I had a MRI completed in Jakarta in October 2015 when we first started chasing down answers to the cause of my having Horner's Syndrome. MRI machines speak the same language- LOUD. In Jakarta, I wore a hospital gown that was one-size-fits-all, and Josh was allowed to take a photo prior to the testing. He also had permission to sit in the same room with the doctors while the scans were coming to them. Nothing was given to protect my ears from the whirling sounds or the banging sounds from the machine. I was in the machine for nearly an hour. When I got out I was afraid my eardrum had ruptured, I had an incredible headache and was shaking. I'm certain that the use of an MRI machine without proper protection could be a form of torture. It was awful. The results, which were given to us after I dressed, were normal and clear. I have a healthy brain.
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| Before the testing... there's no after shot, but it was rough. |
I had another MRI completed in the US in May 2017. I was given tan scrubs that were about 14 sizes too big for me, which was perfect because nothing fits properly after you've had a baby. All you want to wear are clothes that are way too big for you! I was given headphones and the option of what type of music I wanted to listen to. Easy listening helped block the language of the machine. A warm blanket, fresh out of the dryer, was draped over my legs. (I'll be right back, going to put a blanket in the dryer.) Every once in a while, the technician would speak soften into my ear informing me of what was happening next. While still long and loud, the procedure was tolerable and pain-free. The experience was worlds apart. However, the results were not given the same day.
We were called by the end of the week with the results, still pretty quick in my opinion. The wait, the what-ifs, the wondering... all those "W" words caused us to press harder into the Lord for peace. The nurse phoned us and just simply said," The results from your MRI are back and everything looks normal and clear." We played it cool but were (and still are) overjoyed! There was no need for any follow-up appointments. We were cleared from him to return to Indonesia. While I do have Horner's Syndrome, the cause is unknown. So I'm in an even smaller group of weirdos who have it but don't know why!
The following week I had a CT scan of my sinuses. I had been having trouble breathing at night. The experience was completely different from the MRI. No gowns, no needles (the MRI had contrast), no hour long test- I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. The results were given to us by the end of the week. Sinuses were clear, no need for surgery to correct concerns. Woohoo! She referred me to an allergist. The allergist poked me with several needles containing the top allergens. Turns out, I'm allergic to dust. She recommended a change in medication and the time of day I use it.
I've been sleeping and breathing better at night. It's hard to say if that's due to the allergist's recommendations or if it's because I'm a momma.
With joyful hearts, we can say with confidence we are cleared medically to return to our Wycliffe ministry to serve the work of Bible translation through aviation in Papua, Indonesia. Thank you for praying. Thank you for asking.
Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to return.
There are two things that must happen before we can return:
Wycliffe is a faith-based ministry. Each member is responsible to develop a team of ministry partners who will pray and give financially. Wycliffe does not send anyone overseas until they have a strong prayer team and %100 of the monthly budget Wycliffe has set for our ministry.
The second thing that must happen is the completion of our visas. This process gives us permission to live and work in Indonesia. The visas are currently in process and have passed the first stage of departments. Would you pray that we would have a full partnership team *before* our visas are released, so nothing would be preventing our return?
After 11 years with Wycliffe, the more we understand how important and huge the work of Bible translation is- it’s impossible for a few people to do it alone. We wouldn’t even want to try! Will you consider becoming a prayer and/or financial partner in our Wycliffe ministry? Click here for more information about joining our prayer or financial partnership team.
With joyful hearts, we can say with confidence we are cleared medically to return to our Wycliffe ministry to serve the work of Bible translation through aviation in Papua, Indonesia. Thank you for praying. Thank you for asking.
Please continue to pray for us as we prepare to return.
There are two things that must happen before we can return:
Wycliffe is a faith-based ministry. Each member is responsible to develop a team of ministry partners who will pray and give financially. Wycliffe does not send anyone overseas until they have a strong prayer team and %100 of the monthly budget Wycliffe has set for our ministry.
The second thing that must happen is the completion of our visas. This process gives us permission to live and work in Indonesia. The visas are currently in process and have passed the first stage of departments. Would you pray that we would have a full partnership team *before* our visas are released, so nothing would be preventing our return?
After 11 years with Wycliffe, the more we understand how important and huge the work of Bible translation is- it’s impossible for a few people to do it alone. We wouldn’t even want to try! Will you consider becoming a prayer and/or financial partner in our Wycliffe ministry? Click here for more information about joining our prayer or financial partnership team.
