Three Surgeries in 2 weeks--The Healing Power of Jesus.

Three Surgeries in 2 weeks--The Healing Power of Jesus.

I hadn't heard this out loud until my Mom said it to the Elders today at church. We asked them to pray for us today. I don't think I had taken the time to process this whole ordeal until this morning. And, the impact it has had on my parents, especially.

Today, I attended church for the first time since this all began. I had my first surgery 3 weeks ago today -- the big surgery, the neurosurgery to stop the bleeding into my brain. At this service, by no coincidence, this was a Faith and Healing service, that happens 4x a year at Appleton Alliance. It gives attendees a chance to be prayed for by the Elders anytime during the service. In the past, I have always been hesitant to take part in this...sort of felt like why are my needs larger than others...or why do I need others to pray for private matters??? But, I understand now, the power of prayer and when one or more gather in the prayer the amazing power it can have.

What struck me as me and my parents went back to meet the Elders, is at least 5 people recognized me and said they were praying for me (I have no idea who they are). Why I found this amazing is, when I joined Appleton Alliance I began praying to God to connect me within the church. It is a big church, thousands attend and it takes 900 volunteers in the child care alone each year to make it run. After being part of a smaller (and missing like crazy!), easily connectable church in West Bend, Kettlebrook, I wanted that same feeling at Appleton Alliance. I thought I'd find this connection through volunteering, or a Mom's group or a bible study. But, as I walked through the halls today so many people smiled at me, so many hugged me and told me they were happy to see me up and walking, all of Anna and William's teachers hugged me. The entire office prays for me and keeps an email update on my situation. Talk about getting connected! I feel so blessed. I know as I recover God has great plans for me in a ministry and testimony at Appleton Alliance.

As we gathered with three of the church Elders to pray, we found out the following Elders would be praying (look at God's awesomeness to put these 3 men into our lives to pray for me): Our youth pastor, is a young father so he was a great prayer for how I am feeling as a mom who "can't do it all right now." His father suffered a brain aneurism last year and he told us statistically his father and I should not be here today. So, he prayed from his heart knowing the MIRACLE it is that I am even alive. The second pastor, he was going blind and now his sight is restored. He prayed at the power of a healing God as well as the gifts and talents of amazing surgeons. He prayed knowing first hand my frustration that my left eye still won't open and I have only one eye to function from. The third Elder, prayed and anointed me through the healing power of Jesus. He reminded me of God's timing, of God's healing hand and of God's Will versus my own. They all prayed that God's will be done with my eye but we are asking for a full healing in God's timing. He knows when I am ready to be done resting.

I hope my Dad doesn't mind me sharing this, but it moved me so. My Dad then prayed in Thanksgiving to God for saving my life. During the 9 hour neurosurgery (which was originally thought would only take 3 hours until they found out the severity of my condition) my parents spent the entire time in the chapel praying. They had heard from the doctors the severity of my condition and the repair that would be needed. They were told I could die. They were told my eye nerves would be compromised to save my life. My Dad told me he prayed and prayed that my life would be spared. That the rest we could get through as a family. He thanked God for the skillful hands of the surgeons at Froedert in Milwaukee and their patience and tenaciousness that gets them through such a tedious surgery.

My mom had told me that during my nearly 2 weeks in the hospital and through my other 2 surgeries, at least 3 times she prayed out loud to Jesus to spare my life. She said at three different times it seemed I wouldn't pull through. I know during my last hospital stay with the pain so bad, I prayed out loud that if Jesus wanted to take me, he could. I remember being so tired and in so much pain I just wanted to die. But, Jesus did spare me. That day I cried out, my Mom and Dad brought Anna and William's preschool picture to the hospital and showed it to me--there 1st school pictures!!!!!! And, a card from their pre-school class wishing me well. The power of their faces, (they are just the first of goofy school pictures...but SO precious to a Mom!) was a healing moment in and of itself.

Today, as we went to church Anna and William sang "Jingle Bell's at the top of their lungs (yes, we are beginning Christmas celebration earlier around our household this year...since it is all of our favorite time of the year) and shook their pretend "sleigh bells" all seemed right in the world. One eye or two eyes.

Many of you have asked what in particular you can pray for me, I'd ask that you pray for my eye. For a recovery and for HIS Will to be done on HIS timing.

I'd also ask that you pray for my Grandma, a week in the hospital is a long time. And, that she continues healing without surgery if possible, and that her spirits stay strong.

I'd also ask that you pray for my parents. The trauma of the two weeks of me being in the hospital, undergoing 3 surgeries and all the emotional outpouring they did during that time --- I would think would take it's toll. Those two weeks were a blur to me and I can't imagine what they felt to hear that I might die. Thank you Jesus for saving my life. I pray that our family continues to stay harmonious and strong during a very difficult journey. Love to you all. And, thank you again for your continuous support. The calls, the emails, the cards, the flowers and the meals that are delivered every other night are such a blessing.

Love, Claudine