It's not supposed to look like that.
This last mission trip involved several dialysis crises. Two while on the field and one immediately after my return. Some who follow me on Facebook are aware of the situation as my two-month old fistula (dialysis access) acted temperamentally. Two out of my six sessions were quite difficult involving serious post-treatment hemorrhaging.
I am grateful to the two pastors who not only drove me an hour to my
dialysis session in the interior of Sao Paulo state, but also cared for my well-being after the session was met with complications. (Photo, right was pre-treatment).
Upon my return to the US, the fistula became clotted and unusable. This resulted in surgery this past Thursday as an effort was made to open the closure and make my fistula functional again. The good news is that the fistula was repaired and able to be used! The same surgery in February on my original fistula was a failure. This resulted in having to undergo additional surgery to create another fistula and to wear a catheter in my chest for almost five months. Needless to say, I am grateful that that procedure did not require repeating.
I wrote to my Facebook readers:
"Just as God opened up the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to pass through, the surgical procedure was successful in re-opening the fistula! 👏👏🙌 Thank you all for your prayers!! As I was going through the surgery, my heart was so encouraged by the thought of you folks praying for me."
I am grateful to God for his provision and to my supporters and friends for their prayers.
