I wish I had seen it coming.
Agreeing to move to Germany was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I fought it for several years, as John had actually wanted to apply for this job four years ago. I dug in my heels and adamantly shook my head NO. For many reasons, but one being our aging parents. We all know time is short and the unexpected can happen at any time.
So here I sit, fighting the urge to rush home. But, I'm trying to be 'still and listen.'
Many of you know that my dear momma got very, very sick on June 29th. After a church picnic, she, along with others, became sick with food poisoning. Hers, however, turned very serious very quickly. The first couple days, they couldn't figure out what had made her so sick and ran many tests. One of those tests, a CT scan with contrast, caused her kidneys to shut down. For the next 2 weeks, she fought to regain kidney function with dialysis. She started to recover a little and it was decided she should go to a rehab facility to regain strength so she could go home safely.
Things didn't go as well as planned at this facility. She started having A-fib episodes causing dizziness and passing out. One of these episodes, they had trouble getting her to respond and she was rushed back to ER. Once they got the A-fib under control, she was again sent to a new, better rehab hospital. They were trying their best, but for some reason, we are still trying to pinpoint, she is not eating. A feeding tube was put in and she did not respond well, so, again, she was rushed to ER a third time, where they are now running massive amounts of tests, trying to get to the bottom of what is going on. She is very sick, very weak, and very exhausted. But, she's a fighter and she's got lots of support and family cheering her on. I am desperately hoping they will help her get her strength back so she can go home. If you are reading this, please say a prayer for her and our family as they continue to navigate through this and advocate for her.
Positive news: Her kidneys are recovering, not fully, but well enough to have the dialysis port removed. She is getting some nutrition through a feeding tube successfully the past couple days, and her levels are beginning to stabilize.
I truly believe our Father has us exactly where we need to be. That He is orchestrating everything. I believe He will bring wholeness to my mom. It may not look the same as it did two months ago, but we are all trusting Him for the best.
Our first 3 months here in Germany have been a bit rough. It took over 5 weeks to get our belongings and we lived in the house with minimal furnishings, just enough to get by on. Then, literally, a few days after getting our household goods delivered, mom got sick. I'm hoping that we are past the hardest part and that the rest of this tour will be easier.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as
the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be
afraid.
Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.
