I love my job!

These are my wonderful kids. I couldn't ask for a better job... fun, snacks, toys, and dont forget imaginary games!

In and Out

Ronnie went back to the hospital late last night after a FOURTH episode of excruciating pain woke him and left him nearly convulsing on the floor. This time it happened when he was fast asleep. He didn't stay at the hospital long as he persuaded the medical staff to discharge him this morning. He does not want anything to stand in the way of the much anticipated neurologist appointment he has tomorrow. Pray we get some answers.

New Hamster!

This is Frito. Frito Bandito. Isn't he cute!?!

Today I decided...

I'm ready to go back to school. I'm ready to be on a schedule and not be bored. I'm ready to be back in the dorm. I'm ready to see my friends and make new ones. Hurry up, summer.

Short and Sweet

Just a quick update with a longer one to follow in a day or so...

Ronnie was discharged from the German Hospital (for the 3rd time) today. He is now back on base with a pass to get him out of all physical activity. Sounds good, right? Unfortunately, not for a soldier; it makes for very long, very boring days. He has an appointment tomorrow after which we hope to know a bit more about what will happen next, including a potential trip to the Military hospital. Keep praying!

PS~ slowly but surely, his arm is gaining back strength. He can now move his fingers a bit!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 20th Birthday, Ronnie!
This year has been full of changes for us both but I am so thankful to have you through them all. I cant wait to see what this year holds. I am so blessed to have you in my life.

I love you.

but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3

Back in the Hospital

Ronnie is back in the German hospital in Amburg today after experiencing a third episode last (Sunday) night. After a few hours of intense pain, he once again blacked out and was taken by peramedics to the hospital. The doctors continue to be baffled as all results come back normal despite the obvious problem at hand. Ronnie will be kept in the hospital through Wednesday when, after some more tests on base, he may be transferred to the military hospital a few hours away. Please pray for answers and also for peace durring this difficult time.

Change of Scenes but the Same Story

I’m sure that most of you have already heard, but Ronnie had another episode yesterday. While getting ready to take a shower, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and blacked out for several minutes during which he fell, hitting his head and ripping his IV out. This is a scary scenario for an individual on blood thinners. All was resolved thankfully leaving Ronnie in no worse condition than before.

Despite the incident and lack of diagnosis, Ronnie’s parents’ brief trip came to a close when they headed home early this morning. They arrived home safely, but no doubt slightly jet-lagged this evening. We were glad they could spend the short amount of time that they could with Ronnie as he no doubt feels very lonely and isolated.

Ronnie was released from the German hospital in Amburg this morning after the doctors decided that they could find no explanation and had no more tests to conduct. He is now back on the army base where he will [hopefully] be withdrawn from all work and activities (at least that is what he was told). With this time, he will be able to go to doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, checkups, and potentially take more tests whenever necessary. Ronnie has been told that the damage to his body is serious but that it should heal in time. Until then, all we can do is search for a reason and pray that it doesn’t happen again.

Please pray with us:

~that no more “incidents” occur especially while he is not under medical supervision

~that the doctor will know which tests to proceed with to find out what is wrong

~that the incredible migraine Ronnie is experiencing (probably for the spinal tap) would quickly disperse

~that the swelling in his arm will decrease and its mobility will increase

~that his sight in his left eye will return despite tests showing that it has worsened

~that the Army will be understanding of his situation and make the proper calls regarding his service

~that Ronnie will be productive with his time and not feel bored

~that he will not feel alone or disheartened as he is away from friends and family

~that the neurologist appointment on Monday yields positive results

But we are also thankful:

~for a neurologist that has taken special interest in Ronnie’s case

~for the free medical care given to soldiers

~for a night free of needles and IVs as Ronnie sleeps

~the prayers of loved ones everywhere

~for a God who can handle the things that even doctors can’t comprehend

Update on Ronnie

In some ways there was a lot of progress today, but in other areas, we are still waiting. Ronnie had a spinal tap this afternoon. Although painful, the doctor said it was necessary to rule out and confirm several different things. We are still waiting to hear the results. I know a lot of people have asked about whether a stroke has been considered or ruled out. According to the doctor, a stroke has been ruled out. Ronnie was also able to see a therapist who gave him exercises for his still limp arm to help him regain some strength. The doctors also talked of the possibility of transferring him to a military hospital a few hours away later in the week. For now, the tests continue. All we can do is pray that with each test, the doctors are one step closer to a diagnosis.

In addition, Ronnie's mom, dad, and brother arrived to the hospital a couple hours ago.

Still Testing

Just in case you are wondering, this is Ronnie's "They took away my cookies" face. He continues to be in good spirits even in the face of uncertainty. There is still no definite answer to what is wrong in Ronnie's body. He has seen several more doctors and had more tests run today. They are hoping steroids will help to speed up the healing process in his eye and that a cortisone treatment will help his body as well. He can now lift his left arm but still has limited feeling and muscle control. The doctors expect to keep him in the hospital for quite a while. His mom, dad, and brother will be joining him tomorrow. Please continue to pray.

URGENT Prayer for Ronnie

While I would love to spend time telling you all about the last few days of my Germany trip, it will have to wait. Right now I am asking that you take a moment and pray for Ronnie. I'm sure this short blog will lead you with a lot of questions, but unfortunately, neither Ronnie nor I can answer them.

Ronnie dropped my off at the Frankfurt airport yesterday afternoon (German time which is 6hrs ahead of IN). As I made my way back to the US, Ronnie took a train back to the base. He began to not feel well in the evening. He said it was minor chest pain. He went to the store and, on the way back, collapsed. He said it was like getting stabbed in the chest but it sent a pain surging through his left arm and up his neck. He cant remember what happened after that or how long he laid there, but he woke up to some guys dragging him through the woods and asking him how long he had been there and what had happened. they got him to the base clinic and called an ambulance which took him to the closest hospital.

He had/has paralysis on his left side in his arm and something wrong with his left eye. He can move a couple fingers now, but his arm is still limp. The doctors have been running tests. His MRI and CAT Scan came back fine. He is waiting to see/hear from a neurologist in the morning that will hopefully be able to explain the results of another shock-type test.

Please, please pray for Ronnie as he goes through all of this. I know he feels very alone in it all because he is so far away and I'm sure that is scary too. Also pray that the doctors will find out what is wrong quickly and that it will be an easy fix. Also, we are not sure what the Army will do with all of this. Your prayers are coveted. Thank you.

please feel free to comment.

A Practical Treasure

Ronnie and I have seen probably 7 or 8 different Catholic Cathedrals since I have been here in Germany. Each is unique. Some are decorated with wood carvings while others are coated with Gold. One even had skeletons in glass caskets all around! Despite the differences, the Cathedrals are all treasures.

A relationship with Christ use to be something treasured, much like these cathedrals. It was worth a high price; it was a sacrifice. But somewhere along the way the beautiful treasure became untouchable; too valuable to be of everyday importance. It lost its practicality. Later down the line, some people rediscovered the practicality of the treasure and began allowing it to be used again, but soon the treasure was no longer seen as a treasure but as normal. It lost its beauty and its value. We are called to treasure what Christ has done for us as well as grow daily in relationship with him. A relationship with Christ is both practical and beautiful, and these Cathedrals helped me to remember that.

From Planes and Taxis to Trains, Oh my!

My first time on a German train was a lot of fun! We did have a bit of an adventure though... our train was late to our first stop so we missed our next train. But, after a brief panic we were on our way. Ronnie was great at making sure we found out were to go for the next one. Eventually, we made it to Vilseck. What a fun day!

The Bon Hof

First Day: Frankfurt

I made it to Germany safe and sound and Ronnie met me at the airport. The flights were long but it was fun to be on such a big airplane! I have never flown over the Ocean before.

We spent our first day (Saturday, July 4th-the day after I left because of the time difference) touring around Frankfurt. We walked through several huge, ornate Cathedrals, got ice cream at a little shop, and saw the city from the top of a skyscraper. What fun!

Grandma Olga is in town visiting this week from PANAMA. It has been several years since we have seen her. We met up with my other grandparents today at Cracker Barrel so they could see her too. :)

Back: Me, PawPaw Meyers
Front: Grandma Meyers, Cori, Shelby, Grandma Concepcion