John's dad didn't have to have surgery today. His stomache is still having problems, but the cat-scan shows no internal bleeding. Yesterday his blood sugar was to0 low and today it is too high! He is pretty much the same.
My hubby will be home in 30 minutes.
Jaxson's surgery is at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
I was being followed home from school the other day (probably by a would-be mugger). Another student at school saw the guy that was following me in a car (and I had NO idea) and the student tried to get close to me and then the guy fled. I know this was God protecting me. I didn't know about it until the next day at school when the student told me exactly what had happened. I now have my mace in my hand ever second I am walking and am extra cautious. There have been a lot of incidents with students from our school lately.
I ADORE my kiddos but I desperately need a few hours alone.
Friday, May 30, 2008
John's Dad/Friday Update
John's dad has continued to have complications. His stomache has been hurting and swelling underneath the feeding tube. The doctor's were concerned about internal bleeding and they did an x-ray. His dad had to be horizontal during the x-ray. He vomitted and then aspirated it into his lungs. THe doctor's then had to drain his lungs and there is a HUGE concern now about pneumonia. They are waiting for the results today of his chest x-ray. He has been coughing now and wasn't before.
His blood sugar hit an all time low, for him, of 40. They have stabilized the sodium but not the blood sugar.
He is having surgery today for his abdomen. It is severely swollen. He HAS to have the surgery, but his body is not in a condition for this. He was given a blood thinner yesterday (I don't know why - before they knew he was going to have surgery), so there is a HUGE risk for bleeding.
He is still not able to recognize people or perform any time of function.
As you can imagine, John is incredibly sad and down. He is returning tonight. I will keep you posted. PLEASE PRAY!!!!
His blood sugar hit an all time low, for him, of 40. They have stabilized the sodium but not the blood sugar.
He is having surgery today for his abdomen. It is severely swollen. He HAS to have the surgery, but his body is not in a condition for this. He was given a blood thinner yesterday (I don't know why - before they knew he was going to have surgery), so there is a HUGE risk for bleeding.
He is still not able to recognize people or perform any time of function.
As you can imagine, John is incredibly sad and down. He is returning tonight. I will keep you posted. PLEASE PRAY!!!!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
John's Dad Update/Wednesday
John's dad remains the same for the most part. However, he has a staph infection and 2 bacterial infections called graham positive and graham negative. The doctors are taking this very seriously and are treating all 3 very powerfully. Today they managed to get his sodium level under control - FINALLY! He was not recognizing anyone and John said it was just a blank stare all day. He did say a complete sentence, "I need to go to the bathroom." I think it was slow and deliberate, but it's good that his body his recognizing this need. He is hooked up to 3 IV's and has the feeding tube in his stomach. John sat by his bed ALL night last night with him. I think it was a very hard night emotionally for John. He really needs lots of prayers. He has never been through anything like this before.
I can't say thank you enough for all of the support, love, encouragement and prayers we have received.
I can't say thank you enough for all of the support, love, encouragement and prayers we have received.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday Update on John's Dad
John wrote:
Thank you all for praying. I finally found a way to have internet access here. I arrived to Los Angelese at 1:00 am Monday morning. Yesterday, my father had surgery to replace his nose feeding tube with a tube direct to his stomach. I arrived to the hospital yesterday, but he was sleeping all day from the anesthesia. Around 9:00 last night, he spiked a fever of 102.7, so the doctor was concerned about pneumonia, and administered antibiotics promptly. We left him still asleep at 11:00 pm.
This morning, when we walked in the room, he was awake. He was able to recognize my sisters and me, and managed to say our names!!!!!!!!!!! He is not saying anything other than, "I love you" or names. One word here and there. I showed him pictures of my family and he recognized Jessica. This is a miracle, since the neurologist has pretty much written my dad off as advanced stages of alzheimers. However, still not swallowing, no urinary or bowel control, blood sugar everwhere, and low sodium.
Thank you so much for praying. It is a miracle. As a side note, I was in the cafeteria and overheard a two young cafeteria workers talking. The girl said to the guy, "I believe in God, but I'm not religious." So I approached them, and was able to share the entire Gospel with both of them. They were not sure if they were ready for any type of decision, so I gave them the 4 Spiritual Laws and they agreed to talk to me more today and tomorrow. Please pray for Mi Linh (Vietnamese and brought up Mormon and Jehova's Witness) and Jaime (Catholic).
I humbly ask you to keep praying for my father, because now, just a few hours later, he can't recognize anyone. We can see he's trying, looks around looking for the answere, but he gets frustrated and sad that he just can't. Again, thank you.
Thank you all for praying. I finally found a way to have internet access here. I arrived to Los Angelese at 1:00 am Monday morning. Yesterday, my father had surgery to replace his nose feeding tube with a tube direct to his stomach. I arrived to the hospital yesterday, but he was sleeping all day from the anesthesia. Around 9:00 last night, he spiked a fever of 102.7, so the doctor was concerned about pneumonia, and administered antibiotics promptly. We left him still asleep at 11:00 pm.
This morning, when we walked in the room, he was awake. He was able to recognize my sisters and me, and managed to say our names!!!!!!!!!!! He is not saying anything other than, "I love you" or names. One word here and there. I showed him pictures of my family and he recognized Jessica. This is a miracle, since the neurologist has pretty much written my dad off as advanced stages of alzheimers. However, still not swallowing, no urinary or bowel control, blood sugar everwhere, and low sodium.
Thank you so much for praying. It is a miracle. As a side note, I was in the cafeteria and overheard a two young cafeteria workers talking. The girl said to the guy, "I believe in God, but I'm not religious." So I approached them, and was able to share the entire Gospel with both of them. They were not sure if they were ready for any type of decision, so I gave them the 4 Spiritual Laws and they agreed to talk to me more today and tomorrow. Please pray for Mi Linh (Vietnamese and brought up Mormon and Jehova's Witness) and Jaime (Catholic).
I humbly ask you to keep praying for my father, because now, just a few hours later, he can't recognize anyone. We can see he's trying, looks around looking for the answere, but he gets frustrated and sad that he just can't. Again, thank you.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Update/Monday night
I started my new language class today and I think I talked for about 25 minutes as opposed to 2 minutes. I am so happy for the change.
John's dad still has not woken up from the surgery. It was 8 hours ago.
Avery vomitted 9 times and then quietly went to sleep. I did come up with a good system for catching the vomit though. I am trusting she will sleep quietly through the night. She will be staying home with the Empleada tomorrow.
Please pray for my language partner Grace. She is 72 (this Thursday) and very ill. She hasn't been able to get out of bed for 4 days due to back pain. She is a lovely woman of the Lord. She has breast cancer and a myriad of other problems.
John's dad still has not woken up from the surgery. It was 8 hours ago.
Avery vomitted 9 times and then quietly went to sleep. I did come up with a good system for catching the vomit though. I am trusting she will sleep quietly through the night. She will be staying home with the Empleada tomorrow.
Please pray for my language partner Grace. She is 72 (this Thursday) and very ill. She hasn't been able to get out of bed for 4 days due to back pain. She is a lovely woman of the Lord. She has breast cancer and a myriad of other problems.
John's Dad Update/Monday
John made it to California by 1 a.m. last night.
His father had surgery today to put a feeding tube into his stomache. He is still sleeping very heavily and they hope he will wake up today. They are hoping the food will give him some strength and maybe he can return to 50% of normal or more. Only time will tell.
He did smile yesterday and he whispered John's name when he saw a picture of him. Other than that, things are the same. He doesn't seem to be getting the best medical care according to John.
I will let you know more when/if things change. Thank you for your prayers. John is very sad, but happy to be at his dad's bedside just holding his hand while he sleeps.
Please continue to pray for them and for us! Avery started vomitting today. She already had the virus so I'm not sure what's up with that. God is giving me an amazing amount of strength and joy through all of this.
His father had surgery today to put a feeding tube into his stomache. He is still sleeping very heavily and they hope he will wake up today. They are hoping the food will give him some strength and maybe he can return to 50% of normal or more. Only time will tell.
He did smile yesterday and he whispered John's name when he saw a picture of him. Other than that, things are the same. He doesn't seem to be getting the best medical care according to John.
I will let you know more when/if things change. Thank you for your prayers. John is very sad, but happy to be at his dad's bedside just holding his hand while he sleeps.
Please continue to pray for them and for us! Avery started vomitting today. She already had the virus so I'm not sure what's up with that. God is giving me an amazing amount of strength and joy through all of this.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
John's Dad
John's father made NO improvement during the night. The feeding tube has not seemed to change things. John is leaving at 2:20 p.m. today to fly out to California to be with his father and his family. My biggest prayer is that John's father will have 1 small moment of recognition of his children while John is there. Please keep them in your prayers. I will keep you updated as I know more.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Urgent Prayer Needed for John's Father
John wrote:
2 years ago, my father cut his finger and got an infection, which lead to very unstable diabetes. Then a few months ago, he fell and broke his hip. Since the hip surgery, he has not recovered fully and his health has gone downhill, due to his age (75) and diabetes.
Last week he went to the emergency room. They found that his sodium was low and his blood sugar was very unstable. His health has gotten worse over the last week. The attending doctor has not been able to get my father’s blood sugar or sodium under control, and does not know what is causing it.
I just received a call from my sisters, who came from Phoenix to be with him in Los Angeles. They said, my father is doing very poorly. Here is a summary:
1. The neurologist tested and concluded that my father is in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.
2. He doesn’t recognize my sisters at times. Just a glazed over look.
3. He has forgotten how to swallow, and they had to start feeding him with a tube today.
4. He cannot eat food with his mouth, because he has forgotten how to breath from his nose and chokes when trying to eat.
5. He is incontinent and does not have the awareness to tell anyone when he has to go.
6. He does not talk.
7. Essentially, he is like a child, my sister says.
I beg that you would pray:
1. He would get his strength back from the feeding tube.
2. The new doctor that is taking over will be able to stabilize his blood sugar and sodium.
3. His strength would come back enough, so my sisters can take him back to Phoenix with them.
4. The Alzheimer’s would go away or improve, once his sugar, sodium and strength improve.
2 years ago, my father cut his finger and got an infection, which lead to very unstable diabetes. Then a few months ago, he fell and broke his hip. Since the hip surgery, he has not recovered fully and his health has gone downhill, due to his age (75) and diabetes.
Last week he went to the emergency room. They found that his sodium was low and his blood sugar was very unstable. His health has gotten worse over the last week. The attending doctor has not been able to get my father’s blood sugar or sodium under control, and does not know what is causing it.
I just received a call from my sisters, who came from Phoenix to be with him in Los Angeles. They said, my father is doing very poorly. Here is a summary:
1. The neurologist tested and concluded that my father is in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s.
2. He doesn’t recognize my sisters at times. Just a glazed over look.
3. He has forgotten how to swallow, and they had to start feeding him with a tube today.
4. He cannot eat food with his mouth, because he has forgotten how to breath from his nose and chokes when trying to eat.
5. He is incontinent and does not have the awareness to tell anyone when he has to go.
6. He does not talk.
7. Essentially, he is like a child, my sister says.
I beg that you would pray:
1. He would get his strength back from the feeding tube.
2. The new doctor that is taking over will be able to stabilize his blood sugar and sodium.
3. His strength would come back enough, so my sisters can take him back to Phoenix with them.
4. The Alzheimer’s would go away or improve, once his sugar, sodium and strength improve.
Homemade Catapults
What do missionaries do on cloudy Saturdays? Build medieval weapons of destruction. The kids were excited about their new catapults and Parker wanted to post pictures. They actually work!How God Changed my Non-homeschooling heart (part 1)
I graduated with a degree in Interpersonal Communication from UCF in 1997. I went on to become an executive at Target being in charge of one stores ENTIRE human resources. I then worked as the editor of a newspaper for a church of 10,000 and then I was a Manager at a staffing company. And I worked at the Orlando Sentinel for 5 years as a free-lance correspondent and news assistant. You can see that career, money and acheivements were very important to me.
I ALWAYS have known I would stay home when we had kids. But our plan was to put Parker in a prestigious "private school." I knew moms who homeschooled and I thought "Good for them" but "that's NOT for me!" No way! I would never in a million years want to be repsonsible for my child's education.
I am not a patient person.
I am not educated to teach children.
I will definitely not be able to be with them ALL day, EVERY day.
They need to be socialized.
They need to be well rounded.
I have NO desire.
I am not interested.
No thanks! No way! NEVER!!!
Plus, I gotta get back to my career.
And then God spoke (more tomorrow)........
I ALWAYS have known I would stay home when we had kids. But our plan was to put Parker in a prestigious "private school." I knew moms who homeschooled and I thought "Good for them" but "that's NOT for me!" No way! I would never in a million years want to be repsonsible for my child's education.
I am not a patient person.
I am not educated to teach children.
I will definitely not be able to be with them ALL day, EVERY day.
They need to be socialized.
They need to be well rounded.
I have NO desire.
I am not interested.
No thanks! No way! NEVER!!!
Plus, I gotta get back to my career.
And then God spoke (more tomorrow)........
Happenings
Some good happenings:
On Monday, I am changing language classes from a class of 5 people to a class of 3 people. So this means MUCH more talk time. WOOHOOO!!!
I had a half-hour conversation, in Spanish, with one of our teachers at school yesterday about my problems at the house of restoration. She was a director of this kind of house and has worked with addicts for 10 years. She gave me great advice and wisdom. I am going back next week with a renewed attitude and hope.
John and I are SUSHI freaks. Our friends introduced us to a Sushi place here where you can get 48 pieces for $20. Usually we are so full that we have to unbutton the top button of our pants when we are done because our bellies are bursting. Oh wait, that's only me. :) And it is quality, fresh sushi.
Parker is 100% better! Woohoo!!!
God is continuing to work in John's heart and life and is making him a STRONG spiritual leader in our home and a man of conviction. I LOVE IT!! And I love him, too! We have had some VERY rough patches this year, but things are just going so amazing now. I praise God! BTW: he is spending so much time reading the word, putting together an evangelistic presentation in Spanish, researching reformation and calvinism to find out what he believes (thanks AMY) and is constantly desiring to share Christ with others. I praise God for sending us here so that John could blossom in his heart's passion and his calling from God.
I have been working through some "mom" issues with my friend and a counselor at school, Sheila. God is using it to change my heart and my thinking. And the more I seek to forgive and to be forgiven, the more my heart is opened and I can freely love my husband and children. And now, I am able to pray for my mother, sincerely. And God is teaching me things in my OWN life that I was not open to receive until I laid all this "mom" junk at his feet.
GOOD STUFF!
On Monday, I am changing language classes from a class of 5 people to a class of 3 people. So this means MUCH more talk time. WOOHOOO!!!
I had a half-hour conversation, in Spanish, with one of our teachers at school yesterday about my problems at the house of restoration. She was a director of this kind of house and has worked with addicts for 10 years. She gave me great advice and wisdom. I am going back next week with a renewed attitude and hope.
John and I are SUSHI freaks. Our friends introduced us to a Sushi place here where you can get 48 pieces for $20. Usually we are so full that we have to unbutton the top button of our pants when we are done because our bellies are bursting. Oh wait, that's only me. :) And it is quality, fresh sushi.
Parker is 100% better! Woohoo!!!
God is continuing to work in John's heart and life and is making him a STRONG spiritual leader in our home and a man of conviction. I LOVE IT!! And I love him, too! We have had some VERY rough patches this year, but things are just going so amazing now. I praise God! BTW: he is spending so much time reading the word, putting together an evangelistic presentation in Spanish, researching reformation and calvinism to find out what he believes (thanks AMY) and is constantly desiring to share Christ with others. I praise God for sending us here so that John could blossom in his heart's passion and his calling from God.
I have been working through some "mom" issues with my friend and a counselor at school, Sheila. God is using it to change my heart and my thinking. And the more I seek to forgive and to be forgiven, the more my heart is opened and I can freely love my husband and children. And now, I am able to pray for my mother, sincerely. And God is teaching me things in my OWN life that I was not open to receive until I laid all this "mom" junk at his feet.
GOOD STUFF!
Learn to Speak Spanish the Easy Way
Our very AWESOME Ear, Nose and Throat doctor speaks English like a Native American.
I inquired as to where she studied English to be able to speak it so well (or where she lived).
She has only lived in Costa Rica. She has NEVER formally studied English. Seriously, she is the best English Speaker I have met here - and that is saying a lot!
So here's the deal: when she was 8 years old she LOVED, LOVED, LOVED to watch television. Well, her dad didn't really like this. So, he made a deal with her, hoping to dissuade her. She could watch as much television as she wanted, without limits, but it HAD to be in English! So...she watched, and watched and watched. And now she SPEAKS!!!!
She learned her perfect English only from watching television - no books, no conversations with gringos, just television. How weird is that?
I have wondered if my kids will learn Spanish from watching Discovery Kids shows in Spanish and have had my doubts. But honestly, I think when we are homeschooling again, I am going to permit a half an hour to an hour of day of fun, Spanish kids shows to help them along in their speaking.
So I'm not an advocate of the television, but if you want to become fluent in another language - turn it on!!! :)
I inquired as to where she studied English to be able to speak it so well (or where she lived).
She has only lived in Costa Rica. She has NEVER formally studied English. Seriously, she is the best English Speaker I have met here - and that is saying a lot!
So here's the deal: when she was 8 years old she LOVED, LOVED, LOVED to watch television. Well, her dad didn't really like this. So, he made a deal with her, hoping to dissuade her. She could watch as much television as she wanted, without limits, but it HAD to be in English! So...she watched, and watched and watched. And now she SPEAKS!!!!
She learned her perfect English only from watching television - no books, no conversations with gringos, just television. How weird is that?
I have wondered if my kids will learn Spanish from watching Discovery Kids shows in Spanish and have had my doubts. But honestly, I think when we are homeschooling again, I am going to permit a half an hour to an hour of day of fun, Spanish kids shows to help them along in their speaking.
So I'm not an advocate of the television, but if you want to become fluent in another language - turn it on!!! :)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
I'm back...and always more prayer needs
John didn't want me to interrupt his presensation/homeschool thoughts so I haven't been posting. By the way, his thoughts are simply that - his thoughts and his convictions; things he believes are right for OUR family. They are not intended to make you feel that we have problems if you have or do send your kids to school. These are thoughts he has regarding the vision God has given The Phams.
Please pray:
Parker was very ill yesterday with the vomits. After 20 times in a like 5 hours the doctor recommended we take him to the ER for some special meds. He is not vomitting anymore, but has felt nauseous all day. There are 3 of us left that have not had this virus. It seems to have a 5-7 day incubating period.
Jaxson's tonsils are coming out Saturday, May 30th at 7 a.m.
Avery is undergoing tests to see if she needs tubes in her ears or if her tonsils need to come out too. I will know in 3 weeks, but if you can imagine, her tonsils look worse than Jaxson's. She has had multiple throat and ear infections.
I had my WORST bible study experience yet today. It has been a struggle for various reasons since the beginning, but it has been more and more difficult each week due to certain elements of which I have no control. I talked with the leadership at the house of restoration and if things do not change, I will not be teaching there anymore. We are going to make some changes next week and we will see how it goes. I have felt the Lord say that I "can" be released from this responsibility, but that isn't really what my heart wants. Please pray things will change. I can't really go into detail on the internet. The leadership was "super helpful and kind" in understanding my concerns and problems. Please pray for my cultural adjustment as well.
Well, I have missed blogging. If you are interested, I can write about how God called me to homeschooling. It's kind of interesting b/c I use to be adamantly against it. :)
Please pray:
Parker was very ill yesterday with the vomits. After 20 times in a like 5 hours the doctor recommended we take him to the ER for some special meds. He is not vomitting anymore, but has felt nauseous all day. There are 3 of us left that have not had this virus. It seems to have a 5-7 day incubating period.
Jaxson's tonsils are coming out Saturday, May 30th at 7 a.m.
Avery is undergoing tests to see if she needs tubes in her ears or if her tonsils need to come out too. I will know in 3 weeks, but if you can imagine, her tonsils look worse than Jaxson's. She has had multiple throat and ear infections.
I had my WORST bible study experience yet today. It has been a struggle for various reasons since the beginning, but it has been more and more difficult each week due to certain elements of which I have no control. I talked with the leadership at the house of restoration and if things do not change, I will not be teaching there anymore. We are going to make some changes next week and we will see how it goes. I have felt the Lord say that I "can" be released from this responsibility, but that isn't really what my heart wants. Please pray things will change. I can't really go into detail on the internet. The leadership was "super helpful and kind" in understanding my concerns and problems. Please pray for my cultural adjustment as well.
Well, I have missed blogging. If you are interested, I can write about how God called me to homeschooling. It's kind of interesting b/c I use to be adamantly against it. :)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Books you can't live without!
I want to place an order of books on Amazon of "Must" have books for life in Peru. Please send me a list of 3-5 books that you CANNOT live without - that have changed your life and that you are constantly referring too.
They can be Bible studies, parenting, marriage, fitness/exercise or Christian self-help books. I don't care what time period they were written in (meaning I even like late 1800 books). So let me know what books were eye-opening and life-changing to you and that you think I MUST have. I'd like to order soon! Thanks for your help. I will take your suggestions VERY seriously and will let you know what I order.
Already on my list are:
Created to be His Help Meet!
The Abs Diet
They can be Bible studies, parenting, marriage, fitness/exercise or Christian self-help books. I don't care what time period they were written in (meaning I even like late 1800 books). So let me know what books were eye-opening and life-changing to you and that you think I MUST have. I'd like to order soon! Thanks for your help. I will take your suggestions VERY seriously and will let you know what I order.
Already on my list are:
Created to be His Help Meet!
The Abs Diet
Friday, May 16, 2008
A new blog?????
You may remember that one of my greatest passions after Jesus and my family is exercising/fitness/health!
I am thinking of starting a fitness related blog with ideas, motivational tips, exercises, training tips, how to get fit and stay fit, exercises for normal people, what works and doesn't work, thoughts about food, recipes and any and everything related to this passion of mine. I think it will help me to stay motivated with exercising and eating well and I want to spur others on as well.
Please let me know if you are interested and would read it or participate! If I get enough positive feedback, I would love to start it. If not, I am going to just keep my passion to myself. :) I hope that's not the case.
I am thinking of starting a fitness related blog with ideas, motivational tips, exercises, training tips, how to get fit and stay fit, exercises for normal people, what works and doesn't work, thoughts about food, recipes and any and everything related to this passion of mine. I think it will help me to stay motivated with exercising and eating well and I want to spur others on as well.
Please let me know if you are interested and would read it or participate! If I get enough positive feedback, I would love to start it. If not, I am going to just keep my passion to myself. :) I hope that's not the case.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
