he reminded me that he is going to marry Annie Robinson.
After the surgery, at home, resting. What a trooper! He left the hospital with at least 5 new girlfriends. All the nurses loved him. What a precious gift he is!Did I mention how big his adenoids were. She said he really needed this surgery. And yesterday, he blew his nose for the first time EVER in his entire life. How great is that?
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Everyone is sleeping! There is total silence in the house.
I've been thinking a lot about the day when there will be no children in the house - screaming, playing, pretending, running and giggling.
At moments, I think, "Awww....can't wait."
And then I realize I never want these days to end. I am treasuring every moment with these precious little ones. Before I know it, they will be long gone and I'll be begging for a phone call or a hug. So for now...I can read and hug, and sword fight, and tickle and help with homework and listen ALL day long. Because these days won't last forever. Why wish them away when in 15 years I'll be wishing them back?!
I've been thinking a lot about the day when there will be no children in the house - screaming, playing, pretending, running and giggling.
At moments, I think, "Awww....can't wait."
And then I realize I never want these days to end. I am treasuring every moment with these precious little ones. Before I know it, they will be long gone and I'll be begging for a phone call or a hug. So for now...I can read and hug, and sword fight, and tickle and help with homework and listen ALL day long. Because these days won't last forever. Why wish them away when in 15 years I'll be wishing them back?!
In all the hustle of life, I forgot to mention that ALL parker wants for Christmas is his two front teeth! :) His two top baby teeth fell out this past week! What a sight to behold. He is over the moon now that he is officially a "big" boy!
Life is getting back to normal - whatever normal is. Jaxson is doing AWESOME!!! Today he goes for his follow-up appointment. We are awaiting an update on John's dad! And we have had a full week of ZERO vomitting. HALLELUYAH! Is that how you spell that word?
Oh yeh, and 2 months, 1 week and 4 days until Lima!
Life is getting back to normal - whatever normal is. Jaxson is doing AWESOME!!! Today he goes for his follow-up appointment. We are awaiting an update on John's dad! And we have had a full week of ZERO vomitting. HALLELUYAH! Is that how you spell that word?
Oh yeh, and 2 months, 1 week and 4 days until Lima!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Regret
John wrote:
Out of the four days I saw my father last week, he recognized me and said my name two times. Once on the first and once on the second day. Not for a lack of trying, though. I must have asked 50 times. But by the end of the fourth day, I just couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't ask, "Dad, who am I. What's my name." anymore. Each time my heart broke and tears flowed as he tried but couldn't.
One of the many things I realized was that, death is inevitable, but regrets are avoidable. Much of my pain came from regrets. I regret not calling him enough, not spending enough time with him, not sending enough pictures, not telling him thank you for being a great father or how proud I was to be his son, not talking to him about Jesus more. List goes on.
I resolved to make sure I don't have anymore regrets with anyone else in my life.
Thank you to all who have and are praying for him.
Out of the four days I saw my father last week, he recognized me and said my name two times. Once on the first and once on the second day. Not for a lack of trying, though. I must have asked 50 times. But by the end of the fourth day, I just couldn't do it anymore. I couldn't ask, "Dad, who am I. What's my name." anymore. Each time my heart broke and tears flowed as he tried but couldn't.
One of the many things I realized was that, death is inevitable, but regrets are avoidable. Much of my pain came from regrets. I regret not calling him enough, not spending enough time with him, not sending enough pictures, not telling him thank you for being a great father or how proud I was to be his son, not talking to him about Jesus more. List goes on.
I resolved to make sure I don't have anymore regrets with anyone else in my life.
Thank you to all who have and are praying for him.
Update/Sunday
The Pham family feels so blessed by God's provision and the joy He has given us during these times. Although John and I are so tired that neither of us can see straight, we are still smiling, enjoying one another, the kids and are so thankful for everyday God gives us together.
The latest updates:
John's dad is "stable," however his lungs keep filling up with fuid so now they are draining his lungs 2x a day. He is coughing like crazy. I don't know any other details right now. We are waiting for a call from John's sister to get the latest (this was yesterday's update).
Jaxson had his surgery yesterday morning and I took sooo many cute pictures of him throughout the process so that you can see them. When I'm not so hot and tired I will post them.
The doctor removed his adenoids and tonsils. She said his adenoids were HUGE and that he really needed this surgery. His tonsils were not in good shape she also reported. He was doing great yesterday. However, he had a very rough night last night. And today he is just lying around, won't eat or drink much, isn't talking and spiked a 100.6 fever - not huge but definitely noteworthy when the risk of infection is high. The doctor calls us every 4-6 hours to check on him. She was not happy about his decline this morning. We are working very hard to break the fever (although it is small) and get him hydrated and feeling better. Yesterday he was talking and running around and playing like crazy. Today he is not! He is resting peacefully right now.
On a side note, I didn't realize how much I missed John until I saw him and jumped up in his arms. I hadn't planned this, but my excitement got the best of me. I think I don't ever want him to leave again. :)
The latest updates:
John's dad is "stable," however his lungs keep filling up with fuid so now they are draining his lungs 2x a day. He is coughing like crazy. I don't know any other details right now. We are waiting for a call from John's sister to get the latest (this was yesterday's update).
Jaxson had his surgery yesterday morning and I took sooo many cute pictures of him throughout the process so that you can see them. When I'm not so hot and tired I will post them.
The doctor removed his adenoids and tonsils. She said his adenoids were HUGE and that he really needed this surgery. His tonsils were not in good shape she also reported. He was doing great yesterday. However, he had a very rough night last night. And today he is just lying around, won't eat or drink much, isn't talking and spiked a 100.6 fever - not huge but definitely noteworthy when the risk of infection is high. The doctor calls us every 4-6 hours to check on him. She was not happy about his decline this morning. We are working very hard to break the fever (although it is small) and get him hydrated and feeling better. Yesterday he was talking and running around and playing like crazy. Today he is not! He is resting peacefully right now.
On a side note, I didn't realize how much I missed John until I saw him and jumped up in his arms. I hadn't planned this, but my excitement got the best of me. I think I don't ever want him to leave again. :)
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