June 26 - Business

Well today I leave to go back to Wallowa County for a few days. Its hard to leave, but sometimes business has to be taken care of and some of it I can't do from Walla Walla. He was here on his own for 2 weeks and did well, so I'm not absolutely necessary for his recovery :-) God is and that is enough.

He has been reading scripture to me each night. And we are starting to memorize a book of the bible. It will be very slow going, but every little bit makes a difference.

Going back into Wallowa County was hard last week. I love Wallowa County. I think its one of the most beautiful places in all the earth - and the family and friends we have there make it even more so. But....I cryed out saying "no!", this isn't where we are suppose to be Lord. We are suppose to be in PNG helping with Bible Translation - wasn't we doing what we were suppose to do? Then I go back and remember who God is. He knew the beginning, middle and end, and this too is not unknown to him. We can rest in that and that this IS where we are suppose to be. It isn't easy, But he is Abba, Father.

There is scripture in the beginning of II Corinthians which has struck Bobb and I this week - its all about you! ......We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed , in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

I don't begin to think that our experience is anything like what Paul was going through. So its taken a bit out of context, but this section is so true for us right now.

June 23 - millimeters to make a mile

Ok, so I have my measuring systems all mixed up but you get the idea. :-)

We have spent some very nice days together. As I keep saying Bobb is working hard. His language improves - in little bits and pieces. We are talking millimeters but we take all that we can get. Today he asked me "How is your headache?" Who would have thought that such a simple statement would have brought such jubilation :-) Most of the time we have to guess at what he is trying to say or try to figure out if he is stuck on a concept we discussed 5 minutes earlier and hasn't gotten his thinking to move on to the current conversation. It can be very frustrating and will continue to be so for some time I expect. Pray for both our patience and love for each other as we work together in his recovery process. Mine and Bobb both have to learn to slow down so he can process each thing that he has to do.

Bobb wants progress yesterday and we keep reminding him that its small muscles and small steps that work things up to bigger steps and walking on his own. Again - its our patience that must be developed :-)

We're in this for the long haul!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty......He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:1,4

Thats just where I want to be - cuddled under His wings and protected there. Some days more than others especially when things seem so overwhelming and we don't know the future - but in the end we were never meant to know the future - God knows and that is enough. Help me to remain in the shadow of the Almighty when I'm most frustrated and want everything yesterday.

June 20 2006 Amazing what sleep and reunion can do

Bobb and Lenise and I were reunited about 1:00 p.m. pacific time on 19 of June. After a better night sleep :-) It was wonderful and he was really glad to see us as we were him. God has been kind to him in the last 2 weeks. He has made great improvements, and many of the nurses comment on his progress especially about his communication skills. He is doing so much better. There are still lots of missing pieces and a lot of times things don't make sense, but he is finding more words each day and putting them together sometimes in sentences that make sense :-)

His physical improvements have moved right along too. He is standing, he has movement in his left leg and some in his upper arm and shoulder - the arm is further behind, and no finger movement (yet). And they are taking him down the hall with a walker - he doesn't have all the muscles needed in his hip and behind yet to move the leg completely, but its a start.

He will stay at Turning Point as long as he is making improvement. They anticipate 3-4 weeks, but probably more if he keeps improving. They worry that if he doesn't make enough improvement the insurance will quit paying for rehab. So we pray that he will be allowed to stay to get the maximum improvement he can get.

We talked about optimism and pessimism yesterday. He has always been an optimist and me the pessimist. He told me he is still optomistic :-) Occasionally he gets pessimistic, but he moves that out and remembers who God is :-)

I am staying at Herring House across from the hospital for this week. Its for cancer patients unless there is room and they had room for me. Its nice to be close - to stay with him into the evening. Its quite pleasant and the hospital encourages us just being family at the hospital. They also say they like Bobb (whats not to like:-)

I don't have a bible handy right now - but think of a song I heard yesterday - God brings beauty from ashes, ......strength from fear and peace from despair.
Let us hold fast to the Lord and Praise his HOLY name!

June 18 - U.S. time

Lenise and I have made it all the way to Wallowa County! After many hours of flying and having the plane hit by lightening between Cairns and Auckland. We spent a little time with Lance and Jennifer in Los Angeles and with the Karchers. The girls and Lance and Jen built a sandcastle on Seal Beach. A very "normal" vacation thing to do :-) LiChel has remained behind in LA to attend the Biola Re-entry. It will begin on June 25. I arrived home to find out I still have financial aid issues with the community college she hopes to attend. One of those things that Bobb always did. It NEVER ends!

But the best thing of all is we are reunited with Bobb tomorrow. Lenise will see Bobb for the first time since he was taken out of the house on a stretcher back in May. We will have a chance to talk to the therapists and Doctors. So many people have taken time out of their busy schedules to see him while we were unable to be here. There are no words to express the gratitude we feel.

I am very tired and emotional. I find I do not want to make another decision, but there just isn't anyone else to do it. I did not get any sleep last night because we had to leave to go to the airport at 4:30 in the morning. I am in much need of prayer - there are realities I have to face and right now I'm not quite up to the task. With the Lord's strength and your prayers I will get through. It will probably be over a week before I'm able to update what is going on unless I find access to the net. I will be staying in Walla Walla at the Herring house for most of the week.

The Joy of the Lord is my strength. (and all of you!)

LiChel - Graduation

LiChel was beautiful as always, with a ready smile and a laugh for everything. She has graduated from high school and moves on to the next step of her life. Again, I was so glad to be able to be here for her graduation yet so sad without Bobb here to enjoy it with. I broke down and cryed because of a letter her brother Lane wrote to her for her graduation telling her how much her dad would have loved to have been and that he loved her too.

The speaker spoke of moving in life and we will encounter the unexpected - yes we have had that - the unexpected and to hold on to the Lord. He will love you and hold you up and sustain you.

He sustains us through the unexpected through many of you - through your prayers, so much love. Some have said I'm doing well. Most of the time I feel like I am sinking and I don't deserve the love poured out to our family - yet that is how God works. He went to the cross for the undeserving, - me. With all His love He gives me strength each day. And for Bobb too. He has the hardest job and I'm sure feels some of our expectations of him and frustrations at not being where we might hope he would be. Yet he carries on also knowing of the love being poured out to him. We have never been some super spiritual powers, we have loved the Lord not as completely as we should have, but we have went forward every day knowing that there is no other place than to be in the arms of Jesus.

Pray for us as we leave Ukarumpa unsure if we will ever be back but with that hope that the Lord knows the future.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39

June 11 - LiChel's Grad Dinner

Last night was LiChel's Graduation dinner (a dinner for just the graduate and their parents). I was happy to be able to attend with her but it was hard also because Bobb couldn't be there. He always enjoyed the laughter and memories that go along with Graduation dinner. LiChel had fun, laughed a lot, and enjoyed her friends. That was all very good. She has been a wonderful gift to us and a daughter to make us proud. (even though we a lot of the times don't agree in this season of life :-)

I am almost done with the second course of continuing ed I have to do for my professional license. I have 3 chapters to go. Over half way there. The first course I have my score and my certificate - so I'm happy :-)

Being in Ukarumpa has had its joys and tears. A lot of tears - especially at night when the memories overwhelm me and I wish Bobb was here. Friday nights we used to watch a movie together while the girls were out doing other things and Saturday came and went without going down to the art room to work on ceramics (pottery). That was hard. Its been one of the things we have been so thankful for in our marriage is that we had that hobby together and that we had the privilege of teaching it here in Ukarumpa. In fact Bobb had been anticipating substituting teaching the class when I was to return with LiChel. God had other plans. There was nothing like a nice quiet Saturday when we fired the kiln, cleaned and put up tools, scraped clay off the floor, mixed glazes, he wedged and recycled clay and we threw something on the wheel or trimmed. It gave us both a outlet for stress and just let us PLAY :-) I can't imagine not doing it together again or ever teaching it again. I pray the Lord will give us that together again!

There are a lot of unknowns ahead and its so scary not to know the future - I mean we had made plans on what we wanted to do, but God has allowed this and where we thought we knew the future we no longer have a clue. Bobb is making progress every day, but where will it end? Only God knows and trust and faith is all we have. He promises not to give us more than we can handle, but there are days I'm not sure I'm up to the task :-) Guess He is as long as we stay close.

I asked Bobb yesterday if he liked where he was and he told me it is "very in-vig-or-a-ting" He is glad to be moving forward.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know tht the testing of your faith develops perseverance. perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wsidom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James 1:2-6 Lord help me not to doubt and be blown in the wave of the sea.

June 11 - LiChel's Grad Dinner

Last night was LiChel's Graduation dinner (a dinner for just the graduate and their parents). I was happy to be able to attend with her but it was hard also because Bobb couldn't be there. He always enjoyed the laughter and memories that go along with Graduation dinner. LiChel had fun, laughed a lot, and enjoyed her friends. That was all very good. She has been a wonderful gift to us and a daughter to make us proud. (even though we a lot of the times don't agree in this season of life :-)

I am almost done with the second course of continuing ed I have to do for my professional license. I have 3 chapters to go. Over half way there. The first course I have my score and my certificate - so I'm happy :-)

Being in Ukarumpa has had its joys and tears. A lot of tears - especially at night when the memories overwhelm me and I wish Bobb was here. Friday nights we used to watch a movie together while the girls were out doing other things and Saturday came and went without going down to the art room to work on ceramics (pottery). That was hard. Its been one of the things we have been so thankful for in our marriage is that we had that hobby together and that we had the privilege of teaching it here in Ukarumpa. In fact Bobb had been anticipating substituting teaching the class when I was to return with LiChel. God had other plans. There was nothing like a nice quiet Saturday when we fired the kiln, cleaned and put up tools, scraped clay off the floor, mixed glazes, he wedged and recycled clay and we threw something on the wheel or trimmed. It gave us both a outlet for stress and just let us PLAY :-) I can't imagine not doing it together again or ever teaching it again. I pray the Lord will give us that together again!

There are a lot of unknowns ahead and its so scary not to know the future - I mean we had made plans on what we wanted to do, but God has allowed this and where we thought we knew the future we no longer have a clue. Bobb is making progress every day, but where will it end? Only God knows and trust and faith is all we have. He promises not to give us more than we can handle, but there are days I'm not sure I'm up to the task :-) Guess He is as long as we stay close.

I asked Bobb yesterday if he liked where he was and he told me it is "very in-vig-or-a-ting" He is glad to be moving

June 8 - He made it!

Bobb made it to Turning Point! A nurse who had originally volunteered to escort him home but because the evac does it all wasn't able to do it, was there to greet him as he arrived at the hospital. God is soooo Good - all the time! The two nurses who escorted him from Cairns to LA said he did well on that leg of the trip. Lance and Jennifer were able to see him a very brief time - from one plane to another and said he looked tired, but was glad to see them however briefly. My parents and Lane arrived shortly after he arrived at the hospital. They said he was one tired puppy.

They began assessments today. I was able to call him this morning. He got stuck on one phrase, but I was able to get some information out of him :-) He said he loved me and by the time our conversation ended we were both in tears. It is so hard to be so far away, but I know this too is God's will for this time. They believe he is an "EXCELLENT" candidate for rehab to which I say AMEN! Sounds like they are starting him out with hard work. He will be getting speech therapy every day, occupational therapy everyday, and physiotherapy everyday. We are so GLAD to have him there where he can begin the process of getting better from the effects of the stroke. We have no idea where God is taking this and are trying to not put our will as God's will :-)

The girls were very happy to see me, but I'm not sure if it was more happy than I was to see them. They are weathering this storm well with grace and love. I had a really hard night last night. It was more difficult than I anticipated. After the girls went to bible studies, I just broke down and cryed. So Hard! I have to buckle down and do my Continuing Education for my professional license - something Bobb and I had planned on doing together in Lae the first of this month - to which we were unable to do. I now plow ahead alone. He had enough hours to finish this year - what he would have finished would have only been bonus - but not me. I am 3 chapters from finishing one course and will need to complete the other course before I leave. Pray for my concentration and ability to stick to the task at hand. Pray for Bobb as he begins a more concentrated program of rehab.

We are blessed with our friends and family and so many prayers around this world. God gave us each of you and we are so thankful.

As a friend said - God is Good....all the time :-)

He's Over the Ocean June 6 2006

As I write this he should be over the pacific ocean headed for LA from Auckland, New Zealand. I am praying very hard that he tolerates this trip well and gets at the other end in decent condition. Its not easy even for able bodied people. Once he arrives in LA he will be transferred to an Air Ambulance from American Care Club and taken to Walla Walla, Washington, to Turning Point Rehab at St. Mary's Hospital. Lance and Jennifer are hoping for a few minutes to see him once he lands in LA. The Ambulance Co, thought that would be possible. He is suppose to leave LA at 4:00 p.m. and arrive in Walla Walla at 6:30 p.m.

It was very hard to say goodbye for both of us. It was hard leaving the hospital nurses who had cared for him over the last 3 weeks. Most are very dedicated to the work and were a comfort to me many times watching them care for Bobb. It isn't their fault that staffing is just so short. But its a condition of health care all over.

These next 2 weeks are going to be hard. Not knowing what is going on in Walla Walla most of the time - particularly going into communication poor Papua New Guinea. Internet is one of the slowest in the world and phone calls are an astronomical price compared to about 3 cents a minute here in Australia to the U.S.

I have to trust the Lord to the unknown over this time of being in what feels like a black hole and needing to be up for LiChel and her graduation festivities and the anquish of both the girls leaving close friends. We will be arriving in Boise on 19th of June. Won't have time to worry too much because there is much to do in the next 10 days before we travel.

Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hid your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me when I call, answer my quickly. Psalm 102:1-2

June 3 We think he's on his way :-)

We have a confirmed flight - Air New Zealand on Tuesday June 6. Father and Son nursing team to accompany him. Goes through Auckland then to LA arriving 2:40 in the afternoon on the 6th of June into LA. There will be an Air Ambulance from LA straight to Walla Walla (we think - no confirmation on that section). Pray for the rest of the planning. Pray for Bobb's tolerance of the travel on a stretcher.

I still have tickets to make from Cairns after graduation. We had to cancel our other tickets and the travel agency is having a difficult time giving our money back even though they have a letter from the hospital confiming that my husband is in the hospital and a letter from the directorate in Ukarumpa. Pray that we get the money back, because at this stage we really can't afford to lose $3800 which was just the Cairns to LA legs of LiChel and I's original trip.

There is always another detail around the corner - and my stomach is nervous.

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again rejoice. Let your gentleness be evident to all (well we might have to work on that - I'll try not to yell at the doctor again :-) The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

My requests: Bobb travel well, Turning Point Rehab will be good and get Bobb off to a good start on recovering. That he will continue to have a good spirit and work hard even though the simplest things are hard right now - its not quite like learning as a child, there's more knowledge inside, but it doesn't come out right. That we both will handle the separation and get done what needs to be done. We do give the Lord thanksgiving for each of you! For the nursing staff and doctors at Cairns Base, those in Ukarumpa, pilots, and many many others who pray daily for Bobb!

June 2 - Change of Plans

Well I wasn't going to write tonight, but there has been a change of plans. Bobb will NOT be going home tomorrow. There was a mix up with the Doctors and the insurance and he will have to travel home on a stretcher which means a 7-10 day delay while they work out the details with the airlines for tickets for a stretcher - remove seats etc. We don't know the date change yet.

It was a stressful day - Bobb was ready, I was nervous but geared up, just to have all the adrenaline go by the way side when everything got changed this morning. We were all disappointed.

Now we are in waiting mode. At least they gave him a wheel chair today and we were able to go to farther reaches today - out on the the Esplanade (boardwalk) toward center of town and watch the boats and birds.

He is trying so hard to communicate. We got new exercises from speech therapy today, so we have new lessons for the weekend :-) No physio because she spent his designated time talking to the insurance agency. UUUGH!

We wait upon the Lord for HIS timing.
Kayleen

June 1 Going Home

Things move fast once the insurance decided. Looks like Bobb is leaving for the states - very early Saturday morning Australian time! No time to get Lane here, so after discussions with Bobb, he is going home alone with the two medical escorts first class - what a way to fly first class :-) If I had wanted to fly with him the ticket would have been $9600 dollars. AAAH. I don't think so. Any way Bobb and I talked it over today - he really was trying hard to communicate today. Its a challenge, but we both know we can't let frustration get the best of us or nothing is accomplished. He wants me to come back to Ukarumpa to be at LiChel's graduation - he feels its important and feels he will be ok going to Walla Walla - Turning Point Rehab center at St. Mary's. I'm scared and nervous about the decision, but this is what he wants. Pray for us over the next hours that we have before we separate for about 2 weeks.

This is probably one of the hardest things I have ever done. I wish I could split down the middle, but it isn't possible. But I want to honor Bobb in his decision too. He said he was nervous too, but it would be an adventure. I guess..... We move on to the work of recovery, we know you are going with us with your heart and prayers!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

This will be the last blog for a while - I will be at the hospital all night tomorrow and then in Ukarumpa. I will update when I can.