***Monday's Roll Call***

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone is doing well. I am really wondering how the Cindy's and Ginakay are doing. I know its rough the first couple of weeks after surgery and you sometimes just don't feel up to posting. But, try to drop us a short line to let us know that you are ok if you can. As for myself, I am on day 11 in the hospital (actually if you count my first visit, it would be 16 days). After lots of medication, my diarhea has really slowed down. My doc says if I have one more good day, I can go home tomorrow. I have been fighting some depression the last few days. They tell me that it is perfectly normal for someone who has been here for so long to get depressed. They have been giving me something at night to "help me relax". And it has helped me get two good night sleep in a row. I have also been going down stairs and sitting in the atrium now and then so that I can get fresh air and a change of scenery. My white blood cell count continues to go up and down which they say means that I am fighting a bug. That is the real blessing in all of this. They have checked the surgery backwards and forwards and everyone says it looks perfect. So, I've just got to kick this bug so I can get on with my new life. Ironically, losing weight has been the least of my concerns the last couple of weeks. I have had a lot of time to pray during all of this. So you all have been covered in prayer during this time. Now, I would like to tell you the many ways God has blessed me while I was here: 1. My Mom - She has been here with me day and night. I have loved having her here and dont know how I would have made it without her. She had to watch me go through some very bad nights. I know it was very hard on her. 2. Dr. Viteri - he's the gastro whatever doc who has been tweaking my meds to get rid of the diarhea. He has been so nice. I have never had a doctor who seemed so concerned about my well being. 3. Most of my nurses - Most of them have been wonderful. They have such a tough job and yet they continue to be so empatheic. 4. My hospital room window - It faces east so I can see the sun rise in the morning and that in itself is good therapy. Also, I have a great view of the mall. 5. My friends - I have had many friends praying for me...including all of you. 6. My mother-in-law - this is a big one. She has been helping my husband take care of my kids. During the week my kids have spent the night with here and she has taken them to school and picked them up everyday. Sorry this is so long today. I am praying that you are all as blessed as I have been. Shel, if you read this today, you are my hero! I wish I could type at half the speed you do. I hope your boss appreciates what he has in you. I hope to hear from everyone today. Have a Jesus filled day! Love, Jacinda

Good morning everyone, God is so good! Jacinda glad to hear you're getting better. You just keep fighting that depressipn girl. God has you there for a reason~who knows why, Maybe just to get closer to your mom. It would be nice to just hear a quick hello from everyone~Although I must admit I am guilty of not doing that myself. My depression is finally starting to lift after two weeks. Thank you Jesus! I have to leave to see the sleep Dr. in a minute here. I hope the rest of you are well. If you are reading, please,take a minute and just type in hi. You all have a blessed day as you go about your business and serve our Lord today. God bless you, Annette

Jacinda, I'm so sorry to hear you are in the hospital, somehow I missed that in a previous posting. The truth is that I have been slow in checking my emails and messageboard daily because there are so many things to do now. I am adjusting to the meal every 2 hours yet not drinking water 30 minutes before or after. That takes up most of my time. Nausea has been a downfall for me and getting the protein shakes is almost impossible. I want to follow the rules so diligently; however, I just can't stomach them. I have started praying that my taste buds will be restored so that I can heal faster. Enough about me...I'm praying for you right now..."Jesus, you are the healer and we ask you now to be with Jacinda, calm her spirit, and heal her body. Give the doctors wisdom to prescribe properly, the nurses kindness to care for her, and please please relieve Jacinda from depression. I know the power of depression brought on by life's changing events that we have no control over and a long hospital stay can be so confining. Help her sleep with peace in the knowledge that You are with her, beside her, holding her hand and nursing her to health. Amen. Oh Jacinda, I wish you a speedy recovery. Thanks so much for praying for me too. Cynthia Sirk

Cynthia, it is so great to hear from you. There are so many of us praying for you. Do keep us posted on how you are doing. God bless. I liked your prayer for Jacinda. I'm sure the Lord heard you. Peg

Hi Jacinda. I am praying for you right now. It's really hard being in the hospital that long. I was in 21 days this last time, so as they say, "been there, done that." It's wonderful to know that you are counting your blessings even though you are fighting depression. Not feeling well makes it difficult at times to pull yourself up. You will get to feeling stronger and better, and you will eventually be out of that hospital. I pray that it is very soon, Jacinda. In the meantime, may the Lord keep you in His tender care. Love, Peg

Jac, I'm so glad to hear that you are doing better. That is a big PRAISE GOD!! I hope you continue to get better and are able to go home soon. I'm doing okay. The prayers from my friends here on this board are helping. I go into work in a good mood and stay that way no matter what. Brian, my boss, asked if I had guaged my speed and I told him that I did on Friday. He said it was good, but I still have to leave a few blanks on the doctor from India. His accent is hard to get used to. But, anyway, still not sure how much longer I'll have to work in the office. Can you believe it is already November?!! Not much longer before Christmas is here!! I'm really excited about the holidays this year because we get to go home to Arkansas and spend time with family. I sure do miss them. Anyway, I'm continuing to lift you (as well as everyone else here) up to our Father daily. Have a Jesus filled day!! Shel