Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Every breath we breathe and every beat of our heart is grace. This is a story of grace.

Dear friends: We apologize for the mass mailing but things are moving too fast to be in touch with everyone individually during these days.

THE FACTS:

A few months ago, Marilyn noticed that Geordon had a bit of a droopy eyelid. He went to see an ophthalmologist friend in December who recommended him to a specialist with an appointment on February 15. The specialist immediately ordered an MRI and a CT scan which took a few days to get done. On February 21 Geordon had an appointment with the specialist to review all the test results which confirmed two aneurysms in his brain that need surgery as soon as possible. He will be entering the hospital on Monday, February 28 for an overnight stay to do a special angiogram to determine which kind of surgery will be done. The actual surgery will be later that week (March 3) or the following week (March 8 or 10). The doctors are very “matter of fact” about the process and say it will be a straightforward surgery, but it is still very serious. While Geordon is feeling fine physically, he has had to adjust to the proof that something is going on in his head. 🙂

THE GRACE WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR:

-a country with excellent medical care and quick access to MRIs & CTs.

-the followup to the droopy eyelid (apparently not too concerning) which allowed for the aneurysms to be discovered.

-the prognosis of a full recovery from the surgery (in part due to G’s commitment to good fitness)

-the many caring, supportive people who surround us.

-the opportunities we have been part of in our community here recently with the Ministry of Tolerance (February 3 ; February 4) and with youth and youth leaders we work with (February 19 - Expo Jam) and the ability to clear our calendars for the next few weeks while the ripple effect continues on with our teams leaning in.

-our faith in the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

“Perfect love casts out fear. . .We love because He first loved us.” (I John 4:18-19)

This Bible verse from a recent daily reading resonates with the emotions we have been feeling. Difficult circumstances can surface fear and that is natural. But just as light dispels darkness, love casts out fear. Perfect love is only found in the One who created us and so we look to Him to overcome our fears. We so appreciate your ongoing prayers for our family - for calm confidence in the face of uncertainty.

Due to the need to focus on the current situation, we would ask that you direct all your communications to this link where we can read your comments. We will try to send updates, as able. Thank you!

-The Rendle Family (Geordon, Marilyn, Jordan & Rachel, Joshua, Jolyn & Joy)