Sonidos Serranos

Sonidos Serranos: Sounds of the Sierras...
Reflecting some of my family's interests: God's wonderful creation (especially mountains and hills!), music, and language...

Psalm 121:1-2 (NASB)

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

26 March 2011

March 26: Update on Jonatán

This update comes primarily from an email sent by Jona's grandparents in Uruguay:

How thankful we are for the prayer support of family and friends during this difficult time!

Late last night we received a phone call from John Mark, telling us that Jona wasn't doing very well. The hospice nurse had told them she thought it would probably be Jona's last night. Based on his condition, she felt that the Lord would likely take him Home within the next 24 hours; his breathing was very labored, and he was struggling to breathe.

We called this morning to find out how the night had gone for Jona and for all of them. John Mark (who had alternated watching at Jona's side) said, for the condition Jona was in last night, he did remarkably well. His heart rate was down some (though not normal yet), and he seemed to be breathing a little easier. He had slept some and didn't seem to be as restless. He found he could lie on his right side to get some relief. All these things are answers to prayer!

As we (grandparents) mentioned last night, we already have tickets to leave next Wednesday, arriving in Jacksonville, FL, on Thursday. A couple hours later we'll drive to Greenville to be with all of them. We're SO thankful for gracious friends who provided the tickets with airline miles, a car (sending it from Ohio), and a cell phone...

Daniel, Esther's brother, and possibly his girls plan to travel up when the Lord takes Jona Home. Esther's Uncle Will and his wife also plan to travel down from Canada, so there will possibly be lots of traveling in the coming days. Please pray for safety.

Docila and Julia, Esteban's mother and sister, would also like to go. Both have passports, but Julia does not have a visa for the US. John Mark and Deborah are currently working on finding a way for her to have an urgent interview at the American Embassy here in Montevideo  on Monday, if at all possible so she can get a visa. Please pray! (Current wait time for an interview to try to get a visa is one month. Obviously Julia can't wait that long.) Pray that an interview and a visa would be granted even if it's only for a week or ten days. Also pray the Lord would provide funds needed for their airfare.

The Lord continues to sustain us, and we thank Him for His goodness and mercy to Jona and to all of us.

We continue to covet your prayers. Pray for us this afternoon as we challenge the teens with the questions: What would you do if the doctor told you that you have only 4 to 9 months left to live? Are you ready? Pray for God to work in hearts.

We remain grateful for HIS grace...

5 comments:

Christy Speed said...

Sure continue to pray for all of you in these trying days. God bless you all with peace, strength and grace.
Much Love
Christy

Ellen said...

Thanks for the update. We will continue to pray for Jona and his family. What a testimony they have been!

Maribel said...

Dear Deborah and family,
This update is so hard to read. I can't imagine what you all are going through. When I do, it hurts. I know God gives grace as needed, and I know that He is faithful. Today's verse on the calendar was Philippians 1:6. It brings comfort to know that God has a good plan, and He has the power to carry it through.

Praying for you all.

Don and Ruthie Harris said...

Dear Garwood & Torres Family,

We are praying for Jona and for the whole family. What a testimony he has been and continues to be! We pray that this will continue to draw others to Christ. Our prayers and love are with you!

Don, Ruthie, Sarah and Jonathan Harris
Tandil, Argentina

Unknown said...

Praying for you all. Give Jona our love from Lima!