Rachel had an anneurysm. She was admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery because there was a massive clot just behind her corotid artery. A surgery such as this is extremely complicated. Many who undergo this type of surgery have extensive recovery and are paralyzed, permanently disabled, have to learn to speak again, slip into a coma, or worse. At the very least, they usually have to go through physical therapy and have a long recovery. Rachel was talking, laughing, and joking the morning after her surgery. She went shopping the next day.
If I ever had any doubt about the power of prayer, even among those who are far away and don't even know eachother, I'll never doubt again.
Thank you for interceding on her behalf! Rachel's family's faith has been strengthened. Their eyes have been opened to the power of God in their life in a new way. And Adria (my good friend and Rachel's grandaughter) has learned how to ask God for the desires of her heart! Wow! What a pleasure to be a part of it.
Freddy is still in the hospital. He seems to be deteriorating and the family is struggling to know what to do next. He now has fluid in his lungs, and the doctors are doubtful that it is water. Tomorrow more tests will be done to find out if the fluid is cancerous. Fanny (his wife, Alejandro's mom) spends a lot of time at the hospital caring for him, bathing him, helping him to the bathroom, etc. She has spent many nights in the hospital, sleeping in an uncomfortable chair if at all. Freddy is experiencing more and more pain.
Over the weekend Fanny was helping him in the bathroom and he collapsed on top of her. They lay there in the bathroom and Fanny yelled for some time until nurses responded. It was not the immediate response time we are blessed with in our hospitals here in the United States. She is exhausted and burdened. On top of that, Freddy is grumpy and impatient (as very sick patients often are) and is not fighting very hard for his own health. The doctors have told the family that no one can stay the night anymore and that Freddy needs to learn to ask for help himself and speak up about his needs. This is a good thing.
Meanwhile, Alejandro and I are praying hard about how to best help from 2,000 miles away. Is it wiser to send money, to help alleviate the financial burden? Or is it time to consider hopping on a plane? Please pray for us as we weigh the options and try our best to follow God's leading. Please pray especially for Alejandro. He is exhausted, burdened, heavy-hearted and hurting. Pray that he would hear God clearly about what to do and that he would be encouraged by the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit. Please pray hardest of all for Freddy's heart to be softened to Jesus... for him to realize that it's not too late to turn his life around and to surrender to his Savior.
Thank you for helping to carry our burden. We (Alejandro and I) are incredibly thankful for you all.
Love,
