Prayer for Nonnie

I just sent an email to my kids with the same title. Their grandmother, my amazing mother-in-law, is in the hospital up in Parma, Ohio recovering from a stroke. Jim is debating whether he should fly up and be with her. If you know Jane, you will appreciate the line of conversation Jim had with her on the phone, joking about the difficulty of having to pick her nose left-handed, since her right hand and arm seem to be paralyzed. Her sense of humor is still intact even though she is groggy. Please pray for her as the Lord brings her to mind. We love her so much. This is one of those difficult moments of being a missionary - being far away when we'd prefer to be close by to pray, hug, and encourage.

It's weird because it was exactly two years ago today that our dear coworker, Elsa, suffered a massive stroke here in Oaxaca. That day remains in my memory in stark detail, all the uncertainty and dismay watching her convulsing, trying to keep her on the bed at the hospital until a security railing could be located, watching the monitors since nurses were not available to stay close by, and eventually making arrangements to have her evacuated by special air ambulance to her home in Canada. We are still praying for Elsa's recovery so that she can regain full use of her arm and leg that were paralyzed two years ago.

As you pray for Nonnie (Jane), please pray for Elsa as well. Both are servants through and through. Pray for God's will in each of their hearts and lives as they allow others to minister to them for a change. That's a character-building experience most of us would choose to never undergo.

I was blessed to be a caregiver for Elsa, whose family was far away except for her husband, Julio. I'm praying the caregivers for Jane will be equally blessed to be in that hospital room where I wish I could be, but can't.

Thanks.