update on Kim

 

In addition to Sharon’s update below about surgery, please be in prayer for Kim as she celebrates her 20th birthday also next week on the 27th.  Thank you!

 

June 18, 2015 - Second Eye Surgery

Posted 6 hours ago

Kim's next eye surgery is scheduled for June 25. Surgery will be on her right eye only. The first eye surgery helped to bring both eyes into better alignment, but she has continued to tilt her head back to bring her right eye into alignment with the left. Her right eye doesn't drift up as far it did before the first surgery, but her eye surgeon feels she can tighten the muscles some more which should prevent Kim from having to tilt her head back to focus better. The surgery should also help with the double vision she still has. It is currently being controlled by diagonally cut strips of tape on her glasses. Dr. Bradfield is hopeful this surgery will eliminate the need for the tape.

I was concerned about a second eye surgery only 6 months after the first one, but since this isn't considered "invasive" surgery, it is safe to have the surgery so close to the first. This will be out-patient surgery just as the first surgery was, and with the same restrictions of no outside activity for 1 week and no strenuous activity for 2-3 weeks.

Yesterday, Kim had her Learning Rx evaluation to assess her ability to return to school. She wasn't surprised, but was quite disappointed to learn she tested in the 9th percentile for memory recall. To be successful in school, she needs to be at a minimum of 50%, and 80% is more ideal. She had good reading skills other than she reads much slower than she used to and it's hard for her to concentrate for very long. This company has had very good results with the brain injury clients they have worked with. They feel they can help Kim get the skills back that she needs for a successful return to school. The recommendation is for approximately 100 hours of training, 2 or 3 times a week with additional training done at home.

As the temperatures have been rising, we have noticed that the heat/humidity seem to bother Kim. On warm, humid days she complains of being dizzy and light-headed and tires easily if she is outside very long. She has learned to manage this by drinking lots of water and limiting her time outdoors on hot days. The ability to regulate body temperature is a result of her traumatic brain injury. The UW Hospital doctors told us brain injuries heal better in cool temperatures than in warm. Last year, when we visited Kim at Clearview Brain Injury Center, we would need to wear sweatshirts to keep from shivering. CBIC kept the facility cool for a reason.

Kim enjoys her time working with children at our public library, helping with child care at a church, riding horses for therapy, volunteering at the animal shelter, and spending time with a dear friend painting ceramics and yard art. She is more aware of her limitations and has concerns for what her future holds. She does have times of sadness when she considers that friends and siblings are able to move on with life normally and, in her mind, she isn't. Most of the time Kim has a cheerful attitude and outlook on her life. We use the sad times to remind her of where she started from and how far she has come. God spared her life for a reason - we are thankful for the gift of every day no matter what the challenges are.

Destination 2015: France

 

Time Converter

We have two kiddos traveling with our church’s youth group.  This was the year for an overseas trip for the high schoolers.  Eight teens and six chaperones left Iowa on Saturday, June 6 by van for a Sunday afternoon flight out of Chicago.  That became an adventure when a flat tire stop was lengthened by a dead battery.  Sometime after midnight they arrived at their hotel.  And that is why they left on Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday morning – Wisdom achieved by previous experience with transportation issues!

There was yet another delay with departure from Chicago which made Monday a longer day for the teens as their first tour had to be rescheduled for the afternoon.  They arrived in Paris about 8:30am I think.  They also found one of their rented vans had a smaller engine that wouldn’t allow them to travel at normal highway speed.  So after some touring along the way, they arrived at their evening destination about 10:30pm.  (Information shared by the hosting missionaries’ daughter – thank you, Michelle!)

After a few days Tim did get a brief text from our Cowgirl reporting safe arrival and that the Cattleman had a sore throat.  Oh dear.  He must have recovered quickly (looks alive in above photo from Pastor B anyway – front row center).

The following is the first email update from Pastor B we received on Saturday {which also happened to be the Cowgirl’s 17th birthday – looking forward to seeing pictures from her little party!}

Greetings from Corsica!

The team arrived last night at the Barnes. We have a had a good trip traveling through the main land of France and crossing the Mediterranean sea via ferry yesterday. Our days have been long, full of traveling, eating, site seeing, and learning about France, the Reformation & the Huguenots, and missions. It has been a fast-paced adventure. Thankfully we have not had any sickness or major injuries (a few scratches and bumps). We have been traveling in two 9 passenger vans that have work well (with a few glitches here and there). For the most part, we are following the itinerary Andrew provided for us. Today is a rest day.

Continue to pray for safety and good health. Pray for evangelism as we will be evangelizing in various cities through singing and preaching. Pray for Wanda as her sciatic nerve is causing a lot of discomfort. Attitudes and spirits have been great even though we are tired out. Pray for continued team unity.

…

Thank you for your prayers.

Pastor Doug

 

And the second received on Monday:

Corsican Trip Followers and Prayers,

We went to a church in Ajaccio yesterday. We had very nice service. The teens sang, Andrew preached, the teens sang again, the Augsburgers sang. We had a 4-4.5 hour fellowship afterwards with several courses. It was great to interact with the French people, the fellowship was sweet.  Today we are trying to go to Bastia and see the Barnes old church cite and hopefully get into the public schools to use English with the students. Pray for that to happen!

Everyone is doing great (as far as I know).

Pastor Doug

 

Today’s update:

Corsica Trip Followers:

Yesterday and today we were able to meet in the French school and meet with English classes. The students were from 5th grade to 7th grade. Yesterday we went to Bastia and saw the meeting place the Barnes have chosen to start meetings in the fall. We had a prayer meeting outside the doors. We then went to their old meeting place and toured the city some. It is a beautiful harbor with shops, ice cream shops, and cafes. We went further north to an old light house for a picnic supper. While walking to the point, Mr. Barnes helped an older woman with groceries; she then invited our entire group in for a drink; we enjoyed a refreshing drink of flavored water on her porch overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We sang songs and Mr. Barnes was able to share some words of grace.

Today we spent two hours at the school and then after lunch took a drive up the mountain to a cascade (a waterfall). The sites were spectacular.

Please pray for Emily; she went to the doctor today to get some meds for strep.  She has been taking meds all trip, but it has reoccurred. She is actually feeling OK, just a bad sore/swollen throat. Pray for more opportunities to share the gospel through song and preaching. Pray for continued safety and that the vehicles work well. We need to install a water heater for the Barnes so pray that we can make all the French connections.  ;) 

Thanks,

Pastor Doug

One Year Update on Kim!

 

Such grace we have seen in the past year as God not only preserved Kim’s life but has enabled so much more in her time of recovery!

This is Sharon’s current update on Kim – prayers for healing are still needed with eye surgeries coming up in 2015!  Thank you!

 

November 19, 2014 - 1 Year

Posted 23 hours ago

One year ago today, in a split-second, our lives changed. As we think back over this year, we would not want to re-live it, but we also have so very much for which to be thankful. Most importantly is that our precious Kim is even with us. We will hug her tightly at 3:15 pm, the time of her accident.

There are still ongoing health/recovery issues that will take years to resolve, or that Kim may not ever recover from. But her doctors and therapists continue to be amazed at her recovery considering the severity of her injuries.

The most pressing health issue now is her eyes. At yesterday's eye appointment, we learned she will probably need 2 surgeries. The first will be in January and will help both eyes track together. She has the best vision in her left eye, but the lid doesn't open all the way and she has very limited up/down movement. She strains her left eye to work better which is causing her right eye to drift up farther than it should. The surgery will be on both eyes to help them track together better. the surgery will be on 2 muscles in each eye - left to help up/down movement, and right to limit how far that eye moves. Recovery time is 2 weeks of no activity, then approximately 3 months for complete healing. Because her eyes are so far out of alignment, the doctor couldn't give a surgery success rate estimate. She usually has 85% success with this surgery, but said she expects Kim's outcome to be less. The second surgery would be to help the ptosis of her left eyelid and wouldn't be scheduled until after she heals from the first surgery.

Earlier this month, at the recommendation if her occupational therapist, I took Kim to an eye therapist. This doctor said the surgery was necessary, but also gave us some eye exercises that should help the surgery outcome be more successful. Thankfully, these we do at home so there isn't another appointment to fit into the schedule. She also thinks some of Kim's left eye issues are due to scar tissue from the orbital bone/facial reconstruction surgery she had last December. She is hopeful that the exercises will help that scar tissue heal.

Another positive note is that at Kim's last rehab doctor appointment, we were told that at the next appointment in March, Kim could start being weaned off one of the narcotic medications she is on. It will be a very slow process and could take up to a year before being completely off of it. Decreasing these medications too quickly can cause serious side effects. She will have to be monitored closely to see how she reacts. These strong medications have been a concern since she started them, so I'm thankful we can at least start thinking about decreasing them.

Kim has a very busy schedule. Monday morning she helps the children's librarian with the Pre-school Story Hour at our local library. In the afternoon, she and her Uncle Denny volunteer at the Watertown animal shelter for several hours. This shelter is extremely busy - over 100 cats! The staff there have her doing everything from laundry to giving medications. Tuesday is appointment day - speech and occupational therapy and any other appointments scheduled. Wednesday, Kim helps at a church nursery for several hours during a Bible study for moms.
Thursday, she goes back to the library and does prep work for next week's story hour craft, or does whatever the librarians ask of her such as straighten book shelves or "read" the shelves to see that books aren't out of place. Friday, is horse therapy day. Though Kim still enjoys her time with animals, the highlight of her week is now the time she spends with children.

Her love of children (and people of all ages) has been one of the outcomes of her personality change. She has decided she no longer wants to be a vet technician, though she still loves animals, but would like to give her life to working with children. Many parents have told her she has a gift of working with children and should go into that field of work.

Kim still has consequences from the traumatic brain injury that she and we deal with daily. Occasionally, I reread through the brain injury information to be reminded of the areas of Kim's brain that were injured and what those areas control. She still has some age-inappropriate mannerisms and conversations, doesn't react well to some news items and can be very opinionated about it, and doesn't always understand someones "personal space". If I didn't keep coaxing/pushing her to do her exercises, read, and work on a school course I've started her on, she wouldn't do them. She also needs reminders to take her medications and keep her planner up to date. It's hard to get much of an answer from her doctors as to how long she will deal with these issues or if they will eventually end. All brain injuries are unique and heal in different ways and to varying extents.

We have many things to be thankful for at this one year mark:
* The myriads of doctors who have worked with Kim. The knowledge and expertise that God has given them has been used to bring Kim this far in her recovery.
* Kim's appetite is better! No more tears and "I'm stuffed" after 1 or 2 teaspoons of food.
* Family, friends, neighbors, and even CarePage visitors we have never met who have reached out to us this past year. Your prayers, help, and words of encouragement are priceless.
* Kim's upbeat attitude - she could be "bitter" because of her accident, but she has chosen to be "better". Early in her recovery this wasn't true, so we are thankful that she now has a positive attitude.
* And mostly to God - every day with Kim is a gift. God gave us the gift of Kim - twice. And we are so very thankful.

Psalm 145:2,3 - Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.

update on Kim

This month's update on Tim's niece:

 

June 4, 2014

Posted 20 hours ago

On June [May?] 19, Kim saw Dr. Snow, her psychiatrist who had overseen her care while she was at Meriter Hospital. It was a very encouraging appointment for me. She will be Kim's overseeing doctor when Kim leaves Clearview. She hadn't seen her since leaving Meriter in January and was pleased with Kim's progress, but was surprised that she still had her g-tube in place since it is not being used. If Dr. Snow had the authority to make the decision, she would have had it removed.
Every doctor seems to have a differing opinion about how permanent Kim's personality change is. Many say personality changes caused by traumatic brain injuries are permanent. Dr. Snow was fairly encouraging that Kim may return to her pre-accident personality as she has come far in her recovery already. Dr. Snow was quick to add that it could take years. Some of the personality changes are better than others - she has a boldness that she did not have in the past. This is a good thing when she is sharing how God has helped her through her brain trauma, but not so good if she hears about anything that is hurtful to animals, including hunting. She has no problem speaking her mind when she feels animals are not being treated right, and we have had to redirect her to keep her from angrily voicing that opinion. Another personality change area is with some of Kim's age-inappropriate mannerisms or responses. She isn't as impulsive as she had been, but we and her therapists continue to work on proper actions and responses. She has to re-learn to think through actions and their consequences before doing them.
I was also encouraged by Dr. Snow's willingness to work with Kim to get her off some of the anxiety/depression medications. It can't be done quickly, but I'm thankful she is open to my concerns of the effects of these medications.
Kim finished reading her first novel this week. It was a goal Dr. Baskaya challenged her with back in March, so it has taken several months compared to only days she would have finished it in before her accident. But, it is a goal accomplished. One step makes the next one easier.
Kim's appetite has gotten better as she has been asking for additional helpings at some meals and it doesn't take her an hour to eat a meal. She still doesn't seem to be able to keep the weight on though, and that has been discouraging to her and all of us.
Kim had a special time with her brother Scott being home from Florida for a few days. He was good therapy for her - lots of laughing and spending time with her. The last time he saw her, she was still at Meriter and had her jaw wired shut so he saw a lot of progress. Those of us who see her daily or weekly don't see the progress until we think back to where she was several months ago.
Next week I have another progress report meeting at Clearview and will get their estimate of time to discharge.
We are thankful for all those who continue to pray for Kim's progress.

Friday updates :-)

 

First, more good news from Sharon on Kim…

January 31, 2014

Posted 1 hour ago

Dr. Baskaya's words yesterday: "Kim, you are a miracle. I saw you when you first came to the hospital and know how severely your brain was injured. You should have died in the accident. You should have died before I could do your surgery. You should not be walking yet. You should not be able to see." Kim's answer: "If I'm doing so good, why can't I be home?" Then he gave her a motivational speech: "Don't give up now when you have come so far. You need to be at Clearview so you progress farther and faster than you would at home. When I see you in 2 months, I will see even more healing results."

At her appointment, a "drain test" was done. I and the staff at Clearview have been concerned with the amount of tissues she goes through because she is constantly wiping her nose. This could be a sign that she is leaking CSF (brain fluid). Dr. Baskaya did a simple test. Kim held her head down for 5 minutes. No drainage showed that fluid was not leaking and the brain surgery was successful. We were very happy with that diagnosis!

I was hoping Dr. Baskaya would be able to start taking Kim off the anti-seizure medication she is on as it has side effects that she continues to struggle with - depression and lack of appetite. But, due to the severity of her brain injuries, she has to stay on the medication for another 2 months. At her next appointment with him, she will have a brain scan and EEG to see if she is past the danger of seizures. Then he will gradually wean her off that medication.

She is eating better than she was but is still losing weight. At yesterday's appointment she was under 98 pounds. The tube feedings may have to start again if we can't get more calories in her. Her taste is starting to return and the ever-present threat of tube feedings will hopefully be enough to get her to eat more. She will be coming home for the weekend again, so I will make all her favorites and add all the fattening calories I can.

We give all glory to God for what He has done in Kim's life. We have no doubt God has something special planned for her.

 

2.   No pizza tonight due to circumstances beyond my control… and compliance with my husband’s leadership :-)

 

3.  One of my current projects…

A new cookbook for our kitchen.  Which also had room for our collection of “international” dishes --  since the youth group meal is usually in January, that works for me instead of spread out in every other cookbook binder.

I’m also working on a book for my standard bridal shower gift.  Which is usually just a reprint of ones I’ve been doing for the past ten?! years or more.  Well, this week I’ve decided a cookbook called Family Favorites should really contain our *current* favorites instead of what I chose oh-so-many years ago plus all sorts of additions.  The shower is in two weeks, so I must keep this on my Priority List!  Wouldn’t want to cause a world crisis.  {eyes roll}

 

4.  But since I’m not cooking supper today, I shall make a test batch of these miniature cinnamon rolls – which are on the menu for yet another bridal shower in just four weeks!

Can I get a “YUM!”?  “Cinnabon clone” recipe linked HERE.

updates on Kim

 

Thank you for praying with us for Kim and her family…

 

Day 44, January 2, 2014

Posted 25 minutes ago

Kim's jaw wiring is now off. It was an absolutely excruciatingly painful procedure. She was told it was a bed-side procedure and would be just like getting braces off her teeth. When the jaw-wiring was done on December 4, the screws that hold the wires together were inserted into the bone structure above and below her teeth. 8 to 10 screws were used. Some of these screws and even the wire were now grown over and completely covered by gum tissue. The screws that were visible didn't cause too much pain. After half an hour of working at the screws, we convinced the doctor to use something to numb her mouth, but it still took 2 of us to hold her down while he probed for the screws. He eventually had to cut some of the tissue to get at the screws and wire. Afterward he said he has never seen a situation where the tissue had grown over so many of the screws.

She is being monitored for pneumonia once again. A chest x-ray and mucous culture were taken - results won't come back for several days.

She has also lost about 10 pounds - she was pretty petite before the accident, so she doesn't have spare pounds to lose.

A heart-wrenching day as a parent. We are reminded she will continue to take some steps backwards as she moves forward.

----------------

6 Weeks, January 1, 2014

Posted 2 days ago

Therapy sessions are progressing, though she has a break for today.

Occupational therapy has worked on having Kim do her own laundry - using the washer and dryer, then folding and putting away her clothes. She is very happy that she can now wear her own clothes!

Physical therapy continues work on her walking, balance, and strength. She has especially enjoyed the visits from the 2 therapy dogs who have visited her - "Zombie" and "Samantha".

Speech therapy works on concentration and memory - generally using games. Her long-term memory is much better than her short-term memory. She wanted to write a story and remembered to use quotation marks around a quote. Her attention span is quite short so her "story" had only 2 or 3 sentences. One of her rehab doctors explained that short-term memory takes much longer than long-term memory to "wake up" after brain trauma.

Doctors are trying a different approach to her agitation and pain. It seems to be helping as she isn't crying as much. We are also trying to distract and re-direct her when she fixates on one thing - more walking seems to help some.

Insurance approved a visit from an opthalmologist - she was assessed on Monday. The doctor did not see any blood clots in either eye. Kim could see some letters on an eye chart - each eye separately. The left eye continues to not open, and when manually opened, does not move to commands. This is due to damage to the nerve that controls up, down, left & right movements, pupil dilation, and lid opening. She has some eye damage that may require surgery, though there is nothing that can be addressed at this time. Eye and nerve injuries take a long time to heal.

Plans are to take off the jaw wiring on Thursday (1/2)- a big step in her recovery. This is a bed-side procedure. An Ear/Nose/Throat doctor from UW hospitals will come to Meriter to do the procedure. Her trach can be removed when she can tolerate it being capped for 3 days.

Thank you for all your prayers for Kim.

Update on Kim :-)

 

 

Day 21, December 10, 2013

Posted 8 hours ago

PROGRESS!!!

Physical therapy worked with Kim this morning and she did very well. With support, she was able to sit on the edge of the bed for a short period of time. She was able to hand a stuffed toy or ball to the therapist when asked. Her special uncle, who has put everything aside to be with her every day, was able to participate in the therapy. She made him very happy when she threw her therapy ball to him - many times. Randy and I also were able to be a part of this progress this afternoon when she threw her ball to each of us several times.

When she is more alert because the heavy pain medications are wearing off, she seems to want to communicate with us and her nurses. Because her jaw is wired shut, she can't speak to us. We try to ask yes/no questions and have her point to yes/no on the word card she has. Her uncle tried having her write what she wanted on a white board. She could hold the marker and did "write" something, but I could not decipher anything. For now, it's mainly a guessing game to figure out what she wants, but the fact that she is trying is progress.

The ophthalmologist took out the suture in her left eye. The swelling has come down a lot. She will be given ointments and antibiotics to help with the healing. There was some reaction to light in her left eye, but it is too early to determine its condition. Her right eye still is continuously dilated, but she has at least some vision in it.

Over all, a very positive day! It's been three weeks since the accident-she has come a long way. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for what you are doing for our precious Kim!

please help the Lockwoods minister this Christmas ~

It's time to gather some treasures that might delight a child in Mexico...

You can read details at the Lockwoods' blog.  
They have an American address for shipping this year!

~ Feliz Navidad ~

the favorite little sister

 

…is under the weather today  :-(

Those blue eyes are glassy and sad.  Our Popper has had a fever for at least 24 hours.  And the latest reading this evening was over 104F.  Worries my mama-heart.

She stayed home from church with me last night after telling me how cruddy her throat was {altho it’s still not sore!}  She slept most of the time.  And still went to bed early – and except for a brief cry for help at 1:30am, slept and slept.  I got her up for a tiny bit of breakfast {finally took her temp} and attendance at their video Bible class.  Then she slept away the rest of the morning!  This afternoon she was able to do a little more schoolwork while camped out on the couch.

Yes, I have our arsenal of home remedies engaged.  Gypsy Cold Care tea, homemade elderberry syrup, oregano oil, cranberry concentrate, vitamin C, and thieves essential oil.  Fresh ginger to suck on when her stomach hurts.  And today she’s had two mini-doses of Tylenol {I don’t think I’ve ever given our kids more than a teaspoon at a time – tho’ that is the recommended dose for a two-year-old}  I just want to take the edge off the fever, not undermine its purpose in fighting and killing off whatever nasty bug is currently plaguing our sweet Popper.

Her fever is back down below 102F now, so she should be able to go to sleep.  With the diffuser blowing a variety of oils.  And  the violins lullabying.

Good night ~ Sweet dreams

remembering 9-11

 

 

Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”

The best way to remember those who are lost is to do what you can to bring God back into our country.

I challenge you today to take some time to remember. Remember what made America great was that she was founded upon Christian principles. Those Christian principles will only become part of America again if individuals make those principles an every day part of their lives. It is up to us as individuals. If you are going to truly remember those who lost their lives twelve years ago, then you must make God the LORD of your life again!

~ Allen Domelle

Boston

 

Five of our kiddos are on their way to Boston, traveling with our church’s youth group to assist and learn about a ministry there led by Bill & Deb Edmondson.  (Please click the link if you would like to read more about their efforts to share the gospel around the world by reaching international students in the Boston metro.)  When Mr. E. was here in Iowa this spring, he told us about online Bible studies he’s having with folks on the other side of the world via skype… b/c they are family members of people the Edmondsons met in Boston!  Isn’t that great?!

 

The group also plans to stay in Boston for the Fourth… should be memorable!

 

(photo by Bill Brett)

good news!

I've posted about Taylor before and just mentioned her on my prayer list this week...  Here's what her mom posted on facebook today:

Guess what my friends?! We went in to Taylors cancer clinic today to get her numbers checked and we were wrong in our guess of her tumor shrinkage. It hasnt shrunk 80%, its shrunk 89%!!!!! It went from the size of a grapefruit to the size of a small egg! We still have one more round of chemo before the surgery!!

praying for Taylor {today!}

 

One of Taylor’s 18mo photos taken the week before her check-up when discovered a problem… Late June I think. {time flies!}

 

Just your average happy family…

 

Then the verdict of cancer… Baby brother born premature in the midst, but all happy to be home together for a few days.

 

 

Please pray for Taylor today!  She is in Kansas City for stem cell harvest {scheduled right now} and Round Three of chemo begins Monday.

 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ…    1 Peter 1:3-7

 

You can read more at Julie’s blog ~ Thank you for praying!

daybook 8/1/2011

 

FOR TODAY  

Monday, August 1, 2011

 

Soon to be Tuesday, August 2… 

maybe we should call this a NIGHTbook?

 

  

 

Outside my window... 
 
it’s very dark
there are sure to be many, many flying insects
the cattle are probably sleeping ~ It’s past my bedtime too!

 
I am thinking…

about how soon it will be midnight, and Kate’s FREE photo book from Shutterfly will expire if she doesn’t move a bit faster…

 
I am thankful to God …
 

for air conditioning.  Oh yes!  And thankful He will provide the $$$ to pay for it.

for permission to apply for a Discover Card… that gave us 3600 swag bucks!  That will equal $40 from Amazon.  For Free.  I ♥ swag bucks!  (and I like ordering books from Amazon for free!  I suppose they sell chocolate too?)

I am praying for...
 
… Amber & her family ~ her dad passed away recently after his battle with cancer.  Makes me weep again just to think of her as I type. 
… Hiromi in Japan (near the Fukushima nuclear plant) lost her beloved boyfriend last week.  He died in his sleep.  Thankfully he is with his Savior.  Praying his family will see their own need of Jesus Christ.
… Angie's niece 1yo Kaylee had surgery last week, putting in a life line port and a dialysis port.  Yesterday’s report: she was not doing well.  Kidneys were still not functioning…
… same Angie’s aunt Bea has been moved to hospice.  So sad.  She had hip surgery last week followed by complications and went downhill very fast.
… Heather's mom is recovering well from surgery
… Ethan and his twin sister.  See Sara’s blog.  Such a sweet testimony of God’s goodness, and such a need for His provision of health.
… the K family ~ Mr. K passed away last week
… Mrs. Freyermuth's husband Virgil passed away  ~ So thankful for these two dear saints who began the Joy Club children's ministry many years ago.
… Angela & Jared and family ~ one of their newborn twins was called to heaven on July 2.  Such heartache, but God is faithful.  The family has known much of God’s grace amidst their tears.   Read more here.
… 6mo Ruby (friends of friends in Wisc) ~ suffered a very serious head injury in June. 
... the Rettigs and the church in Prague ~ on furlough for a few more weeks ~ It was a joy to be with them for a Sunday!  :-)
… the sale of my mother-in-law’s home ~ woot woot, someone looked at it recently!  Please let them have it, Lord!
… Grant S.
… people who live and work in Japan
… Cinnamon ~ her Army hubby is HOME from Afghanistan, her Marine son is IN Afghanistan!
… Amy W., a young wife/mom with cancer
… Sarita & Jeff need visas for their return to Israel
… folks in Joplin, MO, and along the Missouri River ~ so hard hit with tornadoes and flooding this year
… the A Family, on furlough from their field of ministry ~ such a blessing to see them again!
… Gina’s family ~ in their loss of Jason as he rescued his own children from drowning
… Lea’s dad ~ in the midst of a serious health crisis
… Kari’s dad ~ had triple by-pass surgery in June 
 
… Laura
 

… and especially marriages ~ meant to last a lifetime 

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ 

Lest you think that I spend all day on my knees in intercession, I’m telling you here that I don’t!  At some point I guess I’ve learned to pray “on the hoof” ~ so as God brings to mind any of these people during the day or night, I usually ask Him to provide their need… But I am not a Prayer Warrior.  Those are a special group of people that I am incredibly thankful for and in awe of their faithfulness! 

 
From the learning rooms...
 
I still need to finish with Ancient Rome, so we are ready to move on to the next era. 
Whittling, whittling away at the remains of last year… still.
Looking forward to a Civil War lesson in a couple weeks.  I’ll be the one sitting inside the van with the engine running the cool air…  : o

 

From the kitchen...

I had the oven on entirely too much today.  My poor air conditioner.  My poor husband when he gets the electric bill!
The Popper wanted to make bread for Vickie.  And I had a pile of chicken in the fridge that needed to be cooked.  Oh, and we were out of Cookie Mama Cookies!  And when I decided to bake them, it wasn’t even 80F outside.  That quickly changed of course.  But they are too entirely delicious! 
So, guess what?  Supper was roasted chicken (Can you say 10 pounds of hind quarters for $3.90?  You wouldn’t have said no either.)  And I have a bowl of cooked white meat for chicken salad or enchiladas or egg rolls (if I can ever remember to buy skins ~ and am willing to cook in hot oil). A little cooked bacon leftover from last night’s BLT’s.  And a few grilled marinated turkey tenderloins.  Tomorrow’s menu says Haystack.
And all the fruit I bought last Friday needs to be eaten…now! (okay, at breakfast in a few hours.)  Or it will have to go in a smoothie.

 
I am creating... 
 

a strong desire for a crisp fall day.  After the tomatoes ripen so we can make salsa!

 
I am going...
 
to bed soon.  I told my dd that we weren’t staying up until midnight.  Yeah, right.

 
I am reading... 
 
for a summer Sunday school class ~ Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
                                         
 

I recently started Bruchko by Bruce Olson

  

But I didn’t get very far.  Driver’s Ed is done.  No more sitting in the van for a couple hours every day.  They passed with flying colors by the skin of their teeth, by the way!  : )

And I got sidetracked with those Grandma’s Attic books  ;-)

We are almost done with the book of Acts.  And Proverbs is always a good read!

 

I am hoping...
 
we are not staying up this late only to miss out on her free photo book.  I should double check the time, but I’m not sure how since it’s not a code for everyone…

 
I am hearing...
 
the fridge, the air conditioner … still!  
 
 

Around the house...
 
lots of “opportunities” …still

most people are sleeping!

One of my favorite things... 

a good night’s sleep…

Do you sense a theme??

Pondering these words...

Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned.  ~ Peter Marshall (borrowed from Mrs. Santos ~ Thank you!)

A good plan today is better than a perfect plan tomorrow. ~ George Patton

I guess I’m still thinking on these, so there they are again!  : )

I would like to give you a great quote or ten from Mr. Stonestreet (Summit Ministries), but I don’t have anything written down.  He has some really interesting thoughts to share though!  So remind me if I forget to share…  Wish I could send you the CDs!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  

Today ~  We’ve been to the chiropractor for the Popper, Fareway to reclaim my lost bag of groceries (I guess I should have bought more brats to go with the replaced kraut?), and Wally world for chocolate and a few other items  : )

Wednesday ~ Back to the chiro… and then lots of shopping.  I can hardly wait [sarcasm]  Although I do have a bookstore on my list  : )

Friday-Saturday ~ Tax-free holiday, so I’ll be stocking up on jeans for my boys hopefully.  The Computer Geek’s birthday is Sunday.  15 years ago it was really hot, and I had nothing to offer my friends/midwife but room temp water...  I think I have a post already in the works ~ I’d better work on it some more, or it’ll post without me… Don’t hold your breath tho’!

OH yes, I’m cleaning, organizing, sewing, grinding that beef I’ve forgotten about in the freezer…. ha ha ha ha ha ha

Well, you get the picture…  and remember what time of day night it is here!  I’m a bit bleary in the brain. 

 

Here is a picture for thought...  

  

pizza ~ Brazilian style

  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ 

 

Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord,

that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:17

  ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

~ Find more Daybooks at Peggy's ~

Ack! ~ Shutterfly does run on Pacific Time.  It’s only 10:30pm there…  So Kate is reviewing her book and editing a bit more……

……………….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……………….

But it’s definitely Tuesday in Iowa.  I’m ready to expire.

-----------------------------------

Tuesday morning [as in DAYLIGHT] edit... I went to bed and remembered Rachel ~ Please pray for her too, and follow her blog ~ Finding Joy.  The name says it well.  But she's in major pain right now with an aggravated shoulder injury or something ~ docs are still determining how to help her.

And I guess I should be praying earnestly for an end to this heat.  My hubby is plumb worn out!  He continues to work and work and work ...  And we plan to go to even-hotter So.MO for our little vaca??  Are we nuts?  Yep, espec when it comes to history.

prayer requests

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 
I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

John 14:1, 18, 27

Wow, I cannot believe how many people have such major trials in their lives right now.  I have a long list of prayer needs in my daybook, but please add these ~

• Hiromi in Japan (near the Fukushima nuclear plant) lost her beloved boyfriend just this week.  He died in his sleep I guess.  Thankfully he is with his Savior.
• Angie's niece 1yo Kaylee is having surgery this morning, putting in a life line port and a dialysis port.
• Heather's mom is having a mastectomy today. 
• Mrs. Freyermuth's husband Virgil passed away last Thursday ~ So thankful for these two dear saints who began the Joy Club children's ministry many years ago.

 My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.  I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.
 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.
 Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.
 I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.
 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.
 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart. 

Psalm 119:25-32

and GOOD NEWS from Prague too!

We also received news from the Rettigs (who are on furlough in the US this summer)...

Proverbs 25:25  As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

Spiritual birth and physical birth was the news we received from Prague.

Pavel has been preaching regularly in our Pribram services and does a tremendous job. He and his wife, Jana, and faithful Tomas go every week to minister to the small group there. Last week Pavel reports… “But the evening was not over yet....Jana spoke to the lady, Jana,  who was coming for studies and she was concerned about the salvation. We were just about to leave (it was 7:30 already) and she wanted to pray...So we went to study the Bible, to understand what is Salvation and what is the purpose for our salvation. We stayed together (2 more hours) with my wife and Zdenka and taught about sin, repentance, faith in HIM. She was clear on everything and ready so we prayed for salvation and I do believe she is really saved. First person with whom I prayed for salvation..I am so glad Zdenka was there as well. She was crying with joy after we finished and we sang songs...”
Praise the Lord for the second lady in Pribram to be saved and for faithful Zdenka, baptized in May, who is a “Lydia” in that city.


Congratulations to Monika and Roman Kratky on the birth of their son, Simon (She mon)  on June 23rd. Simon weighed in at 4kg, 51cm  (8 lbs. 13 oz. and 21 inches). We praise the Lord for another added blessing to the church in Prague.
Emilie

monkey tales from Brasil :-)

Coelho email still not working... but the phone must!  :-)

 

Hi everyone - just some tidbits "as the monkey swings through" (literally one was found outside Coelho's front door when they returned home today).  It was a full grown dust pan size monkey, and everyone had their picture taken with it.  The monkeys usually do not come through this area until August and then not very many are seen. 

 

Everyone now has a great tan and loved the sand dunes and the beach. Riding in a dune buggy along the beach was a big highlight of their overnight stay at Morro Branco.  On the way back to the sitio (Coelho's home and retreat center), they decided to make another trip to the beach outside Fortaleza for more souvenir hunting.  An exhausted group was ready to call it a day after that excursion.

 

Your youth and their sponsors will be leaving for the airport in Fortaleza around 12:30 p.m. Friday.  Hopefully they will be able to sleep on the long flight home.  Yes, home!!  What stories they will have to tell.  Can't wait to hear them, myself (Fran).

 

Shari and Valdez want to thank all of you immensely for allowing your young people to come visit them and their children and see first hand what mission work is like in Northeast Brazil.  Keep praying for fruit from the English immersion camp and for the Lord's working in the lives of your youth.

 

Thanks also for the youth bringing all Valdez's study books, the gifts and clothing sent from friends and family.

 

Glad to send this to all of you.  Fran 

 

update from Brasil ~ last few days

Latest from Brazil via Mrs. Coelho's mom...

Hi everyone - just to let you know that Shari called Jim and I last night after 10:30 and asked us to relay a message to each of you.  They have been having problems sending and receiving emails for a few days. 

Tuesday they took it easy.  Shari took 2 groups of teens to a local grocery store to purchase items for themselves and items for them to take home.   No fancy supermarket and quite an eye opener.

The teens went to a very small (60 students), extremely poor public school for a couple of hours.  There they taught some English to the students (K4 through 3rd grade), gave out wordless bracelets, gave the gospel message, and prayed with them.  This is a school that cannot afford to purchase a soccer ball nor do they have a playground (just a small patch of cement in the hot sun).  It is a typical government school. 

Lunch was at a Brazilian restaurant with lots of good Brazilian food.  Afterwards they went to the largest new modern shopping mall in Fortaleza. 

They walked out on the beach and watched the sun set (6 p.m. daily) from the boardwalk.   Such a georgeous sight!!

There will be no updates to you until they return from their overnight outing to Morro Branco
and the Dunes!!!!  Last great experience before returning to the States.

Thanks for letting us report to you.  Keep praying for God's working in their hearts, for health, safety, and witnessing opportunities.



And from Giselle (foreign exchange student back in the day and good friend of one of the other moms of our group) via facebook  (See, facebook IS good for something!)...

The place is so beautiful, the sunset, the time of the day.Then, after the sunset all the group went to step their feet on the water, it was so warm.I enjoyed watching them so happy playing, laughing, having fun by the water, by the the waves. It was really a very special and happy day for everybody. Jessica told me that they have a tight schedule.Today, Wednesday, they are going to a nearby beach called Morro Branco, to visit the colored hard sand cliffs. My family and I went there three weeks ago. It is such a beautiful place. The group will love it. Jessica told me that they will arrive home on Saturday, late at night. 

I think Monday was the day of rest and grocery shopping, and Tuesday was lunch in Fortaleza after visiting the school.  Tonight they will be in Morro Branco.  Friday night they fly back to the US (home late Saturday, Lord willing).

photo credit:  http://wanderlustfood.blogspot.com/2008/11/lunch-on-beach-morro-branco-brazil.html

Thank you for praying with us!  

As one of my children at home commented yesterday after counting the days until the older kids return...

"After a few days, you start to miss them!" 

update from Brasil June 19

And tonight's e-mail...

English Weekend Retreat is over, our Sunday night church service is over, and we are all looking forward to a relative day of peace and quiet tomorrow!  We will take a trip or two to the grocery store to buy food for the rest of the trip, however.  Some of the girls are interested in seeing a typical grocery store.

 

Our church service went great with three teens giving their testimony, everyone singing several songs in English and one in English and Portuguese (they did great!), and Pastor Saylor preaching with Pastor Valdez translating (he did great, too!).  We were served a beef broth soup--very delicious, and everyone stayed afterwards for over an hour trying to talk to each other in broken English, words in Portuguese, sign language, and lots of translation!  Even Johanna (8) was talking about how she had to go from group to group helping people talk to each other!  But it was a great night and the young people of both countries enjoyed themselves!

 Again, here's the link to some pics of the camp ~ Click here!

update from Brasil June 18

Here's what we received from Mrs. Coelho tonight  :-)

Hello, families of really brave teens!

 

Snakes, tarantulas, frogs, and bugs--these are just some of the wild things your teens encountered just today!!  The frog snake was found on the sink in the girls' bathroom--Mrs, Saylor tried valiantly to kill the thing with a broom or something (never was quite sure what it was)--but finally decided to get some help!!  :>)   Tarantulas were found this morning in the girls' dorm and in the boys' dorm on some other days!  It's been exciting--and, to be honest, we're soooo glad they are experiencing some of the things we experience on a day-to-day basis as missionaries here in Brazil!!

 

On to ministry experiences,  this has been an excellent day!  Your teens did a fine job in their English teaching classes--as each one had an opportunity to teach and present a part of the lesson.  I'm seeing them interacting so well with the Brazilian campers.  It takes a fair amount of patience and ingenuity to talk to strangers in your language in a way that they can understand!  I've been so proud of them. 

 

Tomorrow is our last camp day--we will have Sunday School and church service in our chapel in the morning with a bit of free time before lunch, and then free time until 2:00 pm when everyone goes home.  Then, a quick "rehearsal" for church Sunday night and most likely a fast nap!!!!!  Church starts at 7:00 pm our time.  I know our church people are quite anxious to have the American team with them tomorrow night.

 Chapel at the camp