|
Dear Friends, On February 18, 2009 Joan was taken to hospital
here in Smithville and transferred to University Medical Center at Brackenridge in Austin. She had an abdominal blockage.
She wondered “why has God placed me here” and “who am I to speak to.” “It’s exciting to
watch for God’s plan.”
After many tests and procedures,
we were told by a new Surgeon on Sunday morning (February 22nd)
that surgery was necessary and had to be done that day. My nurse experience sent up a red flag at “had to be done
that day.” After a short discussion, we asked if this could wait until Monday. Monday was secured but I noticed the
doctor’s group name and asked if it was the one that Dr. Ross had retired from while Joan was in South Africa last year.
He had done two of Joan’s surgeries in the past. “Yes it is, he sometimes works on the weekend and is the hospital
now. Would you like me to ask him up to see you now?” Both of us got excited and said yes. After review of Joan’s
chart and a scan in x-ray, Dr. Ross agreed that now was the time. Many layers of surgical scar tissue were removed and the
colon was “straightened”. Though the volcano continues to rumble, the mountain (blockage for Rev. Lynn) has moved.
Joan has spent a week trying to recover but she is still struggling to keep fluids down. Doctors have told her she will be
discharged when she can do so.
|
| Brackenridge Hosptial - Austin Texas |
The Hospital, Catholic managed, has a priest
that comes by to visit. Joan has not converted him YET and Father Frank hasn’t been around for a few days now. She has
been concerned about being on five different floors in the hospital but she has talked to a multitude of nurses and therapists
and doctors and technicians and house keepers. At least I don’t get a sermon three times a day now, she shares with
them. I reported on Monday last (February 23rd) that her sermon on Sunday to me had been on “the steps of the
righteous.” We received an email on Monday from Pastor Chuck in Tulsa, saying for her to NOT work so hard on a sermon,
because it spilled over on him and he preached that message on Sunday.
Joan is
delighted with the emails and cards she receives each day and joyfully tells me who they are from before I finish reading
them to her. One special one came from South Africa from Linda and Carolyn of Baltimore saying they are praying for her from
her homeland where they have gone as missionaries.
Thank you for all the hugs and kisses. I may be able to give them to her since her nose tube has been
removed. She refused to let me lick her face for kisses from your pets, but acknowledges them any way.
The recent Bastrop fire has destroyed about 32 homes. It is strange to drive by and see only a foundation
where a beautiful home once stood. Our Home was not near the fire and is safe. We heard from dear friend and supporter, Candance,
that her home which was close to the fire was not touched. Please continue to pray for those people who have lost everything.
A dear friend and cofounder of MCC Austin, Tommy Ingram, passed away February
24th . Our prayers go out to his friends and family. Praise God for the special care given by Barbara and Richard.
I must thank everyone who has sent in checks
and through PayPal.com. We will not know all of Joan’s expenses for a while. I have not been concerned about this but
Praise God for putting it on your hearts.
As Joan continues her writing, she requests
any copies of her sermons, in any form, so she can include
them as promotion for her book.
May God continue to hold you in His Hand,
Bill
|
