I'm having a fabulous week at home in Hawaii. Not much time to sit and relax, but that's ok.
Sunday: Arrived around noon. Like it was my first time to Hawaii, I sat in the plane with my nose pressed against the glass, taking in all the sights of the island and the ocean. Ted and Matt Stout picked me up, and they laughed at my goofy statements like "look, there's H-2!" and "look, there's the gulch!". Mom and I enjoyed our reunion with a long hug, and we talked story the rest of the day and night. I also started reading 6 months of mail, got through about 1/3 of it.
Monday: Met with Woody our contractor at 9am to review the repairs he did while we have been gone (more rain damage, so he replaced the siding on the driveway side, installed new windows and window sills in Amy's rooms). We discussed additional work to be done like wood laminate flooring downstairs, berber carpet the stairs and the upstairs bedrooms, remove upstairs wallpaper and paint, window coverings for the new upstairs windows, new stairway rail, ceiling fan for Mom's room, rain gutters. Also read more mail, got through most of it. And our home computer virus protection expired, so I bought a new one and installed it.
Tuesday: Got through the rest of the mail finally. Spent most of the day getting my church clerk files and records organized to give to Ellen who will be taking over this function. I've enjoyed this ministry but it's time to pass this one to someone else since I've been away for so long. I'm looking forward to new ministry and pray for God's direction, particularly with Dan returning in January, it will be interesting to see what God has in store for the both of us, together and individually. I took Mom to Longs and Safeway also, she doesn't get out much so this was great fun. And I did sneak in a few short naps today.
Wednesday: Met with Woody and 2 of his subcontractors to measure floors, discuss colors, etc. We'll meet on Friday at Lowes to select materials. Then I visiting church to drop off the church clerk materials to Ellen and visit with whoever. Janice made jook (chinese rice soup) and shared some with me - YUM! I miss local food so much. Hugs all around from Pat, Derrick, Ellen, Janice, and Lori and Michi from the preschool. I saw the new flat panel screens in the sanctuary and the new welcome booth, very nice. Then I had lunch with my bosses Deanna and Clyde, and they surprised me with 2 other co-workers joining us, Sean and Sungho. Next, a visit at my workplace to see everyone else, and answer a few questions from Azure who is helping my bosses while I'm gone. I miss them all so much and am so grateful for their gifts to us. Later, Mom and I enjoyed visits with good friends Carol Ann, and then Carlene who also brought local food! Dinner of beef stew and garlic shoyu chicken with rice and mac salad - yum!
Thursday: Taking Mom to the pulmonary doctor this morning, hope he can help her breathing and exhausting cough. I hope to dig in and do some serious cleaning upstairs and packing/sending Amy's stuff, in prep for the renovation work that will start next week.
Friday & Saturday: More cleaning, etc. then Saturday night we'll attend the church cantata.
Sunday: I want to see as many church friends as possible, so will attend 7am and 9:30am services, 9:30 with Mom, then try to see those going into the 10:45am service. I'll leave for the airport at 1pm, my flight departs at 3:15pm, and I will probably be asleep before the plane leaves the tarmack!
Gratefully,
Debbie
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Aloha in the desert for Halloween
Debbie, the "tacky Hawaiian", for Halloween today. I was the ONLY person in a costume at the hospital today, and after a moment of embarrassment, decided to hold my head high and enjoy the day. And what a great day it was. It was fun bringing smiles to patients and workers alike. The rehab nurses and Dan's OT asked me to dance hula, so I taught them the hukilau! It was a riot. I decided to leave one of my silk flower leis wrapped around Dan's door handle as a reminder of the Hawaiian Van Alstines.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Sunday, Oct. 26 updates
Dan continues to do well in rehab. He particularly likes the gym and he works out with his PT (physical therapist) every day about 45 minutes (with many mini-breaks inbetween exercises). He has begun walking with a walker either to the gym from his room, or back to his room.
OT (occupational therapy) is always interesting. They get him up to the shower and other morning grooming activities, they do different balance and coordination activities also.
The timing of doctors and other hospital staff is not always the best, as in this morning, while taking a shower, the nurse came in wanting to either give him meds or take his blood sugar count; then a doctor came in wanting to discuss something. Poor Dan, can't even take a shower in peace :)
Dan and I have taken walks (Dan in his wheelchair) almost every afternoon out to the healing garden and we have great talks sitting on our favorite bench opposite the waterfall. I've mentioned the healing garden before, but in case I failed to mention it, the "garden" is an Arizona-type garden, with cactus, a few trees and rocky sand. In front of the waterfall are some beautiful little flowers. It's fun to watch the birds that play in the water, either drinking or fighting for the best place for a bird bath. There is one place they end up fighting over, even though there are many "mini-waterfalls" to choose from. We have also enjoyed dinner together in the cafeteria and Dan is free to choose from the menu, he just can't have the salad bar (no more fresh veggies or fruit from sources other than our own, which will have to be thoroughly scrubbed to ensure no bacteria, due to Dan now being immuno-suppressed).
Dan told me this evening that he is more excited than ever to return to his ministry in Hawaii and he shared this prayer request that we share with you now: Dan's desire is to share the gospel with the hospital workers and even lead them to the Lord. He has already shared with 2 people, and discovered both are believers but said after talking and getting to know Dan, they are encouraged to be stronger in their faith. Praise God!
We have our first conference this Tuesday at 11am, this is with the entire team: doctors, therapists, nurses (?), family, and Dan. This is our time to ask questions and their time to update us on Dan's progress and maybe tell us when he will be discharged from the hospital. So more updates to come.
Aloha from the desert,
Debbie and Dan
OT (occupational therapy) is always interesting. They get him up to the shower and other morning grooming activities, they do different balance and coordination activities also.
The timing of doctors and other hospital staff is not always the best, as in this morning, while taking a shower, the nurse came in wanting to either give him meds or take his blood sugar count; then a doctor came in wanting to discuss something. Poor Dan, can't even take a shower in peace :)
Dan and I have taken walks (Dan in his wheelchair) almost every afternoon out to the healing garden and we have great talks sitting on our favorite bench opposite the waterfall. I've mentioned the healing garden before, but in case I failed to mention it, the "garden" is an Arizona-type garden, with cactus, a few trees and rocky sand. In front of the waterfall are some beautiful little flowers. It's fun to watch the birds that play in the water, either drinking or fighting for the best place for a bird bath. There is one place they end up fighting over, even though there are many "mini-waterfalls" to choose from. We have also enjoyed dinner together in the cafeteria and Dan is free to choose from the menu, he just can't have the salad bar (no more fresh veggies or fruit from sources other than our own, which will have to be thoroughly scrubbed to ensure no bacteria, due to Dan now being immuno-suppressed).
Dan told me this evening that he is more excited than ever to return to his ministry in Hawaii and he shared this prayer request that we share with you now: Dan's desire is to share the gospel with the hospital workers and even lead them to the Lord. He has already shared with 2 people, and discovered both are believers but said after talking and getting to know Dan, they are encouraged to be stronger in their faith. Praise God!
We have our first conference this Tuesday at 11am, this is with the entire team: doctors, therapists, nurses (?), family, and Dan. This is our time to ask questions and their time to update us on Dan's progress and maybe tell us when he will be discharged from the hospital. So more updates to come.
Aloha from the desert,
Debbie and Dan
Worrying
Dan's in rehab now and it may be just a few months before we get to fly home. I am thrilled at how well he is doing and all, however I find myself in a tempest of emotion and worry for the future. I know in my heart that God hasn't brought us this far to leave us on our own, that He has a plan for us, but in my mind, it's a different story.
* We have to be careful of infections now that Dan will be immuno-suppressed for the rest of his life. He has to stay away from sick people, he can't eat raw fish (no more sushi) or raw fruit or veggies served by others or from a salad bar or restaurant, he has to be especially careful not to cut himself or to be scratched by an animal or to get sick from mold, etc. Will I be able to take care of Dan? Do I have what it takes?
* Dan's been away from his ministry for 16 months now. The church is doing well, God has done some extraordinary things during this time and the staff has taken on more work with excellence. And as expected, some things have changed, new ministries have formed and other ministries have gone away. What will Dan's "job" be like when he returns? Will we find our place of service in a church of new programs/people/plans? Will our ohana remember us? (that's probably dumb, but I worry about dumb stuff also).
* My mom has done well with me gone, a lifetime of gratitude goes to Wally and Lorrie Enos and many others from MBC, and Nathan Takeuchi-a family friend. I'm amazed at how well she's doing for being 86. But she is 86, Lord....
* And maybe the most worrisome of my worries. Dan and I have been married 30 years, and I think he's been healthy for maybe 5 of those years. He's had countless surgeries and illnesses, and it's hard to remember when illness or pain did not define our lifestyle and even our relationship. Plus, we haven't even lived together consistently for over a year, since Dan was in Phoenix waiting for his transplant. What will our relationship and marraige be like now? Will it change? Will we do things differently? Will we have anything in common? I've been making all the financial and household decisions for over a year now, the transition back to joint decision-making is scary.
Forgive me, Lord, I know worry is a sin and does not please you. I want to trust you and not be afraid. You did a miracle by providing a liver for Dan and for healing him and restoring his life to him, even when he wasn't at the top of the waiting list, you still provided. You have been faithful, and I want to keep trusting you with each step of our remaining journey. Dan and I both want to share our story with everyone and anyone, to encourage others and share Christ with the lost. Satan reminds me of my weakness; Father, please remind me of Your strength.
I love you, Lord,
Debbie
* We have to be careful of infections now that Dan will be immuno-suppressed for the rest of his life. He has to stay away from sick people, he can't eat raw fish (no more sushi) or raw fruit or veggies served by others or from a salad bar or restaurant, he has to be especially careful not to cut himself or to be scratched by an animal or to get sick from mold, etc. Will I be able to take care of Dan? Do I have what it takes?
* Dan's been away from his ministry for 16 months now. The church is doing well, God has done some extraordinary things during this time and the staff has taken on more work with excellence. And as expected, some things have changed, new ministries have formed and other ministries have gone away. What will Dan's "job" be like when he returns? Will we find our place of service in a church of new programs/people/plans? Will our ohana remember us? (that's probably dumb, but I worry about dumb stuff also).
* My mom has done well with me gone, a lifetime of gratitude goes to Wally and Lorrie Enos and many others from MBC, and Nathan Takeuchi-a family friend. I'm amazed at how well she's doing for being 86. But she is 86, Lord....
* And maybe the most worrisome of my worries. Dan and I have been married 30 years, and I think he's been healthy for maybe 5 of those years. He's had countless surgeries and illnesses, and it's hard to remember when illness or pain did not define our lifestyle and even our relationship. Plus, we haven't even lived together consistently for over a year, since Dan was in Phoenix waiting for his transplant. What will our relationship and marraige be like now? Will it change? Will we do things differently? Will we have anything in common? I've been making all the financial and household decisions for over a year now, the transition back to joint decision-making is scary.
Forgive me, Lord, I know worry is a sin and does not please you. I want to trust you and not be afraid. You did a miracle by providing a liver for Dan and for healing him and restoring his life to him, even when he wasn't at the top of the waiting list, you still provided. You have been faithful, and I want to keep trusting you with each step of our remaining journey. Dan and I both want to share our story with everyone and anyone, to encourage others and share Christ with the lost. Satan reminds me of my weakness; Father, please remind me of Your strength.
I love you, Lord,
Debbie
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Thoughts
I've written on the Eagle's Wings blog to keep everyone updated on Dan's health, but I had a few personal insights lately, so thought I'd come back here.
Why is it that if you speak to me and I have my glasses off, I hear you but can't understand you?! Since when do I need to see in order to hear? That happens to me every night at the hospital with Dan. His voice is coming back but is still soft, so when he calls me during the night, I always have to tell him wait a minute until I get my glasses on, then for some reason I can hear and understand what he's saying. Weird. There must be some spiritual truth in this. Maybe I need to be focusing on God clearly, spending time "seeing" him in his word, then I can understand clearly what he tells me. Maybe that's stretching it. Anyway, after I spend time with Dan and then return to "bed" (the chair that folds into a bed), I find myself thinking about God and talking to him before I go back to sleep.
Today I read Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox email, or rather skimmed it. He has a quote in every email, I usually skim that quickest, but today I couldn't get past it, it speaks to me right where I am, and articulates where I am, or at least where I am headed:
"God is love and he wants us to grow up to be like him. The height of maturity is not how much doctrine you know. The height of maturity is how deeply you love." - Rick Warren
I just enjoyed the most delicious green corn tamale at Manuels with Dan's family: parents Vern and Karen, sisters Debbie and Roxanne, and Debbie's kids Tim and Alyssa. If I could have done so with embarrassing them, I would have licked the plate it was so good. And the kids and I plan to watch Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan in a little while. It doesn't get much better than that!
Beam me up, Scotty...
Debbie
Why is it that if you speak to me and I have my glasses off, I hear you but can't understand you?! Since when do I need to see in order to hear? That happens to me every night at the hospital with Dan. His voice is coming back but is still soft, so when he calls me during the night, I always have to tell him wait a minute until I get my glasses on, then for some reason I can hear and understand what he's saying. Weird. There must be some spiritual truth in this. Maybe I need to be focusing on God clearly, spending time "seeing" him in his word, then I can understand clearly what he tells me. Maybe that's stretching it. Anyway, after I spend time with Dan and then return to "bed" (the chair that folds into a bed), I find myself thinking about God and talking to him before I go back to sleep.
Today I read Rick Warren's Ministry Toolbox email, or rather skimmed it. He has a quote in every email, I usually skim that quickest, but today I couldn't get past it, it speaks to me right where I am, and articulates where I am, or at least where I am headed:
"God is love and he wants us to grow up to be like him. The height of maturity is not how much doctrine you know. The height of maturity is how deeply you love." - Rick Warren
I just enjoyed the most delicious green corn tamale at Manuels with Dan's family: parents Vern and Karen, sisters Debbie and Roxanne, and Debbie's kids Tim and Alyssa. If I could have done so with embarrassing them, I would have licked the plate it was so good. And the kids and I plan to watch Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan in a little while. It doesn't get much better than that!
Beam me up, Scotty...
Debbie
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A long, crazy wait
I did something yesterday I've never done before...I read a book from cover to cover in one day. It's called Unashamed by Francine Rivers. It's a historical novel of sorts, about Rahab, how God used a woman with a past and gave her a future. A wonderful story of faith. But there is another story within this story, a crazy wait. The Israelites were anxious to see God's promise fulfilled and take the promised land of Jericho. Rahab was anxious to receive God's promise of deliverance from her old life and from the Israelites' attack on Jericho. On the day they arrived at Jericho, what does God do but make them wait, and instead of attacking, God asked them to do the craziest thing...to circle the town wall in silence. To do that once a day for 6 days, then on the 7th day, circle the town wall in silence 7 times, then they shout.
Ok, this is probably the weirdest battle plan ever devised. The book expounds on this with the Israelites' impatience, condemnation by the town folk, and Rahab's unwavering hope. I'm glad God included this story in His Word. For me, when I get impatient at this long, crazy wait...when I feel like telling God a thing or two (as if He doesn't already know what I'm thinking)...I can live in the truth of the hope that God WILL fulfill His promise. If God's battle cry was shouting, I can't wait to see how He will fulfill His promise to us!
By the way, we had a wonderful (though short) visit with Jane Bishop today at church. Jane was in town for the Arizona Convention's ACE Conference (similar to Hawaii's Equipping God's People Conference) and she visited First Southern Scottsdale's Sunday School and worship service. Jane is from North American Mission Board and she has been the featured speaker at our Wives in Ministry Conference for many years now, and she is a treasured friend and prayer warrior. What a God-thing to send Jane to Phoenix while we're here!
Hiding in the depth of His love,
Debbie
Ok, this is probably the weirdest battle plan ever devised. The book expounds on this with the Israelites' impatience, condemnation by the town folk, and Rahab's unwavering hope. I'm glad God included this story in His Word. For me, when I get impatient at this long, crazy wait...when I feel like telling God a thing or two (as if He doesn't already know what I'm thinking)...I can live in the truth of the hope that God WILL fulfill His promise. If God's battle cry was shouting, I can't wait to see how He will fulfill His promise to us!
By the way, we had a wonderful (though short) visit with Jane Bishop today at church. Jane was in town for the Arizona Convention's ACE Conference (similar to Hawaii's Equipping God's People Conference) and she visited First Southern Scottsdale's Sunday School and worship service. Jane is from North American Mission Board and she has been the featured speaker at our Wives in Ministry Conference for many years now, and she is a treasured friend and prayer warrior. What a God-thing to send Jane to Phoenix while we're here!
Hiding in the depth of His love,
Debbie
Monday, July 7, 2008
More thoughts
Happy 1st Birthday to Swen on July 1. We had a little party for him, a Winnie the Pooh theme, so yes, those are Winnie the Pooh ears I am wearing. And I really miss Christine at Fantastic Sams in Mililani - I desperately need a haircut and color!
I've been in Phoenix with Dan for 2 weeks now. He seems calmer now that I'm here, and the mental antics are more random now; he is more awake mentally these days, with just a few tall tales. Today I am fighting boredom. Don't get me wrong, I love being with Dan and taking care of him. I think I just miss the routine of going to work, and I also miss Mom, though she is well taken care of by our church ohana. And knowing me, when I do get home and get back to work, I'll probably miss this leisure time! And this waiting for the transplant is driving me nuts.
Aloha from the desert,
Debbie
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