Rachael Hinkle Update #8

Well, thanks be to God for providing great discernment to a doctor who began a blood infection protocol 2 days ago!  As it turned out he saw the higher white cell count, which in Rachael's condition could mean several things.  Concerned that it was a blood infection, the doctor began the protocol before the tests were back.  So, we had a jump on it.  Dr. Clemons and the folks at Dr. Rodman's group are doing a great job and we are grateful.

Rachael is now free of the nasogastric tube and has completed the Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) which permits her to be fed directly to her stomach.

Today she took several breaths of non-hospital oxygen.   Keep in mind she is completely off of the ventilator and breathing on her own.

Her eyes are open quite often but she is not seeing yet nor is she responding to any visual stimulus.

She will soon be moved out of ICU to a local Health Care facility that specializes in people in and coming out of a coma.

Nancy and I realize we need the rest to keep from falling in the flesh and sinning.  It is hard.  We had a quiet afternoon with Hanna for a few hours.  Daniel started his final semester at SCF.

Many of you have sent cards and we so appreciate them.  The notes to lovetorachael@gmail.com are inspiring and uplifting and I do hope she can hear them.  Keep them coming please.

With so many verses focusing on fighting battles and healing, we found one note from a friend of Rachael's that says it so well:

Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord;

Be strong and let your heart take courage;

Yes, wait for the Lord.

New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Ps 27:14). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

Rachael is resting comfortably this evening.  Tomorrow, Rachael will be moved to a health care facility.  If the Lord wants us to wait longer after the amount of time He wills for her to stay at the facility, we will.  We will wait for Him to move with Rachael in her own house with us.

Our lives are of course changing and we will have a new normal around here.  This will be the last update on Rachael.  The next one you get will be sharing the news of her voluntary repeatable response from command.  That is our immediate prayer.  There is so much to pray on though.  Not just with Rachael but for all the unsaved we have crossed paths with over the past days.   There is so much hopelessness out there.  If you are saved by the blood of Christ, be the light in the dark world.  There is hope in our Lord.  We need to tell people.

Thank you all.  God has richly blessed Rachael in her slumber.  He has blessed us.   We continue to pray for and anticipate her complete recovery

Burt