The Atlantic Ocean can\'t stop family prayer for Mom

The Atlantic Ocean can\'t stop family prayer for Mom 09/08/2011

In an instant, life can change. That instant was yesterday morning when over Skype, my sister in law told me my mom had collapsed. Long story short, she has a brain aneurism. At this moment, she is in surgery, where she will be for 6 hours as they go into her skull to close up the aneurism. Click below for the story and updates on how she is doing:

I'm far away, in the UK in Bradford, and my family is in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Wow, this is hard. As the oldest of 9 kids followed by 7 boys and a younger sister, I have grown up very close to all my siblings, and it's at times like this is when the family rallies together.

Far away in the UK
It's been emotionally difficult today to be so far from everyone else. I miss the humorous brothers who bring calm and light-hardheartedness to the situation. I miss the hugs, both giving to those who need them, and receiving when I need them. I miss praying and sharing a few tears, since I can't help but be tearful at the gravity of the situation. I'm so grateful that Josh and his wife and two kids have joined the younger siblings, living at my house while Mom and Dad are away. I'm also super grateful for the family whom I'm currently living with. Richard & Sue have been God-given for me at this time, I know.

Family prayer over Skype
Tonight was a special moment for me and most of my siblings. Over Skype, I joined in for family prayer, where we all took a moment to pray for mom, who was starting a 6 hour operation. Here's a screen capture of our Skype call:

I have been so grateful for the ability to feel close while so far. In fact, tonight, I've been on Skype for a full hour, set up in the corner of the kitchen watching as siblings prepare supper and putter around. I'm writing this blog, hearing all the sounds that are familiar in my home.

Sounds of home
Christel is on the piano playing "Blessed Be Your Name." Sarah & Josh are making home-made yam fries, and Josh makes occasional comments about people making well wishes through emails for mom. I'm overhearing phone calls as friends and family call in to hear the latest news on mom.

All in all, it's been a great hour over Skype. I'm blogging, thinking and praying for mom, feeling close to the family, and really, truly, giving my heart to God as it winds closer to midnight for me....

Dear God, bring me true rest. You are the Master Surgeon, you created mom and know every fibre of her being. I trust in you for her safety and her healing.

Mom, I love you so much and I'm praying for you!!!

P.S. I had some great moments today. I met a new friend (also on Academy), I heard some great original piano music, and we went to Bradford City Centre where I picked up this new Orange Rio II cellphone. I get emails instantaneously!

So send me emails or comment on this post!

Comments

jeff

09/08/2011 4:16pm

thinking of you and praying here in Fergus too!
many people i've talked to have asked how you are doing, especially with being away in England.

Josh link

09/08/2011 4:19pm

Hey Liz. Great read. Love it, man.

Praying for you!

- Josh

Jac Ernst link

09/08/2011 4:23pm

Praying for you and your family. Thank goodness we can find comfort in God and know that he is in full control of the situation. Praying for peace. Hugs!!
Jac (and Brian and babE Gray too)

Edna

09/08/2011 4:23pm

Hi Elizabeth: I can't stop thinking about you, and praying for you. I pray for immense peace for you and I certainly thank God for skype so you can "be" with your family. Sleep well.

Anneesa Feenstra

09/08/2011 4:32pm

Hey Liz

You and your family are such an inspiration to me and my family. You show the meaning of love caring in everything you do. We are praying for you all during this time and appreciate the updates. Like I said I can relate to being so far from family as we live in Alberta now. I truly hope all goes well during this surgery tonight and that God will continue to bless you all. Your Friend Anneesa

Anthony Plack

09/08/2011 4:47pm

Hey Liz,
Josh sent this link to your site. Very cool. You have a very wonderful family and an awesome brother. No he isn't paying me to say that.
Our family is praying for your mom, but more for the surgeons, who were prepared by God for this very moment. I know Josh has the kids at home, and I feel his fear and yours too.
I love the idea of family Skype prayer.

Jolly Jon

09/08/2011 4:57pm

God is good! HE is taking care of Carrie and He hears all of our prayers for her and your family during this time.

Alison McAulay

09/08/2011 5:21pm

Hi Elizabeth, Wanted you to know that we are thinking about you too. I told Stuart that before going into surgery that it wouldn't surprise me if your mom was organizing things that need to be done until she is home. She always thinks 10 steps ahead of everyone else! lol
It was awesome to see how technology is working for you in this situation.
Big hugs to you!
Alison

Wendy

09/08/2011 5:29pm

Praying for your Mom, you, and whole family. Hope you're getting used to the new place and everyone is friendly.
W

Charlotte

09/08/2011 5:48pm

Your mum (mom) is in the greatest hands she could possibly be in physically and spiritually and praying for you and your family at this sudden and hard time!!!!!

and don't worry everyone, Liz is in good hands here! and we want to keep her forever!!!!!

much love xxxxxxx charlotte

Paula C.

09/08/2011 5:50pm

Oh Liz - my heart goes out to you and all of your siblings... I'm so glad that you are still feeling close to them through skype - being away at a time like this is so difficult, but I know you find strength in God and I trust you will tap into that and know your course...
p.

Deb Eckmier

09/08/2011 5:51pm

Hi Elizabeth;
I saw it posted in the middle of the night here and was praying for you and your family! Thanks for keeping us posted on your mom's progress. She's a real special lady!
Love and <<<hugs>>>
Deb E

Judy Wilson

09/08/2011 6:33pm

Hi Elizabeth,
Praying for you and your family. Thinking of how difficult it must be for you being so far away. May God bring you comfort and peace.
Ed & Judy Wilson

Ashley Logsdon link

09/08/2011 6:36pm

Elizabeth,
Wow, just a few weeks ago we were meeting you for the first time right on the cusp of you leaving... It's amazing, scary, and overwhelming how quickly life changes and a curveball is thrown in. My heart dropped when it dawned on me that you were already gone - I ache for you!

Thank God, though, for technology. How incredible that you can keep skype up and hear the sounds of daily home life, pray with your sibs, and watch the antics of crazy cute nieces.

Our prayers are with you all the way from Nashville, TN - and we're staying posted on the latest news as well - I pray for peace for you - you are only a plane ride away, and you can see your family with the click of the computer! Your mom has already experienced miracle after miracle here - I expect many more!

The Nashville "non-conformist" friends!

Sheldon & Krystle

09/08/2011 6:46pm

Hi Liz,

We are praying for your mom, your family and for you during this time. God is faithful! May you be encouraged!

Steph

09/08/2011 7:15pm

Steph

09/08/2011 7:17pm

Thank you for the insight into how your family is handling this challenging moment in your lives. I'm praying for your mom and all of you.

Rosanne

09/08/2011 8:57pm

I'm so glad you were able to skype with the fam and be a part of things. We are definitely praying for your "mum" and dad and your siblings, as well as yourself.
By the way, Charlotte, thanks for taking such good care of Liz but we want her back!!!

Ben Relke

09/09/2011 10:52am

I'm praying for you all right now.

Jo, Steve and Co.

09/09/2011 10:28pm

Liz ~

1st thing that slammed my head before typing was gorgeous Isaiah 26:3, "You will guard her* and keep her in perfect and constant peace (nothing missing, nothing broken) whose mind (both inclination and character) is stayed on YOU, because she commits herself to You, leans on You, and hopes (confident expectation) confidently in You."

Being the Alpha and Omega - Abba knew that His grace would be sufficient (meaning, possessed with unfailing strength) and that His strength is so desirous to be made perfect in your weakness.

Praise God for Skype ;) Praying for you and the fam.

Love you all loads. xo

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