Corner Turned?

We trust that Carol is now turning a corner and that we will continue to see regular improvement. It has been six rather long days in the hospital, but we have all been blessed because of your prayers. She is stronger and is sleeping less during the day with reduced medication, and hopefully she will soon be able to start eating again.

The use of morphine has been greatly reduced, the NG tube is still in, but pump action was turned off for much of the day and we are praying that the ileus (inactive bowel) will continue to improve so that the tube can be removed...possibly tomorrow? Carol was able to take three good walks down the hall today with IV pole and oxygen in tow. As you would expect, she is in good spirits and had us laughing several times with her quick wit.

Today Carol was awake long enough to listen to my reading emails and cards from you dear people. How blessed we are to have such caring, praying friends and family members! I would love to personally respond to each of you, but the days just seem too short to get everything done.

We continue to meet wonderful people at the hospital, and today had a Liberian from the Respiratory Department do some breathing treatments for Carol. He was born at Firestone and is familiar with the SIM ELWA hospital. He has a great burden for the Liberians and plans to return when he completes his medical education in order to help his people. It was exciting to listen to his clear appraisal of the Liberia situation, and we thank the Lord for people like him that can make a major difference in that needy country.

We all watched a couple of beautiful choral groups perform on TV in Carol's room this evening. One of the groups did The Messiah, which was especially meaningful to each of us. Tonight Karin is staying at the hospital. Our three gals are spoiling us!

Tomorrow, we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our Christmas plans sure have been changed, but He is still the same...yesterday, today and forever!

May the peace, joy and love of Jesus be yours tomorrow...and always!

We love you all,

Chuck...and Carol too