May/27/07 

Hi guys. Winkie is doing okay. His old GP (now specializing and no longer in general practice) visited today. Winkie has been battling some blood clots in his legs and upper thighs. Refusing drugs, and using the natural means he has the doctor (through use of an ultra-sound machine) determined that the products he had been using have been working. I repeat, the doctor determined that his natural products have been working, because he could see two clots broken up in the blood vessel. However, the clots are still there, and though we’re not overly concerned obviously it’s a battle that isn’t over yet. Winkie faced blood clots years earlier and was treated with the usual- Luvenox, Wafarin… but he doesn’t want to go that route anymore. The natural means he has have the ability to break up blood clots in the blood vessel, and thin the blood, but unfortunately, he’s running out of the one that does the first job. Fortunately, one of our friends has just ordered him more. Winkie is resting a lot, and I think eating NZ food has been nice for him. (He’s very particular as to his food! Such a gourmet palate!) Consequently, I’ve been learning some of the secrets he has for good food. Even though his palate has returned, his appetite really hasn’t. A bowl’s worth of food seems to be as much as he can manage at the moment (we try to encourage him- believe me). Also, even though he’s able to walk (it’s more like a stagger still) and talk, his voice still isn’t doing so well. I’m hoping to get him connected with a physiotherapist this week, as Mom and I don’t seem to be doing a great job helping him get into shape. He gets tired so quickly, there don’t seem to be many exercises I can actually do with him before he wants to sit or lie down. This is just a little about him, and how he is doing.I’m doing well. It’s tiring being here, but I’m in it for the long hall. There’s nothing else more valuable that I could be doing at the moment than helping taking care of my dad. He needs help, and as soon as he doesn’t, that’s my cue to leave- I can return to the States after that. We watched a movie tonight- some of my second cousins were over as well. Winkie’s doing normal things again, he just isn’t doing all of them in normal ways- Please pray for him, that his voice will return to normal, that he will be able to walk straight and tall, and that he will get fit again.Mom is also doing well- it’s a full time job taking care of Dad, and she gets tired as well, but with relief from friends and family I think we’re doing pretty good. Mom was able to see her parents recently. She’s also been able to catch up with various friends that have visited. (She also has been enjoying eating fruit from our garden here …I think she wants you to guess as to what kind of fruit trees) Well, that’s all I have for now. Grace and peace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in the truth.” William Pratney. Posted by Israel Anderson