Dear loves ones,
Al and I want to thank you so much for all your love, prayers, cards with words of such encouragement that have helped us so much, and financial support. We really cannot express how thankful we are for our family in Christ. We would not have made it over the past 9 months without you all.
Please continue to pray for Al as the Lord leads. In October he was at Johns Hopkins for a week because the doctors drew off 700 cc of fluid from around his heart. On a normal basis there is only 15 cc of fluid around the heart. The doctors could not believe that his heart was not damaged. (BUT GOD). His heart was racing from being so stressed from all the pressure. He must take medication to slow the rate down. Two days later 500 cc of fluid was taken off his one lung.
Al has had trouble with adopting to his new way of eating. His weight has dropped down to 149. Recently we found out that he has gale stones; and the doctor thinks he has a blockage in the duct that leads from the liver to the gall batter. He is getting a MIR on Thursday Feb. 18Th to see the full aspect of the problem; then we will know what to do at that point. The enzymes in his liver are high and the liver is enlarged. The doctor feels that is a result of the blockage in the duct. Al's spleen is also enlarged.
Sunday we preached in a church in Pennsylvania. We felt so blessed to be able to preach again (little nervous-little rusty but great to be back in the saddler). Al was very tired at the end of the day. He still cannot preach full time at this point because he is still weak (but gaining strength). He is preaching at another church this Sunday. We are also arranging for other meetings in the future.
Al and I have started counseling because we have gone through so must this year. Life has been very difficult over this time period. Al was very sick and so close to death several times. It is so good to talk about everything and sift through our feelings.
We are praying for all of you; please continue to pray for us also.
In Christ love,
Sherry and Al
