Rebecca's Journey - 18

Greetings Friends,

It's Monday evening and we're back at Pellenberg after a good weekend at home. Judy arrived Friday morning - so good to have her back! Rebecca was moved today to a ward for patients who return to their residences every weekend, and the doctors have set mid-April as the date for her permanent return home.

Rebecca has some thoughts she wants to share. After I take dictation from her I'll add a note with additional information, including the results of last week's "round table" discussion with the doctors and therapists.

"Last week was a very good week. I felt so blessed by the presence of the Lord, and new vision and hope. My neuralgia has improved, and my gall bladder problem seems to have been resolved. My neck is improving as well. I know this was a direct result of your faithful prayers.

They say in rehabilitation that even in the best weeks we will have some bad moments. Wednesday morning was one of those bad moments. It began when a new student nurse was assigned to give me my bath. She couldn't hear me, (or she couldn't understand my English; I'm not sure which.) She kept shouting: "What?" Since we are a family who say "Pardon?" I'm afraid that alone put us off to a bad start. It was down hill from there. I ended up being irritable and fussing at her. When she left, I felt so
badly. I called her back in and apologized for my attitude, and asked her to forgive me. This is the 3rd time I've had to do this with a nurse. And from their response, I don't think it is something they are used to. In all three situations it has resulted in our being close, and developing a friendship. This little student nurse was no exception.

It reminded me of the value of the Lord's admonitions to forgive, and to ask forgiveness. I realized that when I say: "I'm sorry; would you please forgive me?", that it is taking the humble place, saying that I was wrong. Andrew Murray said that humility is the foundation for all other virtues. I think that one of the greatest ways that humility is expressed is to ask for forgiveness. That humility draws God's grace to us and to our
situations."

Paul again! The meeting with the team working with Rebecca went well. The goal was to get together all those involved with her rehab and discuss her situation in the light of her move home. Rebecca and I included Robert Vaughn in the discussion. Robert is an American nurse who has been a friend for sometime. He and his wife, Tracey, an English lady, will bliving here for the next several years studying French and tropical medicine. They've rented the house directly across the street, and will be involved with Rebecca's care during their stay here. It was obvious that the team cares a great deal for Rebecca, and has invested much time in consideration and discussion about her situation. The principal elements of the discussion were:

~The needs of and treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are in direct conflict with those of high spinal cord injury. Rebecca's fatigue/weakness (plus the tendency to nausea, etc. with physical exertion) has limited the effectiveness of the therapy and required regular rethinking of goals. This has been frustrating to both the medical staff and the therapists. The head of the Physical Therapy Unit said he felt that Rebecca had the possibility of doing more, recovering more, but that until the CFS has resolved some, the progress would be slow and interrupted. They all agreed that she is highly motivated.

~They suggested that once she is home the physical therapy all take place in our residence so that Rebecca doesn't have to use strength for the trip to and from the hospital. This is satisfactory to us, and we're in the process of deciding on a local physiotherapist.

~The speech therapist is suggesting the use of a personal microphone/amplification system so that Rebecca can more easily enter into conversation. When she has strength enough to have voice she won't use it. It will only be for the times she doesn't have energy to create voice. She'll also have a special unit on the phone that will amplify her voice and allow easier phone conversation. (Some of you will greatly appreciate that.)

~The Occupational Therapist (OT) is recommending full time nursing care. Judy and I both feel this will be necessary. At this point we can manage weekends, but a 7/7 schedule would not be maintainable for long. She usually needs a nurse during the night as well. Stephen has been on call for this. When he has been away the daughter of a friend of ours has come to be on call. Neither Judy nor I could get back to sleep if wakened a couple of times during the night. So we are considering this aspect now.

~The OT is also working with the architect to design the special elements of her new room and bathroom. There are many things available, we just need to see what is relevant for Rebecca.

~The OT is ordering a one-handed keyboard for Rebecca. This is in a U shape and will be much easier for her to manage than the long, two handed one. He is also ordering several demonstrator electronic wheelchairs for her to choose from. The PT is arranging for the portable wheelchair that we'll use for trips away from home.

Well, that's this week's installment of the Journey the Lord has us on during this phase of our lives. With His presence and guidance, we are in great peace.

Our love to you all,

Paul

Rebecca's Journey - 17

Dear Friends,

This is Sunday, 19 January, and we're at home. Our dear French friend, Annie Lisimaque, is here for 5 days to help until Judy returns next week. We've had a good weekend together.

Rebecca has some thoughts:

"This morning I'm holding in my hand two lists. One is of the many of you who have been a part of last week's prayer vigil. The second is the list of those for whom we have prayed who, like me, are suffering from injuries and disease that can only be healed by a divine touch. As I hold the two lists I can only weep. I kept hearing in my mind the words from Shakespeare's "Henry V". Paul found the place this morning where King Henry spoke to his men just before the decisive battle saying: "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother". ("Henry V", Act 4, Scene 3.)

Surely we stand and fight together, a band of brothers, bound not by the love of a nation, but the love of the Lord Jesus and His Kingdom.

I'm reminded again of a word that the Lord spoke to me: "You don't understand what I'm doing. It is far beyond your ability to comprehend. But one day it will be clear." Our Brotherhood, forged in these hours through our pain - completing the sufferings of Christ - is a bond different, and broader than we've known or can understand.

Jesus said in Mt. 25:40 "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me." Thank you for your faithfulness to pray and support us because, in doing so, His Body on the earth has been strengthened. What a fine band of brothers we are, standing together in these times. What a lovely expression of Jesus very life!

As we wait through these days, we all look to Him, and know that our expectation is from Him. I rejoice with you to report that my facial and head pain is noticeably better. The nausea has diminished and, at least these last days, has only happened when I'm physically exertion myself to be up in my chair. My sodium level is back to normal. I'm still very limited in the amount of time I can sit up in my wheelchair. The doctors are not at all sure what causes this. Please also continue to pray for my neck. I'm able to hold my head straighter, but after just a short while the strain on the muscles becomes intense. This area needs continued prayer.

My love to you all, Rebecca"

Paul here again: On Tuesday morning the doctors have requested what they call a "Round Table" discussion with us. All Rebecca's doctors and therapists (6 in total) will be there, plus some of her nurses. We'll keep you informed about what comes out of that.

You all are in our prayers!

In Him,

Paul

PS For those of you who are Shakespeare buffs, a re-read of "Henry V" (probably my favorite of his plays) could be profitable and enjoyable. Several years ago Kenneth Branaugh did a great performance of Henry in a movie by the same title, available on video.

Rebecca's Journey - 16

Dear Friends,

This is Paul. It's Sunday again, 12 January, and we're at home, all sitting around Rebecca's bed. From this point on Rebecca will be coming home every weekend. What a joy!

We've had a significant event this week. Our son Phillip took his girlfriend, Maggie Calvin, to Paris on Tuesday (sounds exotic, but it's just 1h & 29min away by train), and, in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, he proposed to her. (He's quite a romantic.) We are all delighted that she said, "Yes!" We look forward to what their lives together will mean for the Kingdom of God.

We'll be taking Rebecca back to Pellenberg shortly, but she wanted to greet you and share some things before she goes.

"The prayer initiative, organized by Joseph Holbrook, has touched me deeply. When Paul first to read Joseph's e-mail about it several weeks ago, I cried and cried. After so many months, I wondered how you could all still be praying.

I have a small sign on my bulletin board that was written by an 11-year-old friend. It says simply, "I love you." When it came, I thought it was a sweet gesture, and had it put up. Several days later, when I woke in the morning and my eyes fell on it, the Lord spoke: "I love you!" I was taken back to the early days in the ICU. I remembered being semi-conscious,heavily drugged, and with a vague awareness that He was calling me to learn to love Him better. In the days and weeks that followed, I began to "work at" consciously loving Him more. Then one morning (I don't remember the circumstances), it swept over me that He loved ME. With that came such an overwhelming love for Him. Then I remembered: "You love Me because I first loved you."

So, here I am again, 15 months later, realizing anew that the God of the universe loves me. He loves me through you, and your constant care and prayer. I don't understand it, but it brings out of my heart such a love for Him. It makes me feel so humbled that you are still standing with us. I weep again as I say this. I know that it can only be His love that binds us together, and makes us one. It is a powerful way to start the New Year, as members of His body, in weakness and strength, around the world, praying for one another."

Paul here again! Today starts the prayer vigil. There will be people praying for Rebecca, with fasting, round the clock, for the next 7 days. Over 250 people will be praying in many nations on 5 continents. We'll be praying for others in physical need as well. Our Father loves to hear our voices lifted to Him.

Pray is often principally drawing close to God's heart and mind, aligning ourselves with Him and allowing our faith to be a vehicle for Him to move in the life or situation for which we're praying. I trust we'll all draw closer to Him. He is indeed our life.

With thanks and love,

Paul & Rebecca

Rebecca's Journey - 16

Dear Friends,

This is Paul. It's Sunday again, 12 January, and we're at home, all sitting around Rebecca's bed. From this point on Rebecca will be coming home every weekend. What a joy!

We've had a significant event this week. Our son Phillip took his girlfriend, Maggie Calvin, to Paris on Tuesday (sounds exotic, but it's just 1h&29min away by train), and, in the Cathedral of Notre Dame, he proposed to her. (He's quite a romantic.) We are all delighted that she said, "Yes!" We look forward to what their lives together will mean for the Kingdom of God.

We'll be taking Rebecca back to Pellenberg shortly, but she wanted to greet you and share some things before she goes.

"The prayer initiative, organized by Joseph Holbrook, has touched me deeply. When Paul first to read Joseph's e-mail about it several weeks ago, I cried and cried. After so many months, I wondered how you could all still be praying.

I have a small sign on my bulletin board that was written by an 11-year-old friend. It says simply, "I love you." When it came, I thought it was a sweet gesture, and had it put up. Several days later, when I woke in the morning and my eyes fell on it, the Lord spoke: "I love you!" I was taken back to the early days in the ICU. I remembered being semi-conscious, heavily drugged, and with a vague awareness that He was calling me to learn to love Him better. In the days and weeks that followed, I began to "work at" consciously loving Him more. Then one morning (I don't remember the circumstances), it swept over me that He loved ME. With that came such an overwhelming love for Him. Then I remembered: "You love Me because I first loved you."

So, here I am again, 15 months later, realizing anew that the God of the universe loves me. He loves me through you, and your constant care and prayer. I don't understand it, but it brings out of my heart such a love for Him. It makes me feel so humbled that you are still standing with us. I weep again as I say this. I know that it can only be His love that binds us together, and makes us one. It is a powerful way to start the New Year, as members of His body, in weakness and strength, around the world, praying for one another."

Paul here again! Today starts the prayer vigil. There will be people praying for Rebecca, with fasting, round the clock, for the next 7 days. Over 250 people will be praying in many nations on 5 continents. We'll be praying for others in physical need as well. Our Father loves to hear our voices lifted to Him.

Pray is often principally drawing close to God's heart and mind, aligning ourselves with Him and allowing our faith to be a vehicle for Him to move in the life or situation for which we're praying. I trust we'll all draw closer to Him. He is indeed our life.

With thanks and love,

Paul & Rebecca

Rebecca's Journey - 15

Dear Friends,

First, we trust you all had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the richness and depth of the Father's love in the gift of His Son to and for us. The Father didn't send help; He came Himself: Immanuel, God with us. In Jesus all of heaven's resources came to all of earth's needs.

On Christmas Eve, Susannah, Phillip, Stephen and I picked up Rebecca from the hospital and brought her home (the first time to ride in a car) for 9 days. The house was a Christmas wonderland, and Rebecca's bed was in the middle of it all. Then Matt, Stephanie, and Maggie, Phillip's girlfriend, arrived for our family Christmas celebration. And celebration it was! The days flowed from one delightful encounter to another, all enrobed in His presence. Everyone worked together as a team, each making his or her contribution. (Many hands make light work.) Then yesterday we took her back to Pellenberg. Our sadness was mitigated by the fact that in just a few weeks she will begin coming home every weekend, and in a few months she will be home for good.

After Christmas our good friends Erick and Elizabeth Schenkel and four of their children came to visit. The heart of life, and its joy, really is sourced in our relationship with Him and one another. Love fills life in such a satisfying way.

The town planning commission has given us preliminary approval for the construction of a bedroom and bathroom off the back of the house. It will take about 4 months to finalize the approval, but it is essentially granted. We'll begin construction, hopefully, in April. During the construction Rebecca will occupy the living room.

Many of you know that Joseph Holbrook, a great friend now living in Miami, has spearheaded a joint prayer effort for Rebecca over the last year. He and some other friends feel that it is time for another concentrated prayer effort, and have set the dates from Jan. 12th to the 19th for it. Joseph has created a special email address to help him manage this corporate prayer time. It is: prayer4rebecca@yahoo.com

Joseph has set up a grid with different people filling different slots so that prayer will continue 24 hours a day for the 7 days. People literally around the world will be praying. If you would be interested in participating, please contact Joseph at the above address.

Many thanks for standing with us these last 15 months. We've watched together as the Lord has undertaken for Rebecca. He will continue.

Our best wishes for a Happy and blessed New Year.

Paul