My endoscopy

I have been having esophageal discomfort for some time, not debilitating but a bother. I went to the doctor in early December and he ordered all kinds of tests, one a barium swallow to see the workings of my esophagus and stomach. (All my lab tests, bone density, other xrays were normal except for my EKG which will be the subject of another blog later on.) The barium swallow showed some esophageal spasm. The doctor referred me to a gastroenterologist who scheduled me to have an upper endoscopy this morning. The prep for that is no food or liquid after midnight. I had a 9:45 appointment. Clayton and I were up early and had a leisurely time at home and calculated that we needed to leave at 9 in order to get there in plenty of time. I had the x-rays and papers that I had filled out near my purse so I wouldn't forget them. I picked up the papers and decided that I would not need my purse because I didn't want to have to leave it lying around at the clinic. We made great time on the trip - it is about 15 miles there but traffic is often bumper to bumper so it is usually a long and exhausting trip. We were feeling so good that we had arrived there in record time and I was going to be early. As I got out of the car and was reaching into the back seat to get my papers and x-rays, I realized that I had left a very important paper at home in my purse. I'll explain. When a doctor orders any special test, the order is written on a special form and signed and stamped by the doctor. Then that form has to be authorized by the "insurance" company. In our case by our mission treasurer. I had taken the bus over to the mission office yesterday to have Bruce sign and stamp it. That was the paper that I had left at home! There was nothing to do but go back home and get it. We made the round trip in pretty good time and got back to the clinic at 10:20. When I walked up to the desk, the gal said "Ms. McDonald" (another thing is that I have to have all official documents done in my maiden name) and said that she was just getting ready to call me at home. I told her that things were "complicated" and left it at that and she didn't want to know any details. She called the surgical suite to let them know that I had arrived. She very calmy filled out all the rest of the forms and escorted me to the third floor. I had to undress and put on paper booties and a cap in addition to the hospital gown. I waited a while and then walked to the room where the endoscopy was to be done. Dr. Smith, the gastroenterologist, and Dr. Lopez, the anesthesiologist, spoke to me in English as they said that they need to practice their English. We talked a bit and then the anesthesiologist technician started my IV, put the heart monitor on and had me turn to my side. I felt the "sedative" going up the vein and the next thing I knew was Dr. Smith telling me that all was well except for esophageal contractions that were causing me the discomfort. They wheeled me to the recovery room where I napped a bit. I had my vitals taken, got up with assistance and walked around a little before my IV was discontinued. I was given instructions not to drive, use heavy equipment, lift anything heavy and not bend down the rest of the day. I was taken back to meet up with Clayton and get dressed. We got home by noon! I have a little post sedative headache but otherwise I am fine. Now I join the club of those who are taking the "purple pill" Nexium!! I have no pictures to post with this writing.

Promises Made, Not Broken

In Clayton's sermon on Sunday night he used two illustrations of his points on rearing children in a godly fashion. One was about Grandfather Roy Rock who made a pledge to quit drinking after being out with his brothers one night and they were all drinking. Evidently, one of the brothers got so drunk that one of the young boys had to escort him home. That embarrassed and upset Roy so much that he made a pledge never to drink again. That promise was kept throughout the rest of his life and influenced his children greatly.
The other pledge was one that Clayton's father, Chester, made while in the front lines of the war somewhere in Europe. The battle was heavy and it was clear that the attack against the American army was strong. Chester prayed that day and promised the Lord that if he survived the war that he would raise his children in a Christian home. He promised that he would take his family to church and that he would serve the Lord during his life. He also kept that promise, not only taking his family to church but served as a deacon for more than 40 years, taught Sunday School, was church treasurer for a time, and in other capacities according to his abilities.

Babysitting

We got to baby-sit Marcos again today. He is such a joy. One of his favorite things is to get into the lowest kitchen drawer and pull everything out. I have pretty much baby-proofed the drawer. He enjoys systematically pulling items out one at a time and play with each item briefly. Attached are a couple of photos - one of Marcos playing in the drawer and the other of his mother when she was about his age playing in a drawer in the kitchen. Do you see a resemblance?

Christmas in January

Clayton went to the office yesterday to take care of some business with our treasurer and also to pick up any mail that may have come for us. The box was full of Christmas cards, finally delivered to our box! Some of them had December dates for having arrived at the post office here. It was fun reading all the cards, newsletters and getting caught up with friends from various places. We have one friend who will send out her "Christmas" letter in April - a tradition for her now after years of doing it! It was so good to hear about new grandchildren, see some pictures of friends who seem to be SO much older than we are from the looks of their pictures! Some items were sad as people wrote of loved ones who had died during the year or other events that caused grief. Life has a way of keeping on for all of us bringing us joy as well as pain. I am glad to be reminded that we all share in the process. People come into our lives at different times and often remain around for the whole journey. What pleasure our family and friends bring us. I am so thankful for good friends and family!

Tea at Haydee's

We just got home from having "tea" at Haydee's (pronounced "eye' day"). Actually, we had 7-Up to drink since she thought it too hot for tea. Argentines don't drink iced tea so it would have been hot tea. Haydee is a member at our church, a widow, with one son and one grandson. She was a gracious hostess and talked about her life. She is 76, didn't get married until she was 33 and was married in a Methodist church despite her Catholic up-bringing. That caused her mother a lot of grief because she said that she had disowned her religion. Haydee has grown in the Lord over the years. She plays the keyboard at church and has been a member there for more than ten years. Haydee lives in a small apartment on the first floor of a two floor building. All the apartments open out onto a hall. Since it is hot today, most of the doors were open. We had prayer with her before we left as is customary. We prayed for her son, his wife and child as well since the daughter-in-law is a new Christian. We prayed that they would find a church near their home to be able to worship with other.

January 19, 2006

The sun has been out all day and it is around 85°F, hotter than the last week had been. At least it is still supposed to be cool at night the rest of the week. I was out this morning to take some pictures to be framed. It is so much cheaper here to have pictures custom framed. I have three to be done now, including a fan from Spain that Doña Violetta brought me back from her trip there in 1995. I wanted to preserve it since it is so pretty. It will be in a shadow box with a red back color. I think it will be very pretty. I hope to get everything framed to take back with us since things like that are so much cheaper. I will probably run out of time before I see to all things like that! July 26 is our date to leave Argentina. We have the tickets already!

Babysitting and other adventures

Laura brought Marcos over at 9:15 this morning for him to stay with us while she had classes. She was able to come back a couple of times between classes so we enjoyed talking with her as well. Marcos played hard, ate a lot and took a nap while he was here. The picture is Marcos and Laura having some fun. I took them home around 3:30.
I did some errands in Ramos Mejia where they live as well as had a manicure ($3.25) and a pedicure ($7.50) at my usual place. They serve coffee or tea at no charge and take their time with their services. I drove back to Haedo where we live, about 20 blocks. I stopped at the train crossing because the barriers were down. I waited 10 minutes and they continued to be down so I decided to take an alternate route home by driving the long way and going through the tunnel under the railroad. That was easy except for all the traffic! I don't like to drive because of the traffic and the other drivers who don't hesitate to blow their horns if they think you should do something else or move! Of course, it doesn't matter to them if there is another car blocking your way. Too many of them drive too close behind and on the side as well.

Last Thursday night we went out to dinner with other missionaries and volunteers from Saddleback Church. The volunteers came to do evangelism among the Mapuche in South Argentina and also among some people in Buenos Aires. Volunteer trips are a wonderful way for people to be reached with the Gospel. One man who had resisted any form of "talk" about religious things was led to the Lord by one of the volunteers. Now this man joins his wife as a believer. His daughter who has been a Christian for a long time had long prayed for her father. Clayton is in the picture with missionary Bruce Muskrat.

Monday in Buenos Aires

It has been such a nice breezy day here. I can see a beautiful fuschia colored bouganvilla on a wall across the street in front of our apartment. It is quiet on the street except for occasional bus that passes by as well as a car every now and then. We did our grocery shopping. Prices have almost tripled in the last three years so groceries are more expensive. Everything has risen in price but salaries haven't. Laura and I were discussing that yesterday. The monthly expenses of apartment buildings which are shared by the tenants have also risen so several are moving out of their apartment building. It is a shame that the economy here is such a disaster for lots of folks.

It has rained all day!

Sunday, January 15, 2006

It was raining when I awoke at 5 a.m. and has rained almost constantly all day. I have not felt well all day, a cold that I probably caught while in Chile. I am better this afternoon after feeling really lousy most of the morning. Clayton left for church and then a lunch meeting afterwards so isn't home yet. I napped this morning and then have studied this afternoon. It is about time to make the round of calls to family. No big news today from my world!

Saturday afternoon in BA

The sun is shining now after being cloudy most of the day. The temperature is still in the 70's and fairly pleasant. We got to baby-sit Marcos this morning into the afternoon. Got him back home around 2:30. Clayton cut his hair at the request of his parents since we have the clippers. These pictures were taken before and after his haircut. He was very good and didn't cry at all. The clippers are really quiet so that helps as well. We will be passing the clippers on to Laura when we leave so Clayton will be doing some "training" sessions with her. He uses the clippers on his hair but they are 220 V to run here so he will be getting some after we get to KY in July.

It's Friday the 13th!

The new 2 liter bottle of milk is so nice. Ever since we arrived in Argentina milk only came in one-liter cartons or plastic bags. About two months ago the new 2 liter jug was introduced and I love it. The price is the same as for two one-liter bags. The brand is different from what I have used San Cor instead of La Serenisima.

It is cool and breezy with sprinkles of rain from time to time. I like the cool weather for summer and would be glad if the temperatures didn't get above 90°F the rest of summer. Summer is my least favorite season here or in Kentucky.

I talked to Laura this morning. Marcos was taking his socks and shoes off despite her telling him not to. He hid his sock behind him! He loves to undo his velcro sandals and really doesn't like shoes. I'm sure it will take him a while to get used to the orthopedic shoes that he has to begin wearing in March.

Clayton and I have colds and are not up to par today. We were exposed to colds in Chile so figured we would soon have them!

First Attempt to Blog!

Here is a picture of Marcos on Jan 1 rocking in one our rocking chairs. He loves to rock!
It is raining today in Buenos Aires and has been since early morning. I went out for some errands and got my feet wet! Laura came over for a visit after her time at the institute. We went over the list of things that we want to get rid of or not take back to Kentucky. She selected some items that she wanted. She said that Marcos didn't want to go to sleep last night and just made faces at her when she told him it was time to go to sleep. She said her day at home yesterday messed up his schedule. He just wanted to be with her. I have a doctor's appointment for a routine check this afternoon and then we are going to dinner with some volunteers from the Saddleback Church along with some others.