Bennetts in Prague

It has been a huge blessing to visit with my parents in our city.

 

Ella is in the stroller.

Lisa is feeling so much better. She has found that it is key to get as much time laying down at night as possible. This makes her feel like moving around more than she has in weeks. Doctors say the medicine is working on headaches and the numbness, which is decreasing, should stay more mild. There is a follow up next week.

Thank you to all the friends and family sending love gifts. We have been able to share this with many colleagues. There are many souvenirs already packed for the return trip!

More medical and family activity

Lisa returned to the Canadian Clinic where she first visited to see about the problems with neurological responses. A new doctor saw her and wanted to move forward with the initial diagnoses. Lisa was thrilled to have the situation explained more thoroughly than ever before. More rest was prescribed to tend to the headaches while a specialist was recommended for treatment of MS.  If the scans come back showing some problem other than MS, Lisa is instructed to cancel with the specialists who work in Prague and have a long waiting list of patients. She is comfortable on the couch. Ate dinner lying down and plans to sleep in tomorrow!

Grace had a two hour nap before lunch today! Early morning with Dad are starting to show some wear on the system. She was sweet on the Metro and helped me take care of business in the city. People get a kick out of hearing her ask, “is this our stop, is this stodůlky?”

Ella has a new bruise or two on the fact because this flat has a bit of tile flooring. She looks like a prize fighter because her teeth are big and she is always in recovery.

I had an opportunity to drive for the first time in almost a year and really enjoyed myself. It is great to become familiar with getting around by car for the occasion when teams come from the states. The next group comes into the city in September after a one day event for two students who are passing through on the way to an English camp.

Good Medical News

Lisa : Went to bed with a headache and woke up without one! She plans to drink 2 L of Coke Zero today on the advice of a doctor.

Grace : Helped me tour a friend around the capitol. She is the only 2 year old I know who can go walking for 5 hours! She is excited to go to the airport with me today as we plan for our family’s arrival. Quote from yesterday as we were looking for a restaurant that would serve us in the rain, “This isn’t working!”. This after finding closed signs in many windows.

Ella : Took a jump from the windowsill. I caught her so she didn’t seem to mind;)

Philip : So nice to have a friend visit from Olomouc. We visited a medieval town and made some new friends. I then showed him my favorite parts of the city so far with Grace. I am glad to see Lisa upright but insisting she rest today.

AM

Somehow Lisa was able to get up at 0330 and help with Grace going to the toilet and Ella having a little scream fit. This is common at night but I have been in charge. The morning has begun more rested and ready to servce for us all. It is back to rest for Lisa. Ella is doing her climbing. Grace is running and asking Why. I am working on some email and thankful for those who continue to write in support.

BTW Keeping up with Grace has video

from Philip

All that has been going on since the move has been hard to keep up with. Lisa has been out of commission because of her condition and I am swamped. If you are not in the loop, forgive me, send an email and I can catch you up. Someone wrote that this was the refining fire and I agree. Many things have been allowed that I, Philip, have not been prepared for.

The challenge of language learning, life abroad, few friends, and a big change in day to day work responsibilities in addition to medical updates.

Our blog began to reflect on the Grace that comes from knowing Christ and to keep an eye on Grace Bennett. I want to add Lisa’s condition and try to keep up with Ella too. Plus, you have got to know who is providing the strength to carry on. Heavenly Father!

Lisa : Another trip to the doctor to check on the remedy for her headache was made possible in a friends car. Lisa received some extra pain meds and was told that the headaches could last another week totaling two from the time of her spinal procedure. She returned from her first trip out of the house since leaving the hospital exhausted with an appointment to return Thursday. She must continue to stay hydrated and rest.

Ella : She is harder and harder to keep up with trying to walk by cruising everywhere and standing on her own! I continually rearrange furniture to make it impossible for her to find cat like positions elevated from the floor. Her new perch today was a window sill. How? From the floor to a chair, next a table and then a climb! You can pray for peace because I know she is experiencing tension with Dad alone!

Grace : We had a nice bike ride continuing to find our way around the city while the other girls slept. Grace helps me make friends with the shop keepers when she insists on paying or by wearing her bike helmet in the store. Today she took my donuts and gave them to her mother and Ella!

Philip : I am looking forward to having some help at home. My parents will make a visit at the end of the week.