A Layne Post
It is crazy how life can change so drastically in a matter of days.
I told Jon, “Only a couple of days ago we were sitting in our little mud house, sipping our off brand sodas, and eating our meat from a can… Now we are being hosted by the most gracious family, staying in a beautiful home, eating steak and chicken and drinking iced tea!” Sometimes I have to laugh thinking about this life Jon and I live.
Jon, Jorge and Lazaro
Leaving Angola was difficult. Because my last bout with sickness was worse, we were rushed to get to a doctor, and we felt unable to properly say ‘goodbyes’. There were many we were just unable visit. Those we did say ‘goodbye’ to were very understanding and sympathetic. I will not forget standing with two Angolan pastors, holding hands as they prayed over me for healing and prayed peace over my family in the States. They cared for me. Genuinely.
The precious family hosting us in Namibia has overwhelmed me/us with their love. They have opened their home, schedules, meals, lives, and hearts to us with no reservations. They have gone to lengths to make sure I am cared for medically, which has put my mind at ease. They have been Christ to us, in action. How He cares for us so well!
Where I am at medically: We have seen the doctor, who seems a bit as baffled as we are. After checking me out, he said, “You look healthy to me!” Which I am until it hits. My symptoms sounded possibly like gallstones, so we went for an ultrasound. No gallstones, everything they could see with the ultrasound looked normal.
Me Washing our Clothes
I have an appointment tomorrow (Monday) to decide on more tests. We will test for h-pylori, a stomach bacterium I had last year; the symptoms do not match perfectly, but it’s worth checking. We may also have an x-ray done where I swallow barium to check for hernias and whatever else they could see in there. We may run blood tests to check my pancreas. Really, because we are limited on time, I want to run every test that could be a slight possibility.
Pray for wisdom and direction for the doctors.
Where I am at emotionally: I was sick again yesterday. I am tired. I am frustrated that we have not found anything out. I know it takes time, but I was still hanging on to the hope it wouldn’t. I struggle not to worry about going to sleep or dread any small pain in my tummy. Jon prays with me, as we hand it to the Lord. Jon is such a support to me in all of this.
Where I am at spiritually: I trust the Lord and His mighty hand. I trust that He is more than capable to heal me in an instant. As encouraged by my mother-in-love, for this time, it could be an opportunity to gain a bit of understanding for pain, as I plan to serve the sick and dying. I am not the only one to suffer. I am not the only one in pain. There are so many others who endure much more. I hope to know the Lord in a more intimate way at the end of all of this.
I want to thank you all for your encouraging words and prayers. I feel completely surrounded by love and supported by friends, even from so far away! What a precious gift that I do not want to take it for granted. I am humbled and grateful. Thank you.
I’m so glad you guys made it to Namibia safely and are able to be with such a wonderful family there. As I read this post, it made me think of Philippians 3:10-11; “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” I’m still praying for your suffering to end, Layne, but may you get everything out of this time that God has for you. Love you!
I will continue to pray for you and Jon daily. George and I hope you find a diagnosis to your pain very soon! May the Lord bless you and keep you safe!
Oh, Layne I have pondered that thought many a time as of late….Lord, is this that she will better know the pain others will go through in her presence and perhaps in her arms again? I am so thankful you trust Him in all this with your whole heart :) I love and pray you.
Jon and Layne, we love you both and are praying for you. We pray God would encourage your hearts today and surround you with His presence. I was reading in Hebrews chapter 6 and thinking about you. It talks about God being faithful to His promises (v 17) and Jesus becoming our high priest forever (v 20). I love what verse 19 says in the middle of the section…”We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”