April 2018

Our journey, 

A matter of direction,

When we last reported we only had questions?

Randy’s health has been of one of our major concerns over the last several years. First, finding exactly what was his problems. Secondly, finding someone to fix his problems. Through these challenges we have tried to remain on course with our call, and keeping our eyes on the cross. We would be lying if we said it has been smooth sailing. There have been waves that at times seem to have overtaken us, but the glory of the One we serve, has continually brought us through.

After many tests, prodding, probing, X-rays, MRI’s, and CT scans, a radiologist found a problem that was causing Randy’s immediate medical issues. Unfortunately, after seeing doctors at Riley, Ortho Indy, consulting with doctors in California, New York, Ohio, North Carolina, and other reputable institutions, no one was willing to take the risk of this possible life threatening surgery.

Dr. Paul Kramer, from the Indiana Spine Institute was willing to do the surgery, but insurance denied the surgery. Appeals were made, more doctors wrote letters stating how necessary this surgery was. Finally, 3 months later, it was approved. Randy’s weight was now at 118 pounds and falling.

Randy’s spine was collapsing onto his sternum. He only had 1.5 cm of distance between his spine and sternum. On September 25, 2018, Randy was to undergo a surgery that would move his backbone 60 degree posterior using rails and rods.

It was emotionally draining as we saw our son being pushed down the hospital hallway. We didn’t know what God had planned for Randy or for us. I wish I could say I was happy either way but all I wanted was for the surgery to go well and everything get better. The surgery was to be about 6 hours. There were over 20 friends and family at the hospital all eagerly awaiting a positive outcome. 

Our prayer was: Save Me, O God Psalms 69:1-3

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. Of David.

Save me, O God!

For the waters have come up to my neck.

I sink in deep mire,

where there is no foothold;

I have come into deep waters,

and the flood sweeps over me.

I am weary with my crying out;

my throat is parched.

My eyes grow dim

with waiting for my God.

However about an hour and a half into the surgery, Dr. Kramer came out and wanted to talk to us. It didn’t go well. Randy’s vitals dropped and they could not figure out why. Randy was under 15% oxygen for over 20 minutes. The prognoses was not good. The doctor wanted us to assess Randy and see how extensive we thought the brain damage was. This cut like a knife through us-definitely, the hardest thing we have ever had to do. 

We had not really thought of this outcome. After seeing Randy and not knowing what to do, we started singing Texas Walker Ranger song. You would think we would have thought of something much more spiritual. At the end, of the song Randy usually always says “Going to be!”

I am sure the the nurses and doctors thought we were crazy! To everyone’s surprise, Randy says “Going to be” then we gave the thumbs up to the doctors. The surgery was a fail. Now they had to investigate what went wrong. They found that Randy’s airway had collapsed and he would need a ridged tube to go all the way down to his bronchial tubes the entry of his lungs. The following week, the surgery was done, but since all the delays they could only pull the spine back enough to get 3.5 cm distance between his spine and sternum ( which was the distance when we began in March). Our prayer: Psalms 138:1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;

This will limit Randy in his physical activity. Although his surgery was a success he developed a fever. Six months after the surgery, they had to go back in, take cultures and debrief the spine. Randy was taken off the pics line and completed his antibiotics. We trust in God as He directs our paths on this journey and as always our direction is centered on His will for our lives. It is our conviction that He wants us to continue the ministry in Romania. 

Plans are for Robert to leave May 23 for Romania. He will stay either until the fall when Jody and Randy will join him or stay until Randy and Jody come when Robert will take Randy back to the States. Jody has a fall medical mission in Romania and will need to be there through the extent of that and possibly a little longer. The future is always unsure for all of us, but we still make plans, hoping they are the Father’s plans for us.

It has been a time of deep searching, and learning our hearts, and our God—understanding His will, His sovereignty, His promises, His plan, His love, What He expects from us in giving up our desires for His glory, being willing to sacrifice, and be secure in His promises. We are still learning:-) 

Isiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you;

be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.