Medical Report from Darlene

I have been poked, prodded, scanned and scoped.  I have had blood work, treadmill tests, echocardiograms and EKGs.  The final result after all this is that I have asthma (controlled) and reflux.  The symptoms were mostly from the reflux.  Now that I am on medication, the symptoms have subsided and I am feeling much better.

The CT scans of the chest turned up a lesion on my right lower lung.  The doctors don't know what it is, so I have to return here in 2 or 3 months to confirm that it isn't cancer. That is somewhat nerve wracking, but we have no choice. Please pray that this is not cancer and for my peace of mind. 

It has been a stressful 2 weeks in Johannesburg going from doctor to doctor.  But we had a nice place to stay at Doug Tilton's apartment (PCUSA Regional Liaison for Southern Africa).  Doug is in the states for 3 weeks.  We could walk everywhere and we did.  Unlike Mzuzu, we've been relishing the joy of eating whole wheat toast, yogurt, cheese, & gelato, as well as safely drinking the tap water.

Thank you for all your prayers and support.  We look forward to going back to Mzuzu and getting back to work. 

 Long enough, God—

You've ignored me long enough.

I've looked at the back of your head long enough.

Long enough I've carried this tone of trouble,

lived with a stomach full of pain.

I've thrown myself headlong into your arms—

                I'm celebrating your rescue.

I'm singing at the top of my lungs,

                I'm so full of answered prayers.

                                (Psalm 13  The Message)

Medical Troubles from Paul & Darlene

Dear friends and prayer partners,

 

As you may be aware, I have struggled with Asthma since arriving in Mzuzu three weeks ago.  The asthma situation persists and is not getting a lot better, so I called our insurance today.  I had a phone evaluation with the doc and was told I need to go to Johannesburg, South Africa, for an evaluation.  So, Friday we'll drive down to Lilongwe (6 hrs) and then Sunday will fly to Jo' burg.  (Flights are available only every other day.)  My appointment has been set for Tuesday afternoon.  

 

Paul is 110% into work and I sit home feeling bad.  We are camped out at a friend's house with only a few things of our own.  This is less than satisfactory, so I hope we can move forward after next week. I'm glad we have a plan now instead of just waiting another day to see if things get any better.  I've been sick a full 3 weeks, and didn't feel well the week before that.  It's time.

 

It may be bad theology, but we feel like the enemy is doing everything possible to try to discourage us from our calling.   We take strength from God's word to a young Joshua. 

 

"Remember that I have commanded you to be determined and confident!  Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9   

 

Please pray that this evalutation will provide a solution to the problem and I will finally be able to engage in my calling with the infants at the Crisis Nursery.   We'll keep you posted.