Prayer Letter Archive

June 24, 2004

This is the regarding the appointment with Grant's doctor Thursday morning. At the two hour visit it was determined that Joy and Grant will need to stay longer in Cairns for more testing. From the Thoracic Surgeon in Cairns (who is working in conjunction with a pediatric pulmonologist in Brisbane) here is what we know so far...

• From the tests and bronchoscopy that Grant has had done so far, it is surfacing that Grant is HIGHLY resistant to certain antibiotics. This resistance has caused his body to never really get over any chest or breathing illness that he had last year. Basically, he has had pneumonia all year though it worsens at certain times.
• Also, his immune system is not functioning properly. It is almost like his cells are not "working together" as they should. He is going to be undergoing some more specific blood tests to help determine what part of his immune system is working so that the doctors will know how to help his immune system.
• Because the meds he has been taking really have not been helping he is going to be getting a high powered injection and possibly another type medication that he will have to take for the next 6-8 months.
• Some of this blood work may need to be repeated in 6 weeks. There is no long term plan of attack as the doctors need to clearly diagnose specifically what the problem is regarding this problem. The only comment that the doctor made at this time was that the smoke in the air here at our present location is not helping his condition. We will know more next week.

Jeff, Jordan and Lindsay are back in PNG. They departed in order to not lose their return flight with Air Niugini. Pray for Joy and Grant still in Cairns. A penalty has been paid to re-date Joy and Grant's return flight from Cairns to Port Moresby but, with the extra time needed they will lose the Port Moresby-Goroka leg of the trip completely.

Thank you for praying. We are grateful for your continued love, care and concern.

Jeff and Joy

June 10, 2004

Greetings from Cairns, Australia. This tourist town is know as the jump off point to the Great Barrier Reef but to us it has been the haven of medical attention! All of our trips to this coastal town have been prompted because of medical needs. We have been very busy running from appointment to test since being here but have tried to squeeze in some fun things as a family too!

Grant caught a cold since being here and within two days it went directly to his chest as in the past. It has been good for the doctor to witness, but has hindered Grant's enjoyment of the trip. So far we do not have any clear answers but are waiting on some test results to come back to help rule out some things and confirm others. Pray we can get some clear answers to enable Grant to have a lesser degree of susceptibility for the coming school year.

Joy has had another MRI on her back. The results seem to indicate that the degeneration in her discs has not worsened significantly. Though this is good news, the fact that the pain in her lower back and hip has increased is a concern. It is felt that a more intense physical therapy regime is what is needed. This will be difficult with what is available to us in Papua New Guinea and because of Joy's ministry obligations. Pray we can formulate a reasonable plan to assist her in this need.

I will be going into the hospital tomorrow for the surgery on my shoulder. This time, it will be done orthoscopically and from the ultrasound report, the doctor sees no evidence of severe tendon damage. Both of these areas should mean a quicker recovery. For this I am very pleased. Pray for a successful surgery.

While here in Cairns, I got word that my nephew Gary Ryder is in intensive care in a hospital in Savannah, GA. Though details are sketchy at this time, it seems that he fell from quite a high distance. Because of heavy medication, he has not been able relate any details but his injuries are extensive - Shattered heels, broken ankles, 3 broken vertebrae, broken ribs and a broken neck. He has also developed pneumonia from breathing in blood. Though paralysis was a concern he seems to have function in his limbs. My brother Gary and his wife Donna are at the hospital with young Gary (25 yrs old) at this time. Pray for the Lord to aid and use situation for His glory.

I'll keep you updated as we learn more. Thanks so much!

Jeff

June 2004

Cheaper By The Dozen? ...We'll see!

Jeff has finished the process regarding all the requests for placements in our boarding homes for next year at Numonohi Christian Academy. We had 8 kids in our dorm this year but next year we will have 12! We'll have an age span of 11 yrs to 18 yrs. Four of these kids will be seniors. What an opportunity to influence these kids for the future! We had some wild times this year as can be seen by the photo, who knows how crazy it will be next year! We are excited about the kids that we'll have represented in our dorm. They will represent 4 tribal groups and our government liaison in the capitol city. Thanks for praying us through this year. To enable us to help these families and to labor to our full potential we'll need your constant backing again next year too!

Jeff & Merel vander Hout eating a "messy meal" in the dorm this year--Spaghetti & Meatballs with no plates or eating utensils!

The Seventy Pound Dynamo"

Lindsay turned 13 in April. We have all teenagers in our family!!!! She is still a little squirt at under 5 feet but is a bundle of energy and excitement. She loves all sports, is starting to take an interest in boys (yikes!) and becoming more like a little lady. She wants her own motorcycle and, at a moments notice, is willing to take on any adventure that comes her way (Yeah, no wonder Jeff is losing more hair all the time!). Though only 70 lbs., she gives the boys in her class a run for the money every week playing hockey. Pray that as Lindsay develops she will continue to grow in her relationship with the Lord as well!

Prayer Items:

• At the time you receive this letter our whole family will be in Cairns, Australia taking care of some medical needs. We are trusting the Lord to care for Grant's chest problems, Jeff's probable shoulder surgery and a check up on Joy's back and hip pain.
• While down in Cairns we desire some special family time as well.
• Pray for the next school year. It will be a busy one. We'll have a full dorm and the school is having to deal with staffing shortages.