Aloha in the desert for Halloween

Debbie, the "tacky Hawaiian", for Halloween today. I was the ONLY person in a costume at the hospital today, and after a moment of embarrassment, decided to hold my head high and enjoy the day. And what a great day it was. It was fun bringing smiles to patients and workers alike. The rehab nurses and Dan's OT asked me to dance hula, so I taught them the hukilau! It was a riot. I decided to leave one of my silk flower leis wrapped around Dan's door handle as a reminder of the Hawaiian Van Alstines.

Sunday, Oct. 26 updates

Dan continues to do well in rehab. He particularly likes the gym and he works out with his PT (physical therapist) every day about 45 minutes (with many mini-breaks inbetween exercises). He has begun walking with a walker either to the gym from his room, or back to his room.

OT (occupational therapy) is always interesting. They get him up to the shower and other morning grooming activities, they do different balance and coordination activities also.

The timing of doctors and other hospital staff is not always the best, as in this morning, while taking a shower, the nurse came in wanting to either give him meds or take his blood sugar count; then a doctor came in wanting to discuss something. Poor Dan, can't even take a shower in peace :)

Dan and I have taken walks (Dan in his wheelchair) almost every afternoon out to the healing garden and we have great talks sitting on our favorite bench opposite the waterfall. I've mentioned the healing garden before, but in case I failed to mention it, the "garden" is an Arizona-type garden, with cactus, a few trees and rocky sand. In front of the waterfall are some beautiful little flowers. It's fun to watch the birds that play in the water, either drinking or fighting for the best place for a bird bath. There is one place they end up fighting over, even though there are many "mini-waterfalls" to choose from. We have also enjoyed dinner together in the cafeteria and Dan is free to choose from the menu, he just can't have the salad bar (no more fresh veggies or fruit from sources other than our own, which will have to be thoroughly scrubbed to ensure no bacteria, due to Dan now being immuno-suppressed).

Dan told me this evening that he is more excited than ever to return to his ministry in Hawaii and he shared this prayer request that we share with you now: Dan's desire is to share the gospel with the hospital workers and even lead them to the Lord. He has already shared with 2 people, and discovered both are believers but said after talking and getting to know Dan, they are encouraged to be stronger in their faith. Praise God!

We have our first conference this Tuesday at 11am, this is with the entire team: doctors, therapists, nurses (?), family, and Dan. This is our time to ask questions and their time to update us on Dan's progress and maybe tell us when he will be discharged from the hospital. So more updates to come.

Aloha from the desert,
Debbie and Dan

Worrying

Dan's in rehab now and it may be just a few months before we get to fly home. I am thrilled at how well he is doing and all, however I find myself in a tempest of emotion and worry for the future. I know in my heart that God hasn't brought us this far to leave us on our own, that He has a plan for us, but in my mind, it's a different story.

* We have to be careful of infections now that Dan will be immuno-suppressed for the rest of his life. He has to stay away from sick people, he can't eat raw fish (no more sushi) or raw fruit or veggies served by others or from a salad bar or restaurant, he has to be especially careful not to cut himself or to be scratched by an animal or to get sick from mold, etc. Will I be able to take care of Dan? Do I have what it takes?

* Dan's been away from his ministry for 16 months now. The church is doing well, God has done some extraordinary things during this time and the staff has taken on more work with excellence. And as expected, some things have changed, new ministries have formed and other ministries have gone away. What will Dan's "job" be like when he returns? Will we find our place of service in a church of new programs/people/plans? Will our ohana remember us? (that's probably dumb, but I worry about dumb stuff also).

* My mom has done well with me gone, a lifetime of gratitude goes to Wally and Lorrie Enos and many others from MBC, and Nathan Takeuchi-a family friend. I'm amazed at how well she's doing for being 86. But she is 86, Lord....

* And maybe the most worrisome of my worries. Dan and I have been married 30 years, and I think he's been healthy for maybe 5 of those years. He's had countless surgeries and illnesses, and it's hard to remember when illness or pain did not define our lifestyle and even our relationship. Plus, we haven't even lived together consistently for over a year, since Dan was in Phoenix waiting for his transplant. What will our relationship and marraige be like now? Will it change? Will we do things differently? Will we have anything in common? I've been making all the financial and household decisions for over a year now, the transition back to joint decision-making is scary.

Forgive me, Lord, I know worry is a sin and does not please you. I want to trust you and not be afraid. You did a miracle by providing a liver for Dan and for healing him and restoring his life to him, even when he wasn't at the top of the waiting list, you still provided. You have been faithful, and I want to keep trusting you with each step of our remaining journey. Dan and I both want to share our story with everyone and anyone, to encourage others and share Christ with the lost. Satan reminds me of my weakness; Father, please remind me of Your strength.

I love you, Lord,
Debbie