This is David, sitting in SeaTac airport waiting for my flight to Amersterdam as the first leg on the 35+ hour trip back to Nkhoma.
Rebecca is remaining behind in Seattle as things have not been fully arranged for the care of her father [after the recent tragic death of her mother in a car accident]. She may be in Seattle for 2-4 weeks or for however long it takes to get things set up. It is a complicated process and so far we have had multiple appointments with social workers, home care nurses and an insurance agent. So far we have learned that there is no medical coverage for what we need to keep her father at home, which the medical insurance and medicare guidelines consider “custodial care”, as it basically is having someone in the home with him for however many hours are needed that family cannot cover, to make sure he is safe and to do some basic tasks involving cleaning, some meal preparation, and any necessary communication, as his condition involves a significant expressive aphagia, and some cognitive dysfunction.
There is a chance that because Rebecca’s mom was killed in an automobile accident, considered “catastrophic” as two people were killed, that there may be some kind of financial settlement that will help cover costs of what is needed for her father. So please continue to pray for Rebecca and her two brothers and sisters-in-law as they all sort through everything to come up with the best solution.
For me I think this is the most difficult journey back to Africa as I am leaving Rebecca here for a time, and also because this has been a hard year with so many deaths. Continue to pray for us, as we know God has us in Malawi and believe that he will continue to make that possible. Pray for a good adjustment back for me, with all of the issues I left hanging just before leaving to come here, that I can be focused, and rely on God’s strength and wisdom as well as his comfort. Also pray for my brother, Dan, who has just completed a stem cell transplant at the Cleveland Clinic and is still having some complications. I am so grateful I was able to spend a week with him in his hospital room in Cleveland during my time in the States.
Thank you so much for all of your support and prayers.
David
Hi David – thinking of you as you travel. So hard leaving loved ones behind at a time like this, and such a lot for Rebecca and her family to sort out while they’re still nursing their grief. May God’s peace keep your hearts and minds.
Hi everyone,
Just a quick note from David. He has arrived safely. The internet is working but very slow so we haven’t really chatted yet.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Love,
Rebecca
David …just sending lots of prayers that God and the angels will give you all strength and ease some of the pain.
Malia
dear david ,on behalf of Whitehills parish church and guild ,i am sending our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Rebecca yourself and families in your recent bereavement ,a very sad and tragic loss in the death of Rebecca s mother .We pray that loving and compassionate care can be found for Rebecca s dad in his time of sorrow and need .It will be a hard time for you david without Rebecca by your side as you settle back into work .Be assured always of the heartfelt caring and prayers of the minister and congregation of whitehills church ,we will remember also your dear brother in his time of illness .May god bless and be with you all at this time ,may he hold you all in the palm of his loving hand. Morna henderson
Praying for you both at this difficult time. May you know the presence and peace of God in your hearts to sustain you through these days . Be assured that many are upholding you before God’s throne.
Blessings in Jesus our Lord
Ian Macdonald and congregation of Cross Ness Isle of Lewis
Dear David and Rebecca,we have been remembering you all in heart, thought and prayer over the christmas period .The triplets are lovely and certainly growing, looking very healthy and happy babies .We are remembering you Rebecca in the recent and tragic loss of your Mother ,and pray that you found the proper care and support for you Father. As the new year approaches ,you will be remembered always ,by our Minister, Myburgh ,Mattie ,his wife .and our congregation at Whitehills Parish Church .We pray that the malaria season won’t be too hard on the children ,and that the lord will give you all health and strength to care for those afflicted, and keep you all in his tender loving care in the times ahead