So many things have changed since the last time I wrote (January). I was busy finishing up my time in Corvallis (February) and then headed back to Latvia.

 Two days after arriving in Tilza, I woke up with my left arm and shoulder hurting so badly that I couldn’t move it or think of anything else. That was a Saturday and I went to the doctor on Monday. The things he tried did not help and I ended up in the hospital in Balvi for a week. There was a great deal of infection and a very large cyst on the back of my arm. Without going into further details, spent another week in a different hospital with no release from the pain (especially the shoulder). I then went to Riga and saw several doctors, had more tests and lots of antibiotics. Nothing was changing. After an MRI it was determined that I needed surgery so I felt it best to come back to Corvallis.

I did have surgery at OHSU with an infectious disease doctor handling my care here in Corvallis. I am feeling much better but need a good deal of physical therapy. Also my white blood cell count is low and I will see a hematologist for that.

I am being well cared for by my friends here in town but the doctors think I should wait until September before going back to Latvia. Please pray for healing (which I know many of you are already doing) and patience. The ministry in Tilza has changed and I don’t know what the future holds for me in Latvia either.

Thank you for your love and concern.

Because I left Latvia in such a hurry I didn’t go back to Tilza which means my camera and other important things are still there. Liga has packed up my  things and I will decide what to do with them when I return.