A final update from Gwen Haspels in the U.S., from Ethiopia
January 22, 2015 - Home and Safe in Kansas
What can we say but thank you for all your love and prayers. They have sustained us through the last 3 and a half months as we healed and grew in South Africa. We were in our cottage 26 days. The owners were wonderful Christian people and prayed for us, took us with them to church, took us grocery shopping and even had us for Christmas dinner. God supplied some good friends in a short time. There were others who helped us too and got us to the airport on Dec. 27 to fly to Kenya. The trip was not as tiring as we thought it would be and we had a lovely week with John and Joy and their family. Lots of interest from the smaller ones in my face with the flap graft:) On Jan 2, 2015 we flew to Ethiopia for a whirlwind three days (instead of the 4 we thought we had). Our office had a tea for us on Monday the 5th so we were able to see many people at one place. It was tiring but so good to see and also worship with these special people from both cultures. We were able to see our Suri people in Addis and share God's goodness with them. The trip to Kansas City also went well in business class with a chance to stretch out and sleep. I found it hard to be around so many people but put a bandage over the graft and slept most of the way. Thank you for praying for us so much!!
We are "home" now in Halstead, Kansas. Don't be afraid to come and visit us if you are close enough as we are over the jet lag and into daily living in the freezing cold:) My donor site on the thigh is healed over for which we are praising the Lord. My arm scar is softening and feels good (no pain). The flap graft itself has good color and warmth but the scar tissue under it is uncomfortable and my lips and mouth still have nerve stuff going on. I am off sleeping pills and take some Tylenol for the mouth. God has worked his many miracles in me.
Due to the intervention of Kermit and Carol Oppriecht, John was able to see an eye specialist as early as Thursday. That doctor referred John to a retina specialist. He gave a little encouragement for some improved vision but wants to see the eye again on Feb. 5th. He would like to take the scar tissue off and see if that helps. We are so grateful to God for all the help we have received.
Please pray about the continued healing and for us to have peace of mind. We know God is in control and we can trust him to undertake for us. We just don't know how that will look. Pray for us to be thankful in all things and for all who have stretched out their hands to help us.
Love in Christ,
Gwen and John
The 2015 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 142
Read more about John and Gwenyth Haspels' ministry
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Individuals: Give online to E200359 for John and Gwenyth Haspels' sending and support
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