31st Dec
Hi we've had a good holiday season and managed to all get away together in the car and had a a few days down the sth coast.
Georgie travelled well and we were all able to do a lot of fun things.
It was great for all of us to have some time reading, relaxing, swimming, fishing.
We took the boat out on the inlet and looking into the clear water over the sand flats in the late afternoon the sea was alive with fish and so many small stingrays.
We were able to take Georgie into the water as well - sitting her down with Ange so she could experience it all.
I'll post some photos later.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Hi there a month passes quickly!
We are all well, Georgie has remained settled and healthy this last month.
Her doctor rang Ange recently with tests that showed her thyroid was now working fine and no need for any supplement to be given.
When I asked her about reducing this med a year ago and whether anything would happen she just looked straight at me and said "she would die!" Nonetheless she did do some tests and start reducing the levels and she hasn't died and our observations were right.
When I look at these beautiful pictures of Georgie that Em has put on the page i think "where did my lovely girl go?" and why did this happen? but there are no answers. I am still trying to learn to say "it is well with my soul" as the very brave writer of that hymn wrote.
The Lukins family in Ethiopia (who have been there working with nomadic people) are looking for a nurse either short or long term to go and help them if anyone is interested.
We are all well, Georgie has remained settled and healthy this last month.
Her doctor rang Ange recently with tests that showed her thyroid was now working fine and no need for any supplement to be given.
When I asked her about reducing this med a year ago and whether anything would happen she just looked straight at me and said "she would die!" Nonetheless she did do some tests and start reducing the levels and she hasn't died and our observations were right.
When I look at these beautiful pictures of Georgie that Em has put on the page i think "where did my lovely girl go?" and why did this happen? but there are no answers. I am still trying to learn to say "it is well with my soul" as the very brave writer of that hymn wrote.
The Lukins family in Ethiopia (who have been there working with nomadic people) are looking for a nurse either short or long term to go and help them if anyone is interested.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Making Changes
Hi, Em has been on Georgie's blog and changed it a bit. She's added a few photos and a few other bits and pieces.
We hope you like it.
Georgie has had another good week.
This is my favourite verse this week.
Isaiah 59 v 19:- So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.When the enemy shall come in like a flood the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
We hope you like it.
Georgie has had another good week.
This is my favourite verse this week.
Isaiah 59 v 19:- So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.When the enemy shall come in like a flood the spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Monday, October 3, 2011
October
Dear friends we hope you are all well.
Georgie has in the main been pretty well and settled. Her bad episodes have been fewer and farther between than they used to be.
I've been asked what she is like and how she is going etc as some folks imagine all sorts of things so thought I'd just put a few things down.
She is a healthy weight and her hair is good. She has no bed sores and has only ever had one small one in fact.
She has a bit of a daily routine which involves getting her up and showered, up in a chair for maybe 6 hrs a day, has arm and leg exercises and some physio and if it's nice she can go outside on the verandah or if not so nice can sit up near the fire or watching a movie.
We read to her at night and have been reading the little house on the prairie series at the moment.
Medication wise she is not on half of the extra stuff she used to be on as each of these functions has gradually been restored so she has for some time been on no thyroxine, clexane, spironolactone, zantac and I can't remember what else.
She is still on all of the anti-epileptics, some of which have a very sedating effect.
Her awareness has gradually improved so that she will look over with her eyes when you are speaking and seems to be able to distinguish between voices etc.
She can move her arms and legs and at times can sit up with some help and hold up her head and the concentration is evident. This all shows awareness of self and balance. She is quite responsive to touch or movement. Other times she is not able to control anything because of what is going on in her head.
Of course we still hold out the greatest hopes for Georgie and thank God for the healing that has taken place and that which will yet come. At times there is such great disappointment especially when she has a set back after a long period of being settled and well.
Em has got a job a few days a week doing office admin at Wellington which is working out well.
James has his school certificate coming up and is supposed to be studying!
We are all well.
Thankyou for your continued interest and prayer.
Sending our love.
Greg and Ange
Georgie has in the main been pretty well and settled. Her bad episodes have been fewer and farther between than they used to be.
I've been asked what she is like and how she is going etc as some folks imagine all sorts of things so thought I'd just put a few things down.
She is a healthy weight and her hair is good. She has no bed sores and has only ever had one small one in fact.
She has a bit of a daily routine which involves getting her up and showered, up in a chair for maybe 6 hrs a day, has arm and leg exercises and some physio and if it's nice she can go outside on the verandah or if not so nice can sit up near the fire or watching a movie.
We read to her at night and have been reading the little house on the prairie series at the moment.
Medication wise she is not on half of the extra stuff she used to be on as each of these functions has gradually been restored so she has for some time been on no thyroxine, clexane, spironolactone, zantac and I can't remember what else.
She is still on all of the anti-epileptics, some of which have a very sedating effect.
Her awareness has gradually improved so that she will look over with her eyes when you are speaking and seems to be able to distinguish between voices etc.
She can move her arms and legs and at times can sit up with some help and hold up her head and the concentration is evident. This all shows awareness of self and balance. She is quite responsive to touch or movement. Other times she is not able to control anything because of what is going on in her head.
Of course we still hold out the greatest hopes for Georgie and thank God for the healing that has taken place and that which will yet come. At times there is such great disappointment especially when she has a set back after a long period of being settled and well.
Em has got a job a few days a week doing office admin at Wellington which is working out well.
James has his school certificate coming up and is supposed to be studying!
We are all well.
Thankyou for your continued interest and prayer.
Sending our love.
Greg and Ange
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
August
We are all back now and Em is well and now looking for some work to help with going off to Uni in Sydney next year.
The trip to Vanuatu was great and in a week we got a good look around and met some really great people.
Our nurse friends Lucy with help from Karen did a wonderful job looking after sleeping beauty. Lucy said she felt stretched at times but learnt to become more dependant on God and so really found it worthwhile and enjoyable.
Thank you for all of your prayer during this time.
Spring starts tomorrow and we are sure glad that the winter is over. It has been a long cold dreary winter this year but we are thankful to our friend Darryl from church who gave us two ute loads of wood for the fire. Our fire has hardly gone out day or night for the last 4 months now.
We thank God for our lovely house and little block.
The fruit trees are all starting to bud so it is Ange's favourite time of year in the garden.
Our sheep are all lambing at the moment which is exciting to see new life and even twins.
It is interesting to see all of the behaviour that the sheep display when there is a new birth. The ewe makes herself a "nest" and isolates herself from the flock and they check on her every now and then but somehow know to stay away. When they are born the other ewes will come down and get aquainted with much excited baaing and then leave her alone again and she stays with the lamb for several days before she rejoins the flock. This is a really strong time of bonding between the ewe and lamb and they make noises to each other that they never do at other times. There is a lot to contemplate here for an agriculturally minded Christian.....
I've heard people say you can't learn more about God from nature - ie His creation but only from His word- i don't believe it - The heavens declare the glory of God , night after night they pour forth speech... Can you not learn about an artist from his artwork?
God is so willing to reveal himself to us if we will have ears to listen.
The trip to Vanuatu was great and in a week we got a good look around and met some really great people.
Our nurse friends Lucy with help from Karen did a wonderful job looking after sleeping beauty. Lucy said she felt stretched at times but learnt to become more dependant on God and so really found it worthwhile and enjoyable.
Thank you for all of your prayer during this time.
Spring starts tomorrow and we are sure glad that the winter is over. It has been a long cold dreary winter this year but we are thankful to our friend Darryl from church who gave us two ute loads of wood for the fire. Our fire has hardly gone out day or night for the last 4 months now.
We thank God for our lovely house and little block.
The fruit trees are all starting to bud so it is Ange's favourite time of year in the garden.
Our sheep are all lambing at the moment which is exciting to see new life and even twins.
It is interesting to see all of the behaviour that the sheep display when there is a new birth. The ewe makes herself a "nest" and isolates herself from the flock and they check on her every now and then but somehow know to stay away. When they are born the other ewes will come down and get aquainted with much excited baaing and then leave her alone again and she stays with the lamb for several days before she rejoins the flock. This is a really strong time of bonding between the ewe and lamb and they make noises to each other that they never do at other times. There is a lot to contemplate here for an agriculturally minded Christian.....
I've heard people say you can't learn more about God from nature - ie His creation but only from His word- i don't believe it - The heavens declare the glory of God , night after night they pour forth speech... Can you not learn about an artist from his artwork?
God is so willing to reveal himself to us if we will have ears to listen.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday 2nd august
Hi not long now 'til Em comes back - 17th August.
By God's grace He has enabled us to go over to Vanuatu for a week to see Em and all she has been doing and then come home with her on the same flight.
We did not think it would be possible but I was visting our friend Anne in hospital (she is at home now and doing quite well) and we were sitting out in the garden and along came Lucy our friend who is a nurse and has looked after Georgie a couple of times before. She asked when we were going to Vanuatu and i wasn't even sure how she knew and she asked if Ange was coming and i told her we didn't think she could. She said "I think she should and i will look after Georgie". I said "really?"and she was adamant she would and could.
She rang a couple of weeks later and said "I hope Ange is going because i've taken time off work". Anyway this is very exciting for us all and esp Em. So we go from the 10th til the 17th. Various people gave us money to use on a holiday so now we can.
We would really value your prayers for this time esp while we are away that Georgie will be settled and easy to look after. Lucy will basically be "angela" for Georgie for the week and will have the nurses coming out each day etc. as well as another friend who is a nurse to help a bit too.
We have a lovely nurse here now who reads bible stories to Georgie. It reminds me of the story of Moses being found as a baby in the basket in the river and needing help which pharaoh's daughter could not give and his sister getting just the right help for him - from his own mother.This is such an answer to prayer.
Another one just chats to Georgie all day long and treats her like a real person. How could we ask for better help?
Georgie turned 13 on the 17th July. A couple of her best friends wanted to come and wish her a happy birthday etc. which they did and they stayed for the afternoon with their parents. It was beautiful and also heart wrenching to see them in her room holding her hands and kneeling by her bed to pray for her and reading her stories. I pray so often for her friends that God will comfort them each in their own way and strengthen them in their love for Him.
Georgie got a bit sick around her birthday and went on anti biotics but this is still much better than last year.
She spent a whole evening recently "vocalising" it was quite noisy at times she was quite "with it" and looked like she was trying to get her tongue around something. I could have sworn she said "mum" at one point. This kind of thing comes occasionally and then goes again just as quickly.
We've been reading "Little House in the Big Wood" to her at night.
Exodus 2 v 9 "Take this baby and nurse him for me and i will pay you"
By God's grace He has enabled us to go over to Vanuatu for a week to see Em and all she has been doing and then come home with her on the same flight.
We did not think it would be possible but I was visting our friend Anne in hospital (she is at home now and doing quite well) and we were sitting out in the garden and along came Lucy our friend who is a nurse and has looked after Georgie a couple of times before. She asked when we were going to Vanuatu and i wasn't even sure how she knew and she asked if Ange was coming and i told her we didn't think she could. She said "I think she should and i will look after Georgie". I said "really?"and she was adamant she would and could.
She rang a couple of weeks later and said "I hope Ange is going because i've taken time off work". Anyway this is very exciting for us all and esp Em. So we go from the 10th til the 17th. Various people gave us money to use on a holiday so now we can.
We would really value your prayers for this time esp while we are away that Georgie will be settled and easy to look after. Lucy will basically be "angela" for Georgie for the week and will have the nurses coming out each day etc. as well as another friend who is a nurse to help a bit too.
We have a lovely nurse here now who reads bible stories to Georgie. It reminds me of the story of Moses being found as a baby in the basket in the river and needing help which pharaoh's daughter could not give and his sister getting just the right help for him - from his own mother.This is such an answer to prayer.
Another one just chats to Georgie all day long and treats her like a real person. How could we ask for better help?
Georgie turned 13 on the 17th July. A couple of her best friends wanted to come and wish her a happy birthday etc. which they did and they stayed for the afternoon with their parents. It was beautiful and also heart wrenching to see them in her room holding her hands and kneeling by her bed to pray for her and reading her stories. I pray so often for her friends that God will comfort them each in their own way and strengthen them in their love for Him.
Georgie got a bit sick around her birthday and went on anti biotics but this is still much better than last year.
She spent a whole evening recently "vocalising" it was quite noisy at times she was quite "with it" and looked like she was trying to get her tongue around something. I could have sworn she said "mum" at one point. This kind of thing comes occasionally and then goes again just as quickly.
We've been reading "Little House in the Big Wood" to her at night.
Exodus 2 v 9 "Take this baby and nurse him for me and i will pay you"
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday 11th July
Well Georgie has been more stable and relaxed again for about a week i guess.
Prayer points.
- Thank God for supplying more home help. We currently have a full lot of carers again and they are all experienced and nice. Please pray that this atmosphere continues.
- Ange is very run down lately.
- Em comes home in about a month now. (17th Aug) She still needs to select her subjects for Uni in Sydney next year and find somewhere to live etc. Big changes.
Thankyou for your continued interest in our family.
Blessings
Greg
Prayer points.
- Thank God for supplying more home help. We currently have a full lot of carers again and they are all experienced and nice. Please pray that this atmosphere continues.
- Ange is very run down lately.
- Em comes home in about a month now. (17th Aug) She still needs to select her subjects for Uni in Sydney next year and find somewhere to live etc. Big changes.
Thankyou for your continued interest in our family.
Blessings
Greg
Friday, June 17, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wed 15th July
Hi Georgie has been on the whole better of late than she used to be. She is coughing a lot the last few days again which is hard for her. Normally now unless she actually has a wog she is pretty settled and comfortable. We get her up in a special chair for about 6 hrs a day. She is more aware at times and definitely aware of our comings and goings and noises going on around her. Without the extra home help we find we can do the bare essentials for her but that's all. It is such a huge strain at times. It feels like our lives are shortened but God knows our feeble frame doesn't He? He provides so much. His word is so rich and so full of His love for us. Glory be to God for His faithfulness. He never tires, He does not sleep that He may watch over us. One day He will gather us all together like chicks under his wings. He cares so much you know In His very essence He is love. Slow to anger, abounding in love.
I've been building some fences at home and I was drilling right through a big iron bark post this morning and you know that tree had probably lived for fifty years and you could see all of the growth rings but then as I drilled through there would be hard layers and then soft layers. The years where the rings were close together were hard to get through and the tree had not expanded much. Those hard years made the tree tough.Then there were good seasons where the tree grew more quickly but they were softer. He spoke to me of the seasons in our lives, the hard times and the easy times and sometimes when we can feel we will almost die, (just like David said "my soul thirsts for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water") times when we battle just to get through but He keeps us nourished when we put our roots down into His good soil. Please keep praying for us.
Ange is a great mum.
We are missing Em a lot after 4 months now and her help too but know she is doing a great job over in Vanuatu. She is planning to go to Sydney Uni next year to study.
I've been building some fences at home and I was drilling right through a big iron bark post this morning and you know that tree had probably lived for fifty years and you could see all of the growth rings but then as I drilled through there would be hard layers and then soft layers. The years where the rings were close together were hard to get through and the tree had not expanded much. Those hard years made the tree tough.Then there were good seasons where the tree grew more quickly but they were softer. He spoke to me of the seasons in our lives, the hard times and the easy times and sometimes when we can feel we will almost die, (just like David said "my soul thirsts for you in a dry and weary land where there is no water") times when we battle just to get through but He keeps us nourished when we put our roots down into His good soil. Please keep praying for us.
Ange is a great mum.
We are missing Em a lot after 4 months now and her help too but know she is doing a great job over in Vanuatu. She is planning to go to Sydney Uni next year to study.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday 27th May
Hi I have just looked at this and found it has been a full month since I last wrote.
We were having difficulties with Georgie's breathing and with home carers.
For the last week Georgie has had one of her best weeks for a long time , very settled and no hiccups.
We are back to only two days care at present. I stayed home from work yesterday to look after Georgie so Ange could teach and it was good.
Georgie is growing now and putting on weight. She is getting too heavy for Ange to lift now.
Em is really enjoying her time in Vanuatu. James is growing and eating us out of house and home. He is working a couple of nights a week at a chinese takeaway and learning some good cooking skills.
We have a home bible study group which we have over every second Friday. Some of these folks we have been in the group with for 5 or 6 years. It is good.
We were having difficulties with Georgie's breathing and with home carers.
For the last week Georgie has had one of her best weeks for a long time , very settled and no hiccups.
We are back to only two days care at present. I stayed home from work yesterday to look after Georgie so Ange could teach and it was good.
Georgie is growing now and putting on weight. She is getting too heavy for Ange to lift now.
Em is really enjoying her time in Vanuatu. James is growing and eating us out of house and home. He is working a couple of nights a week at a chinese takeaway and learning some good cooking skills.
We have a home bible study group which we have over every second Friday. Some of these folks we have been in the group with for 5 or 6 years. It is good.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
1st May
Good morning and thankyou for your persistent prayers!
Georgie still has a cough but hasn't gone down with the chest trouble. We did have to put her on oxygen for a couple of nights about a week ago. It is heartening to know there are prayer groups who still pray for her each week and churches who still pray for us each week. We will never be able to thank them.
We are learning a lot about carers and home situations. A number of people have told us it ends up being more about them (the carers) and their needs than the client and the family. Originally it was nursing care, then we were told they were carers not nurses, making a big distinction over what they would or wouldn't do now we are told they are a respite service only allowing us to get out of the house and we need to be more considerate of them, cut them more slack, realise they have other clients and may not have the energy to do everything here, that technically they do not even have to do anything like shower her etc so essentially they are saying they will just do what they feel like, if they like and if we don't like it too bad. We have had our hassles with it all.
Carers using bad language on the phone in front of Georgie, upsetting the other kids, then complaining that the other children are dobbers. Using the time to organise her work rosters and then not getting other things done here, one staff member used to regularly steal toilet paper from us (don't ask me why!)Another recently turned up completely hung over an hour and a half late and spent the day sleeping it off, so i was late for work having to take a 1/4 day flexi day as a result. Some at times have just not turned up at all again affecting work. I don't know whatever happened to having a work ethic.
All this sounds like a whole lot of whinging but it all just hangs over our heads so at times we feel driven out of our own home. All the various affiliated agencies in town just support each other so you have no reply with anyone.
I am told that the Govt is moving towards giving the funds to parents and letting them organise their own home help.
We would value your prayers for wisdom, patience and a resolution to the ongoing strain caused by home care staff. I could go on but I won't. Satan has tried everything to get at us and this is just another way to cause trouble, strain and fatigue and bring it into our house and little Georgie who was never any trouble to anyone is right in the middle of it all. He has his fun but his days are numbered.
Ange had a few friends come over and watched the Royal wedding on Friday night.
Thankyou, sending our love.
Greg, Ange, Em, James and Georgie
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after everything to stand. Ephesians 6 v 10 to 13
Why do we forget this ?
Georgie still has a cough but hasn't gone down with the chest trouble. We did have to put her on oxygen for a couple of nights about a week ago. It is heartening to know there are prayer groups who still pray for her each week and churches who still pray for us each week. We will never be able to thank them.
We are learning a lot about carers and home situations. A number of people have told us it ends up being more about them (the carers) and their needs than the client and the family. Originally it was nursing care, then we were told they were carers not nurses, making a big distinction over what they would or wouldn't do now we are told they are a respite service only allowing us to get out of the house and we need to be more considerate of them, cut them more slack, realise they have other clients and may not have the energy to do everything here, that technically they do not even have to do anything like shower her etc so essentially they are saying they will just do what they feel like, if they like and if we don't like it too bad. We have had our hassles with it all.
Carers using bad language on the phone in front of Georgie, upsetting the other kids, then complaining that the other children are dobbers. Using the time to organise her work rosters and then not getting other things done here, one staff member used to regularly steal toilet paper from us (don't ask me why!)Another recently turned up completely hung over an hour and a half late and spent the day sleeping it off, so i was late for work having to take a 1/4 day flexi day as a result. Some at times have just not turned up at all again affecting work. I don't know whatever happened to having a work ethic.
All this sounds like a whole lot of whinging but it all just hangs over our heads so at times we feel driven out of our own home. All the various affiliated agencies in town just support each other so you have no reply with anyone.
I am told that the Govt is moving towards giving the funds to parents and letting them organise their own home help.
We would value your prayers for wisdom, patience and a resolution to the ongoing strain caused by home care staff. I could go on but I won't. Satan has tried everything to get at us and this is just another way to cause trouble, strain and fatigue and bring it into our house and little Georgie who was never any trouble to anyone is right in the middle of it all. He has his fun but his days are numbered.
Ange had a few friends come over and watched the Royal wedding on Friday night.
Thankyou, sending our love.
Greg, Ange, Em, James and Georgie
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after everything to stand. Ephesians 6 v 10 to 13
Why do we forget this ?
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sick again.
Hi sorry it's been a few weeks...
Georgie is sick at the moment - very chesty, coughing,noisy breathing etc. Ange is in bed with her reading to her now. We always get worried at these times.
We had to put her on oxygen this afternoon as well as some additional meds.
James is away on a fishing camp until Tuesday. It is very quiet here without Em and James.
Em's visa renewal came through in Vanuatu so she should be fine for a while now. She seems to be enjoying it all. Our contact with her is very limited.
We had a few days away last week down at the snowy and a nurse minded Georgie so Ange, James and I could all go. We came back on the Sunday 17th - Four years since Georgie went into Intensive Care at Westmead. Ironically (because of prior involvement through work) I was invited to attend a guest dinner at the Royal Easter Show on this same date.
There have been lots of "dates". On Angela's birthday (in 2007) we had a meeting with Drs who for the first time said they believed there was some brain damage.
On our wedding anniversary they told us they would be switching off life support. There were others too buut i've forgotten them.
On Georgie's birthday two years ago we had to take her to hospital with pneumonia spoiling her birthday and ange and the kids crying on the verandah as i drove her to town. The drs did not think she would make the night - but that was almost two years ago.
That was an awful but amazing trip. Georgie was in the back seat and it was dark and wet. There had been no time to get an ambulance and we did not have oxygen at home then.
As I drove up the road her breathing was bad and as i went up the hill i glanced in the rear view mirror and she had stopped breathing. I began to call out to the Lord and pray and then as clear as day into my head was the command "sing!" so I began to sing and she took a big gasp and began to breathe again. I sang all of the way to town and she kept breathing. When i got there i did not know how i would get her into the ward but as i looked across to the Hospital entrance somebody had discarded a wheel chair right in the doorway so i was able to grab this and wheel her down the hall. A nurse i knew happened to come past and helped me straighten her up. We took her into the ward and we did nothing but put her on just the smallest amount of oxygen. I lay in the bed beside her all night and prayed that God would do what he wanted to do. In the morning i went to church and after church the nurses said she had made a miraculous recovery. When we went into her room that familiar peace was there and she was discharged that day. They said pneumonia normally takes a fortnight to get over.
Well we thankyou again for your prayers.
Georgie is sick at the moment - very chesty, coughing,noisy breathing etc. Ange is in bed with her reading to her now. We always get worried at these times.
We had to put her on oxygen this afternoon as well as some additional meds.
James is away on a fishing camp until Tuesday. It is very quiet here without Em and James.
Em's visa renewal came through in Vanuatu so she should be fine for a while now. She seems to be enjoying it all. Our contact with her is very limited.
We had a few days away last week down at the snowy and a nurse minded Georgie so Ange, James and I could all go. We came back on the Sunday 17th - Four years since Georgie went into Intensive Care at Westmead. Ironically (because of prior involvement through work) I was invited to attend a guest dinner at the Royal Easter Show on this same date.
There have been lots of "dates". On Angela's birthday (in 2007) we had a meeting with Drs who for the first time said they believed there was some brain damage.
On our wedding anniversary they told us they would be switching off life support. There were others too buut i've forgotten them.
On Georgie's birthday two years ago we had to take her to hospital with pneumonia spoiling her birthday and ange and the kids crying on the verandah as i drove her to town. The drs did not think she would make the night - but that was almost two years ago.
That was an awful but amazing trip. Georgie was in the back seat and it was dark and wet. There had been no time to get an ambulance and we did not have oxygen at home then.
As I drove up the road her breathing was bad and as i went up the hill i glanced in the rear view mirror and she had stopped breathing. I began to call out to the Lord and pray and then as clear as day into my head was the command "sing!" so I began to sing and she took a big gasp and began to breathe again. I sang all of the way to town and she kept breathing. When i got there i did not know how i would get her into the ward but as i looked across to the Hospital entrance somebody had discarded a wheel chair right in the doorway so i was able to grab this and wheel her down the hall. A nurse i knew happened to come past and helped me straighten her up. We took her into the ward and we did nothing but put her on just the smallest amount of oxygen. I lay in the bed beside her all night and prayed that God would do what he wanted to do. In the morning i went to church and after church the nurses said she had made a miraculous recovery. When we went into her room that familiar peace was there and she was discharged that day. They said pneumonia normally takes a fortnight to get over.
Well we thankyou again for your prayers.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
All clear
Hi Georgie was taken to hospital on Thurs afternoon by recommendation of her Dr (who had not seen her but because the nurse rang her and said she was "deteriorating" - which was absolute nonsense. I honestly do not know what gets into their heads but as i was at work and Ange was teaching all i could do was say OK you get her there and then i'll come in later.
The xray showed there was no bowel obstruction and nothing to worry about. They wanted to keep her in overnight but i said "shes coming home" and after the Dr checked her out and looked at the scans again and the blood tests showed everything was OK they agreed there really was no point in keeping her in. What a waste of time and energy! the casualty nurses were so lovely though and made me cups of tea and so on. They really are such wonderful people.
However...... In the very next bed to Georgie in casualty was an old farmer friend of mine called Alan from Nyngan who had a stent put in his heart a few months ago and had a little scare on Thurs (which turned out to be nothing).
He waved and i saw who it was and we talked. He said is this the little girl that you've had all the trouble with? I said yes it will be 4 years in a couple of weeks and he said "that would really test your faith". I said yes - but do you know I love God more now than i ever did and i trust God more now than I ever did and he got tears in his eyes and we had a great talk. (He goes to the Lutheran church in Nyngan) He invited me out to his farm to have a look over some things.
After all that we eventually got home at 9.30pm, tired but happy in the Lord for the opportunity to talk with Alan. I had forgotten how many times these little upsets and delays in our days really are God working things out for good.
Thankyou all for your prayers.
The xray showed there was no bowel obstruction and nothing to worry about. They wanted to keep her in overnight but i said "shes coming home" and after the Dr checked her out and looked at the scans again and the blood tests showed everything was OK they agreed there really was no point in keeping her in. What a waste of time and energy! the casualty nurses were so lovely though and made me cups of tea and so on. They really are such wonderful people.
However...... In the very next bed to Georgie in casualty was an old farmer friend of mine called Alan from Nyngan who had a stent put in his heart a few months ago and had a little scare on Thurs (which turned out to be nothing).
He waved and i saw who it was and we talked. He said is this the little girl that you've had all the trouble with? I said yes it will be 4 years in a couple of weeks and he said "that would really test your faith". I said yes - but do you know I love God more now than i ever did and i trust God more now than I ever did and he got tears in his eyes and we had a great talk. (He goes to the Lutheran church in Nyngan) He invited me out to his farm to have a look over some things.
After all that we eventually got home at 9.30pm, tired but happy in the Lord for the opportunity to talk with Alan. I had forgotten how many times these little upsets and delays in our days really are God working things out for good.
Thankyou all for your prayers.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tummy troubles
Hi a point for prayer.
Georgie has had some tummy troubles and the nurses are going to try to take her in to get an xray this afternoon. They are hoping it is not a bowel obstruction and an xray is the only way they can tell for sure.
I hate getting medical people involved with Georgie these days.
Georgie has had some tummy troubles and the nurses are going to try to take her in to get an xray this afternoon. They are hoping it is not a bowel obstruction and an xray is the only way they can tell for sure.
I hate getting medical people involved with Georgie these days.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Dear all it is so nice to get those comments and to hear from some - even all the list of those at Tewantin!
Our friend Anne is back in Dubbo and making quite a good recovery after the brain op. She is getting stronger and recovering well.
Some friends came out for afternoon tea on Sunday and it was great to sit and encourage one another and hear what God is doing in their lives bringing them closer to Him.
Em is settling more and more into life at Vanuatu and sounds really happy whenever she rings up.
James turned 15 yesterday and is now almost as tall as me (Greg)
Georgie continues to have a pretty good run lately. Bit of tummy trouble but nothing much else to report.
I went out to an old friend (Blue Adams') funeral at Nyngan on the banks of the Bogan river on Saturday. (When we lived there we spent lots of afternoons skiing and wimming there)
Blue was a completely self-made man with a great sense of humour. By the age of 14 he had lived with 22 different families - mostly old aunties (who used to cry when he had to move on again etc). He left school at age 14 and went away shearing all over Australia finishing up in Tasmania each Christmas. He met his wife to be there when she was 15 and he 20. They got married 4 years later. He drove trucks and bought some Nyngan scrub country cleared it all and began farming there when people outright mocked him for doing so saying you couldn't farm that far west. He proved them all wrong. He went opal mining also and spent his money wisely and ended up owning many things. His grandkids used to say Pop why do you work so hard and he would say "so you don't have to work as hard as i do". He was always doing something (often for someone else) and could never sit still.
They had 3 children and have around 8 grand children who form probably the tightest family I've ever known. He would ring his grand kids almost every day and say "thanks for ringing me!" His wife Pauline prayed for him for years to come to the Lord and finally he did about two months ago. We were all praying for him.
Our friend Anne is back in Dubbo and making quite a good recovery after the brain op. She is getting stronger and recovering well.
Some friends came out for afternoon tea on Sunday and it was great to sit and encourage one another and hear what God is doing in their lives bringing them closer to Him.
Em is settling more and more into life at Vanuatu and sounds really happy whenever she rings up.
James turned 15 yesterday and is now almost as tall as me (Greg)
Georgie continues to have a pretty good run lately. Bit of tummy trouble but nothing much else to report.
I went out to an old friend (Blue Adams') funeral at Nyngan on the banks of the Bogan river on Saturday. (When we lived there we spent lots of afternoons skiing and wimming there)
Blue was a completely self-made man with a great sense of humour. By the age of 14 he had lived with 22 different families - mostly old aunties (who used to cry when he had to move on again etc). He left school at age 14 and went away shearing all over Australia finishing up in Tasmania each Christmas. He met his wife to be there when she was 15 and he 20. They got married 4 years later. He drove trucks and bought some Nyngan scrub country cleared it all and began farming there when people outright mocked him for doing so saying you couldn't farm that far west. He proved them all wrong. He went opal mining also and spent his money wisely and ended up owning many things. His grandkids used to say Pop why do you work so hard and he would say "so you don't have to work as hard as i do". He was always doing something (often for someone else) and could never sit still.
They had 3 children and have around 8 grand children who form probably the tightest family I've ever known. He would ring his grand kids almost every day and say "thanks for ringing me!" His wife Pauline prayed for him for years to come to the Lord and finally he did about two months ago. We were all praying for him.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
23rd March
Hi there a bit of news.
We have found that Georgie's thyroid has begun to function.
This has enabled her to start to put on some weight and she has been trending toward better health for several months even though we have had a few up and downs. It makes looking after her a bit easier and is nicer for her. She has been smiling again at times which has been nice to see as she is probably feeling better in herself.
The weather has been cooling down lately which is nice.
We have found that Georgie's thyroid has begun to function.
This has enabled her to start to put on some weight and she has been trending toward better health for several months even though we have had a few up and downs. It makes looking after her a bit easier and is nicer for her. She has been smiling again at times which has been nice to see as she is probably feeling better in herself.
The weather has been cooling down lately which is nice.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
sat
Not too bad a day for Georgie who spent much of it outside on the verandah today. Still coughing a bit from time to time but generally OK.
We heard from Em last night (actually about 3am this morning) and again this afternoon and she said things are fine. They were all praying and Glen had told all of the students that they must pray. They were all excited that God had answered their prayers and the tsunami waves had largely dissipated by the time they reached the coastline at Luganville. Some of the locals said they saw the wave come in. last night people from the lower villages were coming up to Talua to the bible college for safety. All very exciting and we are thankful that they are safe there.
We heard from Em last night (actually about 3am this morning) and again this afternoon and she said things are fine. They were all praying and Glen had told all of the students that they must pray. They were all excited that God had answered their prayers and the tsunami waves had largely dissipated by the time they reached the coastline at Luganville. Some of the locals said they saw the wave come in. last night people from the lower villages were coming up to Talua to the bible college for safety. All very exciting and we are thankful that they are safe there.
Friday, March 11, 2011
friday
Hi there Georgie a bit chesty again today so coughing a bit which unsettles her.
Spoke with Em tonight who has been gone almost one month. She is in good spirits.
The Tokyo tsunami is supposed to reach right across the pacific affecting many islands including Vanuatu so we are praying for Em and so many others.
Our friend Anne had an operation and has been doing quite well from all i can hear.
Hoping to just have a quiet weekend at home.
strong in faith.
Spoke with Em tonight who has been gone almost one month. She is in good spirits.
The Tokyo tsunami is supposed to reach right across the pacific affecting many islands including Vanuatu so we are praying for Em and so many others.
Our friend Anne had an operation and has been doing quite well from all i can hear.
Hoping to just have a quiet weekend at home.
strong in faith.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Saturday 5th March A day in the Park
To all you wonderful praying folks, today we had a great day down at Orange.
We packed Georgie up and the four of us went to Orange for the day. (about and hour and a half drive each way) James really wanted to go to the bird show so he and I went and we dropped Ange and Georgie off at Cook Park which is beautiful in late summer. So we had about four hours and came home again.
Georgie was perfect.
She has been finally starting to put on a little weight and is quite healthy at the moment. We have been reducing the thyroxin since we went to Westmead and blood tests showed it was too high which means her own thyroid is better than it was i guess so she can do more herself.
We had a lovely day and Georgie "talked" to us a little this evening. Every now and then she says these little "words" which we can't really make out it is sad too of course but we love it also and thank God for every day we have with her.
We packed Georgie up and the four of us went to Orange for the day. (about and hour and a half drive each way) James really wanted to go to the bird show so he and I went and we dropped Ange and Georgie off at Cook Park which is beautiful in late summer. So we had about four hours and came home again.
Georgie was perfect.
She has been finally starting to put on a little weight and is quite healthy at the moment. We have been reducing the thyroxin since we went to Westmead and blood tests showed it was too high which means her own thyroid is better than it was i guess so she can do more herself.
We had a lovely day and Georgie "talked" to us a little this evening. Every now and then she says these little "words" which we can't really make out it is sad too of course but we love it also and thank God for every day we have with her.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
1st March
Hi sorry i haven't written anything for a while.
We are all well and hope you are too.
Em got away to Vanuatu safely and is settling into her life there for the next six months. She is enjoying it although has been a bit sick wit the flu and lost her voice which made home schooling her charges a little tricky.
We only have text message contact with her.
Ange is continuing two days teaching each week at Wellington Christian School which is a little tiring but at the same time is a great break and she enjoys the staff and the teaching.
Georgie stable most of the time. Sometimes little things happen very quickly but we always seem to be on hand when they do.
Nursing (home help) is gradually getting sorted out but not without some difficulties. I overheard two nurses going on and on about us all the other day it was very nasty. That is all i can say. So please keep praying for peace in our house and good home help. Pray for the head nurse too. I feel God has put her into our lives for a reason.
Would you please pray for our dear friend Anne who had a bleed on the brain about 13 days ago. She is in RPA and Drs plan to operate tomorrow to remove the blood and have said it is quite risky. (beats me) She is 72 and a great person to have around she is a wonderful intercessor and prays tirelessly. She wants to live and continue to serve God. I spoke with her yesterday and she was as bright as can be. We are reminded of Caleb who at 85 felt as strong as when he was 40.
Thankyou.
We are all well and hope you are too.
Em got away to Vanuatu safely and is settling into her life there for the next six months. She is enjoying it although has been a bit sick wit the flu and lost her voice which made home schooling her charges a little tricky.
We only have text message contact with her.
Ange is continuing two days teaching each week at Wellington Christian School which is a little tiring but at the same time is a great break and she enjoys the staff and the teaching.
Georgie stable most of the time. Sometimes little things happen very quickly but we always seem to be on hand when they do.
Nursing (home help) is gradually getting sorted out but not without some difficulties. I overheard two nurses going on and on about us all the other day it was very nasty. That is all i can say. So please keep praying for peace in our house and good home help. Pray for the head nurse too. I feel God has put her into our lives for a reason.
Would you please pray for our dear friend Anne who had a bleed on the brain about 13 days ago. She is in RPA and Drs plan to operate tomorrow to remove the blood and have said it is quite risky. (beats me) She is 72 and a great person to have around she is a wonderful intercessor and prays tirelessly. She wants to live and continue to serve God. I spoke with her yesterday and she was as bright as can be. We are reminded of Caleb who at 85 felt as strong as when he was 40.
Thankyou.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
5th Feb
Hello everyone!
We had quite a few messages so i guess there are still a good number of people out there! (I felt a bit silly asking if anyone was still tuned in afterwards)
I was told of people still praying overseas in places like Thailand and India and we know Georgina is prayed for by the Howells and their churches in the Phillipines and a few churches where she is still on the church bulletin.
It was a great encouragement.
Some folks asked how come with so much prayer she isn't healed? - if only i knew!("In the world ye shall have tribulation" yeah we's been gettin' some tribulation! but so have many of you in one way or another no doubt)
Still God has not changed. He is still on the throne.
Georgie is not as sick as she could have been but is still a bit congested and the seizures have been worse again. Every time she gets really sick it is so hard all over again as we think will this be the last few days now. A friend contacted 11 intercessors from her church (Dubbo CCC) the other night to have them pray also. It is amazing that there are still those with faith. Faith that God hears their prayer - and this faith not of ourselves....
We have been praying a lot for our former pastor from Cobar - Ian, who has battled with oesophageal cancer. He had a major operation removing part of the oesophagus, part of the stomach, lymph nodes, veins but is now home at Forbes and going quite well. I rang him the other day and he was his same old cheerful self. Just the same. It was a great encouragement. He needs prayer.
We heard from Heidi down the coast and her family is going great. We got to know Heidi and her family at Ronald McDonald house. Her little girl had a form of leukaemia but she is now in the clear. Ange and Heidi used to take the Ronald McDonald house bus with various mums out to Hillsong on Thursdays for the "sisterhood" meeting. It was such an encouragement to them all who were battling so many different things with their babies. Heidi's whole family came to make commitments to God. Some people we knew had children who passed on into glory. These were hard days and amazing days - praying through each illness and the bond of the ladies together who knew what each medical report meant for one another's children and how they came to rely on one another to pray. There are so many stories- some complete miracles of healing, some sad ones too and some with hope, but they're probably not really mine to tell.
We have lately been reading on prayer(of course), election (don't understand it all - just glad we're part of it),
Something to pray:-
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know".
John 14 1-4
We had quite a few messages so i guess there are still a good number of people out there! (I felt a bit silly asking if anyone was still tuned in afterwards)
I was told of people still praying overseas in places like Thailand and India and we know Georgina is prayed for by the Howells and their churches in the Phillipines and a few churches where she is still on the church bulletin.
It was a great encouragement.
Some folks asked how come with so much prayer she isn't healed? - if only i knew!("In the world ye shall have tribulation" yeah we's been gettin' some tribulation! but so have many of you in one way or another no doubt)
Still God has not changed. He is still on the throne.
Georgie is not as sick as she could have been but is still a bit congested and the seizures have been worse again. Every time she gets really sick it is so hard all over again as we think will this be the last few days now. A friend contacted 11 intercessors from her church (Dubbo CCC) the other night to have them pray also. It is amazing that there are still those with faith. Faith that God hears their prayer - and this faith not of ourselves....
We have been praying a lot for our former pastor from Cobar - Ian, who has battled with oesophageal cancer. He had a major operation removing part of the oesophagus, part of the stomach, lymph nodes, veins but is now home at Forbes and going quite well. I rang him the other day and he was his same old cheerful self. Just the same. It was a great encouragement. He needs prayer.
We heard from Heidi down the coast and her family is going great. We got to know Heidi and her family at Ronald McDonald house. Her little girl had a form of leukaemia but she is now in the clear. Ange and Heidi used to take the Ronald McDonald house bus with various mums out to Hillsong on Thursdays for the "sisterhood" meeting. It was such an encouragement to them all who were battling so many different things with their babies. Heidi's whole family came to make commitments to God. Some people we knew had children who passed on into glory. These were hard days and amazing days - praying through each illness and the bond of the ladies together who knew what each medical report meant for one another's children and how they came to rely on one another to pray. There are so many stories- some complete miracles of healing, some sad ones too and some with hope, but they're probably not really mine to tell.
We have lately been reading on prayer(of course), election (don't understand it all - just glad we're part of it),
Something to pray:-
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know".
John 14 1-4
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday
Well no sooner did i write that message yesterday than i got home yesterday and found Georgie with a temperature and chesty again!
This frequently happens though why this so suddenly we don't know. She has been good and there hasn't been anyone around with any wogs. It is always so hard to see her getting sick just when you think she is going well.....
I just heard this verse again
Matthew 21v 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
This frequently happens though why this so suddenly we don't know. She has been good and there hasn't been anyone around with any wogs. It is always so hard to see her getting sick just when you think she is going well.....
I just heard this verse again
Matthew 21v 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday 19th
Dear friends we are all well and have been enjoying the Christmas break.
Greg and James went fishing with his cousin Pete and son Scott to Adaminaby for a few days. 4 fish in all and had a great time. We went for a walk up to Kosciusko one day which was fantastic. It was a beautiful clear day.
People often ask us how is Georgie? and has there been any change? can she talk yet? etc. so mostly we just have to say no not really. From time to time she is much more aware like yesterday when we were doing some stretching exercises with her and she was trying to sit forward and swinging her arms to let us know she was feeling it. So yes she doesn't just lie there unaware. Sometimes she will be agitated and if i sing to her she calms down.(at least someone appreciates my singing!)
The weather has been hot during the days but is mild enough in the late evenings to take her for a walk in the wheel chair down the road. It was beautiful yesterday in the late evening with the sky all purple and the moon already up, horses running in the paddocks and the reflections in the creek still full of water.
Some things to pray for:-
God's continued peace over our house.
The nurses who have become a bit familiar and lazy who cause tension at home.
For home care support to continue (there is some talk that some of the funding may dry up)
For Georgie to improve
Thankful that like last Christmas Georgie has had a good month.
Em as she leaves home and goes to Vanuatu on the 7th Feb
We are thankful to all who pray and friends who encourage us.
Ange and i have been reading Spugeons devotions which are very encouraging reminding us that God is a good God and we can rely on Him and that He answers prayer.
Greg and James went fishing with his cousin Pete and son Scott to Adaminaby for a few days. 4 fish in all and had a great time. We went for a walk up to Kosciusko one day which was fantastic. It was a beautiful clear day.
People often ask us how is Georgie? and has there been any change? can she talk yet? etc. so mostly we just have to say no not really. From time to time she is much more aware like yesterday when we were doing some stretching exercises with her and she was trying to sit forward and swinging her arms to let us know she was feeling it. So yes she doesn't just lie there unaware. Sometimes she will be agitated and if i sing to her she calms down.(at least someone appreciates my singing!)
The weather has been hot during the days but is mild enough in the late evenings to take her for a walk in the wheel chair down the road. It was beautiful yesterday in the late evening with the sky all purple and the moon already up, horses running in the paddocks and the reflections in the creek still full of water.
Some things to pray for:-
God's continued peace over our house.
The nurses who have become a bit familiar and lazy who cause tension at home.
For home care support to continue (there is some talk that some of the funding may dry up)
For Georgie to improve
Thankful that like last Christmas Georgie has had a good month.
Em as she leaves home and goes to Vanuatu on the 7th Feb
We are thankful to all who pray and friends who encourage us.
Ange and i have been reading Spugeons devotions which are very encouraging reminding us that God is a good God and we can rely on Him and that He answers prayer.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday 3rd Jan
Happy new year to you all!
We had a lovely time at Kurrajong with Anges mum and dad at Christmas and not a single thing went wrong.
We were able to take Georgie down with us in the car which was about a 4 and a half hour trip. She handled it just fine.
It was great to be able to all go away together for a few days and was the first Christmas we have all had down there for 4 years as a family.
We took her for a couple of walks around Kurrajong. The climate there is so much more pleasant than Dubbo where it is often too cold, too hot or too windy to take a little girl prone to chest troubles for walks. So we made the most of it.
Some folks from Kurrajong Baptist came up to the house to meet her. They have been praying for her since the beginning. Thank you to those people who have sent us encouraging messages of continued prayer.
We are all enjoying being on holidays together and geting a lot done. Greg and James have almost finished building a shed together and so feeling a sense of achievement. It's good having Em and James around to help look after Georgie, who has been reasonably good for the past week.
Only 5 weeks until Emily heads off to Vanuatu for six months.
We had a lovely time at Kurrajong with Anges mum and dad at Christmas and not a single thing went wrong.
We were able to take Georgie down with us in the car which was about a 4 and a half hour trip. She handled it just fine.
It was great to be able to all go away together for a few days and was the first Christmas we have all had down there for 4 years as a family.
We took her for a couple of walks around Kurrajong. The climate there is so much more pleasant than Dubbo where it is often too cold, too hot or too windy to take a little girl prone to chest troubles for walks. So we made the most of it.
Some folks from Kurrajong Baptist came up to the house to meet her. They have been praying for her since the beginning. Thank you to those people who have sent us encouraging messages of continued prayer.
We are all enjoying being on holidays together and geting a lot done. Greg and James have almost finished building a shed together and so feeling a sense of achievement. It's good having Em and James around to help look after Georgie, who has been reasonably good for the past week.
Only 5 weeks until Emily heads off to Vanuatu for six months.
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