A visiting pastor's perspective!

PLEASE, go to this neat little blog and read about the ministry here in Northern Uganda through a visiting pastor's perspective.

What a blessing to have Pastor Mark and his wife here all the way from Oregon!

Our soon to be new "home{s}."

All credit goes to these thirteen amazing children and their fearless leader, daddy!

P.S. The pictures are from a phone, thus the poor quality.

Semi-final update on Summer.

Dear faithful warriors,

I want to thank you once again for taking the time to lift my health up in prayer.  It has definitely been a test in who I will trust, man or God.  While we all understand that doctors are helpful and on many occasions necessary, there are times where they do not have the answers {after all, they are limited in their knowledge in light of an all knowing God}.  With that said, we are still without any concrete diagnosis for my current health situation.  After extensive testing--endoscopy and colonoscopy and a battery of blood tests it was concluded that I am malnourished--which is obvious to anyone who sees me.  But what is causing my body to be unable to digest/absorb nutrients?  On my last day in Nairobi I was able to see a British nutrionist that believes that there are a few crucial links.  One, the ongoing battle/treatment of tropical diseases that my immune system has a hard time fighting off.  And secondly, what they call 'secondary lactase deficiency' which is a result of multiple infestations of giardia and amebas over the years.  I have started a lactose free diet which so far seems to have helped immensely with the stomach pain/cramping.  I am taking iron due to iron deficiency anemia, calcium, fish oils probiotics and a super food called spurulina.  All of this coupled with a high calorie diet and a lot of rest is meant to boost my immune system, replenish good bacteria and get my body out of its malnourished state.

We are still waiting on biopsy results. If these should give us any more understanding we will be sure to let you know.  In the meantime we would ask for your continued prayers.

Desiring to be planted by the water,

Summer

Have I become a shrub in the desert?

Because if I have, I do believe I am ready to be a tree planted by the water.

Settling into Jeremiah 17:1-10

Sit with me if the Lord should see fit.

Still waiting for the "after this."

Well, some people say no news is good news. I am not sure that I would always agree!

After a colonoscopy/endoscopy, 40 blood tests and an MRI, we are still no closer to a diagnosis (unless you count "severe IBS"). Biopsy results will be ready next week, but the doctor did not sound like she expected anything significant. All the while, I am trying to make sense of living with a chronic undiagnosed condition that loves to rear it's ugly head way too often!

I am going to meet with a nutritionist tomorrow morning--in hopes that I can figure out a solution for my overly thin frame (I believe I now weigh what I did at 13).

Please keep praying if the Lord would so lead you. One woman asked me if I thought this was a spiritual attack--it could be, if I allow it.

Still waiting for the "after this."

Well, some people say no news is good news. I am not sure that I would always agree!

After a colonoscopy/endoscopy, 40 blood tests and an MRI, we are still no closer to a diagnosis (unless you count "severe IBS"). Biopsy results will be ready next week, but the doctor did not sound like she expected anything significant. All the while, I am trying to make sense of living with a chronic undisclosed condition that loves to rear it's ugly head way too often!

I am going to meet with a nutritionist tomorrow morning--in hopes that I can figure out a solution for my overly thin frame (I believe I now weigh what I did at 13).

Please keep praying if the Lord would so lead you. One woman asked me if I thought this was a spiritual attack--it could be, if I let it.

"feeding on Gods faithfulness."

Thank you so much for your encouragement, love and prayers. I am still in the hospital, scheduled for my last test, an MRI, first thing tomorrow morning. Here are specific answers to prayer and testimonies of the Lords faithfulness:

I survived the "flushing out."

The only side effect of the procedures was being very, very sleepy.

Please pray for the MRI and follow up appointment, that the Lord would clearly show the doctor what is causing me so much pain/discomfort.

I have been able to help my friend Michaela with her son Malachi--please keep praying for Malachi as doctors are treating him for a very dangerous viral infection called herpes encephalitis.

It is my hearts desire to be reunited with my tribe on Wednesday--pray that I would be at peace if God has another plan.