COUNT DOWN HAS BEGUN!

Today was a very good day! Chris was almost his old self and feeling very chipper. We talked a lot and he gave me a run down on his O.T. exercises this am. He is doing well and is quite please with himself. He still has a long way to go for complete recovery, but for now he is doing just what if not more, than the doctor ordered. We all very well KNOW that Chris is a fighter!

One of the nurses from I.C.U. at Greenacres Hospital phoned Aurora Rehab. to find out how Chris is doing. She said they all send their love and are praying for his quick return to the U.S. One of the sisters (registered nurse to us), the one who we thought looked like our grandaughter Kristin, stopped by to see Chris and was very excited when she saw he was in "regular" clothes and sitting up in bed! Everyone has taken an obvious interest and caring in Chris; the favor of God!!

Continue to pray for us as we continue to pray for you. Please pray that the 4-6 weeks window - will turn to 3 which is what we are trusting God for. Amen?

Psalms 33:20-21

COUNT DOWN HAS BEGUN!

COUNT DOWN HAS BEGUN!

PROGRESSING...THANK GOD!

Today was Chris' 3rd day at Aurora Rehab. Ctr. He is doing very well and coping with the O.T.therapy. He looks great and is quite happy with himself. Frankly, I am very happy as well. He appears more calm and comfortable. They are feeding him regular food (soft) and that does not appeal to him. Soon, however, he will be on a regular diet. I don't think he will like that either because the food here is quite different from our food back home.

Dr. Campbell gave me a report of a staff meeting that was held yesterday. Present at the meeting was the staff which is working with Chris and their assessment. So far everyone seems to be in agreement that he is making progress and the prognosis for recovery is good. However, Dr. informed me that it will be a long time before Chris makes a full recovery. The staff working with Chris is quite friendly and have taken a liking to Chris already. They are all rooting for Pastor. He will be able to return home withing 4 weeks, perhaps 6.

Rehabilitation will continue once we get home. Those of you who know Chris well know that he is a FIGHTER and with God on his side he is invincible!!

Please continue to pray for God's grace over us all.





So keep praying. God has been good to us always and now is no exception.

PROGRESSING - PRAISE GOD!

DOESN'T HE LOOK GREAT!!!

This picture was taken at Aurora Rehabilitation Center. The bandage on his neck is where the trachea was. It is a very small incision and it heals by itself!

MOVIN' ON UP. YEA!

This am I received a phone call from Greenacres Hospital advising me that they were moving Chris to Aurora Hospital sometime this morning. Doulin and I quickly got ready and left, but by
the time we got to the hospital, he had already been transported. After a tearful goodbye to the sisters (nurses), the attendants and everyone else, we left for Aurora.


By the time we arrived Chris had already had breakfast and was in bed. He looked very happy to begin the last leg of our stay here. The doctor arrived very quickly and gave me a run down on what they would be doing for Chris, his medication and how they would help him on his way to recovery. Chris then gave me a list of things he needed...a new jogging suit, sweat pants, more toiletries, etc. Doulin and I quickly obeyed and we were on our way to our shopping spree, something I really dread doing...yeah...I know.


I bought him a really nice jogging suit, sweat pants, sweat shirt, etc. and toiletries. We were soon back at the hospital and by the time we arrived he was already receiving occupational therapy. The therapist appeared to be quite good and pleased with Chris' workout. After the session, Chris and I stayed in the lounge and talked about a lot of things. I also took some pictures. He is happy to be at this hospital and is willing to work at getting better. We are determined to go home as soon as possible. Dr. Campbell, the Director and Founder of the premises came to welcome us and behaved more like an old friend than a doctor.


I stayed with Chris until about 6:00 pm and then went to the Guest House to freshen up and get ready to go to a special service at church .


All in all, it was a great day. Chris is very, very happy and so am I. We continue to give all Praise and Glory to God for his loving care.


Please continue to pray for Chris. Thank you.

WHAT A DAY!!!!

Today was a day to beat all days! Suffice it to say that the insurance co. reps who've been quite good 'til now had a problem!!! Those of you who know me very well know that I am very calm, cool and collected when someone crosses me. Needless to say, the Accounts Dept. in Greenacres Hospital is phenomenal and were able to take care of the mix-up after trying desperately to iron out the problem for almost 3 hours via phone calls from Africa to Canada to the US.

Soooooo....Chris will be going to Aurora Rehabilitation Hospital tomorrow, 4/21. He will be there according to his doctors, for 3-4 weeks and then we'll go HOME!

God has been awesome!! I am looking forward to sharing my testimony with with anyone who will listen. God has used the doctors, the nurses, the attendants, the Hospital Administration, other patients and perfect strangers to assist us! Ebenezer Church: Pastor Neville and Pastor Roji (his wife), all the other Pastors and their wives, members of the church and the church in general are an incredible group of God's Chosen People. I praise God for them.

They've coordinated a couple of ladies to keep me company and drive me to and from the hospital or anywhere I need to go (Douleen, Loretta). Lynn, the lady who owns the Beach House where I am staying has become like family. I am preparing a list of everyone who has touched my life during my stay here. I intend to always thank God for these wonderful people.

God is truly and has been my life-long companion. You all already know I'm His spoiled brat!

105th DAY - BUT WHOSE COUNTING?

This morning's visit went well. The trachea has been removed and the doctors are allowing the small opening to close naturally; He only has a covering over it. He has also been taken off oxygen completely. By Tuesday he should be at AURORA REHABILITATION CENTER. The doctors believe he will be there 3-4 weeks...then home!

It is very comforting to see how very happy the doctors, the nurses, the attendants and the administrators are with regard to Chris' recovery. Everyone has been extremely supportive and my friends at Ebenezer Centre take turns "Shlepping"(?) me back and forth. I am quite the celebrity (?). I've always said I am God's special, spoiled brat! I now have no doubt. God has truly been awesome. I have quite a list of testimonies which I will share when we get back.

The weather is changing and it is getting very cold. (Marisel...leather coat??) It is also raining and quite windy.

Please continue to pray. Regards to everyone.

Lali

LOOKING GOOD!

Marisel has gone home and I am left alone. Don't anyone worry...Ebenezer Centre is taking GOOD care of me. I am really never alone, Praise God!

Today was a very good day. When I got to the hospital this am the nurse showed me that they have taken Chris off oxygen altogether! They will remove the metal trachea tomorrow and then he will be able to speak clearly!!! Very exciting news. He appeared very happy and he looked great! He is eating mashed potatoes(those of you who KNOW Chris know that he dislikes potatoes! (musn't use the word hate) He is also eating mashed sweet p0tatoes, jelly (jello) and custard. He is not a happy camper. I made some chicken soup (found cilantro - praise God) Marisel, I did, I did! They sell it at Woolworth! In any case, the soup turned out great and I took him only the broth. He took several sips, but the nurse told me that if it had herbs, it would not be wise to give it to him as it could irritate his throat. Well, so much for the sopita. I will try again in a couple of days.

In the pm when I went to visit him, I got there a little - sopita making, he was already in his wheelchair and all "decked out" to go out! So off we went, Doulin, Desmond and I. Chris told us where he wanted to go and what he wanted to see. It is really encouraging to see him doing so well. After a while he told us he was ready to go back upstairs and we all obeyed.

Once we were upstairs and they had made him comfortable in his bed, he reminded me to pack his jogging suit, bathing suit, the cards, letters and pictures hanging in his room. He is really something else!!

So, family, please continue to pray as God is answering all of our prayers.
Marisel, thank you for everything!

All The Steps Of the Righteous Are Ordered by Him

Today was a great day! God is faithful! Pastor looked wonderful! Just like himself!

Last night we prayed that God would speak crystal clear as to what he wants us to do in regards to Pastor's rehabilitation. So clear it would be as if there was writing on the wall. We called on the name of the Lord because he is our Helper. He promised to respond, so we believe he would. This morning when we woke up doubt try to creep in, but in the name of Jesus, we rebuked it and it was gone.

When we got to the hospital dad informed us that Dr. Campbell, the Director of Aurora, had been in to meet him. He left his card for mom to call with any questions. Okay Lord, here we go with Aurora again. Aurora is the best rehabilitation facility here in Port Elizabeth.

In addition, Sister June (remember her? the elderly women who comes to pray for dad) and her friend Judy came to visit dad this morning. June's daughter, Laura, has offerred to volunteer and do Occupational Therapy with dad. Laura came to meet dad today and was amazed at his progress. We got kicked out of dad's room because the head Sister said too many visitors. Ohhh, that didn't go well with me. I had to pray... Lord, Jesus hold my tongue. But I submitted to the dumb rule and exited the ICU on my last day visiting with dad and waited my turn. Lovely!

Mom came out to relieve me and I went back in. Mike Santiago was encouraging dad and blessing him with the Word of God. Praise God! Mike loves the Lord soooo much! He still carries around one of those minature new testament Bibles (remember them?).

June has been trying to have mom and myself over for lunch since I got here. Today we decided we'd go to lunch with June and Judy. (Mike and Judy came with us). Judy decided to host the lunch at her house. Mom came back in to say good-bye to dad and she said, "You are not going to believe what just happened. Judy's house is less than one block away from Aurora." June had been inviting us for some time and it hadn't worked out and today of all days was the day we finally were able to coordinate the luncheon; The same day we asked God to confirm what He wants us to do about Aurora. Judy told mom that she is more than welcome to stay at her house in between the visits with dad. We went to Judy's house and we had a really good time. It was enjoyable, very relaxing and the food was pretty good. We had homemade sconces and they were delicious. Yummy! We were able to meet Judy's family and the luncheon gave mom a good sense of fellowship and friendship. After lunch, we drove straight to Aurora, which is about five houses away from Judy's house.

At the Aurora Hospital, Dr. Campbell sat down with mom and me and answered all of mom's questions regarding Aurora. The first thing he told her was that she has no restrictions on visiting hours. Praise God! That was one of her HUGE concerns. (When we did the walk-thru we were told visiting hours were twice a day in the afternoon for a half hour only). Dr. Campbell explained it would be better for dad to come to Aurora as soon as Dr. Britz releases him, which could be as early as next Tuesday. At Aurora they would work on strengthening his muscles and getting him ready to be able to go home on a commercial first class flight. He suggested that the first class flight seat is more comfortable than having dad on a stretcher considering the lengthy flight. He said we should discuss this information with the family. Our response was that we need to talk to Mark. So he said, "please do" and suggested Mark call him with any questions. Dr. Campbell said it can be anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks before Pastor is ready to go home on a commercial flight.

We went back to the hospital and we couldn't wait to talk to dad and let him know all that happened. We told him everything and he said, "we'll give it a shot". Pastor Neville and Pastor Roji arrived to give Pastor a word. Pastor Neville had visited last night and said he needed to speak to dad, but because there were so many people he said he would talk to him at the next day's visit. Pastor Neville wanted to encourage dad to stay and go to Aurora. Pastor Neville feels that we risk aborting what God has deposited in the Pastor if we prematurely leave without dad being strong enough. God is speaking. We want to be sure to be in alignment to God's will for dad's life. As Mark said, "we are closer today than yesterday" and we continue to look forward to the end that will soon be here.
At the evening visit, Mike Santiago ministered again to Pastor providing scriptures. Pastor listened soaking it all into his spirit. He looked blessed. Before we left for the evening Pastor started giving me instructions again for the May calendar and letting me know that he would be back for VBS, Rock the Block and the Children's Parade. He asked me a lot of questions regarding the construction, Clinton and the church. He's back!! I did my best to answer all of his questions and to write down all that he has requested to take back and share.

Tonight is my last night. Pastor Roji has assured me that she will ensure that mom is taken care of by Darlene, Loretta and herself. Allen and Ruvena have also committed to keeping an eye on mom and to be with her and dad until they return back to the states. Allen said the Lord had placed that on his heart and they will follow through.

Please continue to pray. Thank you!

Hallelujah!

Today Pastor looked great! When we arrived he was eagerly waiting. He was ready in his chair and decided to praise the Lord with a Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Highest praise to our Lord for his unfailing faithfulness.

Pastor was on a role today asking questions pertaining to the church, reminding me what we need to do and asking me to let the Pastors know this or that. So, must do as I'm told. Made the calls, talked to the people and spread the news. He is back!!!

We had the most visitors than I've seen in the past 14 days. They all arrived today at the same time. Rev. Mike and Judy Santiago, Allen and Ruvena, Debbie, Pastor Neville, mom and myself. WOW! Full house. Solo falto recoger la ofrenda.

Pastor got a word from Pastor Neville (Isaiah 40:28-31) and Mike shared Psalm 9:10.

Please continue to pray as we are at a crucial point and the Santiagos need to make decisions concerning the next step after Pastor is released from the hospital. In addition, we need the funds for the transport to come in ASAP. So spread, spread, spread the word...

"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you and he will quiet you with His love and He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17
God bless you!

We have OVERCOME...

Today was the big day... by the time we got to the hospital dad had the metal trachea in his throat. Praise the Lord! Marina (the sister assigned to dad today - another answered prayer) covered the metal trachea and had him say, "hello Lali" and so he did. He seemed well and happy that he had overcome this hurdle.



We went to Aurora to check it out and were not very impressed. Dr. Britz believes dad will be ready to move to Aurora Hospital within two weeks. We believe if the doctors release dad to go to Aurora for rehabilitation, we just as well should bring him home and let him go to Helen Hayes Rehabilitation Hospital in New York. Dad is adamant about not going home on a medical transport and being able to walk before going back to the states. However, we don't think it is wise to prolong the return any longer. We had this discussion with dad today and it became a little stressful, so we determined we would not say anything at the next visit. Well, that wasn't hard to do at all because he slept through the entire visit. God is so smart. As I've asked before, please continue to pray for Godly wisdom and direction. Once again, Brenda you know what to do. We need Godly wisdom!



Tomorrow Mike & Judy Santiago (missionaries to Zimbabwe and long time friends of Pastor & Lali) will be here to visit with them. That will be nice for dad to have a break from me and mom.



We leave you with... "Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise." (Psalm 48:1)

Have a seat...

After church, we went to visit dad today and he appeared to be tired. He apparently did not have a good night sleep. He had been in his chair for sometime, so we asked for him to be put back into his bed so he could relax. The physical therpaist came in and she did her usual routine with dad. She was excited to show us that dad is able to sit up and hold his back up without assistance. The therapist had to help him into position, but after doing so he was able to remain seated for a reasonable amount of time. Excellent progress!

He was tired and slept a lot, so we told the nurse we did not want to take him out at the 3pm visit because we wanted to be sure he was well rested for his procedure tommorow. The evening visit was better; he was himself and was well rested. We continued our reading of Ezekiel (now chapter 21) and as we read along he interjected.

We shared with dad the scriptures Pastor Neville fed the church today:

Isaiah 40:28-31

"My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work." John 4:34

"Jesus replied to them, "My Father is working right now, and so am I." John 5:17

Pray, tommorow is our big day! We are believing for good things. We'll keep you posted!

Blessings!

Making our needs known...

Hello Santiago family! Grateful! Grateful! Grateful! We are grateful for God's faithfulness thus far and we thank him for his continual faithfulness towards us ALL.

Dad is doing well and as you all know, Monday is the big day as the for tracchi will be removed. There seems to be as I said earlier, a little concern, apprehension, etc. However, we believe in the power of prayer and PRAYER has been the substance that has carried the Santiagos for the past 97 days. So as Bren said, we will pray, pray, pray and pray some more. Thank you for your prayers because as mom says we can feel them. And as I would say, we need them. We are all human and anyone outside of their "normal life" for 97 days would find it difficult. So, although we see the end coming and soon believe dad will be leaving South Africa in a matter of weeks, lets pray that they may perservere and endure until they get to the finish line. Many decisions will need to be made in the next couple of weeks, so we need God's wisdom. God's wisdom!!

Dad is amazing. He reminded us today not to be late for church tomorrow. We got to church late last week and missed the worship! Last Monday Mark said "You can't miss the worship!!!". Like Father, like son! We will get to church on time tommorow I promise!! I won't talk to mom while we are in the car, so I can focus on the signs. We'll let you know how it goes. Stay tuned!

Today, Dad asked me when I was leaving. Ugh! I said Thursday and he opened his eyes wide. I said, Monday they take the tracchi out, Tuesday you need to speak to me and Wednesday you can give me instructions and say good-bye and Thursday I am on my way. He said okay!

Mom and I have had some great times in prayer as we pray for ALL the Santiagos. We believe the plans God has for them are for GOOD and we believe it will come to fruition in each of their lives soon, in the name of Jesus.

We drove to Aurora Rehabilitation Hospital to see how far it is from Green Acres Hospital (it is about 15 minutes further up from the hospital - down a valley & then up a valley and then a turn here and there and you're there. "Voila!" It is far from Hobie Beach! We'll keep you posted!

By the way... today we had a disgusting dessert pecan tart with ice cream as our dinner. Gross! Pray for our stomachs - they don't have Tums or Peptobismol.
Lots of love! Marisel & Mom

God Bless!

Banana Yogurt Anyone?

Tuesday, 4/8/08
On Tuesday we came in and found dad in a chair with his glasses and his Bible open to the book of Ezekiel. Praise God!

He was finally able to have yogurt yesterday and unfortunately they only had strawberry yogurt. Dad said it was alright, but not his first choice, he wanted banana (they didn't have any).

Dr. Britz spoke with the therapist and they increased his PT to three times a day. We stayed and the therapist showed mom and myself how to do the PT with dad to ensure he gets an intensive PT workout for the day. We took him outside in the afternoon and he enjoyed God's beautiful creation (it felt like fall). You've got to see; all the sisters in the ICU love to see dad in his wheelchair, his shirt and his glasses strolling down the ward on his way out. They are so happy that he is progressing so well. Praise be to God!!

In the evening dad initiated the PT exercises and we followed suit. In addition, dad had us read chapters 2 - 6 of Ezekiel. We talked about Ezekiel's obedience to God inspite of how bizzare His requests sounded (how many of us would lay still on our left side for 390 days and then switch to the opposite side and lay for an additional 40 days??).

Wednesday, 4/9/08
Today we got to the hospital and we were greeted with positive news. Dr. Britz and Dr. Sterns have agreed that on Monday they're going to remove the tracchi and put in a metal tracchi. We anticipate that dad will do well. However, dad seems a little apprehensive, so AGAIN I call on our prayer warriors (Brenda you know what to do) to pray him through.

Marina (one of the sisters) shared with us today that the dietician specified that Pastor Santiago has to have banana yogurt. If that is what he wants, that is what he should get. So, somehow, someway, someone went to buy the yogurt and guess what dad had today to eat? Banana yogurt and he said it was goooood! He did let us know that he wanted rice and beans and a shower. Soon enough!!

We took him outside again today and dad actually got a chance to catch some rays. It was pretty HOT today here in SA... I still don't have sunglasses here.

In conclusion, read the book of Ezekiel with us... sometimes we think submitting to what God requires of us is difficult, well thank the Lord that he never asked us to lay tied up on our side for 390 days. I believe it is written that we can do all things with God who strengthens me. Amen! Continue to pray for wisdom for the Santiago family, that God will lead them in the decisions that are best for dad as he prepares to return home.

Jelly? or Jello?

Today dad was still suffering the affects of the dumb sedative they gave him on Saturday night to sleep. Yeah he slept, straight through to Sunday afternoon and still groggy today. He didn't want to do anything, so we called it lazy Monday. Everyone is entitled, right? Anyway... Dr. Stern suggested they start dad on some jelly and custard. Gross! Dad said NO to the custard and reluctantly yes to the jelly (which is Jello to us). He was able to take it and swallow it without a problem. Yeah! Praise God... progress! This is very, very good and extremely important as they look towards eventually transitioning dad over to the metal trachi.


((
Met with both doctors today, who both were glad to know mom has no more children. Dr. Stern was glad to see mom inside the office as oppose to sitting in the waiting room. Both doc's are positive about the progress and dad's continual recuperation. Dr. Britz plans to be present when stern does the removal of the trachi in the future. We've all decided that dad needs more physical therapy. The Santiago boys were great at that stuff and since they've left dad is not getting his "extra" dosage of PT. BUT, we've already put dad on warning and tommorow we start a no regiment and additional PT again.



Pastor Neville said that the Lord shared with them (his Pastoral Staff) this morning that he must come and speak a word to dad everyday. Praise God! Answered prayer! We were concerned dad had not gotten spiritual manna (sermon, teaching, etc.) in several months, so we are grateful to God for moving Pastor Neville and his team to be the providers of the manna for the next couple of days.



As for the driving... have you ever driven with mom as a passenger on regular roads? Okay! now imagine driving with her as a passenger here in South Africa. Must I say anymore? I've been down the wrong side of the road, made the wrong turn, made u-turns, missed the exit, gotten lost... what haven't I done??



In conclusion, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, 'The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him'. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him..." (Lamentations 3:22-25)

I'm listening...

Today was way too cold to take dad out. It was extremely windy and the temperature has dropped drastically. I don't know if it is autumn or winter here, but either way I don't have the appropriate clothing.

We are so excited to report that dad told us today that he was listening to God. Yep! The big guy upstairs is talking to the big guy down here. Praise God! Dad did NOT share what he has said yet, but he did say He is speaking. Hallelujah!

The lip reading thing is getting pretty comical because we can't understand him AT ALL!!! You can almost hear the sounds of the words as he shapes them with his lips. And even with that, we still have difficulty understanding him. We've come to the conclusion that mom and I would lose at charades. I think dad is so frustrated with our inability to read lips; Today he told us that we should do a skit on lip reading because we are so "good" at it. Sarcasm, sarcasm, sarcasm!

Almost forgot... today Pastor Neville preached on Luke 2 and Simeon. Simeon was expecting to see the Messiah before he died. Simeon believed that God would allow him to see the fulfillment of his vision before his death. Pastor Neville reminded us when God puts a vision in us and we are expecting, we must push with God towards it regardless of the circumstances. We took this word and shared it with dad and reminded dad that he is a man of vision and he too must push towards the accomplishment of the portion of the vision that corresponds to him. Amen! So we declare, just as Simeon, dad will not die, but will live to fulfill the purposes for which God has created him.

Happy Birthday Mark!!!

First and foremost, mommy and pop want to wish Mark a Happy Blessed Birthday!

In the first picture is a sister whose Pastor received a call from someone in Pretoria (capital of South Africa) to have someone visit a Pastor from New York who was ill in the hospital in Port Elizabeth. Her name is June and she's visited dad several times. The other gentlemen in the picture is an ICU registered nurse who happens to be a Christian and has become quite fond of dad (he wants to accompany dad to NY when he leaves). His name is Desmond and he is dad's personal barber while in the hospital. Dad also refers to him as his driver.

We have declared that God has been speaking and continues to speak to dad daily! Before we went to the hospital we prayed that God would do anything he desired to speak into Pastor's life today.

At the first visit, Allen reminded dad to be steadfast on the goal. Amen! God speaking.

At the second visit, we were able to take dad out again! He really likes going outside. The best part of the day was that it was overcast and cloudy and we were outside with dad and all of a sudden the sun broke through the clouds and shone upon him. (We were all able to see it!) June during her visit outside with us reminded dad to remain steadfast. When we went back inside, the sun hid itself again. Unanimously we all felt God allowed his sun to shine upon dad as a gift.

At the third visit, we went through the entire process of the fundraising and communications with the SED. God used mom to speak words of encouragement to dad and herself. We reminded dad that God did speak today through the sun and the visitors. Praise God!

Keep praying! Mom does not want to take dad home until the trachi is removed and dad has a few days to adjust to that change. Then we can schedule the transport. Help us pray that it will happen as soon as God deems possible.

God gave us John 15 to share with dad so we read the scriptures and prayed it over him this evening before we exited. "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." Amen!

I'M OUT OF HERE...

There is much to say because our God is sooo good! We Puerto Ricans have a saying, "el Señor esta paso"! Y el Señor si esta paso!

The first day I was ready to go to see dad and let him know I finally arrived. We got to the hospital and this was when mom decided to let me know this is the worst part because she never knows what to expect. When I arrived I was a little caught off guard at what I saw. However, mom quickly did not allow what she saw bother her and she immediately proceeded to wake dad up. Apparently dad was having trouble sleeping so they gave him a sedative that made him drowsy. He was still groggy when we arrived. When he saw me I could see his eyes well up with tears and immediately mine did too. Quickly we got ourselves together and mom scattered for tissues in the event she needed to intervene.


Of course, dad being dad (those of you who know him, know what I mean) the first question he asked me was "how did it go with the Board and Mark?" I've been setup I thought... oh, no! What to say? What to say? The truth, nothing but the truth so help me God. Can he handle the truth? So I told him the truth. Interestingly enough, Pastor Neville arrived and interrupted our conversation. In his 15 minutes he spoke words of encouragement into Pastor's life. Pastor Neville reminded Pastor that he has only one wife and is responsible for only one bride, God is responsible for His bride and he will take care of "her". Praise God!


God is good... yesterday was a great day! God told mom to take dad out in a wheelchair. Dad needs to be stimulated because he has been in the same room for too many months. So mom obeyed! She let dad know we were taking him outside at the second visit. When we arrived he was already sitting in the chair and we brought him his "The Church has left the building" shirt. We figured he could evangelize even in the wheelchair. We put his NY Giants SUPER BOWL cap on and off we went. We went out and around and to the front of the hospital in the warmth of the sun. Dad requested his sunglasses and even water to sip while outside. We were outside for about an hour and left it up to dad to determine when he wanted to return inside. Dad was like a kid! He enjoyed watching the people and the palm trees blowing, the beautiful clear, blue sky and the conversations, etc. etc. He looked great! We took him back inside and requested he rest up because we were coming back with the ROS DVD for the night visit.


In the evening we watched the ROS dvd produced by WEPA productions, which is a short story about the "lost" sheep of ROS that are roaming around in need of their shepherd. He watched the entire dvd from beginning to end. He had a big smile on his face! While watching the worship, he said we have a very good worship team. Amen! Agreed. He even asked where was Jorge (of course he notices everything - Jorge didn't sing on Sunday). We even pointed out that the four chairs are STILL on the altar!! The DVD was great and a blessing! I think both mom and dad needed a little taste of the ROCK.


We came home and we were so grateful to our Lord for his faithfulness! We thanked the Lord for all that he allowed us to witness this day. We are confident God is stirring and moving on dad's behalf. Dad told us he had to walk before he can come home on a commercial flight. Mom and I told him we are not waiting for him to come home on a commerical flight and as soon as the doctor says the word (in God's time) we are out of here.... He said it was too much $$$ and we reminded him that God has it covered. Continue to pray, we believe God is preparing the way.



Today, Friday, was a little less stimulating. We didn't take dad outside, but he did go into a wheelchair and we took him for a stroll in the lobby and he was able to look out the picture windows. We spent a lot of time and detail talking about the church. He knows our Sunday School Loyalty Campaign starts this weekend and he said he wants to be home for the ending in May. That is May 4th to be exact. So, prayer warriors, intercessors, watchpeople and everyone else, please stand in the gap for this request because we are confident God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ever imagine or ask.


We left dad with homework to work on his left hand exercises in the morning, so we can go outside during the afternoon visit. God made it clear today that we must take him outside. As long as the weather is good and we have a wheelchair we will continue to take him outside to enjoy God's creation. Dad is having difficulty with the left hand, pray him through people. They let him stand up today and he was able to stand, but then his knees gave in. These are all good signs, very good signs.


We will declare the glory of the Lord all the days of our lives! At the end of this day we can say..."And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

New Arrival...IT'S A GIRL!

Hellllllllo South Africa! I finally made it in! I'm looking forward to seeing the Pastor tommorow. I'm ready with my pen and notebook and even my video camera if needed. I didn't want to tell anyone before, but I'm not very good at reading lips, so... I hope we will be able to communicate with minimal frustration.

Mom looks beautiful! She had some nice stylish jeans on that actually fit. We are going to pickup the car tommorow a.m. and mom wants me to go for a test drive around the local roads before taking her to see dad at the hospital. I think she is worried I'll have difficulty driving on the other side of the street. I don't see what the big deal is... my only question is what is the speed limit?

Mom shared some amazing testimonies of how God just this week has been using her to rise up and do warfare for dad and to speak into his life. Praise God! You go mom!! Answered prayer, answered prayer!!! Continue praying for her and dad of course and for God to position people in the Santiago path who will be resourceful in bringing dad back to the states. Nothing is impossible for our God!

Thank you Santiago's! Keep praying...as we ALL believe b/c we have seen, the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much! Amen!

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!

Yesterday was pretty much the same as every other day. With just a bit of snags along the way. However, today was a great day. Chris is getting better and better. His body continues to gain strength. When he is sitting up he is able to hold his head up normally and he can sit up straight. He can look around with no problem and he looks as though he can get up and go home!

The doctors continue to be optimistic although they always emphasize that it is a slow process however, he continues to surprise them! He is quite funny at times and at other times he is just Pastor. Those of you who know him well know exactly what I am saying. He asks about his sons, his grandchildren, friends and family and of course, his beloved Rock of Salvation. I always give him a good report and he is at peace. We pray together and God has given both of us great courage and an overwhelming sense of peace. Only God can do that.

To all our family and friends and the Body of Christ, thank you for your continued intercession on our behalf particularly those on behalf of Pastor.

God Bless,
Lali

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!