It's been another good day with Mom. We are sitting in her hospital room with her and she is talking a mile a minute.
When we arrived at the hospital today, Dad was sitting next to Mom's bed, and the two of them were listening to WMBI Radio from Chicago on my computer. They were listening to the live feed of "Songs in the Night." The program designed for insomniacs in Chicago was bringing peace and calm to mom.
Asking you all to leave mom comments has been the best medicine for her, except for when you all are sleeping:>) She's continually asking us this morning if there are any new e-mails or comments. We've been saying, "Mom, it's 3:30 in the morning there. No one is awake." Then 15 minutes later she'll ask again. She has done this all morning.
Mom has also been enjoying reading her Bible. She had Jenny read her the book of Colossians. Then she read it aloud. Then she wanted to hear it read from the Bible I have on iTunes.
Mom also began physical therapy today. She has spent time sitting in a wheel chair. She has also stood on her feet twice. This is a big part of the recuperative process.
Mom continues to talk nonstop. She is realizing some of the things that she did in ICU were less than appropriate. She can't believe that she pulled out her own ventilator and feeding tube. She's enjoying looking out the window at the Seagulls and butterflies. She's also enjoying the hospital meals.
Thanks again for your prayers! And, please keep those comments coming. After all, Jenny, Dad and I have become Mom's news bureau.
In Him,
Brian
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20 comments:
Hello to the News Bureau staff and the rest of the Schulenburg family!
I'm always up early and am glad to leave another comment to cheer and encourage Bea!
I still can't get over this journey you've been on. Lori told me that prior to your arrival in Turkey Bea wasn't quite sure how she would be used on this missions trip. I wonder if becoming ill fit part of God's purpose? I have to assume your family has made a huge impact on the hospital staff as you've prayed together there, etc. Surely you would never have been in contact with any of those people otherwise. If you've got any comments to share toward that end, please share them in your next blog!
I will continue to pray for God's blessing on your recovery, Bea, and for your family's need for strength and stamina, as well. We're happy that things are heading in a positive direction!
In Him,
Amy Allen
Dearest Bea,
How I wish I could have been your nurse in the darkest hour!=) Brian tells me you were a pretty difficult patient. We are so glad that you are doing better. It's so good that you are doing physical therapy; it will help strengthen those bones.
We were at the splash park yesturday; it's been hot here and it felt good to cool off. Rebecca has been talking a little bit more; her hair is turning blond! Not as blond as Luke's though.
FROM Luke: You know what Grandma, I hope you feel better soon. Christina states, Luke she is feeling a little better. =)
Dad and I went to the store yesturday to get bread and to Dad's work too. I got some yummy candy. It was a nice time. I didn't eat all the candy and want some "bananas" (runts) for breakfast. Yummy. Grandma, I am going to save one piece of candy for you cuz you were sick. =)I love you all. Grandpa and Aunt Jenny- I hope you come back soon! and I hope you all come back soon!
FROM Christina: Dear Grandma, I hope that you feel a lot better; I know that you are feeling a little better. We miss you all the time when you are gone. We love you. I am gonna bring you a choclate when you are in a regular bed. One for Grandpa too. Chocolate is the best medicine. When you come over too my house, I will read you a book. Aunt Jenny- I love you Jenny and can't wait to see you all.
Rebecca would "ditto" everything they said. She got a big smile on her face yesturday when we said Grandma Bea is doing better. We all started clapping.
We Love You,
Melissa and Kevin
Good morning - and it is a great morning when I read such a glowing progress report. Our God is a great and mighty God, and His love for us is beyond my comprehension. Praise Him!
I am so thrilled for my friends as I follow Bea's progress. You have all been such a special part of my life, even though we've not seen much of each other in recent years. I love you all - and am continuing to pray that you are able to return home safely and quickly!
Thank you for the constant updates on your blog. Isn't technology grand!!! It's almost like I can stop in and visit with you.
I'm praying for you all!
Love, Louise
Dear Bea and all of you Schulenburgs,
So glad you are doing better. We have been praying for you as have many others at First Free here in Moline. You were on the prayer chain last week and this Sunday Sharon Rogerson put a note about you in the prayer request insert in the bulletin. Speaking of Sharon, she is retiring from First Free August 15th.
Have been trying to keep the Blomquists up to date. They have been very interested but their computer has been down so they have not been able to read Brian's blogs. I will give them a call this morning and let them know you are doing much better.
We are heading for the Wayne Horse Trials this weekend and will miss being able to go out and eat with you. Hope it wont be too long though before we can get together again.
We think of you almost constantly and even though you are doing better we will continue to pray for continued improvement and that everything goes smoothly for all of you to get back to the good old USA.
Love, Stan & Barb
Good Morning Mom! What a great joy to hear you are no longer the bad patient. Now we know where Brian got it from! But, heaven forbid, that I should ever have to see a doctor again. Not having been to one in 20 years I'm not sure how I would react!!!
We are thrilled that God is continuing to answer prayers for you. Lori was up praying for you, really hard, the other night before we got that last praise report. And now today's is even better. I am so grateful to know Christ and am encouraged to make Him known even more after seeing this miracle.
Lori's parents are very glad to hear you are doing better. They were very concerned about you.
Your testimony is far reached. I am humbled.
May God continue to bless you and may you continue to find ways to honor Him through your new miracle in your life.
To God be the glory!
Bea and Gordon, after I spoke with you yesterday, I was so encouraged by the joy and hope I heard in your voices! Be encouraged today, for God is keeping His promises in Isaiah 40:31: "Those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength." Guided by your caregivers, Bea, I trust that you will indeed continue to "walk and not become weary," but maybe you should hold off trying to test the promise about running. Best of all, you will soon "mount up with wings like eagles" when that plane takes all of you back home.
Grace and peace to you,
Rita
Brian,
Thank you for all your updates, it so wonderful to be able to pray for specific needs and it's really terrific to praise God for the great things he is doing!
The verse I go to when things are tough or I am exhausted is "I can do all things though Christ who gives me strength." That is my prayer for Bea today, and for you, your dad and Jen! It is amazing what we can accomplish and what strength we have as we find our source of strength in God. What a great source of hope and strength we have in the body of God!
My dad has been full time care giver for my mother over the past three years....I was touched to see the love and determination of your father, knowing my father is just like that!!! You are so blessed!
We are continuing to pray for all of you...can't wait to hear about evacuation plans!
Trusting,
Mary for the Krechs
Hi Grandma,
I love you so much. I'm in Switzerland right now, but I wish I could be in Turkey with you. I can't wait to see you when we both get home.
I am praying for you. I hope you feel better soon.
i love you,
Kirsten
This is from Barb Roy:
Hi Bea, Gordon and Jen,
I am praying for you and looking forward to you coming home. We need to catch up so we need to do tea or something. But first you need to get well and I will be here and I will be waiting and we'll do that when you are able. Megan and Alyssa say "HI and send their love". Looking forward to you coming home; can't wait to see you, Barb
Hello Sculenburgs!
We (the rest of the team) all arrived safely home last night from Istanbul. It was so difficult leaving you guys there, but what an encouragement to read of Bea's latest progress. It was wonderful to find out that she is finally in a private room and is taking the steps that will bring her back home to the United States.
I read in one of the posts that before the trip Bea was wondering how the Lord would use her in Turkey. My goodness, her impact was beyond what our finite minds could have imagined. First of all, she touched lives with the love of Jesus before her hospitalization. Then, after the onset of her illness, she brought together thousands of believers from all over who prayed for her, her family, and also the country of Turkey, where so many are unreached. And finally, she has been a witness (along with Gordon, Jenny, and Brian) to everyone at the American Hospital.
Our Lord has used this scary situation to strengthen the faith of many and demonstrate His amazing power. All of you Schlenburgs were such a blessing to be with in Istanbul, and I consider it a privilege to have watched your faith in action.
To God be the glory! Please give Bea my love and tell her we can't wait to celebrate her return!
Ann Ramsey
Dear Schulenburgs,
Psalm 145:13,14 reads "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your domination endures through all generations. The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down."
The very last verse in the book of Psalms says "let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!"
Today I am rejoicing and praising the Lord for the miraculous progress you are making, Bea. Keep up your efforts and we will continue to pray for God's strength and guidance.
We are also rejoicing in the arrival of our 5th grandchild, Jacob Christopher Kramer. When you return home we will send you pictures (yes, I'm the proverbial Grandma with pictures to show!). We are also anxiously awaiting the arrival of Sandy with Matt and Sarah for their yearly visit to the desert on July 23. Sandy calls me daily to check on your progress.
Have a good day and we'll continue to check the blog for updates.
Continuing in prayer,
Marijean
Hi Bea,
So glad to hear the good news that you are beginning to feel better. Can't wait to see you in person. Darrell and I leave for the Intel. Conv. Thursday as Darrell has some IOC meetings. We both have some responsibilities next week. We got back to Illinois yesterday. I look forward to the updates that Brian sends to all of us. We continue to ask God to heal you completely and to help your family to get the rest they need. Something good will come from all of this. Boy, how you can pray for the Gideons traveling in other lands. You know from a first hand experience the importance of staying healthy. I hope the staff really sees the Bea we know,loving,kind,generous, patient,joyful. Better go for now. Love you,
Annice and Darrell
Dear Gordon and Bea,
So thankful for these recent updates and all God is doing in and thru and for you! You are in my prayers today. Also i got a prayer chain email request from our Home church -Moraine Valley Baptist asking for prayer for you and giving your web site -so there is another church family praying for you. With love and continued prayers, Jan Kotynski (choir mate of Gordon)
Praise God! It is so good to hear of the progress you are making! We will continue to pray for you all, knowing that there are literally thousands of prayers going up for good health to return to Bea and all of you to return safely to the US. You know, it probably is a good thing that she was so "feisty" in the hospital - it definitely kept the doctors and nurses on their toes! May God provide refreshment to you all!
Marceia
Hi Schulenburgs! We've been praying for you all at Fox Valley Bible Church. When we talked about your upcoming trip at Mike Costello's funeral, who could have envisioned what God had in mind. Yet, you have all remained faithful. Praise the Lord! The Timms and the Lanes expect nothing less from one of the strongest Christian families we know. You all continue to serve as excellent role models of faith even through these difficult times. To God be the glory!
Love and Blessings
Chuck and Susan Timm & Family :)
My Dear Bea,
I just want you to know how much I love you. I have been praying for you every day and look forward to hearing updates on your health. Your kids are so wonderful. You and Gordon have raised them so well in the Lord. God is amazing, isn't He? I pray that you will be home by the end of the week! That would be a wonderful gift for you, and your precious family. Love, your flower girl (Jan Menegazzo)xoxoxo
Dear all,
We checked on mittens today; she is lonely without you Jenny and Bea, GOrdon, I am sure she would even love a stroke from you. =) As soon as we drove into your driveway, Rebecca started clapping and saying, "papa, mama" and laughing. We think she was a little confused as she walked in and didn't see you to greet us. She ran throughout the house saying, "mama,papa" Then mittens caught her eye. She let us pet her a little until Rebecca wouldn't stop grabbing her tail, then she hid behind your bed until we left. I ended up throwing some rotten food away in the fridge. I didn't think you would want to see the science experiments that were growing. =) We can't wait to see you and are praying for FOUR more days to see you. I keep singing FOUR all day, Bea; I am sure you are too. =) We love you,
Melissa and Kevin
Hey Brian, Mom, and family,
It sounds like you all have been having a great day! I'm thankful that your mom is continuing to improve, it's a fabulous sign. She's got the right idea by spending so much time delved into the Word, the rest of us should really follow her example more in our busy lives back home! Well, I hope that the rest of your day is hope-filled. My family is praying and eagerly awaiting your blog updates.
In Him,
elizabeth zahorsky
This is Jean Arnold from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. My son, Dan Arnold, has been a close friend to Randy. He relayed your email to me at the beginning of your experience there.
Somehow or other in my minute knowledge of the computer, I found your website and blog. So I tap in each day to see what progress your mother in making.
I pray for her when I read your updates.
May this whole experience give her a whole new outlook on life and through her experience be able to help others going through difficult experiences.
Warmly,
Jean Arnold
Hi everyone!
We are so happy to hear about your progress, Bea!!! We (and many others) have been praying for you (all of you) along the way.
We think you are all amazing being there in Turkey reaching out to people with God's love. In the time that you have been there, I bet you have really made an impact on many lives (even just with your kindness).
We want you to know that we love you very much and miss you! You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers!
P.S. Thank you so much for keeping us all posted with regular updates on Aunt Bea! :)
Love,
Dan & Tina Pearson
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