UPDATE on Jenny - Jim Arnold, Missionary Field Coordinator, W. Africa

Dear Family and Friends,
We are now two weeks+ since Jenny's horrific accident and are so very thankful for God's healing grace. Two weeks ago Jenny was fighting for her life, with little chance that she would survive.  God intervened on behalf of all the prayers offered up for her, and she remains with us today. Now she fights for other aspects of a normal life. She is very stable, but the doctors are beginning to see some worrying traits that are popping up. She remains in the Trauma Unit, but is responding to treatment. The doctors are very pleased with her progress, but have assured us that it will be a very long, hard road with much rehab involved. During the course of this last week, she had a tracheotomy done, which has helped immensely with her breathing. She still struggles to breathe on her own as she is in so much pain with all the broken ribs and bones in her chest area. They have noticed that she may have nerve damage to her left side and she has memory lapses. One doctor told us that the memory loss was not due to the medication, but only time will tell if it will be permanent. In addition, her left eye seems to have become a lazy eye, and we don't yet know the results of that.  They have not been able to do any surgeries on her many fractured vertabrae in her back because they have to wait until more healing takes place. They would like to put her in a body cast from the waist up and stand her on her feet; then they can assess the damage and direction they need to go from there. Perhaps later this week they will be able to do some of that.

Jenny has been able to respond to our many questions with nods and sometimes using sign langauge with her right hand. However, oftentimes her messages are very incoherent. PLEASE KEEP PRAYING FOR JENNY'S HEALING!
 
As for Denise and me, we are holding up, athough very tired. The days are long and very draining at the hospital. However, what a wonderful place to pray with other hurting families and win souls! When people are struggling and going through sorrowful times, they are very open to the Gospel. We continue to be there for Jenny day and night, and will do so until she is able to walk out. We look so forward to that day.  
 
Please keep us in your prayers, that God will continue to bring in funds to help us survive living in the Greenville area. We are already pushing $7000 in expenses for caring for Jenny with some bills, housing (motels), food, travel to and from hospital daily, and personal needs not readily available since we are not in our home. These expenses do not include any doctors, medical or hospital bills. In addition, we have had to get a lawyer for Jenny to help us take care of her personal needs and care (wow, never really realized how expensive legal fees were; we pay $210 an hour just for his services). Please continue praying for these needs as we are just into the third week at the hospital and the bills will keep stacking up. If you can help in this matter in any way, please let us know.  Many have asked, "How can we help?" and this is our greatest need at this time.
 
Thank you for all your prayers and those that have helped us with the expenses. We love you and will keep you updated as things change.