Brief Update

It's ages since I've posted a blog message. But in summary:

• We're still in the UK
• We moved back to our Brentwood address in 1st Jan
• We're still waiting for hospital appointments
• James is working part time in a school - teaching physics
• We've just got our internet connection at home
• We're trying to catch up with our post (and failing to find it) as the Royal Mail think we've still "Gone Away" even though we've told them "Oh no we haven't" several times.
• We're trying to remember all the things we forget. Including the notes and lists we write to help us remember.
• And find all the things we have "lost" amongst our storage. Including the reminder lists. Or did we find those?

I am now prompted to write a more sensible update - sometime soon.

Weeks 111 -114 (31 Aug – 27 Sep)

Although Andrea spent much time making phone calls she was unable to get a follow-up appointment with the consultant until 22nd Sept – nearly 7 weeks since the MRI scan. All we can do is wait.

Meanwhile, we have been visiting friends and trying to go out each day. Even picking blackberries on the roadside outside the house has counted as an outing. I managed to get permission and time off for good behaviour to go to the National Gallery in London for a day. I’ve been trying to find an opportunity since March. I suppose that says something about my behaviour. I enjoyed seen familiar paintings and was struck by the vibrancy and detail, even of those painted over 600 years ago without the access to the technology, equipment and expertise that is so easily available today.

On 10th Sept we moved to stay in Geoff and Crystal’s home while they were on holiday. It is in a part of Brentwood we have only driven through so it’s been good to explore. After being out on one of our trips we do have to think carefully which roads to take so that we return to the right house! We’ve had a few detours so far.

Lyn, our fellow church member, returned to Kampala at the end of her home assignment. We are glad that she has been able to return but we found the church goodbye on Sunday (14th) a little difficult especially as the Ushindi term started on the 15th.

The appointment with the consultant (22nd) was worthwhile but means more tests. He was still unable to give us an indication of how long things might take but possibly 4-6 weeks even to be admitted for tests – which would be faster than as an outpatient. A few days later we received an admission date of 8th Oct – much sooner than expected. Andrea has had a couple of infections and therefore visits to the GP. This has restricted our movements a little but we still enjoyed our “holiday”.

Andrea still enjoys her knitting - or even just sorting the wool she has collected.

The "King Pins" knitting group meets at the church twice a month - but I think it should be renames as they to more nattering than knitting!

One of my highlights had been meeting weekly with Doreen to follow the “Fan the Flame” discipleship course. This has been specially written for people who have been Christians for some time. Our hourly meetings have been lasting for nearly two hours because we seem to have so much to talk about prompted by the material – and Doreen’s vast knowledge and experience! It has been very encouraging for me and have asked – “What’s next?”

On Thursday mornings I have been exploring with a group from Harold Wood Methodist Church with Don, our friend Gill’s dad. Andrea is looked after by Gill’s mum who used to enjoy the weekly walks but, like Andrea, is unable to walk very far now. I get some exercise and Andrea is able to chat – so it works well for both. They are a very friendly group – I think I’m the youngest (by about 8 years) and Don is the oldest (a mere 34 years older than me!). I can just about keep up with him but did struggle up the hills! Last week we visited “Plotlands” where families from the East End of London were evacuated during the war. There is a small museum which prompted much reminiscing and mirth.

Weeks 106 -110 (27 July – 30 Aug)

It’s been two months since I added anything to the blog. I feel the need to keep it continuous, even if it’s brief. Though on past experience when I get going brevity and succinctness seem elude me.
We went to my sister’s house in Winchester from 27 July to 17 August (3 weeks) then to my Mum’s (also Winchester) for 3 days. Libby and Brian were away for two weeks and it was refreshing to be on our own in a different place. We managed to catch up with Cathy Asiki and her family when they visited Southampton. We also went swimming a few times too. Unfortunately we had to return to Romford for a couple of nights due to Andrea’s MRI scan.
We were able to watch more of the Olympics than ever before so it was good that Team GB did so well. We also cheered the Ugandan athletes. Our own exercise was more limited though Andrea did manage to use the new electric wheelchair at Thorndon Park which was given in memory of one of our church friends, Dennis Kearns. I had to tell her to slow down a couple of times and was very pleased when she sailed through a patch of mud while I gingerly picked my through the least wet patches. It’s an amazing machine – a 4x4 all terrain of wheelchairs.

The other highlight of August was the wedding of my brother John to Amanda on Friday 29th. So we now have another Mr J and Mrs A McAdam in the family. They live in Buckingham and the service was held in a picturesque village church nearby. The reception afterwards was in a hotel near Silverstone. John is a fan of motor racing (cars and bikes) so it was fitting that they spent the night in the Schumacher Suite. The following day was hot and sunny – notable because it seems to have been the only one all summer. Not that we were particularly looking for hot sunshine, but it would have been nice to sit outside more than we were able.

Week 105 (20 - 26 July 2008)

Andrea's Mum's garden

Laura was discharged from Exmouth hospital on Sunday morning in time to be back at her flat by lunchtime. She survived my cooking but it may have delayed her recovery. Adam visited in the afternoon and that cheered Laura up considerably! We had a good time chatting on Monday and Tuesday as we walked around Exmouth for a bit and did some things in her flat. It was a relaxing time and a chance for Laura to recover without having to do everything on her own. I returned to Romford by early Tuesday evening and Laura went to stay with Adam’s family.

On Wednesday, our neighbours in Arua – Anne and Allan Lacey – visited. They are back for a month only. It was great to catch up with their work in Arua and our friends. It was the hottest day we’ve had so far here and were able to sit outside, just as we do in Arua. They brought news of the school and letters from students but we found these hard to read as we realised how much we miss being with them.

Thursday evening was fine so our home group barbeque went ahead as planned. The cheesecake was memorable! The company wasn’t bad either. It make me realize how fortunate we are to have such kind friends in both the UK and in Uganda.

Friday was a bit different – but not with regard to our friends! Andrea and I went swimming, with Gill Golding, at the Brentwood Centre. It was an hour for adults only and the pool was split into lanes fast, medium and slow. Andrea wanted a very slow lane two as she floated on her back and kicked her legs just enough to make some progress and Gill and I “kept guard” alongside. It cheered her up enormously and Gill and I also had an opportunity to realize how unfit we were. As it was the Goldings 27th wedding anniversary (and our 28th in a week’s time) we decided to go out for lunch at a local, very pleasant venue which had benches outside. The following day, Gill and Steve were going to Jersey with her parents to celebrate their 60th anniversary. We’ve some way to go yet!

Saturday: As if this wasn’t already a “busy” week we went knitting and “painting” in the morning then to another barbeque at Ruth and Nigel’s home in the evening. This was for the Mid-centurions i.e. over 50’s, but not a strict age restriction – just even more friends we’ve known for a long time along with some newer ones. Andrea’s new medication seemed to be working so much better that I could hardly get her to leave at 11pm!

Week 104 (13 - 19 July 2008)

Our new friend, Tabitha, was dedicated this week and we had a tea afterwards to catch up with older friends. It was great to be able to celebrate her sister, Eleanor’s, recovery from a heart operation. On Tuesday we heard that our daughter, Laura, had been taken into hospital in Exmouth with Quincy, a very painful throat infection. We didn’t know which hospital but eventually tracked her down. We owe her friend, Charlotte, a huge thank you for taking care of Laura and visiting her when she was at her worst. Especially when she should have been training for a London to Paris bicycle ride to raise money for Christian Aid.

I (James) drove down to Winchester on Thursday evening and then to Exmouth on Friday morning. I was able to spend the afternoon with Laura in hospital and she had only just got her voice back when I arrived. So I missed the best bit! Her experiences of not being able to talk were interesting – people seemed to whisper or make signs to her or even stop talking altogether not realising that her ears and eyes were fine! She didn’t have her laptop at first and her mobile battery died so she felt really cut off. Must be a message there somewhere. She stayed in hospital on Saturday and was initially disappointed but then realised that eating hospital food rather than her Dad’s “cooking” was probably safer.

Week 103 (6 - 12 July 2008)

As our weeks are very similar I haven’t been doing much on the blog. Among the highlights this week was the church BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) lunch at a local cricket club on Sunday. This gave more space than usual for a barbeque and games for the more active – those under 25 and those who think their under 25! Being England in the summer, it rained and there was a strong wind for a while but this didn’t stop play or enjoyment. All went ahead as planned, with those who know they are over 25 spending the time in the clubhouse.

Monday held another highlight – a check-up at the dentist followed by coffee at Sainsbury’s. Andrea managed to walk from the car park rather than use the wheelchair – we were in no hurry. We spent Tuesday with Peter Thomas, hearing about his work during the sabbatical and enjoying a more challenging and enjoyable discussion than we’ve had for some time. We relaxed on Wednesday by going to see a film “Hancock” with Will Smith. I mean that Will Smith was in the film, not sitting next to us. As far as we know. Thursday’s highlight was the ice-cream at Thorndon Park and after such a busy week we didn’t do anything on Friday.

But Saturday morning was good – if exhausting for both of us. Andrea joined the “King Pins” knitting group at church, talking more than knitting of course. I joined the Tinnings for an art session. I eventually did a tiny drawing – anyone who has tried drawing will know the “white paper phobia” and fear of starting. So we talked most of the time. Even with my distracting and procrastination tactics, Lauren did make some progress with her commissioned painting! Not only did she give me ideas and short cuts but also set me some homework!!!! It was a very encouraging time and renewed my interest in colouring in.

Weeks 100 - 102 (15 June - 5 July)

Week 100 (15 - 21 June 2008)

I’ve got behind with the blog again – mainly because not a lot is happening that is even vaguely interesting. Even to me. Apart from some visitors this week. Lyn and Christine visited on Tuesday. That’s the Christine who had a flat opposite Lyn in Kampala and kindly drove us to The Surgery and other places as well as looking after us generally. On Thursday Libby and Brian visited – coming all the way from Winchester for the day. Unfortunately they got caught both ways in the M25 “car park”. It was good to see them, especially as Andrea hasn’t been able to catch up with Libby’s latest knitting project. We also visited our GP again to keep him up to date and renew a prescription.

WEEK 101 (22 - 28 June 2008)
This was a good week starting with an afternoon sitting in the Golding’s garden catching up with Steve and Gill. Laura arrived on Monday afternoon and entertained us until Wednesday. Not only is she a good listener (not much choice, you might think!) but she is also very observant and not at all modest! She did a good job of cheering us up too. We visited King George Hospital and a member of the Urology team who gave us some confidence that at last, things seem to be moving nearer a diagnosis. Andrea also had a further test on Thursday and a further appointment for the following Tuesday. Three appointments in 8 days is very unusual.

I spent some time preparing to speak at and AIM Conference for supporters in Croydon in Saturday. Andrea and Laura both gave useful suggestions and I “enjoyed” having a deadline to work towards. I was only one of six speakers, just to give an update on our work in Ushindi. I wasn’t sure of who would be there or what was expected and knew I had too much material. But it was too difficult to cut it down much at the last minute and, in Andrea’s absence, I talked far too long. I suppose I’m used to lessons of at least an hour and can continue the next lesson if the material’s not all covered. Also, with a syllabus to follow it’s hard to leave anything out! That’s my excuse – and a reminder that school science teachers don’t always make the best speakers! It was good to meet other AIMers, both past and present and encouraging to hear about other work. I also had coffee with the Elcomes. Hannah surfaced well before midday just to say hello! What an honour! It was only a short visit but we hope to see them again before too long.

WEEK 102 (29 June - 5 July 2008)
Steve Lancaster, the AIM Area Director for South England and South Wales, took the service today. Steve is our UK boss but was appointed after us so I met him for the first time yesterday, and he was able to catch up with Andrea today. Ian and Pat visited on Monday but the main disappointment was that when we went to the part the kiosk was closed and we weren’t able to get our ice-creams!

On Tuesday we visited the hospital hoping to find a diagnosis but were disappointed because all we discovered was that the symptoms Andrea has were confirmed! The urology can only manage the symptoms but not offer a cause. We were given a further follow-up appointment for June 2009. Andrea is now being referred to neurology – different from neuro-surgery – and back to Queens Hospital. After several phone calls, and a further visit to our GP, we have an appointment on 21st July. I think this one is in 2008.

Just to add to the frustrations, an old filling of mine dropped out but I managed to get a dentist appointment on Friday – before going to visit Nigel and Ruth in their new home in Stock.

Week 99 (8 - 14 June 2008)

Andrea remained in hospital until Thursday afternoon. There has been little further progress but she has an out patients appointment with the Urology Professor on 24th June. The pain management has been up and down as different things were tried, mainly on purpose! It is frustrating having time but not the concentration nor wherewithal to actually do much.

Ken Mizon visited on Wednesday. He and his wife, Anne, were managers of Matoke Inn in Kampala when we stayed there in August 2006. We last saw him at the AIM Central Region Conference in Kampala in January. It was good to catch up and we appreciated his visit.

I returned the borrowed wheelchair to the Red Cross – they have to be returned for servicing every three months. It was exchanged for another, to be returned by September. We hope to return it long before then of course!

Andreas bicycle has been stored in her Mum’s garage but I couldn’t find the pump for the tyres. After borrowing one and raising the seat I managed to ride it without falling off. But my knees hurt after less than five minutes. I aim to go out for a short ride each day for the exercise. There are a couple of parks nearby so I can ride off-road as we used to.