Prayer Letter Archive

Urgent Medical Update

April 7, 2005

Our dear friends,

At this writing, Jeff and Grant are on their way to the States. This decision came after a lot of prayer and thought with the Lord granting us peace in it. Grant has not shown any improvement, is still losing weight, and has no strength. His appetite is still dwindling as well. We felt it was time to get him to some more help. I ask that you please pray he makes the trip ok and will be able to rest along the way.

Jeff and Grant will arrive in Minneapolis on Friday night, stateside time, where my (Joy's), Dad will meet them and take them directly to Mayo clinic, in Rochester.

I cannot tell you how hard it is to be separated at this time. Because we do not know the outcome, this could mean that Jeff may not make it back in time for Jordan's graduation , plus leave me to pack up everything here. (This was very hard for Jeff). Despite this circumstance, Jordan and Lindsay are displaying wonderful attitudes and are happy that their brother is able to go and get help.

Although there were many tears at the airport, we have the peace that only the Lord can give in a time like this, and we are leaning on Him for our daily strength and sustainment.

Thank you for always standing by us in prayer. I will keep you updated as I know things.

Joy

April 9, 2005

Hello again,

Grant and Jeff made it to Rochester. Grant has been admitted to St. Mary's hospital which is connected to the Mayo Clinic. At this point, many tests are being run, with no answers as of yet. Grant is to start seeing more specialists at Mayo on Monday morning. He is very worn out but glad to be there. Jeff is able to stay right in the hospital with Grant so that is a blessing.

Thank you for your continued prayers. I will keep you updated.

Joy

April 21,2005

Greetings to all. Grant did well in the journey from PNG. Grant has seen many doctors since being here at Mayo Clinic. Many tests are completed and we are awaiting word from the doctors as to a final diagnosis regarding Grant's two health issues. We meet with doctors again on Friday. Grant still gets tired very easily and has no appetite at all. Thankfully, he has not lost any more weight. A pulmonologist is working on his chest/breathing issues and another doctor who specializes in dealing with odd, adolescent illnesses is working with helping Grant regarding his present illness. It appears at this time that Grant will have a long recuperation process . I'll pass on more details once we get confirmation on a diagnosis.

Thanks so much for praying. The Lord has provided many Christian doctors to be involved in Grant's diagnosis. We are grateful for the Lord's provision thus far to enable us to have a car to drive and motel accommodations. It has been an expensive endeavor, but as always the Lord has been faithful to provide. Please be praying about our future. I would certainly like to return to PNG before May 26th to see Jordan graduate and wrap up some other details that were left undone due to our quick departure. But there are many issues that must be settled in our hearts first...

• Grant's recovery/stability. Will he be able to travel back? Could I, alone go back?
• Financially, will we be able to afford the traveling again?
• Joy is doing some of our packing but it is a huge task to do by herself.

Much to decide. We are taking it day by day and trusting the Lord to clarify our path before us.

Thanks so much,

Jeff

April 27,2005

Dear Friends,

We have departed from Mayo Clinic and are continuing our vagabond style of existence! However, now we have a prognosis and a plan regarding Grant. We thank you for your prayers and support during this ordeal. It is far from over but knowledge is good and this is what we have obtained.

After gobs of tests and many appointments Grant has been diagnosed with Dysautonomia. Or, a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. In his case it is felt that this began post virally. The autonomic nerves control everything that happen automatically in our systems. It adjusts heartbeat and blood pressure when we stand up and start walking. It monitors the hundreds of automatic things that our bodies adjust to each day. Somehow, Grant's has gotten a little off. Even a little off can create big problems. The good news is that it is felt he will recover from this. The bad news is, it is not a quick fix. It may take a while for his system to get back in sync to where it will function normally.

The doctor has set up what he is calling a "recovery/rehabilitation plan" to help this process toward functioning normally move along a little more quickly. The program involves some dietary guidelines and exercise. It may include some medication in a couple of weeks if deemed necessary. The medication is a low blood pressure medication. Grant's system is not compensating for changes that occur. For instance, when he stands up his blood pressure drops and his heart rate increases dramatically. Normally, in an instant, our bodies make the necessary adjustments in this area and our blood flows normally to all parts of the body. This also explains why Grant has mentioned a "mental sluggishness" as well. Blood simply is not getting where it needs to when it needs to. The doctor also feels this has been the reason for his dramatic weight loss (30 pounds in 3 months). Blood flow in and out of the stomach area causes us to be hungry when our bodies need fuel. Consequently, we fell hungry, we eat, get the fuel needed for body function and continue on normally. Grant has not been hungry for over 3 months. He has eaten at our prodding but certainly has not eaten normally. Thus, he has lost a lot of weight.

Is this confusing? I understand. I am learning more as we go. If you'd like to understand more our doctor recommended this website that helps kids (and adults) understand more about this condition...

...At this time I am encouraging Grant in the recovery program. Like any rehab, it is difficult. He doesn't feel like eating or moving about much but this is the very thing that will aid his returning back to normal. Pray with us that as we get more into a routine he will see results and be more motivated in the program. We need to pray he'll gain weight. As he gains weight (to get to a more normal weight for him) his strength and energy will increase as well.

What does this hold for the future? We are not sure. It could be a process that takes months (hopefully not years). We are glad that we are coming up on our furlough as this will help. However, at present we are separated as a family. Being together as a family unit will also help the process. At this time it does not seem financially possible for Grant and I to go back for Jordan's graduation. The burden of this is just beginning to hit our entire family. This being the case, Lord willing, Joy, Jordan and Lindsay would return near the end of May. This is also putting a great deal of labor on Joy to "tie things up" in PNG before our scheduled furlough departure. Many aspects of our furlough plans still need to fall into place as well. Lots of questions but few answers at this time. We are taking it one day at a time and trusting the Lord for the rest. In these days, we would certainly appreciate your prayers on our behalf.

Thanks for standing with us through all of this. We have seen the presence of the Lord in the trial and are grateful for His intervention and help. This is no doubt the fruit of your prayers and concern.

Gratefully yours,

Jeff

PS. I understand many of you have been trying to keep up with us and have tried to contact us. I've had trouble keeping up with us, too! I hope to obtain a cell phone soon. Once a do I'll pass on a contact number for you. Thanks so much.

April 2005

Revisited!

Before Jordan graduates and returns to America he wanted to go "home" to the place of his childhood. Over the school break he and Jeff returned to Malaumanda for one last visit. It was wonderful to see old friends again. Many of the friends that Jordan roamed the jungle with as boys are now newlyweds and starting their own families. Some are the first in Malaumanda history to be able to marry Christian spouses. Jeff and Jordan, talked a lot, hiked and swam in the local rivers. It was great to reconnect with the people of Malaumanda!

Jeff & Jordan visit old friends!

Prayer Needs:

• The believers pictured here as well as others at Malaumanda are doing well. Pray for continuing maturity as Christians. Teaching and Bible translation in the tribal language continues.
• Furlough departure is less than 8 weeks away. Pray as Jeff & Joy arrange travel and departure plans. Much is still to be decided.
• Grant continues to be very weak- his illness continues. Pray for his recovery. He has missed over nine weeks of school. We are praying that he will be okay to travel. And that he will have a stable year after we return.