Thursday, March 10, 2022

“My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises!” Psalm 57:7

We appreciate your continued prayers and patience for news as we have been navigating this last week. On Monday we had a meeting with two neurosurgeons and over the past few days we have been consulting with various doctors. We have finally made a definitive decision to go ahead with the “surgical clipping” option for Geordon’s “cerebrovascular aneurysm repair.” Geordon has various pre-op appts and will go into hospital for the first of two surgeries on Wednesday, March 16. He will be required to be in hospital for three to five days and recovery will be four to six weeks before the second surgery. Some have asked about medical insurance. Up to this point we have been covered and the doctors believe it will continue to be that way moving into the next stages, as well.

You will be glad to know that Geordon is doing well physically. We do have our moments emotionally as we consider the seriousness of the situation but we have been comforted with all your encouragement and simple disciplines that keep us going - walking, talking, praying. With Lent starting last Wednesday, we’ve been following the Lectio 365 devotional (only available as a mobile app). This was a statement introduced on Ash Wednesday - “Orthodox believers describe Lent as a season of ‘bright sadness’.” This resonates with us during this time as we hear of the devastation in Eastern Europe and yet see the cooperation of so many in welcoming refugees across borders. In our own situation we recognize there are many uncertainties ahead, but we are grateful and hopeful for the community care and medical expertise around us.

As of this update, we will be moving to a simple blog format instead of sending out emails and we encourage you to bookmark this link so you can check for updates there. There is no need to sign up. The comment option has been turned off but you can still communicate through the encouragement link in the “contact” section. We simply don’t have time to answer everyone individually right now but please know that we thank God for each of you as you write to us. The flowers and food left at our door, along with offers to help, are a wonderful blessing!

-Virtual hugs from the Rendles!

P.S. If you were interested in the first video about treatments, here is a link for the surgical clipping method for Geordon’s aneurysm repair.

A quick update on our family: Jordan is in a videography internship and travelling to NB and ON for projects the last week of March, Rachel is starting a new job with Anchor Marketing, Josh is having ACL knee surgery on March 21st (he and Geordon will be able to share recovery time virtually!), Jolyn is adapting to her time in Spain with YFC in Barcelona teaching English and helping with weekend retreats, and we were in three-way school conferences with Joy this week - such wonderful reports from every teacher! Even with assignment deadlines coming up, Joy is enjoying time with friends, as well.