Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Latest on Elysha
I had a news letter almost ready and was waiting for the outcome of Richard and Katherine's visit to the Cardiologist. Guess none of us were quite prepared for how quickly things would change following this visit. Hence - my letter is not quite ready - but wanted to put up this note.
2 weeks ago, when they went for their appointment, expecting to be told the outcome of the Cardiologist's meeting with the rest of the surgical team- they found that he had not been able to attend that meeting and so were told to come back in 2 weeks. They were, however,given permission to attend the Brooks early Christmas dinner - (they had earlier been told - "no crowds, no kids, no family gatherings etc). So they were excited about this and were so thankful to get there - photos taken there can be seen on Rachel's blog as well as in other places.Wed 19th was the date for the next appointment where they had been told, the possibility of a heart transplant might be discussed Her oxygen levels had been down both at the paediatricians appointment and at this check at the Cardiologist - however, at yesterdays appointment,they had dropped even further, and so they were not permitted to take Elysha home -she was immediately admitted and put on the monitor etc. and they were told that they would do open heart surgery to insert a shunt between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, to increase the oxygen flow- and to buy time for her to hopefully be able to reach 6 months before they had to do thebig surgery. At this time they also said that the heart transplant would only be a last resort proceedure. When Richard quickly went into work to finalize things and collect some items from home - Elysha had a crisis where her O2 levels dropped to 49 and her heart rate went to 200 - the whole medical team rushed to her assistance and when Katherine called to inform Richard, she had returned to 89%. I am sure that was not a pleasant experience for Katherine to go thru -( not alone - as the Lord is always with her!!). The time of the surgery was not known when I was talking to Richard and it will be hard for them to access the internet for a bit We will update as we are able and in the meantime continue to pray for the surgeons, for Elysha and for her parents. We pray that they might be very conscious of His Everlasting Arms underneath them. Thank you for praying with us.
2 weeks ago, when they went for their appointment, expecting to be told the outcome of the Cardiologist's meeting with the rest of the surgical team- they found that he had not been able to attend that meeting and so were told to come back in 2 weeks. They were, however,given permission to attend the Brooks early Christmas dinner - (they had earlier been told - "no crowds, no kids, no family gatherings etc). So they were excited about this and were so thankful to get there - photos taken there can be seen on Rachel's blog as well as in other places.Wed 19th was the date for the next appointment where they had been told, the possibility of a heart transplant might be discussed Her oxygen levels had been down both at the paediatricians appointment and at this check at the Cardiologist - however, at yesterdays appointment,they had dropped even further, and so they were not permitted to take Elysha home -she was immediately admitted and put on the monitor etc. and they were told that they would do open heart surgery to insert a shunt between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, to increase the oxygen flow- and to buy time for her to hopefully be able to reach 6 months before they had to do thebig surgery. At this time they also said that the heart transplant would only be a last resort proceedure. When Richard quickly went into work to finalize things and collect some items from home - Elysha had a crisis where her O2 levels dropped to 49 and her heart rate went to 200 - the whole medical team rushed to her assistance and when Katherine called to inform Richard, she had returned to 89%. I am sure that was not a pleasant experience for Katherine to go thru -( not alone - as the Lord is always with her!!). The time of the surgery was not known when I was talking to Richard and it will be hard for them to access the internet for a bit We will update as we are able and in the meantime continue to pray for the surgeons, for Elysha and for her parents. We pray that they might be very conscious of His Everlasting Arms underneath them. Thank you for praying with us.
Monday, October 29, 2007
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Sunday, October 28, 2007
Our News Letter with Postscript re Elysha Elizabeth Brooks
Oct 22, 2007 P.O. Box 140083, Kabompo, Zambia. E-mail dandebrooks@gmail.com
If you still have our zamsat address in your address book – please delete it.
Dear friends,
Romans 8:28 has come frequently to mind in recent months as we have seen how changes in programs and events in our lives always seem to work out in a greater appreciation of the Lord and His Sovereign working of all things together.
Assembly wise, since the resignation of the elders earlier this year, we have been very aware of a change in the tone of ministry, the Lord’s name has been uplifted and there has been a greater freedom to worship. We thank the Lord for this and continue to look to Him for the raising up of Godly elders. Meantime, as Don is away in Lusaka, for treatment on his knee and the other brother, who has had most of the responsibility, has been laid aside with a slipped disc, two brethren are assisting in the day to day work in the assembly. Please do pray for Kayombo, that the Lord, in His time, might bring relief to his back problem!
Re Don and his knee, which has been troubling him for some time. He was able to be seen by a Prof. of Orthopaedics who visits at Chitokoloki. Prof. Jellis recommended that he travel to the Italian Orthopaedic hospital in Lusaka for an arthroscopy and this he had on Saturday. The meniscus was not torn, as originally suspected, but frayed and he also has Osteoarthritis of the Patella. Having had the knee flushed out – he is now feeling more comfortable and will begin physiotherapy on Thursday. Lord willing, after some physio. and the removal of stitches, we should head back up to Kabompo next week. We thank the Lord for the facilities here in Zambia as the Italian Orthopaedic Hospital is one of the best in Africa and in fact some come from the UK for knee and hip surgery there. PTL!!
Elva too is thankful that after considerable problems with her eyes, during the time Don was in Canada for Betty’s funeral, she was able to get into the Kitwe Eye Hospital where it was found that she has glaucoma. Having commenced treatment when she went for her follow up check, it was encouraging to find that her pressures had come to with in normal limits and the visual field was also reasonable.
Betty’s funeral in July, (Don’s only sister) was a real celebration of her life of service, Folks here, especially in Lusaka, are still passing on their condolences - she was greatly appreciated and will be missed. We hope to have copies of her book "Angels in Charge" available soon for the folks here to buy. This is a book, which Betty wrote many years ago, of her experiences in Zambia, and our daughter Rachel has now revamped it.
The teaching this term was short as usual due to the final Gr. 12 exams which began last week. So we were able to get away to Lusaka for the medical check up for Don. The SU group this year was one of the best we have had for some years as seen not only in the commitment throughout the year of several members and the very good spiritual emphasis at the year end gathering. Many testimonies were given and praise to the Lord. Many thanked us for the help given.
We have received two new teachers during this year – one has only just arrived. Their presence will free us, a little, for the many other jobs which are demanding attention, one of the pressing ones is some large cracks in our house, which are very much in need of attention. We hope to be able to get some of these jobs done during the coming school break as well as have more time for visitation and hospitality.
P.S. Richard and Katherines little daughter, Elysha Brooks arrived 2 AM - Saturday, 27th October...2.6 kg (5.72 lbs) Oxygen levels are OK..."good mixing" across the "VSD"
Her full name Elysha Elizabeth Brooks - note E.E.Brooks - just like auntie Betty!! (Wouldn't she have been thrilled).
She has had another echo cardiogram and the findings were no different to those taken in utero. At least 6 major cardiac issues and she will probably spend most of the first year of her life in hospital.
(If you want more details and to be kept up to date - see their web page - www.rnbrooks.com)
We praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that is to come.
Yours,
In Him and because He lives…
Don and Elva Brooks
If you still have our zamsat address in your address book – please delete it.
Dear friends,
Romans 8:28 has come frequently to mind in recent months as we have seen how changes in programs and events in our lives always seem to work out in a greater appreciation of the Lord and His Sovereign working of all things together.
Assembly wise, since the resignation of the elders earlier this year, we have been very aware of a change in the tone of ministry, the Lord’s name has been uplifted and there has been a greater freedom to worship. We thank the Lord for this and continue to look to Him for the raising up of Godly elders. Meantime, as Don is away in Lusaka, for treatment on his knee and the other brother, who has had most of the responsibility, has been laid aside with a slipped disc, two brethren are assisting in the day to day work in the assembly. Please do pray for Kayombo, that the Lord, in His time, might bring relief to his back problem!
Re Don and his knee, which has been troubling him for some time. He was able to be seen by a Prof. of Orthopaedics who visits at Chitokoloki. Prof. Jellis recommended that he travel to the Italian Orthopaedic hospital in Lusaka for an arthroscopy and this he had on Saturday. The meniscus was not torn, as originally suspected, but frayed and he also has Osteoarthritis of the Patella. Having had the knee flushed out – he is now feeling more comfortable and will begin physiotherapy on Thursday. Lord willing, after some physio. and the removal of stitches, we should head back up to Kabompo next week. We thank the Lord for the facilities here in Zambia as the Italian Orthopaedic Hospital is one of the best in Africa and in fact some come from the UK for knee and hip surgery there. PTL!!
Elva too is thankful that after considerable problems with her eyes, during the time Don was in Canada for Betty’s funeral, she was able to get into the Kitwe Eye Hospital where it was found that she has glaucoma. Having commenced treatment when she went for her follow up check, it was encouraging to find that her pressures had come to with in normal limits and the visual field was also reasonable.
Betty’s funeral in July, (Don’s only sister) was a real celebration of her life of service, Folks here, especially in Lusaka, are still passing on their condolences - she was greatly appreciated and will be missed. We hope to have copies of her book "Angels in Charge" available soon for the folks here to buy. This is a book, which Betty wrote many years ago, of her experiences in Zambia, and our daughter Rachel has now revamped it.
The teaching this term was short as usual due to the final Gr. 12 exams which began last week. So we were able to get away to Lusaka for the medical check up for Don. The SU group this year was one of the best we have had for some years as seen not only in the commitment throughout the year of several members and the very good spiritual emphasis at the year end gathering. Many testimonies were given and praise to the Lord. Many thanked us for the help given.
We have received two new teachers during this year – one has only just arrived. Their presence will free us, a little, for the many other jobs which are demanding attention, one of the pressing ones is some large cracks in our house, which are very much in need of attention. We hope to be able to get some of these jobs done during the coming school break as well as have more time for visitation and hospitality.
P.S. Richard and Katherines little daughter, Elysha Brooks arrived 2 AM - Saturday, 27th October...2.6 kg (5.72 lbs) Oxygen levels are OK..."good mixing" across the "VSD"
Her full name Elysha Elizabeth Brooks - note E.E.Brooks - just like auntie Betty!! (Wouldn't she have been thrilled).
She has had another echo cardiogram and the findings were no different to those taken in utero. At least 6 major cardiac issues and she will probably spend most of the first year of her life in hospital.
(If you want more details and to be kept up to date - see their web page - www.rnbrooks.com)
We praise Him for all that is past and trust Him for all that is to come.
Yours,
In Him and because He lives…
Don and Elva Brooks
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Oct 17
The Grade 12 external exams are about to start and, as usual, that will mean insufficient desks for all of the other classes. Already, some of the pupils in non examination classes are thinking that school has closed - and they have therefore gone home. Yesterdays classes were much smaller - however, it did make for some good teaching opportunities-only having 25 instead of 60-75 certainly gives greater opportunity for one on one teaching and discussion!
The farewell party Scripture Union Party was a very encouraging time and the messages given, were a challenge to those who will be finishing up this year.
Today will be our last day to teach our classes at present, since we leave tomorrow - to travel to Lusaka for Don to have an arthroscopy on his knee. We trust that the result will be the finding and solving of the problem which has been bringing him discomfort for a number of months. We have recently received a new teacher and so he will be able to help look after the classes.
We are not sure how long we will be in Lusaka - but hope to be back before the Grade 12's write their C.R. E. - exam - so as to give them some last minute help and advice.
We were delighted, two days ago, when the local electricity company received another supply of diesel, and we were able to once more, have electricity and water - especially since this is the hotest time of the year. However, the electricity is still rationed.
Our home Bible study on Romans continues to have more than 20 in attendance - with good interest.
Thanks to all for your prayers - much appreciated.
Some encouragement in the local assembly - and still plenty to pray about.
Richard and Katherine are now very close to delivery date for their little girl. If you wish to be kept abreast of happenings there and the surgeries which will follow her birth - you can check out their web page at www.rnbrooks.com I know that we all appreciate prayer for little Elysha-who faces so much in the first year of her life. She is in the Lord's hands. We are thankful for email and internet, which help us to keep in contact and abreast of the various appointments etc.
Katherine has been on bed rest for the past week or so, due to high bloodpressure.
The farewell party Scripture Union Party was a very encouraging time and the messages given, were a challenge to those who will be finishing up this year.
Today will be our last day to teach our classes at present, since we leave tomorrow - to travel to Lusaka for Don to have an arthroscopy on his knee. We trust that the result will be the finding and solving of the problem which has been bringing him discomfort for a number of months. We have recently received a new teacher and so he will be able to help look after the classes.
We are not sure how long we will be in Lusaka - but hope to be back before the Grade 12's write their C.R. E. - exam - so as to give them some last minute help and advice.
We were delighted, two days ago, when the local electricity company received another supply of diesel, and we were able to once more, have electricity and water - especially since this is the hotest time of the year. However, the electricity is still rationed.
Our home Bible study on Romans continues to have more than 20 in attendance - with good interest.
Thanks to all for your prayers - much appreciated.
Some encouragement in the local assembly - and still plenty to pray about.
Richard and Katherine are now very close to delivery date for their little girl. If you wish to be kept abreast of happenings there and the surgeries which will follow her birth - you can check out their web page at www.rnbrooks.com I know that we all appreciate prayer for little Elysha-who faces so much in the first year of her life. She is in the Lord's hands. We are thankful for email and internet, which help us to keep in contact and abreast of the various appointments etc.
Katherine has been on bed rest for the past week or so, due to high bloodpressure.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
New Phone numbering system
There are new numbering systems in Zambia both for cell phones and landlines.
for the landlines you need to add a 21 in front of the code. e.g. our number from overseas, 260 21 8 375036
for the landlines you need to add a 21 in front of the code. e.g. our number from overseas, 260 21 8 375036
Thursday, September 13, 2007
September - Back to School etc
We arrived back home to Kabompo, close to midnight Monday night. Tuesday back into school, Wed - visitors came to stay - they were conducting a Seminar here in Kabompo. They will leave Friday. Saturday is the Monthly Bible Reading here in Kabompo, Don will be leading this, continuing the studies in Hebrews - then Monday begins the Elders' conference - our final for the year.
There seems to have been a number of funerals lately - 4 of the most recent ones have been immediate family members of the Trustees for the Camp and Conference site. One was the wife of Martin Kaumba - both she and Martin worked at Loloma Mission Hospital - Martin is a trustee and an Elder at Loloma- a very able brother and involved in so many things. It was a shock, when in town to receive word that his wife had passsed away. Do pray for him and for the Trustee's meeting which is planned for the Thursday during the Elders' conference.
Continue to pray for the assembly in Kabompo - there is a renewed spirit of fellowship - but, with the absence of the former elders. Pray for humility, confession and healing.
Don is suffering a lot with his knee - especially since we came from town. Hot weather is on us now - so standing and the heat - make it more difficult.
Elva, after having problems with her eyes during the marking time - was able to get into the Eye Hospital in Kitwe, where it was found that she does have Glaucoma and she has started on drops, this is going to mean travelling to town again, for check up, in the next three weeks.
We did manage 3days break away - rest, reading and letters! We do thank the Lord for that.
Please pray for our final contacts with many of the Grade12's.
Pray too for ongoing contacts with the teaching staff - a number our attending our Bible study these days.
There seems to have been a number of funerals lately - 4 of the most recent ones have been immediate family members of the Trustees for the Camp and Conference site. One was the wife of Martin Kaumba - both she and Martin worked at Loloma Mission Hospital - Martin is a trustee and an Elder at Loloma- a very able brother and involved in so many things. It was a shock, when in town to receive word that his wife had passsed away. Do pray for him and for the Trustee's meeting which is planned for the Thursday during the Elders' conference.
Continue to pray for the assembly in Kabompo - there is a renewed spirit of fellowship - but, with the absence of the former elders. Pray for humility, confession and healing.
Don is suffering a lot with his knee - especially since we came from town. Hot weather is on us now - so standing and the heat - make it more difficult.
Elva, after having problems with her eyes during the marking time - was able to get into the Eye Hospital in Kitwe, where it was found that she does have Glaucoma and she has started on drops, this is going to mean travelling to town again, for check up, in the next three weeks.
We did manage 3days break away - rest, reading and letters! We do thank the Lord for that.
Please pray for our final contacts with many of the Grade12's.
Pray too for ongoing contacts with the teaching staff - a number our attending our Bible study these days.
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