Hello,
We've been rather busy lately and I was unable to get to all of you. However, I promised to keep in touch and so....
On May 26th, Dr. Rob Campbell, Mark, Chris and I left Port Elizabeth, South Africa. My Ebenezer Family was there to see us off. I had decided to be strong and we had a wonderful time togther. June, Judy my wonderful caretakers, Pranitha & Mo (nurses from Greenacres), people we had met during our stay, Senior Pastor Neville and his wife Roji, together with the other Pastors and their wives, as well as Allan & Ruvina, Marvin & Lendyll, Marina, Loretta, Gisselle and Douline, Kurt's mom and sister were all there. I was really strong until it came time to really say goodbye and then I lost it. I am truly sorry. These people had become my family, Jane Freeman had taken me to dinner the night before...it was just overwhelming to see all these people, my South African family and realize that I may never see some of them again! It was very painful for me knowing I had to say goodby. Chris was also very much affected. We went through the gates and I realized my life would never be the same.
We arrived in NY at about 7:30 A.M. on the 27th. It was a very long trip but one I thoroughly enjoyed knowing that I would soon see my grandchildren, my daughters-in-law, my sons, my sister Yolanda and John who live in NY as well and my church family! The only one who slept like a log was Chris!!! Mark, the doctor and I slept a bit but most of the time we were awake. Dr. Campbell took excellent care of Chris and I was soooo grateful for this one more blessing from God. We had a stop over in Johannesburg, SA and Chris slept for 5 hours in a "sick bay." Mark and I roamed the airport for a while and Dr. Campbell stayed with Chris. (Yes, we gave Doctor a break a bit later)
When we arrived at JFK Chris was quickly taken by ambulance to Helen Hayes Hospital. The attendants were friends of Don's brother and were wonderful. (one more little miracle of the 100's we experienced during these past months!) Mark and the doctor accompanied Chris and I went with Marisel, Brenda and the children. (my gorgeous, beautiful children) We finally arrived at the hospital and were very pleased with what we saw. It is a beautiful facility and when Chris arrived the people who welcomed him said, "Rev. Santiago, we know all about you! We have been waiting for you! (another little miracle. It appears that Chris is well known!) Dr. Peter Reynolds received us and made us feel very welcome. He told us that he is a theologist and then proceeded to tell us, "God heals the patients and we doctors collect the money!" Another little miracle, a believer!
(*a must tell: While we were waiting to board at Jo'berg we met a wonderful Jewish man from Astoria/Queens who was on his way to LA. He looked like a Rabbi and after sharing our stories, he said it was time for him to pray and asked Chris if it was alright to pray for him...adding it's the same God we pray to. Chris, of course was very grateful. Our new found friend proceeded to pray right then in there facing East! Another little miracle! )
Introductions were quickly made, Dr. Campbell went off with Dr. Reynolds and Marisel, Brenda, Mark the children and I went to see Chris. He looked very comfortable. We spent a little time with him, while Marisel took Dr. Campbell to his Guest House.
Mark and Brenda finally took me home and the experience of entering my home after 5 months was overwhelming. I had forgotten where I put certain things and had to get reacquainted.. Kathy, Kristin and Joshie came over. Rodney and Gina arrived a bit later. Brenda cooked and we all ate together. I was beside myself with happpiness. I thought while they were all talking, is this a dream? I am sooo very grateful for God's love and tender mercies. I feel so different..so strong in the Lord...so confident about who God is and what He means to me!!! I decided I would share all this with my church family on Sunday!
The next day we, Mark and I picked up Dr. Campbell and took him back to the hospital. He toured the facility with Dr. Reynolds, while Mark and I spent some precious time with Chris...he already had begun to look better!!! We then caught up with Dr. Campbell and went off with him to tour NYC - "The City That NEVER Sleeps." We took him to The Broadway Theater District, Times Square, the sight of the Twin Towers, The Statue of Liberty (from afar), The Empire State Building and other sights. We then went to eat at Victor's Cafe and enjoyed some delicious Cuban Cuisine. The Doctor was quite impressed with everything. We had a wonderful time with the very personable, charming and kind Doctor who has become our friend. THe next day we again picked up Dr. Campbell, he went to say goodbye to Chris and to Doctor Reynolds. We then took him to the airport. I shall never forget him.
Sunday arrived sooner than I expected and pretty soon I was entering my church. I don't know exactly what happened but I began to shake from head to toe and became very frightened. I ran up the steps to Chris' office and waited for a while, then ran down the steps and Brenda led me to be seated in the sanctuary. I could not stop shaking. After a while I was able to get a grip on myself and listen to Mark speaking. He introduced me and I was able to speak to my church family. I had missed them, but had not realized how much until I looked at all of them. I was home. God had gone with us to Africa and God had come back home with us. WHAT A MIGHTY GOD WE SERVE! One of my most treasured moments was having my sister Yolanda and her husband John and my nephew Adam there in church with us. WOW, isn't generous with his gifts?
We, my family, my church family and friends have been visiting Chris and he has turned another corner to recovery. He looks wonderful! He is happy and is constantly smiling. He is eating and looking forward to visiting his church. We thought it wise to have him rest a while and then go to visit his beloved Rock of Salvation.
His stay at Helen Hayes may be short. I am trusting God that it will not be as long as some may think. Amen?
Please keep praying. If you are still reading the blog, please let me know and I will continue it until it is time to say, Chris is home and he has gone back to work!!
God Bless,
Lali
PS: I will send you pictures of the airport farewell some other time. I really cannot look at them just yet. I know you will understand!
