Saturday, May 23, 2009

Update on Us...

Well, Dennis is on his way to America as I type...and yes we miss him already!

So here's some of my thoughts...
Thank you for your prayers for me...I KNOW beyond a doubt God is answering them. His grace and comfort have been overwhelming.

I praise God I am feeling a bit better though still very weak and tired and not quite ready to be back on my feet completely yet...this is how i found out... After Dennis left the landlord brought us the electricity bill which we've been waiting for a week. It had to be paid immediately or our electricity would be cut off. So i ventured out on my first outing since last week to go and pay. Anjela was content so i left her with our househelp so i could go quickly. As i stood in the line at the bank where we pay, I began to sweat and i felt a bit like i was going to faint. The teller just so happened to be a gal who attends our church and when she saw me and the state I was in she politely let me in front of the line. I was so thankful! Now I'm home laying down again, and Anjela sleeping. My first time with malaria has been miserable but I know it could have been worse so I'm thankful. Its just going to take several more days of REST to shake it completely i think. More than anything I've felt really sad for Anjela who has been so bored wondering why Mama can't get off the couch and play with her. I think we've watched "Finding Nemo" (her favorite movie) at least 3 or 4 times together since last week:):)

We the Omondis, are not going to lie to you, this last week has been quite hard on all of us. We all are pretty weary and worn actually. As many might know, Dennis had open heart surgery in 2003 for mitral valve stenosis and since then hasn't had any major issues. However in the last month or so he has experienced extreme and unusual fatigue and occasional chest discomfort. Saturday in the middle of trying to put some finishing touches on a difficult sermon he preached yesterday, Dennis began to feel fatigued with some chest discomfort and tightness. We've been saying maybe its stress but its the first thing he will get checked out when he gets to the States this week. And now Anjela is having some bad diarrhea and runny nose..hope its just teeth. Then Saturday night another fiery dart was thrown at us. My MAC laptop crashed and isn't responding to any of the repair we have tried, meaning I wouldn't have a computer and the email and communication with Dennis while he is in the States for 3 weeks. AHH! Dennis has had to leave his computer behind though so i will be able to communincate and he will try to find one in the States to borrow for 3 weeks. (if you know of any please let us know) And now this morning our househelp has come and she is also sick with a bad cold and fever......Wow....what else can i say?

We are not the look for a "devil around every corner" type of people but we are beginning to really see ourselves in the middle of a battle," a battle not against flesh and blood", darts flying at us from every corner. But funny thing is I've heard this happens alot when husbands get ready to go on long trips:(:( Please pray for us over these next few weeks as Dennis is in America and Anjela and I remain here in Kenya. pray for our strength and endurance and encouragement. Pray we will all get back to our normal health. But also praise God for all the support we have here from friends all around while Dennis is gone.

Last Saturday I needed a little fresh air after having been bed bound for three days so I gathered enough strength and Dennis drove us to Word of Life and we just sat by ocean to think and pray together. It was a special and refreshing time for us as a family just to sit and talk to God as we looked at His magnificent creation. I am greatful we had these few quiet and restful moments before he left.

As I have layed in bed and prayed and read and listened to worship music, I am so thankful for the TRUTH of God's Word. He has reminded me time and again of Phil. 4:6-9

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. "

I am so thankful that I can find peace in the TRUTH of God's Word. His grace has been so sufficient and His peace has truely guarded my heart from worry and has been my strength. Though sometimes things seem to be going haywire all around us I don't have to worry or be anxious about anything. I pray to THE Father and Creator and King of Kings who is in control of all things. He is my strength and shield of protection. And what really spoke to me as I lay there in bed sweating and thinking and praying, was "WITH THANKSGIVING", and "IF THERE IS ANY EXCELLENCE AND IF ANYTHING WORTHY OF PRAISE, DWELL ON THESE THINGS." And I have to say, I have many things to be thankful for in the midst of these trials. And so I decided to instead of dwelling on all the seemingly bad and inconvenient things happening to us right now I would choose to dwell on the good and excellent and positive. These are to just name a few:

I am feeling much better than i was last Thursday when the malaria started. And my first time with malaria hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be:)

There is a good hospital just a mile or so from our house.

Anjela and I have a lot of support and encouragement and many friends around us here to help us and take care of us during this time.

Our friend and Kenyan teammate James is taking care of a lot of the responsibilities for us that I would have to take care of while Dennis was gone.

If the computer is going to crash its good it did it now around the time Dennis is traveling to the States and can take it home for repair

If Dennis has to have any possible problems with his heart the TIMING is good since he will be in the States and can have a check up at the cardiologist in Denton.

And a very personal one...as many know Dennis and I have been trying for a long while to also have a biological child of our own. Each month has been disappointing but we are so thankful God didn't allow it to happen these last few months. He knew I would have malaria, and malaria can be extremely dangerous to a pregnant mother and her unborn child. God knows ALL things and his timing is perfect!!

ALSO, for those who have been praying for Samuel...keep praying!! He is still in hospital and has had some swelling. Please pray for God's miraculous healing!!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying for you allison and Dennis. I love you both and hope you get to feeling better allison. Safe Travels Dennis. Hugs and kisses to anjela.
Erin Perry

In Everything said...

Thank you for sharing you heart Alison... we will be praying for you guys during these next weeks with Dennis away and your health!

Joyce and Wesley Wright said...

Good way to look at life's challenges. When life gives us lemons, we can make lemonade. Your are being a TIGER not an Eyor. Also remember it is when we walk through the valley that WE can grow spiritually and emotionally. You can't really appreciate the mountain top if there are no valleys.

Love,
Joyce Wes and Elaina

Mischia said...

My dear sweet Allison,

I've been praying for you. I'm praying God heals you supernaturally and gives you the strength you need and the clinging time you need to our Father.

I know Dennis has to be gone so I glad you have your precious daughter to look at and hug when he is gone. I'm thankful for your example, that you take time to share your heart with us.

I hope you continue to feel our prayers and the Father's love across the miles.

Loving you and praying for you,
Mischia

Mark and Rachel said...

Thanks for sharing your heart. I've been praying often for you all and will continue to do so. May God give the grace and strength you need each new day, especially with Dennis gone. Love you!