Surgery

It is amazing to me that it has been 16 years ago that I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It has been slow in moving, and able to be treated with medication. However, this past 6 – 9 months or so have been quite different. My gait and balance have been getting worse. It had gotten to the point that 2 months ago I bought a cane and a walker. There were days when I was not able to walk. Often at night I would be on my hands and knees to get from the bed to the bathroom. One unique thing is that oftentimes I could walk backwards, but not forwards!

In January, my neurologist suggested deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. It is surgery of the brain without any general anesthetic! This is a requirement in order to determine where exactly the correct spot in the brain is to connect with. I have some links to the procedure, if you so inclined.

http://www.nwhospital.org/services/neuro_video.asp

http://www.pbs.org/kcet/wiredscience/video/255-deep_brain_stimulation.html

The surgery is done in two stages; first they put the electrodes into the brain, and 2 weeks later they put the electronics under the skins, much like a pacemaker. I finally got the dates for my surgery today; the first procedure will be Sept 9th, and the follow-up surgery on Sept 23rd. This will be done in Charleston, SC at MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina) University
Hospital.

Normally, by this time I would have sent out my support letter for my mission trip to Kenya. However, with this surgery pending (since January), I could not schedule that trip without knowing when the surgery would be. Also, I don’t think that I could have made the trip from a health perspective. It would have required a lot of walking, and doing a lot of construction. Thanks so much for your support, financially and in prayer for the past several years. I hope that you will pray for me as we get ready to do the procedure, and for the surgeon and his team, and for healing afterwards.

Simba was a great help again this year!!

Computer Desks -- Completed

Back Home Again!

How do I tell you about my trip to Kenya? I should have sent this out earlier, but these past two weeks have been very eventful.

First, let me tell you about Larry Rupp (the one with whom I made this trip). He had gotten an infection in his hip during this trip. It went from being painful to making Larry unable to walk or move within just a few days. Providentially, there were two doctors on the team from Virginia that were at the home as well. They both convinced Larry that he needed to get home as soon as possible, with me accompanying him. We were scheduled to return home May 28th, but instead we came home on the 21st. Larry was immediately taken to the emergency room at Presbyterian Hospital. They ran numerous tests and scans; they operated on the hip where the infection had “settled in” (he had both hips replaced in 2003) The surgery was quite successful, however, it required additional recovery time. They are treating Larry with antibiotics; this weekend he has been able to walk with a walker for short distances. The current issue is that his liver has been compromised. His blood is very thin. He is also very bloated; not just his legs or feet, but his entire body. He is making progress, but it has been slow. As of Sunday, June 3rd, Larry is still in the hospital.

Now, on the brighter side of the trip, although my time there was shortened by a week, we were able to make the desks for the computer room (only the 3rd coat of varnish remained to be done when I left). This is a room inside of a 30-foot diameter circular building (with the computer desks cut to follow the outside wall curvature.

I especially want to thank you for praying for me during my time there and while traveling. I would encourage you to remember the 80 children currently residing along with the local staff at the children’s home (www.kajiadochildrenshome.com ) In particular, please pray:

· for Larry’s continued recovery, that it be a quick and complete healing,
o it is expected that Larry will be in the hospital through this week yet
o that he gets some relief from pain (and the continuing hiccups)
· giving thanks to God for all the details with changing the flights
o the penalty charges for changing the return ($200) were not charged
o the care provided at each airport (Nairobi, Amsterdam, Detroit),
o wheelchairs provided, along with airport personnel to get us through the maze of security and check-in
· that Linda (his wife) would be able to get the sleep she needs
· for wisdom among the doctors attending to Larry’s recovery,
· praising God that I was able to assist with the needs of this children’s home again

Thank you! It is because of your support that I am able to use my gifts in ministry, serving a Risen Lord. May He richly bless you

Prayer Requests

Would you consider being a part of this ministry with me by supporting me in prayer? Please pray:

• that in all I do, God will be glorified
• pray for my safety and health—while traveling, at the orphanage, and during construction
• pray that God would direct all the preparation and planning required
• pray that Larry and Linda’s vision to add additional space for more homeless children will become a reality
• that hearts will be touched and lives changed for those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior
• for Peg while I am gone; her mother (in Wisconsin) has been in and out of the hospital this past week
• for traveling safety for Matthew; he is moving to LA Friday, May 4th.

Top: The new Administration building. Btm: The in-ground water tank that the Admin Bldg sits on.

The water tower was raised when the dorm went to two stories

ALL of the wood had to be hand planed.

This is Donald, aka Simba.


This is Joseph.

Getting ready for evening chapel

Some of the completed dining tables

Just a few of the tables and benches that were made