Faith 1.1

A basic course in Faith…that’s what we feel like we’ve been enrolled in during these four weeks in a foreign country dealing with rather major surgery and all that went with it. In somewhat different ways, we both struggled as we were “forced” to deepen our faith in our loving, caring, wise, all-powerful, sovereign God…our Good Shepherd…whose ways are much too high for us to truly understand. And at the end of our 4-week “course,” we can confidently say with greater conviction that God indeed can be trusted and is faithful.

Upon arrival at the Johannesburg hospital, x-rays confirmed that due to Ruth walking on her broken hip for almost 3 weeks, the blood supply for both the upper part of the hip joint and the “neck” of the hip bone had been badly damaged. Thus the surgeon felt that a total hip replacement was needed—a real shock to us! Surgery was set for Monday, June 16, 2 PM. Generally speaking, all went as expected and the first two nights were spent in Cardiac Intensive Care—not fun, but God saw me/us through. The second day, I was up and using a walker. Once the blood pressure returned to normal, pain became quite minimal and has continued to be so—what a gift!

Insurance did not cover Laura’s costs, but our mission fully supported her joining me and has worked with us to find ways to help with the costs.  We thank God for the generosity of His people. Laura had to trust God is new ways as she searched for Bed and Breakfast/Guest Houses (many had no vacancies), transportation, places to eat, etc. in a strange city (thank God, English is widely spoken). Laura was such a blessing to me in every way and I can never thank God enough for our friendship which has deepened through this 4-week ordeal.

After a 3-week stay in the hospital, I was transferred to a Rehabilitation Center for one week of Physio and Occupational Therapy. Of all things, I was assigned to the Ward named Faith. And when we were saw the number above my bed, 1.1, we both pondered the meaning…Faith 1.1—yes that’s what we’ve been enrolled in these weeks! The bed in the opposite corner was numbered 1.18 meaning there were 18 beds with semi-partitions between every 6 beds. Most of the others were stroke patients or accident victims and it didn’t take me very long to realize that I was the best off of all of them and had no reason to complain about anything! The two therapists assigned to me were excellent. I especially appreciated the Physio guy—when he learned of my longing to get outside, he did my initial evaluation by taking me to the garden. As soon as I was in the sun, I stopped and raised my hands in delight saying that was the best therapy for me possible! He moved me from the walker to one crutch within a few days and sent me home with greater confidence.

The number above my bed.

There’s so much more we could write, but let me close by giving yet another testimony to add to so many before me—God is faithful and can be trusted. His love to us is truly unfailing and unstoppable!