African Endeavor: Baby Its Cold Outside

We made it safely to New England where we find ourselves longing for the 90 degree weather in South Africa. We had forgotten how bitter the winters in NE can be. It was certainly a shock to have such an extreme weather change overnight.

Us:
Upon our arrival, we were greeted by family and housed by them for a few days in Maine. Last weekend we headed south to Massachusetts, the place we now call home. We are temporarily staying at dad’s house while he is in rehab. He has a tiny home with a small single bed in the bedroom. Our suitcases take up the remaining space in the bedroom, so we have an inflatable mattress we put in the living room floor, which despite its lack of furniture, also has little space. Since the apartment is government housing for seniors, we technically are only allowed to visit for a few weeks. We are therefore searching for a place to live nearby. There are some apartments, but most of the landlords require their tenants have jobs. Go figure. The job market seems to be closed for the season so that is a slow process. The car hunt continues as well. Craiglist has become a good friend, but with limited internet, we spend little time together. It seems like everything is slow going or on hold for the holidays at this point. So we are trying to make the most of the time we have to spend with mom & dad and each other. Although we feel a little discouraged about our progress this far, we know things will work out soon.

Mom & Dad:
On our way from Maine last weekend, we received a call from the hospital that dad had suffered a heart attack. With anxiety we made the three hour drive quickly and found him recovering well in the hospital. He fortunately was doing well and was in high spirits. The attack delayed the amputation surgery, so he had to endure a few more days of pain in his leg. Nevertheless, he went under the knife on Wednesday to remove his right leg. He is now back in the nursing home with mom (the home doubles as a rehabilitation and physical therapy center) where he will work to regain his strength. He is in uncomfortable pain from the amputation while the doctors are working to find the right medication to ease the suffering. It will probably still be at least another month before he will be able to come home. We are hoping at that point a handicap apartment at the government housing will become available.
Mom seems to be doing better since our visit in September. She is more vocal and has a stronger grip. She is happy to have us visit and seems very comfortable in the nursing home. Although bound to the wheelchair, she loves going for walks/rides up and down the halls of the home.

We are pressing on in faith. We know God will provide. We cannot express our gratitude for each of you. Your prayers and support are so encouraging to us and we deeply thank you.

God bless,
Mike & Jeanine