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