We have updated our blog address for while we are here in The States. We will keep the African Endeavor blog open for the future.
The new address is: ACallToServe.blogspot.com
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We have just posted an update so please go there now!
July 14, 2013
April 20, 2013
One Month Later...
Although it has only been a month since our last update, it feels like six. We have so many things to report that it is difficult to decide were to start.
In case you have not already heard, on March 24 mom left this world to join Jesus in heaven. Six days after an infection took hold of her kidneys, her little body finally lost the battle. We were blessed to have had the whole week to be by her side at the hospital until she peacefully took her last breath. We had a small memorial service that seemed more like a family reunion than it did a funeral service. We knew mom would have wanted it that way. Although sad she is no longer on this earth with us, we are happy that her battle against the disease is finished.
After 54 years of marriage, we expected dad to be a mess with her passing. But he took things well. He is obviously grieving tremendously, but he too is happy that she is no longer fighting the disease.
Dad has had a rough ride as of late. He was finally released from rehab, 5 months of living in the center. He came home to a new apartment, one that is handicap accessible. He had been keeping himself busy trying to figure out where to fit things in a way he can get to them. It is easy to take for granted our ability to reach the cupboards above the kitchen counter. Being confined to his wheelchair, he is unable to use those cupboards. Regardless, he was starting to show real progress in arm strength and ability to stand on his one leg. He received a prosthetic leg and had just set appointment to work with the doctor on walking with it.
Then two weeks ago, the incision where his bypass stint was installed in his remaining foot started to bleed. We took him to the hospital where he had to go into emergency surgery to remove the bypass (he was bleeding out). This is the same thing that happened to his right leg in December. Now his left foot is not receiving blood and will eventually die off. To avoid life-threatening infections, and excruciating pain, the other leg would have to be amputated. For now, and for a range of reason, he has decided he does not want to cut off the leg. At this point, we are not sure what to do. We have seen dad suffer so much in the last six months: gall bladder surgery in Oct, surgery on his right foot in Nov, amputation in Dec, heart attack in Dec, bypass surgery on his left foot in Feb, mom passed in Mar, and then this last surgery. We ask for prayer for him. At least now he has enough stamps on his surgery card that his next one if free (a little humor needed here).
Our days are long. Jeanine leaves early to be with dad at his place all day. She runs his errands and takes him to doctor appointments and things. Mike goes directly from work to dad’s place. We eat dinner together with him and hang out until bedtime. Depending on how dad is feeling makes a big difference on his mood. It is sometimes very suffocating to be around his negativity (which he understandably suffers from).
However, we do want to report that there are some very good things and happy times while here. We are getting to know Jeanine’s brother and his family better. They are a fun bunch to be around. Her sister comes down from Maine to visit often.
We also get to hang out with her other sister in New Hampshire. It is good to be around family. We are also truly happy that we get to have this time with dad. We were grateful for the time we had with mom before she left. It has helped us realize how valuable the time is. We are cherishing each moment as much as we can.
With love,
Mike and Jeanine
In case you have not already heard, on March 24 mom left this world to join Jesus in heaven. Six days after an infection took hold of her kidneys, her little body finally lost the battle. We were blessed to have had the whole week to be by her side at the hospital until she peacefully took her last breath. We had a small memorial service that seemed more like a family reunion than it did a funeral service. We knew mom would have wanted it that way. Although sad she is no longer on this earth with us, we are happy that her battle against the disease is finished.
After 54 years of marriage, we expected dad to be a mess with her passing. But he took things well. He is obviously grieving tremendously, but he too is happy that she is no longer fighting the disease.
Dad has had a rough ride as of late. He was finally released from rehab, 5 months of living in the center. He came home to a new apartment, one that is handicap accessible. He had been keeping himself busy trying to figure out where to fit things in a way he can get to them. It is easy to take for granted our ability to reach the cupboards above the kitchen counter. Being confined to his wheelchair, he is unable to use those cupboards. Regardless, he was starting to show real progress in arm strength and ability to stand on his one leg. He received a prosthetic leg and had just set appointment to work with the doctor on walking with it.
Then two weeks ago, the incision where his bypass stint was installed in his remaining foot started to bleed. We took him to the hospital where he had to go into emergency surgery to remove the bypass (he was bleeding out). This is the same thing that happened to his right leg in December. Now his left foot is not receiving blood and will eventually die off. To avoid life-threatening infections, and excruciating pain, the other leg would have to be amputated. For now, and for a range of reason, he has decided he does not want to cut off the leg. At this point, we are not sure what to do. We have seen dad suffer so much in the last six months: gall bladder surgery in Oct, surgery on his right foot in Nov, amputation in Dec, heart attack in Dec, bypass surgery on his left foot in Feb, mom passed in Mar, and then this last surgery. We ask for prayer for him. At least now he has enough stamps on his surgery card that his next one if free (a little humor needed here).
Our days are long. Jeanine leaves early to be with dad at his place all day. She runs his errands and takes him to doctor appointments and things. Mike goes directly from work to dad’s place. We eat dinner together with him and hang out until bedtime. Depending on how dad is feeling makes a big difference on his mood. It is sometimes very suffocating to be around his negativity (which he understandably suffers from).
However, we do want to report that there are some very good things and happy times while here. We are getting to know Jeanine’s brother and his family better. They are a fun bunch to be around. Her sister comes down from Maine to visit often.
We also get to hang out with her other sister in New Hampshire. It is good to be around family. We are also truly happy that we get to have this time with dad. We were grateful for the time we had with mom before she left. It has helped us realize how valuable the time is. We are cherishing each moment as much as we can.
With love,
Mike and Jeanine
March 17, 2013
Psalms 136:26
It is amazing to think we are already well into March. The previous months since returning to the US have passed by quickly. Adjusting to life back in America has been quite an experience. Mike sometimes still forgets what side of the road to drive on. Not good. We have also been adjusting to generous levels of snowfall and Nor’easters.
We were ready to post a blog sharing that things with mom and dad have settled down a bit. It seems we were a little early on that statement. Unfortunately, last week or so has been difficult. Jeanine will share a little more detail on this below.
We are happy to announce that Mike got a job! He started work this week in the IT department of a small state college. The drive is only 1.25 hours away! (that was sarcasm if you didn't catch it)
As always, we would like to share events from our individual perspectives...
Mike:
I recall what it was like in Colorado during the first day of snow each winter. The commute time doubled and drivers would slow to a crawl, cautious to maintain control of their vehicles. In Massachusetts, drivers race along the highways through the snow as if it where dry ground. But when the sun comes out around springtime, the commute time doubles and drivers slow to a crawl. The concept of sun glare is a fearful notion, only because it is so rare.
We are grateful that I found work. There are so many people without income right now and we know how much of a blessing this is. The commute is rough. Let me put it this way, I have to change the radio station twice along the way because I travel outside of the transmit range. I shave twice a day; once before I leave for work and again when I arrive at work because the beard has started growing back again.
It is still difficult to wrap my head around the whole work thing. After the past year and half of service, I am having trouble settling into the job. I don't really feel like I fit in. I think that is mostly because my recent lifestyle has not been a focus on work, but rather service to others. I am trying hard to relate my tasks into a service role, but the responsibilities seem unimportant compared to working to alleviate poverty, feed hungry children and care for our parents. Not to mention I was with Jeanine 24X7 for over a year. I know, you are thinking, "Poor Jeanine, forced to be with Mike all that time." It was a privilege and I miss her when I am at work. Cheese.
Regardless I know we are blessed. I see Gods grace everyday and I look forward to what He has in store for us in the future!
And now for the star of the show…
Jeanine:
So much has happened since our last update…
Mom has been hanging in. She has good days and bad. She was doing well and getting more and more comfy at the nursing home. She had embraced it as her permanent home. She was finally requesting that we bring her clothes to the nursing home and allowing pictures to be hung on her walls. We would have nice conversations and she was responding with a slight nod or shake of her head, and even though it took a lot of effort, she would verbally answer questions that require more than that. Lately, however, she has been losing weight, eating less and sleeping more. The nursing home is doing what they can to adjust treatment, but the nature of her disease will continue to attack her at different angles. She speaks less and it seems to take more effort when she does. She has trouble holding things like her glass of milk. She is also down for the count right now with a severe stomach virus and with her being so tiny already……. We fear the disease is gearing up for another round. Please pray that dad, us and the family may be prepared for whatever comes next.
Dad has had a wild ride lately. On 25 Feb, he went in for surgery to install a bypass stint so his remaining foot could get blood flow. (This is the same procedure that didn’t work on his right leg, causing the amputation). Praise God, the surgery was successful! He will be able to keep his left foot! It was amazing to be with him after the surgery and hear him sing praises to God! Ok and then there is also nothing like watching your Dad get high after he pushing the button to self-induce pain meds. LOL He kept speaking into the button wand…”hello, hello, can you hear me?” HA, HA, HA!!! And we also found out according to Dad that Mike is extremely “huggable”. (course I already knew that). We also received the GREAT news that they are releasing Dad into my care on Friday!!! After being gone since November, he could not be more anxious to be home. He will need 1 assist (moi) from the time he gets up till he goes to bed sooo about 7am I’ll head his way & return home about 10pm. Mike will come to Dad’s after work each night & we’ll eat as a family. This will taper back some once Dad get’s his artificial leg & adjusts to living on his own again. Yes, I know it would be simpler for all if he would just move in with us, however he doesn’t want to lose his sense of self & we want to respect that. Yeah maan… it’s gonna be WILD, it’s gonna be GREAT….it’s gonna be FULL OF HIM (and yes I’m heavily counting on this one!!!).
For me, dear friends, I would ask for strength. I am blessed to be able to spend time with my parents after 34 years of being away. There is a peace & a sense of honor when I feed my mother, wheel her around on our walks or hang out with my Father while he heals. But now and again, I look around and see all of the folks there…. Old, sickly, just sitting there with drool down their chins as they sleep in their wheel chairs, and there at the end of the group is my little Mum, with Dad by her side holding hands, and it gets real, and it gets hard. I also worry that I might not be able to physically care for my Dad on my own (although I am getting some PT training starting Monday to prepare me for this). Most days it is ok, but some…….
Us:
We have continued some of our work with BEAM and Siyathemba in Africa. Mike is getting ready to send a few new databases and marketing videos. Jeanine has been working on a calendar and the curriculum for Siyathemba. Although not physically there, we still plan to serve as much as we can from abroad. We also hope to launch a new web site for African Endeavor soon.
We will keep you updated on the next new adventures in store for us. Meanwhile, we ask for your prayers over mom and that dad and family may be strong regarding her condition. Please pray for dad and his quick rehabilitation. We also ask you pray that we find a church we can participate in and worship with.
We thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. We pray that God may bless each of you!
With love,
Mike & Jeanine
We were ready to post a blog sharing that things with mom and dad have settled down a bit. It seems we were a little early on that statement. Unfortunately, last week or so has been difficult. Jeanine will share a little more detail on this below.
We are happy to announce that Mike got a job! He started work this week in the IT department of a small state college. The drive is only 1.25 hours away! (that was sarcasm if you didn't catch it)
As always, we would like to share events from our individual perspectives...
Mike:
I recall what it was like in Colorado during the first day of snow each winter. The commute time doubled and drivers would slow to a crawl, cautious to maintain control of their vehicles. In Massachusetts, drivers race along the highways through the snow as if it where dry ground. But when the sun comes out around springtime, the commute time doubles and drivers slow to a crawl. The concept of sun glare is a fearful notion, only because it is so rare.
We are grateful that I found work. There are so many people without income right now and we know how much of a blessing this is. The commute is rough. Let me put it this way, I have to change the radio station twice along the way because I travel outside of the transmit range. I shave twice a day; once before I leave for work and again when I arrive at work because the beard has started growing back again.
It is still difficult to wrap my head around the whole work thing. After the past year and half of service, I am having trouble settling into the job. I don't really feel like I fit in. I think that is mostly because my recent lifestyle has not been a focus on work, but rather service to others. I am trying hard to relate my tasks into a service role, but the responsibilities seem unimportant compared to working to alleviate poverty, feed hungry children and care for our parents. Not to mention I was with Jeanine 24X7 for over a year. I know, you are thinking, "Poor Jeanine, forced to be with Mike all that time." It was a privilege and I miss her when I am at work. Cheese.
Regardless I know we are blessed. I see Gods grace everyday and I look forward to what He has in store for us in the future!
And now for the star of the show…
Jeanine:
So much has happened since our last update…
Mom has been hanging in. She has good days and bad. She was doing well and getting more and more comfy at the nursing home. She had embraced it as her permanent home. She was finally requesting that we bring her clothes to the nursing home and allowing pictures to be hung on her walls. We would have nice conversations and she was responding with a slight nod or shake of her head, and even though it took a lot of effort, she would verbally answer questions that require more than that. Lately, however, she has been losing weight, eating less and sleeping more. The nursing home is doing what they can to adjust treatment, but the nature of her disease will continue to attack her at different angles. She speaks less and it seems to take more effort when she does. She has trouble holding things like her glass of milk. She is also down for the count right now with a severe stomach virus and with her being so tiny already……. We fear the disease is gearing up for another round. Please pray that dad, us and the family may be prepared for whatever comes next.
Dad has had a wild ride lately. On 25 Feb, he went in for surgery to install a bypass stint so his remaining foot could get blood flow. (This is the same procedure that didn’t work on his right leg, causing the amputation). Praise God, the surgery was successful! He will be able to keep his left foot! It was amazing to be with him after the surgery and hear him sing praises to God! Ok and then there is also nothing like watching your Dad get high after he pushing the button to self-induce pain meds. LOL He kept speaking into the button wand…”hello, hello, can you hear me?” HA, HA, HA!!! And we also found out according to Dad that Mike is extremely “huggable”. (course I already knew that). We also received the GREAT news that they are releasing Dad into my care on Friday!!! After being gone since November, he could not be more anxious to be home. He will need 1 assist (moi) from the time he gets up till he goes to bed sooo about 7am I’ll head his way & return home about 10pm. Mike will come to Dad’s after work each night & we’ll eat as a family. This will taper back some once Dad get’s his artificial leg & adjusts to living on his own again. Yes, I know it would be simpler for all if he would just move in with us, however he doesn’t want to lose his sense of self & we want to respect that. Yeah maan… it’s gonna be WILD, it’s gonna be GREAT….it’s gonna be FULL OF HIM (and yes I’m heavily counting on this one!!!).
For me, dear friends, I would ask for strength. I am blessed to be able to spend time with my parents after 34 years of being away. There is a peace & a sense of honor when I feed my mother, wheel her around on our walks or hang out with my Father while he heals. But now and again, I look around and see all of the folks there…. Old, sickly, just sitting there with drool down their chins as they sleep in their wheel chairs, and there at the end of the group is my little Mum, with Dad by her side holding hands, and it gets real, and it gets hard. I also worry that I might not be able to physically care for my Dad on my own (although I am getting some PT training starting Monday to prepare me for this). Most days it is ok, but some…….
Us:
We have continued some of our work with BEAM and Siyathemba in Africa. Mike is getting ready to send a few new databases and marketing videos. Jeanine has been working on a calendar and the curriculum for Siyathemba. Although not physically there, we still plan to serve as much as we can from abroad. We also hope to launch a new web site for African Endeavor soon.
We will keep you updated on the next new adventures in store for us. Meanwhile, we ask for your prayers over mom and that dad and family may be strong regarding her condition. Please pray for dad and his quick rehabilitation. We also ask you pray that we find a church we can participate in and worship with.
We thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. We pray that God may bless each of you!
With love,
Mike & Jeanine
Bird watching with mom
A view from our backyard
A day in New England
How Jeanine takes care of the staff at the nursing home
January 17, 2013
And A New Year Begins
I sit in the little house that God has provided for us here in Massachusetts watching the snow gently fall outside our window and the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies fill the rooms. Ah, small town New England in winter. While it is cold (ya well it IS January) there is a beauty to this part of the country I think I was too young to appreciate when I lived here last. And while we have seen more gray skies than blue since we arrived, I love the scenery that surrounds us. It is peaceful and serene on this little street that we have been blessed to call home for now, and it is a peace that I desperately need.
Mom is doing well. She listens to our conversations and occasionally forces herself to sit up and reply or respond or correct us when our ‘information is slightly off’, lol. She can hold her milk to drink out of a straw, but we must still have to feed her. All and all considering the disease they say she is doing very well. She could possibly continue on like this for quite a while. My father was doing well. He adjusted to having his right leg removed (just below his knee) had gotten to the point of being able to use the bathroom alone & with minimal help can get in and out of his wheel chair. We also just got the news that he qualified for and is getting a handicap unit within the complex he is currently living in. The list for those units is usually very long, but his will be ready the first week in February…praise God! But now his left leg has started to pain him something awful, and sores are appearing on it, just like the right leg. He goes back to the hospital on Friday morning to have it looked at. We are praying we caught this leg early enough so he does not need more surgery. For now, he is handling the news with a “one day at a time” attitude which in itself is a miracle.
I know that God is with us, He has shown His presence in everything. For although we are having a hard time finding work, we are able to spend a lot of time with my folks, running errands for my Dad and getting to know our way around the area. It also allows us to come back to Colorado on 22 Jan for a week to see Nikki & Ryan one more time before they move to Cambodia on 3 Feb. (Praise God for CHEAP unadvertised airfares!).
Other than being unemployed, we are enjoying all the quirks of living in a little house that was built in 1888 (seriously it was!!!). We no longer jump when the pipes ping & the floors creak at 2am and we are quite happy wearing our long johns & hoodies in the house because oil heat is wicked expensive *grins*. We love running in to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and seeing a pack of retirees hanging out in the corner loudly discussing everything from , “this wicked nasty weathah” or their beloved Patriots. And the fact that once again we have the accents… ok so the reality is MIKE has the accent, it seems I am falling back into old pronunciations *grins*.
We thank you all for all of your prayers & support. We ask that you continue praying for my parents. And we pray that you all have a blessed & amazing 2013, we know we will.
".....knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. " James 1:3-4
In His Name,
Mike & Jeanine
Mom is doing well. She listens to our conversations and occasionally forces herself to sit up and reply or respond or correct us when our ‘information is slightly off’, lol. She can hold her milk to drink out of a straw, but we must still have to feed her. All and all considering the disease they say she is doing very well. She could possibly continue on like this for quite a while. My father was doing well. He adjusted to having his right leg removed (just below his knee) had gotten to the point of being able to use the bathroom alone & with minimal help can get in and out of his wheel chair. We also just got the news that he qualified for and is getting a handicap unit within the complex he is currently living in. The list for those units is usually very long, but his will be ready the first week in February…praise God! But now his left leg has started to pain him something awful, and sores are appearing on it, just like the right leg. He goes back to the hospital on Friday morning to have it looked at. We are praying we caught this leg early enough so he does not need more surgery. For now, he is handling the news with a “one day at a time” attitude which in itself is a miracle.
I know that God is with us, He has shown His presence in everything. For although we are having a hard time finding work, we are able to spend a lot of time with my folks, running errands for my Dad and getting to know our way around the area. It also allows us to come back to Colorado on 22 Jan for a week to see Nikki & Ryan one more time before they move to Cambodia on 3 Feb. (Praise God for CHEAP unadvertised airfares!).
Other than being unemployed, we are enjoying all the quirks of living in a little house that was built in 1888 (seriously it was!!!). We no longer jump when the pipes ping & the floors creak at 2am and we are quite happy wearing our long johns & hoodies in the house because oil heat is wicked expensive *grins*. We love running in to Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and seeing a pack of retirees hanging out in the corner loudly discussing everything from , “this wicked nasty weathah” or their beloved Patriots. And the fact that once again we have the accents… ok so the reality is MIKE has the accent, it seems I am falling back into old pronunciations *grins*.
We thank you all for all of your prayers & support. We ask that you continue praying for my parents. And we pray that you all have a blessed & amazing 2013, we know we will.
".....knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. " James 1:3-4
In His Name,
Mike & Jeanine
Our New Guard Dog, Wilbur
The view from our front window
Piping hot cookies by the kitchen window
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