July 11, 2014

It seems a relief to be responding every few days with updates and changes verses every few hours because the needs were so urgent and great.  We are continuing the "upward trend" but it is in the "slow and steady" pace verses the "fast and furious"  (tortoise and the hare).  Indeed, we are thankful for that "slow and steady" because the "fast and furious" can lead to lots of iradic turns, ups and downs, and wasted energy.

Bullet Points of our Faithful Father hearing our prayers:

• Allina Medical, our Minnesota medical supply company overnighted a loaner CPAP for Tim with all his correct settings.  When we return home they will take a look at his CPAP and assess it for repair. This cpap has been around the world a couple of times.  Excellent service, thank you Allina Medical!  
• Through our network of friends, we have seen first hand how the Holy Spirit guides and directs the body of Christ.  A gigantic prayer request was what to do re: an Oxygenator (a machine that makes concentrated O2 from room air...and that is portable...and FAA certified, etc).  These machines run about $4,000.  Soon after we reached out, we got a message from a friend of a friend who had a gently used portable oxygenator.  The tenderness of this story is that it was used by my friend's husband in his battle of mesothelioma. But, even more so is the fact that he gave his life to the Lord as an adult, went back to school & seminary, and then worked as a missionary in Haiti for five years and then in Kenya for 15 years.  His journey on this earth ended and he is getting a head start in eternity with Jesus! Thank you to this new friend for sharing a piece of equipment that supplied the sacred breath of a life well lived.  May you tenderly feel the touch of the Lord as we have.
• Sacred friends are arranging their return from Montana to the midwest so they can drive us and the required medical supplies home. No small task since we seem to have enough to start mobile clinic!

Life in the little details.  My joints are still pretty painful but the less I have to go up and down the stairs or haul things the better. I was able to do water exercises at the pool today and had the whole beautiful pool to myself and Jesus.

Tim is three steps forward and two steps back.  He was pretty shot today. Good news is that his lungs are clear.  But, he still he needs the O2 although SATS are not dropping as far.  The encouraging news is that he can do a long consulting call before he crashes.  I am encouraging him to keep the oxygen turned up because I am sure all his cells were in deficit after a recent call.  No reason to push it.  It would also be good to increase the O2 to hopefully decrease the 'bounce back' time needed.  Tim's arm continues to really hurt him.

We see our PA in Bozeman on Monday for follow up.  He is very sharp and will help us navigate/coordinate the future plan home ward.  I don't think Tim will be on oxygen long term but I also don't want to be in the middle of North Dakota and discover the need for it.

Papa God has been faithful in working out all the details.  Thank you for your continued faithfulness in prayer.  Please pray the next days would be added to recovery of long term health and stamina.  I purchased a stethoscope and oximeter out here for the just in case...and have used it much more than planned!  But, He knows our needs even sometimes before we do.

Our parting kiss...enjoy this song by Hillsong United called "Oceans".

Thank you for your support and prayer!
Mary Ann...maegan