On checking I find that it is just over a year ago since I have shared with you my experiences of undergoing a hip replacement and I feel the need to update you on where I am today. My convalescence from surgery was wonderful. When I was able to put my feet on the floor after surgery and to feel almost no pain after about six years of enduring much pain, I felt like running and jumping and praising God. I tried very hard to follow the instructions from the Dr's and the therapists so that my recovery would be complete. I was on a special walker for six weeks to enable me not to put my full weight on the one leg. I spent time doing the exercises which had been prescribed for me and I rested when I needed to.
Now, a year later, I can walk freely without cane or walker but do use both occasionally, especially when I walk outside. It had been my dream during the years of pain, to once again be able to walk downtown ( three blocks) and to do my own shopping and that dream has become a reality. I am well aware that My God has been with me in a special way during these days of recuperation.
My prayer partner and I resumed our intercession for the 103 residents in this Senior complex and little by little we are seeing the Lord move in our midst.
After a period of time when I felt that I had been set aside, suddenly the Lord began to move in a very exciting way. Out of the blue a Christian girl on the kitchen staff handed me a petition re: child pornography, asking if I would take it around and get some signatures. Immediately I saw the Lord opening doors for me to enter every room in the building. I still have about half the residents to visit and awaiting God's opportunities to touch lives.
I started out in No. 1 wing of the building and the second person I called on, a German lady, asked me in broken English something I interpreted as, "What is this thing about being saved? I've wondered about it for many years." Talk about the Lord laying that one in my lap !!!!! Yes, she listened to the Scriptues I shared and bits and pieces of my testimony and when I asked if she would like to pray the Sinner's Prayer she said 'yes' but desired to do it under her breath. I truly believe she has received Jesus into her heart. I have enjoyed great conversations with everyone I have visited with and in most rooms was able to bring something of the Lord into the conversation but not always the opportunity to pray with them. I believe that even the smallest of seeds we plant shall bring good things into being.
My next real opportunity came as I visited with Mary who was in bed and suffering much pain in her legs. As I was leaving I asked if I might pray for her and she agreed and I prayed for the Lord's hand of healing to touch her. Next morning I was amazed to find her in the dining room ready for breakfast and has been down for each meal since, having walked quite a long distance. When I asked how she was she replied that she was much better. Praise God !!!!
Then there is Marie whom I visited with on the eve of her operation for esophagus cancer. I told her I would be praying for her and asked for her permission to put a request for prayer for her on our prayer chain of 26 women at my church and she readily accepted. She is making a very good recovery and is back at her room here at the Lodge. I was so happy to see her come out to our Sunday afternoon church service for the first time last Sunday.
Life goes on here in our Lodge, some rushed to hospital, some dying, new people coming in, lots of planned activity and truly a wonderful place for Senior's who cannot cope on their own. It is exciting to see the Lord beginning to move amongst the people. My prayer partner and I are praying for a miracle of healing amongst the people that all will know that our God is a miracle working God.
My grateful thanks to all who have prayed for me and I ask that you would continue to keep me in prayer, especially for my faithfulness in sitting at the feet of Jesus and to hear aright what He is saying to His people in these dark and ominous days we are living in.
In His love Dorothea
