The goal for the day was to do NOTHING in large quantities. I think I did a pretty good job. I spent the afternoon on the couch semi-conscious halfway sleeping and halfway watching the Discovery Channel.

Then, I headed to the movie theatre to catch up on some blockbuster movies. I saw MI-III and X-Men III back to back. I watched the first by myself and then a bunch of guys joined me for X-Men. I really enjoyed MI-3. It was a creative story with lots of action and I think it was much better than #2. As far as X-Men, it was basically what I expected. The story isn’t that great, but the characters are really cool. I wouldn’t mind watching an hour of just seeing the different mutants and their cool powers. The story is secondary.

It was good day. I did pretty good in my goal of doing nothing. I think maybe I’ll have enough juice to make it to the finish line on Tuesday when Valerie comes home!!!! YIPPPEEEE.

Then, on Friday, I’m off to the US to take over the medical duties with Trent. I miss him a ton and can’t wait to see him. Four Weeks is WAY TOO LONG!

This time, the passage that hit me was Ex 31:2-6:

See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ?3? and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts— ?4? to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ?5? to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. ?6? Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you:
The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (Ex 31:2-6). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

The Lord chose the people specifically. He had a specific plan for them. He had given them the skills, ability and knowledge to perform a specific task. WOW! What a designer. We focus on how He created the world, but we dont’ have many details of the process. This passage shows a more specific example of how He designs and how He works. He knew exactly what He wanted and who He wanted to do it. He could have just said, “Throw a tent up over there and pray!” He is too creative for that.

I found myself praising Him for his creativity and taking comfort in the fact that He has a specific task that He created me for.

What a blessing to get an insight in this difficult passage. I guess I’m not dreading Leviticus as much any more.

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!!

Here’s where I’m at on it.

* I’ve been reading that if you are in good shape then the recovery is better. So, I’ve been on a crash diet and I’ve been going back to the pool for some exercise. I’m not sure if 3 weeks of diet and exercise will help, but I’m giving it a shot. I hit the pool for the 4th time this week in a little while.

* My job is focused on getting stuff done before I have to leave.

* I’m totally freaked about the surgery and recovery. I’m realizing more and more that this is MAJOR surgery and that the recovery will be as such. Everyone says that recovery times vary and my history is that my body typically takes longer for things like this. I’m not looking forward to being an invalid.

* I think all of the details for the kids are worked out (at least they are close).

* I’m praying like crazy, but I’m still stressed like crazy.

15 days to go . . . .

I’ve been having a great time hanging out with my sister Amy and her husband Grant. Here we are at a Mexican Restaurant in Plano, Texas called Ojedas. You can see my neices and nephew (Cooper, Camber & Cayden) as well.

I think I’m up to 3 mexican meals in 4 days!!! I love this country. Check out the enchilada dinner. Best cheese enchiladas I’ve had.

Please keep the appointment in your prayers. 7:45am Central Time. I’ll keep you posted.

I’m so proud of my wife. She has become quite the athlete. I hope that I can keep up with her when I get this back thing taken care of.

Valerie says that she enjoys racing for two reasons. First, you get to run in beautiful parts of the city where she doesn’t normally run. Second, is the really cool T-Shirt with Hungarian words on it!!!

1. ) I don’t want to have the surgery here in Hungary – I realized that if there were complications with the surgery, then I don’t want to be in the hospital here. While this is not very likely, if I can choose not to, I should.

2) I don’t want to put my family through another unplanned 3-4 week back “incident.” It is very difficult on Valerie and the kids when I just go out of commission with little or no warning.

3) I want to be pro-active and stop waiting. I’ve been struggling with back problems for 14 years. I’m tired of waiting for things to get better.

4) October is a window of time where I could do something about this. November is much busier and if I have a choice, now is the time.

Therefore, I’m headed to the US on Monday to meet with a doctor in Dallas. It might just be a long distance visit to the doctor, but at least I will get some answers. I might have surgery. I might not. At least, I’m not just waiting.

I’m so thankful to my brother-in-law, Shannon Cooke. He is an orthopedic surgeon in Abilene, Texas and has been helping me get in touch with the doctor in Dallas. He is also going to help me through the process. I couldn’t have got this far without you Shannon. Your wisdom and support have been so encouraging.

Please pray for my family as this is a busy time and they have already been through a lot. We are in agreement that this is the best way to go, but it doesn’t mean it will be easy.

Also, pray that the doctor will have wisdom and that the course of action will be clear.

I’ll try to keep you posted. Keep checking.