Let us not forget that Christ is alive!
This past week found me in Vegas. I was excited to go, a little vacation to play, spend time with mom and visit my grandmother who was in the hospital recovering from cardiac/respiratory arrest. Upon arriving to the hospital it was clear this was not going to be a pleasure trip. Grammy was worse then either my mom or I could have imagined. It was time for her to "go home". After talking with the doctors we learned that she had been without oxygen for 30 minutes and that in the past week she had deteriorated. Though her eyes were open, she was not aware, her body was on autopilot. We made the decision to take her off life support on Wednesday (the day we were scheduled to leave Vegas) and on Saturday with my mom and her husband, Jim, by her side she peacefully left.
Death was a new experience for me. It made the fact that this world is not our home so much more real. That there is so much more to life to breathing. It was comforting to know that even though grammy's body was frail and failing, she was not suffering. She was home with her Father.
Let us praise God!
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Spring time
Winter/Spring Update
Heading into spring, I'm excited to leave winter behind. 2010, and now 2011, have been full of unexpected events for the Edwards family. Spring is bringing a freshness as we look toward the horizon for new possibilities and experiences.
I know my dad is most looking forward to June. That is the scheduled day for his "external fixator" to be removed. If you aren't aware of what that is or what it does.... here's a summary/recap:
In May last year, just 3 weeks after my brother was hit by a car while on his motorcycle and recovering from a fractured ankle and broken back, my father fell off our 5' retaining wall. The fall resulted in a compound fracture of his ankle. (That means the bone was sticking out... it actually made a divot in the yard). Since May he has had several operations and been on IV antibiotics to fight infections. In October it looked like we had reached the last option, amputation. The infection was not clearing up and 2 inches of bone had died. Literally in the 9th hour a new doctor entered the scene and said he could save Dad's leg. They removed 3 inches of bone and he has grown back those 3 inches with the help of the external fixator.
In June he will have the metal frame removed and move into a walking boot so he can start physical therapy.
I think my mom is looking forward to not playing nurse any longer to my dad and grandmothers.
My brother is looking forward to a new job. Just after getting the OK from his doctors to return to work, he was found a job with a local electrical company near his home. And he and his wife are expecting a new Edwards' in October! I'll be an aunt!
And what else am I looking forward to? More time to spend with my family while I'm home. It has been a blessing to both me and my family (especially my mom) as I can help with some of the care-giving and support my father and grandparents need. I also will continue working for the school district for as long as they need my help.
Prayer & Praise
Pray for:
Dad's health and positive attitude
My grandmother in Nevada who miraculously survived cardiac & respiratory failure a month ago. She is still recovering and the long term effects are still a unknown.
My grandmother in Alpine who is recovering from her third scare with cancer.
I'll need a new job as summer approaches and kids don't have school.
Praise:
I have nothing but praise for my Heavenly Father. He has given so much to my family this year. Through all the troubles and tough times, we have been blessed to feel his provision and love stronger then ever. It has also been an encouragement to see my mom still joyful, even on days when she has to swing from doctor appointments with one grandma, a hospital visit with Dad and a phone call regarding an uncertain future for her own mother. I personally give the Lord praise for my job, my church and my dear friends here and around the world.
Future Mission:
OM Sweden is still on the horizon with a join date of August 1st. I feel I have a huge task in front of me, raising my monthly support. To raise $2000/mo looks like a big amount in this economy, but with Christ as my leader, the task will be completed and I feel Christ's hand on peace on the situation. I can't help but wonder who will join me to be a part of my sending team. If you feel called to be part of this team, email me at jessica.edwards619@gmail.com and I can send you more information about what I'll be doing and how you can support God's work in Sweden.
Heading into spring, I'm excited to leave winter behind. 2010, and now 2011, have been full of unexpected events for the Edwards family. Spring is bringing a freshness as we look toward the horizon for new possibilities and experiences.
I know my dad is most looking forward to June. That is the scheduled day for his "external fixator" to be removed. If you aren't aware of what that is or what it does.... here's a summary/recap:
In May last year, just 3 weeks after my brother was hit by a car while on his motorcycle and recovering from a fractured ankle and broken back, my father fell off our 5' retaining wall. The fall resulted in a compound fracture of his ankle. (That means the bone was sticking out... it actually made a divot in the yard). Since May he has had several operations and been on IV antibiotics to fight infections. In October it looked like we had reached the last option, amputation. The infection was not clearing up and 2 inches of bone had died. Literally in the 9th hour a new doctor entered the scene and said he could save Dad's leg. They removed 3 inches of bone and he has grown back those 3 inches with the help of the external fixator.
In June he will have the metal frame removed and move into a walking boot so he can start physical therapy.
I think my mom is looking forward to not playing nurse any longer to my dad and grandmothers.
My brother is looking forward to a new job. Just after getting the OK from his doctors to return to work, he was found a job with a local electrical company near his home. And he and his wife are expecting a new Edwards' in October! I'll be an aunt!
And what else am I looking forward to? More time to spend with my family while I'm home. It has been a blessing to both me and my family (especially my mom) as I can help with some of the care-giving and support my father and grandparents need. I also will continue working for the school district for as long as they need my help.
Prayer & Praise
Pray for:
Dad's health and positive attitude
My grandmother in Nevada who miraculously survived cardiac & respiratory failure a month ago. She is still recovering and the long term effects are still a unknown.
My grandmother in Alpine who is recovering from her third scare with cancer.
I'll need a new job as summer approaches and kids don't have school.
Praise:
I have nothing but praise for my Heavenly Father. He has given so much to my family this year. Through all the troubles and tough times, we have been blessed to feel his provision and love stronger then ever. It has also been an encouragement to see my mom still joyful, even on days when she has to swing from doctor appointments with one grandma, a hospital visit with Dad and a phone call regarding an uncertain future for her own mother. I personally give the Lord praise for my job, my church and my dear friends here and around the world.
Future Mission:
OM Sweden is still on the horizon with a join date of August 1st. I feel I have a huge task in front of me, raising my monthly support. To raise $2000/mo looks like a big amount in this economy, but with Christ as my leader, the task will be completed and I feel Christ's hand on peace on the situation. I can't help but wonder who will join me to be a part of my sending team. If you feel called to be part of this team, email me at jessica.edwards619@gmail.com and I can send you more information about what I'll be doing and how you can support God's work in Sweden.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Home and then....
Time just runs away from you when you are focusing on packing. It's been a while since I updated the blog, well.... more then a while. Sorry.
I left the ship in September, after 3 months in West Africa. Sierra Leone, Ghana & Liberia where all a blur, with lots & lots & lots of visitors to the ship. I was able to handover my responsibilities as the Volunteer Coordinator and start to think about the next step in life.
Can I just say.... "God is Awesome". Within three weeks of being home, on land, God provided all my needs for me! I have a place to live (with my parents), my sister-in-law is lending me her car, and I got a job. I've been very blessed.
And now I look toward the future: Sweden! God has arranged it all and I look forward to seeing how God will work and provide for this new step with Him. I'm home now raising support with the plan to move in August.
My role will be working with the Ministry Division with OM Sweden, helping with organizing, planning events and hosting. The team's goal is to reach the local youth.
I'm really excited!
I also have a new email address... (p.s. I HATE hackers):
jessica.edwards619@gmail.com
I hope to be more faithful in updating the blog. Feel free to email anytime.
I left the ship in September, after 3 months in West Africa. Sierra Leone, Ghana & Liberia where all a blur, with lots & lots & lots of visitors to the ship. I was able to handover my responsibilities as the Volunteer Coordinator and start to think about the next step in life.
Can I just say.... "God is Awesome". Within three weeks of being home, on land, God provided all my needs for me! I have a place to live (with my parents), my sister-in-law is lending me her car, and I got a job. I've been very blessed.
And now I look toward the future: Sweden! God has arranged it all and I look forward to seeing how God will work and provide for this new step with Him. I'm home now raising support with the plan to move in August.
My role will be working with the Ministry Division with OM Sweden, helping with organizing, planning events and hosting. The team's goal is to reach the local youth.
I'm really excited!
I also have a new email address... (p.s. I HATE hackers):
jessica.edwards619@gmail.com
I hope to be more faithful in updating the blog. Feel free to email anytime.
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