The Hospital Chronicles 8 - Conclusion

It's been a month since I was in the hospital and I think it's time for some closure. I want to thank God for his provision in my life and the people He used to show me his love.
I challenged many visitors with the question:

How has God helped you in your life?

Here are some of the responses I received:

"By sending my mother to show me how to be a godly person" David R., Illusionist

"He's given us certain gifts and talents to share with people" Elizabeth R., student

"God has helped me by giving me 2 kids and a great new husband" Melissa, Nurse

"God has helped me with strength, health, and has given me a savior" Rod, Nurse

"God has made me a stronger person through all the experiences I've had" Brianna, Nurse

"God is faithful at all times and milestones in my life" Erick, Nurse

"God has helped me by freeing me from thoughts, hobbies, and desires that once consumed me." Brian Joslin, Mechanic/ Handyman

"He helps me every day in every decision I make". Ioana Z., MomIf you are new to the blog, feel free to check out the other posts:

The Hospital Chronicles 1

The Hospital Chronicles 2

The Hospital Chronicles 3

The Hospital Chronicles 4

The Hospital Chronicles 5

The Hospital Chronicles 6

The Hospital Chronicles 7

The Hospital Chronicles 7 - Home Free

It's been 1 week today that I have been home from the hospital and I feel great. I was released Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 2:30pm. Jason Gonsalves came and visited before I was let go-- but it took such a long time to get the paper work and leave. Alina was ready to go home and rest-- which is the nicest way I can put it.
I was wheeled out of the hospital and went straight home. It's so weird to see the world after being in a room for 7 days. That night, Linsday Speece brought us some Chipotle-- wow. SO GOOD! We were a little worried that my body wasn't going to accept the antibiotics again-- but Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I was fine.Friday Night, our friend Summer Goldsmith and her kids, Ashley and Ethan, came and brought us a wonderful chicken casserole! Summer and Lance are great friends whom we go to small group with.
On Friday, 1/30/09, our friend Carolyn Stout accompanied us to Shafter, so Alina could practice for her DMV driving test and so I could visit my work, Sequoia Elementary School. They were holding the first annual "Sequoia Bowl" in honor of Superbowl. So the whole school was out on the playground field-- the teams were 6th grade students against the Staff. It was quite a game! When we arrived I was greeted by many of my students and it was very good to see them again. They had written get well cards and had a great substitute for the 2 weeks I missed school. When I crossed the field, the rest of my students and others from other grades raced and gathered to see me. I felt like a star. Very special-- lots of hugs-- even a few tears. Alina ended up passing her drivers test and is now a licensed driver! AND while we were doing the hospital thing-- Alina became a resident of the United States of America! Woo Hoo!
The rest of the weekend, we spent with friends, church, and Alina's first Superbowl experience at Jason's and the last half at our good friend Jill Lowe's.
I started work on Monday (Feb. 2) and got to get reacquainted with my kids. I had really missed them and they expressed mutual feelings. It's funny-- before I went to the hospital, I was approaching the burnout phase-- but now, I feel recharged to be a teacher. Thanks to God for the new perspective.
During my time away, Jason Hutchinson, our principal, had challenged the staff to each give me a decorated water bottle-- to encourage me to stay hydrated. Starting Monday, they brought the bottle's into my class one by one-- and it was really great to see my colleagues. AND THE BOTTLES ARE SO COOL!
I met with the doctor after school and he said that I would stop the antibiotics and continue the medication I had been taking. Eventually, when my body is functioning normally, I'll just be taking the pills that suppress the condition in smaller doses (Asacol). He said I can eat anything I want-- just not excessive raw vegetables.Our friends from Small group have been great about bringing food over for us. Monday night Barbara Marthens brought us Chick-pot-pie and Scott and Lisa Harper brought a cool Kazakhstan chicken-rice dish. MMMMMMMMMMM!!!
So it appears that my hospital chronicles have come to an end. I look back and see all the places, people, and grace God has shown me and I am so thankful. I pray that he will continued to be glorified in my health, sickness, peace, and trials-- for the rest of my life. I'm very thankful for my wonderful wife, Alina, because she stuck by my side-- literally-- almost the entire time (with short rests-- which I required). I can tell she really loves me-- she stuck by through good and bad, sickness and health. I'm thankful for my friends and family who visited, prayed, and helped with food and rides.
I'll be making some last posts with pictures and also the experiences I collected from people I have talked with about the essential question:

How has God helped you in your life?

More to come soon!