Holding On To Hope

Today some mutual friends were able to visit with Melanie in her ICU hospital room. They shared some wonderful news that Melanie is able to speak, move her arms and legs and may be able to go home this week. That's not just amazing, it's miraculous.
Three days ago our emotions were filled with fear and concern, and hope was all that we had to hold on to. Now, as we look back, all of our concerns seem like a waste of time. Why were we so worried, why so concerned? Because we live in a world of time and space that doesn't allow us to look into the future. We only know the moment called the present. And when the present is filled with brain tumors and job searches and family problems and...and...and....
In those present moments our hearts and emotions are going to seek for what brings us as much peace as possible, something called hope. Because hope is sometimes the last thread that we have to hold onto. That's the destiny of hope.

Hope in the storm

How quickly life can change. I woke up this morning and immediately began making a list of things that I needed to do today. Not unlike most days, but today's list was made up of important and not urgent matters. Usually it's the other way around. That thought alone gave me hope for today.
The first call that began to change the plans for today was concerning a co-worker who has been put in the hospital with stomach pains. Beverly is my right-hand and I depend on her greatly. (Maybe that's what put her in the hospital.) The next call was an unexpected call from a friend, a mother of three, who went to the ER with neck pain and a headache. The doctors decided to do a CAT scan on her brain and discovered a mass in her cranium. She is now being sent to MD Anderson hospital in Houston.
Yes, how quickly life can change. But as always, there is hope. Where God is present hope is also present. No matter what our circumstances hope is what keeps us afloat in a sea of change. I'm in that sea of change right now. So is Beverly and her family, and so is Melanie and her family. And in the boat with us is Jesus. We may think he's sleeping through the storm and doesn't care. That's not true, but it may be how we feel. He looks at us and says, "O you of little faith. Why did you doubt?" Why, indeed!
Hope is here and His name is Jesus. You are not alone. Hope has come. That is the destiny of hope.

Today is Monday, March 30, one day post-trip. Haven't heard from the rest of the team, but am sure that everyone is happy to be back in their own surroundings again, and able to sleep in their own familiar beds.
This will be a short post to update you on Kanessa's condition. Her problems began on Tuesday of the trip after we had finished bowling with the kids. Her lips began swelling and later her eyes did as well. Her skin looked like she had the hives: red blotches everywhere on her body. The doctor at the orphanage looked at her and gave her Zyrtec to combat what appeared to be an allergic reaction to something she had touched or eaten. It began working and the swelling subsided as well as most of the redness. However, new symptoms appeared as pain in her knees and legs began to get worse and worse, until Friday she could hardly walk or stand. Saturday she was feeling well enough to go to the market for souvenirs, and later wanted to go to Red Square with the rest of the team. She did, but paid a price for it. She hurt so badly that she could hardly walk and Isaac and I had to carry up the stairs from the subway. She did not sleep most of the night because of the pain. Sunday on the trip back home her legs and arms began to swell, especially her feet.
We took her to the ER this morning and the doctor ran blood tests to try and determine what was the cause. The CBC came back normal, and it will take several more days to get the results on the other tests. Until then she is on steroids for the swelling and meds to control the pain. We hope we will know more by the end of the week. The doctor warned us that it's possible we may never know the cause. Right now we're just praying for her to have some relief and a return to normal.
In a day or so I will post more information about the trip itself. Thanks for all your prayers.

The team is back in Houston and on their way home. Thanks for all your prayers and words of encouragement.

Tonight I am blogging from an internet cafe in Moscow instead of on my cell phone. This is quite a challenge because some of the keys are not where they should be. Forgive my misspelled words.
The team had a wonderful day today, but we walked all over Moscow (it feels like) and we are exhausted. Kanessa is feeling a severe amount of residual pain from whatever she had that started on Tuesday. The skin irritation and spots are gone, the swelling is gone, but her knees hurt her terribly. Isaac and I had to carry her up the stairs from the subway tonight. She cried just standing up and trying to walk. Please pray for her.
There will be much more to tell when we get back home, but the trip would be rated successful for certain. The newbies did a great job of working with the children. There are many things that need to be worked on at the orphanage and we will address those at a later time. Only have a few minutes left.
We leave tomorrow morning and will be home Sunday night. Pray for a safe trip.
Jerry

We're back in Moscow after a long bus ride from Sharya. Team update: Kanessa's allergic reaction is improving; Doug's knee is fine; Isaac's toenail is not slowing him down. Everyone else is fine, just exhausted. Tomorrow will be our day in Moscow then Sunday we will return home. Can't wait to see you all

Finally! The breakthrough I've been waiting for came on our last day with the children. Most of the older children began to open up and talk. Even the older boys were more eager to get involved. Several key events occurred over the last 24 hrs to set the stage for this breakthrough. Thanks for praying.

Today was a productive day in many respects. We purchased supplies for the orphanage, we gave the children their sponsor bags, and we had dinner with the caregivers and staff. It was a wonderful blessing to see the children reach for their sponsors' letters before anything else. Thank you for writing.

Today has been a full day. Bowling in the am, and swimming in the pm and lots of excitement too. Kanessa has an allergic reaction to medication she took B4 the trip, Isaac tore half the nail off his big toe, & Doug hurt his knee. Things are going great otherwise. The kids are loving the team. Please pray

The first day with the children has been busy, chaotic, frustrating, fulfilling, uplifting and exhausting all at once. But the Lord has used us for His glory. Tomorrow will be even busier with bowling in the morning and swimming in the afternoon. There's been a positive change in most of the children.

After 2 full days of travel we've finally arrived in Sharya. The team is looking forward to being with the kids tomorrow. It's been a long 2 days but now the real mission can begin. Please agree with us in prayer that God make it clear to the children how much He loves them. Thanks for praying for us.

We made it safely to Moscow and on to Kostroma where we're spending the night. Bags arrived safely too. Other than a little car sick feeling by a few we're good

We're in Atlanta waiting to board the plane that will take us to Moscow. Everyone is doing great and we're getting excited to be there. "Tired" is also a word that describes most of us too. Pray that we can sleep on the plane. :) Away we go........

Are people not flying as much as they used to? The Houston airport has fewer passengers than I've ever seen. We breezed thru the ticket counter with no problem, checked our bags and now we're waiting for our boarding call. What a beautiful day for flying!

It's Thursday evening and the team is doing their final prep and making sure everything is in order for a quick exit in the morning. We will leave from the church bldg no later than 7:30. Thanks to all of you for praying, giving and serving the team on behalf of the children. Pray for calm nerves as the team counts down to take off.

Tonight was our packing party and, sadly we couldn't take everything we wanted to take but we did take everything we needed to take. We had lots of help and well-wishes and prayers (thanks Granny Louise) from our church family. Tomorrow is the last day before we leave and there's always lots to do. Please pray.

I hope to blog from Russia giving you a daily (hopefully) update on what is happening in Sharya and how you can be praying for us. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back often.
Jerry