Quick Update on Andy

Just a quick update: the nurses got Andy up and into a wheel chair this morning- he was able to put some of his weight on his left leg, but not able to actually hold himself up or take a step yet. His left arm continues to be immobile at this point. The surgeon did come in this morning and evaluate the case. His name is Dr. Fagioli, which means "bean" in English so Andy said he will have Mr. Bean operating on him!! He is a vascular surgeon and seems to have a good reputation here. Anyway, he has decided that the risk of surgery at this point is too great so it will be postponed for quite a while. The resident doctors have said that there is plaque in the carotid artery that is a concern- they are watching that and treating Andy with anticoagulants and statin drugs. We are thankful for each day's progress and trusting the Lord for the future.

Tonight a new patient was admitted beside Andy (there are 4 beds in his room); a man in his 50's with a mild stroke. I spoke with the wife and she remarked how calm we seemed. I was able to share my faith with her. She is a devout Catholic and pulled out her rosary beads. She told me that she was praying to the Madonna (the Virgin Mary) and asked me if I prayed to her too. I explained that the scripture does not teach that there is any mediator beside Jesus and we pray directly to Him. She asked me what prayer I used (she only recites the Ave Maria or Our Father prayers). I explained that we talk to God in a personal way. As I spoke with her I was again overwhelmed by the complete absence of a true knowledge of God, just an entrenched system of traditions which cannot help her to find peace at a time like now. This morning I read in Luke 5 where Jesus is accused by the Pharisees for not keeping the "traditions". He goes on and tells them a parable about putting new wine in old wine skins, and then he concludes by saying, "no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, 'the old is good' ". That's just what we find here in Italy- the old traditions are good enough, there is no place for the "new". But unfortunately the old does not bring peace or comfort or life. May this dear woman find true faith!

In Christ Alone,

Linda