28 februari 2009

Look – I can walk!


With the help of a physiotherapist, Anna and God himself, I have today (day 35 after the accident) taken my first steps. First it was scary for me, but the physiotherapist and Anna supported and encouraged me. After some time it was just wonderful to walk again. I rejoiced. Now I will have daily walking exercise before I can leave the hospital and come home. Thank you for praying for me!
Very happy greetings from Ingvar.

22 februari 2009

To grow in Patience

For me right now to be confined to my bed (today 29 days) is a great test on my patience. I understand that my broken bones have to heal, but still I have to confess that the road “…tribulation produces perseverance (endurance) and perseverance character and character hope” is not easy. But as for me and for many others today as we need hope, we all have to walk this road.
The last 3 days I have been able to sit up. The Physiotherapist is helping me to build up my muscles and mobility again. Wonderful.
Greetings from room 1026 at RAM in Chiang Mai
Ingvar

18 februari 2009

Rehabilitation - from the receiving end.

Over the years I have been involved in many different kinds of rehabilitation programs – for others. But now, I myself am at the receiving end. And this is a much harder experience. I had 6 weeks rehabilitation from Hepatitis A, Jan-Feb 1975. We were at that time just new in Bangladesh. My orthopedic doctor has now given me instructions how to start – in the bed – to build up my body again, specially my right leg. It´s a good move in the right direction.To rebuild that which has been broken, gives many new learning opportunities. I thank God for His constant provision of rest and hope. And… I am happy to be alive today. My prayer is that all that I now am learning – the hard way - I will put into practice and by that be able to bless others, who goes through tough rehabilitation. The word in 2 Cor 1:3-7 is ringing in my ears: ”….. God of all comfort .... that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”  Ingvar

16 februari 2009

Blessed Colleagues

”Ingvar, we will now look after your work” was the first words that I heard from Owe Anbäcken (InterAct Regional Leader for Asia) after regaining consciousness after my MC accident. Laying there in ICU these words helped me to rest. My other colleagues has also stepped in and taken my workload. Many others has encouraged me. God himself has strengthened me from within.
I must say that one of the strongest experience these 23 days on-my-back is the privilege to have colleagues that says: ”We will now look after your work”. I love my work, but now I had no strength to do anything about it. To be a part of the body of Christ – what a privilege. In there we all are needed – but no one is indispensible. Thank you colleagues that you stepped in for me - a time such as this.
Ingvar

14 februari 2009

Small Rounds after 21 days

Little finger: The Infectious Disease Dr. wanted to change into some super antibiotics. We asked to wait for a couple of days to watch, because we had already seen a change to the better. Already yesterday morning it was a clear difference and today it looks really good. Thanks for a booster prayer for the small finger.
Pelvic Bones: New X-ray shows the bones are healing well, good position, and according with the original time frame, 4-6 weeks, then crutches.
Anna

12 februari 2009

Work from the bed

As Ingvar can't go to the office, the office is coming to Ingvar. Pray for the colleagues who are carrying an increasing load of work when Ingvar is recovering. Love Anna

11 februari 2009

A time to be weak....and helpless

I am a person who love to be active. February and March were fully booked with interesting  and important responsibilities, including a journey to Bangladesh and India. Then came 24th of January and a sudden helplessness. I can't even manage my own most natural needs. Embarassing and humiliating. I do of course thank God for the miracle of being alive. I appreciate the hospital staff, friends and colleagues who have been  fantastic and supported me 100%. But to be weak and helpless is hard.
Through the years of labor we come to believe that we are strong, a "super-Ingvar" who knows and is able. But then being positioned on the back, experiencing  that life is a combination of what you can do and who you are. When still in ICU going in and out of consciousness, I tried to pull out the lifesaving tubes and pipes and....wanted to go home, but they tied me down. Now I am going through an intensive course (today is the 16th day) of receiving help and being just myself. I agree with Job's goal in 23:10b"..... when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold". This is possible, but not because I am strong, but because allow myself to be real and God to be God. Thank you for praying for me. Ingvar