Not a Fun Couple of Days

I had another story all typed and ready to tell on the blog but that is now on hold for another time. For those of you on Facebook who have been wondering why I asked for serious prayer especially for this past week as well as over the next few weeks, and for those not on Facebook here's what's going on. On Wednesday we went to visit someone and when we got there, there was a situation. I can't go into detail here. I went onto the roof of what turned out to be a barn to check the situation. On my way down I went through the roof and landed on the floor of the barn. Long story short I ended up with a few cuts and bruises, a very sore body, a broken bone in my left ankle (not serious) and I broke my right elbow which required surgery to wire it back together. I think I also broke at least one rib in my back where I landed on it. Now this is the part where I have to say: "Dad I'm fine. And no I'm not coming back to Canada yet. Really, I'm fine."

For the rest of the week I was at the Tokmok hospital for repairs. The surgery went very well and I got home Friday morning. Now I have to learn to do a lot of things with my left hand and I walk with a cane. Daily chores are going to take a lot longer to do but I praise God that it wasn't worse and that no one else got hurt. My wallet is hurting but it was cheap by Canadian dollars and a hit I didn't need right now with my very fragile financial situation. I'll deal with that later. The most pain I had was when the nurse went to pull some medical tape off of my hairy arm. I'm well on the mend and not totally out of action. I might not be walking very good right now, but I am walking in victory! So take THAT satan!! :p

They say that when you're in trouble you find out who your REAL friends are. There are many brilliant people here in Tokmok that I just can't thank enough. Sergey stayed with me the whole time doing everything from translation, to pulling a few strings, running for things I needed and so much more - including taking video of me while I was still under the effects of the anaesthesia. Apparently I speak good Russian while under the influence - now if only I could figure out how to do it sober... . I suspect that the video will come back to haunt me for some time to come. Sergey's wife Anya made some food and they brought it to me in hospital. Then the morning after the surgery my landlord and his wife, Valodia and Tatyana, popped in for a visit to check up on things. They, as well as everyone else, are two of the most kind hearted, sweetest people anywhere. Tatyana is a doctor and knew what questions to ask to see what was going on. She also brought antibiotics and supplements to the apartment, supplied from Canada by John and Julie, and explained what to do for my aftercare. She also brought some food. I am well cared for here by many wonderful people. And for those of you who were praying for me here in Kyrgyzstan and literally around the world, thank you so much. Please keep the prayers going.

I still plan to make my flight to Kyiv on November 2nd. It's going to be interesting as I can't put weight on the ankle for a month and with having one of my arms out of commission. Making airport connections and getting on and off of the train with all of my luggage will be a new experience. I hope to get hospitality service with the airlines but I'll figure everything out in the next few days. (I'll also have to figure out how to get my seriously overweight hand luggage down to the legal limit as someone else will be lifting it.) Once back in Ukraine I'll get Dr. Ziad to check me over as well. Dr. Ziad is a great surgeon who does many of the surgeries for the orphans sponsored through Loads of Love's Operation CAN be Done programme. I'll be in good hands in Ukraine also as well as continuing to be in God's hands. As Ed says: "That's a good place to be."


So, it was not the most fun filled few days this past week but the worst is over. Hallelujah!! Please continue to keep me in your prayers and thank you for seeing my heart. Till next time... Я люблю тебя!

A Lot Would be So Thankful if...

These last couple of weeks have been very quiet since the team left.  This week I was able to resume regular visits to spend quality time with the kids at the baby orphanage.  I'm not able to show you pictures because the orphanage has a no photo policy of their kids on the internet.

Also this week the first delivery of coal took place at Larissa's and Tanya's house.  It is 5 tonnes which will be enough for half of the winter.  They are very grateful to get this jump on winter preparations and have already started distributing it to needy families.  (Thanks so much A. O.)  I want to raise another $500 to get another 5 tonnes for the rest of the winter.

The last couple of days here have seen a major drop in temperatures and you can feel winter in the air.  Yesterday there was a LOT more snow on the mountains and it may not be long before we get it in the valley.  Winter here is a huge concern as keeping warm literally means the difference between life and death.  I'm not exaggerating.  People do die of the cold every winter in Kyrgyzstan.

I am also still wanting to raise $1000 to buy warm blankets for the people at the Kemin Senior's Home.  Each blanket (which is actually more like a comforter) costs approximately $22 and I need 45 blankets.  I would also like to raise extra to buy the seniors new sheet and pillowcase sets as well.  It would be so great to give these seniors, who have nothing, a little dignity by having the luxury of a nice warm bed to crawl into on the cold nights.

Also about sheets - Tanya asked if I could purchase some cloth so that the men's disabled home could have sheets for the winter.  There is someone there who can make the sheets for the 230 residents of the home.  One winter they had 80 deaths in this home due to the cold.  I don't know the cost of this yet but I do know I don't have any more money for anything right now.  :(

If you would like to help me with these requests a lot of people here would be VERY thankful.  As you reflect on what you are thankful for this Thanksgiving weekend please consider helping out.  I have only 3 weeks left in Kyrgyzstan and I would really like to be able to have the orders placed, paid for and delivery arranged before I go back to Ukraine at the end of the month.  Would you like to help save lives?

To help out you can click the link at the right side of the blog for LinK 127 to donate on line.  You can also mail a gift to the address below or send an e-transfer to blairslife1@gmail.com.  Please remember to specify that your gift is for me and include a note advising how you would like me to use it.  Canadian donations are tax deductible, except those submitted by e-transfer.

As I always say - thank you for seeing my heart...Я люблю тебя!  Please continue keep me in your prayers as well.  Happy Thanksgiving!! 

LinK 127

833 Canaan Mountain Road

Kentville, NS

Canada B4N 4K1

Bagging the coal for distribution

Tanya with some very grateful recipients

On Thursday there was almost no snow on the mountains.  This is what it looked like Friday morning.  Winter is coming.