First update

This blog will be dedicated to updates and prayer requests for our beloved mom/grandma. I will try to update it as often as possible, as soon as I hear anything.

Grandma is still in the ICU and still weak, but very much aware. She is responsive when people talk to her, and knows what's going on around her. She is surrounded by many family members, though the visits are limited to twice a day, 30 minutes at a time. Due to the risk of infection, visitors are required to suit up before entering the ICU. Her eyes seem heavy and she sleeps a lot. The doctors suspect she most likely suffered a mild stroke after her fall, so she does not have much use of her whole left side right now. Her right side is normal, so she is able to write what she cannot say (since she has a tube inserted in her throat to help her breathe). She is on a blood thinner to prevent further blood clots.

Right now, the most pressing prayer request is for Grandma to breathe on her own. Currently, she is dependent on the tube to breathe and cannot do it on her own. On Monday, December 27th (which will probably be sometime during the evening of December 26th in the US), the doctors are planning to remove the tube to see if Grandma can breathe on her own. If she is still dependent on mechanical ventilation, then a tracheotomy will be performed and a tube will be surgically placed through a hole in her throat.

A few days ago, she wrote on a piece of paper "Pray for me." Grandma is a strong woman of great faith, who made an impression on me from when I was very little and continues today. In difficult and trying times, she always leaned on God for strength and comfort, and I know she wants us all to do the same. Please join me in praying for her with faith, to our God who has been there with her from the beginning.

Prayer requests:

1) Pray that Grandma will be able to breathe on her own, so the tracheotomy will not be necessary.

2) Pray that Grandma will gain strength everyday, so that she can be awake longer and open her eyes easily on her own.

3) Pray for the doctors and nurses, that God will give them wisdom to provide the best medical care for Grandma.

God's Word is true and unfailing, and I would like to share these verses with you. I would love it if someone in Taipei could read this to Grandma in Chinese, to encourage her:

~ from Isaiah 41:10, 13 (NIV) ~

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand...For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you 'Do not fear; I will help you.' "