I haven’t been blogging much as we try to get ready for surgery next week. Here is an update with information on how you can pray for us.

The day is almost here. On Monday, December 5th, I will have surgery in Straubing, Germany. The surgery is an artificial disc replacement where they insert an artificial disc in place of my severely herniated disc in my lower back.

At this point, the thing that Valerie & I need the most is your prayers. We know that if we are going to make it through any day that we must depend on the Lord. Through this difficult time, it will be even more important. Here are some things that you can be in prayer about over the coming days, weeks & months.

First of all, praise the Lord with us for the opportunity to have this surgery. I’ve been struggling with back problems for close to 15 years and I’m thankful that this surgery is available to me. Hopefully, this will mark the end to these problems (at least for 10-20 years). There will be a time of challenge, but in the long run we are confident that my health with improve. Also, pray that we will remember to praise Him and be thankful in the midst of the short-term struggles.

Surgery Week
• Saturday, Dec 3rd – Valerie & I will drive to Straubing, Germany (about 5 or 6 hours from Budapest). Pray for safety in travel and that my back wouldn’t be aggravated too much
• Sunday, Dec 4th – I check into the hospital and have preliminary tests and meetings with doctors
• Monday, Dec 5th – Surgery Day – Pray for peace for Valerie & I. Pray for skillful hands for the doctor. Pray that I will do well coming out of anesthesia (in the past, I’ve been slow to come out of it).
• Tuesday – Friday, Dec 6th – 9th – Pray for minimal pain & strength to walk for the first time, etc . . .
• Friday – Monday – Dec 9th-12th – I will be discharged from the hospital and Valerie & I will stay in a local hotel to make sure I’m ready for the drive home (Valerie will be there all week)
• Monday, Dec 12th – Valerie drives me home to Budapest. Pray that I will be comfortable and that the journey will not be too traumatic. Also, pray for safety (an accident isn’t ever good and would be worse with my new back).

Our Children
• They will be staying with families over the first weekend and then a two different single women will be staying with them through the school week and through the second weekend.
• Pray that we will be able to communicate with them regularly from Germany
• Pray that they will be diligent with their schoolwork
• Pray that they will stay healthy
• Pray that they their emotional needs will be met without mom & dad around
• Pray for the various people that are keeping our kids

Recovery – After Dec 12th
• Here are the “averages” for recovery from this surgery
6-8 weeks before I can return to work full-time
3-6 months before I can return to normal activities
• It is going to be a long road and we will need the Lord’s strength to endure it
• Pray for Valerie as she will be bearing the load of the children and our home as I won’t be able to do much
• Pray that I would recover quicker than the averages and that I would not be in too much pain
• Pray that we will not get discouraged especially as it lasts for a while

Those are the things that I can think of right now. The best place to stay updated is right here. We will do our best to keep you posted on how things go in Germany.

Thanks for praying. We couldn’t make it without Him and without you!!