"Shout for joy O heavens; rejoice, O earth; burst into song, O mountains! For the LORD comforts his people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones."
Isaiah 49:13
Today was another busy day for Nate. He slept 'well' Monday night, 2 hour stretches at a time - but this is the most he has slept yet so he and I were very thankful for that. His morning started with full dressing changes done with the plastic surgeon, resident doctor and nurse. They changed all his dressings including his right arm and started removing stitches from his flanks. This will be a process to remove all the stitches and staples down his sides. If I had to guess I would say there are more then 60 staples on either side, plus stitches. The plastic surgeon (Dr. Cooper) is extremely happy with how all his incisions and open areas look. Nate's right arm is 90-95% ready for skin grafts. Nate does NOT need another surgery at this time, to do clean up of his arm, leg and stump. This is very good news, and now we wait for further healing to take place - this will take weeks, so Nate and I will have to practise the art of patience.
Nate is still undergoing dialysis, we pray that his kidneys may start to function again, but at this time it is, yes, a waiting game.
I have been questioned often by doctors and nurses as to how Nate 'truly' is handling all that has gone on - they ask this because they don't understand how Nate is able to accept it and push to go on. Nate too says he can't explain it, humanly speaking, but he knows God is at work in him, allowing him to accept it, and God has a plan for him.
Nathan's faith is being tested but, we have been blessed to see how God is at work in him, and how he is being a witness to all not only the staff around him, but to me, family and friends.
Please continue to pray that God will give Nate the strength even in difficult days, and will allow Nate all he needs to witness to all around him, as he travels this path.
Nate asked me to thank each of you for your continued prayers, support, words of encouragement and all the many other things you have done for us. It is such a blessing to be a part of the communion of saints- what an awesome God we have.
"How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!" Ps 47:2
absolutely awesome! What a blessing considering the outcome from a couple of weeks ago! Our God is a awesome God - tell Nate that we continue to pray daily for you all and especially that he will have to strength to carry on during these difficult days ahead of him!
ReplyDeletejack and marlene vanrootselaar and family
We are encouraged by you (Aileen) and Nathan as together you have been a testimony to the work that our awesome LORD does. Praying that he continues to uphold you each day Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
ReplyDeleteMike and Amanda
What a blessing! We can truly see God's healing tough on Nathan's body and we pray that this may continue and that you will both be upheld by our gracious God.
ReplyDeleteDave and Wendy Heyink
Here again we stand amazed at God's miracles. All glory and praise to Him!! Praying that each and every day you both will continue to find your source of strength from our heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteNathan and Michelle Helder
I love how you pointed out that Nathan has not only been a witness to others but also to family and friends. Nathan has always been more "quiet" about his faith, so to hear him speak up, and to do so often, has been very encouraging and upbuilding for us all.
ReplyDeleteYesterday while I was visiting I casually pointed out how "they" were able to do so much these days and he quickly pointed out that it was not "they" but God who did all this. And then as he pointed to the staff and medical equipment around him he said "It is not us (he points to himself) but God who has allowed them to use all this." How amazing to see how thankful he is for his life and what he has been given.
What a blessing it is to see how strong Nathan is. We fervently pray that this strong faith may be what upholds him and keeps him going during the long, difficult and frustrating road ahead.
God is amazing! Displaying to great numbers how powerful He is in so many ways. May you continue to be blessed by Him.
ReplyDeleteLove, Dave and Angelina & family
God is gracious! Aileen reading this, reminded me of the devoational I read this morning. "Does God have a blueprint that includes everything in our lives from birth to death? Yes, but the only part of it that we can see arrives each morning in the form of twenty-four brand-new hours, freshly delivered over night. God wants to teach us to trust Him step-by-step. He reveals His will one step at a time so that we will trust Him moment by moment!
ReplyDeleteAs we've witnessed through your blog. Each day is truly a blessing, step by step God is revealing to us Nathan's new path in life and it's amazing to see the strength God is granting him as well. Praying that God will provide & continue to guide the doctors/nurses in His direction!
Lloyd & Joanna VanLuik
What an amazing God we have. It is such a blessing to be able to read how our God has sustained you all during these last few weeks. May He continue to give you and Nathan and your families all that you will need in the coming weeks. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
ReplyDeleteTom and Alice Jongsma and children
We are not doing anything special at all by our words of comfort and encouragement, we are simply doing what God requires of us (1 Cor. 1: 3-5, Eph. 6: 18, and more). How amazing God is that He uses these prayers and words to help the ones in need.
ReplyDeleteStill praying for your family
We stand amazed at the progress being made. We know that Nathan has a long way to go, but put your trust in the LORD. He will be your guide.Remembering you all in our thoughts and prayers. Arie and Lois Muis.
ReplyDeleteBlessings from the Lord...so thankful that Nathan is doing so well, considering what he still has to face. May the Lord continue to grant healing, patience, strength and the endurance to run the race the Lord has placed in your lifes.
ReplyDeleteWe will continue to pray for you!
With love: Ben & Anita
It is our continual prayer that the Lord will continue to guide the doctors' hands and He may continue to promote healing. May the Great Physician also continue to give the patience needed and the faith in Him alone. You both have been great witnesses to His Kindgom.
ReplyDeleteSincerely, Allen and Kerry Komdeur and family