Making of a Missionary
Making of a Missionary (on Furlough)
* I am up North in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin just off one of the great Lakes (I think Michigan) and am already wearing thermal underwear and sweaters because it is in the 60’s. I don’t know what I’m going to do when it is REALLY WINTER! I have been in the tropics for winter since 2003. Fall is beautiful here. Living in Dallas before Congo was usually warm to hot--like it is now.
* I think they need a “re-civilizing” camp for missionaries who “rough it” as I have. I have forgotten that toilets flush and that I can use sink faucet water to brush my teeth. Everything here is so digital and moves so fast, I am usually watching in wonder or getting terribly confused. If something happens on time or within a week in Congo—we’re thrilled!
* Quick medical update—A large hospital/clinic complex run by the sisters of St. Agnes have been the ones who have given me generous and kind (free) care here in Fond du Lac, WI. The MRI of both knees and the report and doctor visit to an orthopedic surgeon, all indicate the same—double knee replacements needed due to severe arthritis especially in the patella (kneecap area) and adjoining femur bone. The doctor stated that I am too young for the replacements and does not feel that an arthroscopy would do me any good either at this time since the joint and meniscus (pad between joint) in each knee is in fairly good condition. This news just pushes me harder to believe for a complete healing of my knees!
* In fact, after the report I got to the House of Prayer in Kansas City (IHOP) as fast as I could. This is a large facility with prayer rooms for various continents, healing rooms for individual prayer and a large auditorium with worship teams leading prayer and worship around the clock. I spent the better part of 5 days there—and have minimal pain now, can stand for more than 10 minutes, and can walk without my crutches. I still get stiffness and soreness, cannot sit, bend, or go up stairs without support and I know the bones need healed and the cartilage on the patella and femur restored—but I believe I am fully on my way! It sure is lots better than when I came home in a wheel chair!!!
* I sure am having fun spending time with my grandchildren. I spent several weeks in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin with daughter Heidi and her husband Tom and 2 girls when I first arrived back the 22nd of July. After a brief visit with close friends in Topeka Kansas and my time at IHOP, I have spent several weeks in western Kansas (Minneola) with daughter Kimberly and her husband Jon and their 5 children. I got to celebrate Jedidiah’s 5th birthday and the 12th wedding anniversary of my children. I returned the 16th of September to Wisconsin for a medical visit and to celebrate Emily’s 7th birthday. I miss these kinds of things—so it sure has been a treat.
