Back home...

Hi All...

Just back from the hospital now at midnight our time.

So many mercies for which to give thanks...

Magpie likely has a intestinal blockage. We were consulted tonight by the chief of staff of the hospital who lived and practiced medicine in the west for a number of years. He is not our friend who we have counseled with over medical needs here, but he is her contact. It's the same everywhere...it's who you know. He was fluent in English and had a marvelous bedside manner with Magpie. He accompanied us personally through the ultrasound exam and called the surgeon for a consult.

Both doctors felt "something" in Magpie's lower-left abdomen, in the intestine.

We received top notch care and they sent us home with some medicine to treat the blockage and an x-ray of Magpie's abdomen. I am pleased to say it appears that she has all her organs.

Hopefully with this treatment, she should be able to pass the blockage and will have no further pain spasms in her abdomen. It was quite frightening tonight as the spasms went on for a few hours and had her doubled over, panting and weeping.

We give thanks for the incredible group of supporters we have here. Once the call went out, we had several brothers and sisters descending upon our apartment, calling for transport and even carrying Magpie out to the main gain on one man's back. We took a private car, owned by a brother who works for the company here, who I have never met.

My anxiety level was creeping up once in the car but I noticed this lovely music playing in the background...beautiful instrumental hymns. It is the first time I've heard so many of these old standards since arriving here. So magnificent to recite to Magpie the words to the songs that played "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," "Rock of Ages,"I Surrender All." It was such a gift to me as we were reminded that even when we're afraid and feel so out of control...He remains, fully, in control.

Thanks for lifting our girl up. Please remember us as we are now officially far behind with rest for this week and I have a message to deliver tomorrow night to a group of medical students from India.

Off to bed...