Happy New Year

Hi everyone and happy new year. We seem to have hit this new year running. We had a busy but lovely Christmas, which we shared with both close and extended family, and we were glad that Andy's casts came off just in time.  Just after Christmas we met up with another couple similar to ourselves. Paul lives with his wife, Vicky. He is just a few years older than Andy and has also suffered locked in syndrome. We were able to share ideas, experiences and plans for the future. It was really good and we can't wait to see them again.

Thanks to everyone who prayed. Since the operation once Andy had his casts off we  have seen a sizeable improvement; this is despite it being les frequent because of the pressure sores on Andy's heels, not to mention that Andy has also been revising for his exams. Andy is now able to put far more power through his legs and we hope that one day soon he will be able to transfer without a hoist at home.

Other Positive News

• We have decided to increase our family with Onesimus the Labrador puppy, who arrives February 12th. We can't wait to have him home.
• We have just paid the balance payment for our cruise in May so that it really feels like it's happening. 
• Andy has led his first proper  church home group, especially for people who may otherwise find attending a home group difficult with other commitments. 

Prayer Pointers

• Please pray that our small group takes off and people are able to commit the time to come.
• Please pray that there is even more strength in Andy's quad muscles and also that he can recruit these muscles quicker.

Finally....

This is a scripture that has been close to our hearts more recently:

Psalm 103
1Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
² Bless the Lord, O my soul,And forget not all His benefits...
  
It would seem that in this Psalm  the writer is encouraging his soul to bless the Lord, perhaps despite his feelings, and he does this by recalling not just his physical but also his spiritual blessings.  If we are able to put our obvious difficulties beside for a moment, there are numerous benefits which we as a couple enjoy.