September 2022

Surprise visit!

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They surprised us with a visit, all the way from "Shobol Llinllin," a 3-hour drive to our house! The church heard about Faby's health condition and send a delegation to encourage her. We have worked with this Quichua church for many years and have developed some good friendships. We are sad that we have cancelled our work in Chimborazo until we see how Faby's health improves, and we miss our trips to the communities, but this time they came to visit us. We had a wonderful time of sharing, and were blessed by their visit.

Faby's new medicine is preventing all her headaches, which is the good news. The hard part are the secondary effects: sleepiness, and some mental confusion. The doctors say the side effects disappear after a few weeks. But how hard for Faby to endure those first few weeks. We are only into a week and a half so far. We continue to look to the Lord for strength, patience, and wisdom.

Light at the end of the tunnel?

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This is our fifth attempt at using an anti-depressant for Faby’s headaches. And this time we’re having success! For two days Faby headaches have disappeared with the new medicine. We continue to trust the Lord for His hand on Faby’s health. Looking forward to a new future. Prov. 3:5-6

Frustration

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Monday, we went to the emergency room of another clinic. Faby's headaches continue. The ER doctor recommended an internal medicine doctor. Sounded good. We got an appointment that same night. The doctor gave the same diagnosis as both neurologists we have seen: "Tension Headaches," and prescribed an anti-depressant. Again! This is the fourth anti-depressant prescription. Wednesday night we began the treatment, and Thursday Faby awoke with dizziness. She then spent a miserable day with secondary effects of the medicine. Our decision: no more anti-depressants. Her headaches continue. The best remedy I now have is sleep. The headaches continue, but at least she can sleep them off. Not the ideal. We continue to pray for guidance and wisdom.

Never abandoned

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"Struck down, but not destroyed." 2 Cor. 4:8 I took a chain saw to this tree and left it a lonely trunk. But it came back and sprouted again. God never abandons us, although times may be tough. We never lose hope. Because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb. 13:5

Twice we’ve tried to put Faby on an anti-depressant, but both gave strong, undesirable side effects. So we tried to stabilize her with a healthy life-style: sleep well, eat well, and exercise. We were doing okay, but had to take her into the emergency room twice this week for headaches and anxiety. Today, we began another anti-depressant. Praying that this one will have only desirable effects. Not an easy choice for me. Anti-depressants are life-time medicines. God is faithful, good, and merciful!