Email from Mom

Dear Praying Family and Friends,

Exactly 4 weeks ago today my family and Pastor George Carr checked me in to Mcleod Health for brain surgery. This morning I am sitting in our kitchen thanking the Lord, enjoying a sunny South Carolina day with the puppies Aida and Bailey asleep on their blanket! How good God is!! I write to thank all of you for the precious prayers, a hymn sing, cards, phone calls, e-mails, visits, flowers, gifts, delicious meals delivered, practical tasks, rides for Elisabeth, not to mention care givers extending love, mercy and patience. I echo the words of Paul: "I thank my God every time I remember you" (Philippians 1:3) Until I am able to contact you personally, please accept my gratitude via this group e-mail.

Yesterday the neurosurgery called to request that we come at 9:15 rather than the afternoon. Elisabeth was at The King's Academy, having been dropped off by her Daddy, who arrived home safely Saturday evening from OM's newest ship, the Logos Hope.

(The ship was berthed in the country of the Faroe Islands, so yes, please indulge this old, former Baltimore County Social Studies teacher, and look it up on a world map... hint: northern Europe!)

Dr. Naso, my neurosurgeon checked my reflexes, commented on the good healing of my "hairband" incision, and agreed that I no longer need to take any prescription pills! I may take as needed over the counter pills for headaches and/or pain. Beginning in May I will return to Mcleod fitness and enjoy exercising with my water aerobic buddies!! I will continue to be driven around town by care-givers until at least June 24, the next scheduled check-up.
(Have you ever seen Driving Miss Daisy? We really do have a Piggly Wiggly here in Florence!)

Thank you to all who are praying for rest and sleep. Last night I was sleeping/resting in my bed for a full 8 hours!

Have you heard the phrase, "Hindsight is 20/20"? As I look back at the 261 days since Elisabeth and I arrived in Florence, I rejoice over so many answers to prayer:
feeling warmly welcomed, accepted and encouraged to settle here after over 20 years overseas serving God
meeting the orthodentist to begin Elisabeth's long awaited treatment
registering at The King's Academy, a wonderful Christ-centered private school for Elisabeth's first day of attending school in the USA
meeting Elisabeth's 9th grade girl classmates at a party especially lovingly given by fellow classmate and OM kid Lisa and her mother Rosalyn
staying in a furnished condo of dear Christians
borrowing an OM car to drive after 2 years of hardly ever driving while living on MV Doulos
seeing our new home under construction of expert builder John and his lovingly hospitable, helpful wife Angela along with their skilled team of electricians, plumber, cabinetry maker, etc.
visiting churches in the area, being lovingly welcomed at each, then realizing that Lamb's Chapel would become our new local church home
realizing that providentially our associate Pastor Jerry is part of the real estate team of our new development, Villa Toscana

I could go on and on about the many concentric threads that have been woven together, but you can see that we have experienced day by day the truth of Proverbs 3:4-6. By the time that dear husband and father arrived in September, we were all seeing God's blessings and clear direction.

On October 12 our family expanded to welcome our daughter-in-love Kari and her dear parents Albert and Andrea along with many relatives, army and FBI work colleagues and friends in Manhattan Beach, California.

Each day I have prayed, " Lord, direct my steps" as the Psalmist wrote, and also as young Samuel prayed, "Speak Lord for your servant is listening". Most of you have heard about how God used even the mis-steps when puppies Aida and Bailey caused me to fall on March 22. The scan of my head revealed the benign brain tumor. How grateful we are to be here in Florence, and to have received such excellent care from the neurosurgery practice, the internal medicine group, as well as so many professional staff at Mcleod Health.

Now during this time of recuperation, I am determining in my heart to pray, read God's Word, and listen to my Good Shepherd who leads me as in Psalm 23. Please do send me your prayer requests!

I am happy to have visitors! I am happy to prepare from my British heritage a cup of hot tea, from time in Asia a cup of hot green tea, from Austrian years a cup of strong hot coffee, and now I am learning to have Southern tea ready, a Florence favorite, which is sweetened iced tea!

Loving thanks,
Badeen