Kristin update July 10, 2009

Well, we were at the doctor for about 2 hours this morning - the doctor from Charlotte hadn't faxed the operative reports, so the doctor here didn't have info on what type of surgery was performed (apparently there are like 5 different ways you can do repairs based on what you find when you get inside), and after placing calls to the Charlotte office (while we were in the office this morning) and not receiving further info, they decided to go the cautious route (not wanting to have Darin progress too quickly through the stages of recovery and then rupture the repair and have to start all over again ... SO, that means Darin's in a black cast (he chose the exact cast Seth had on his arms :)) for the next 3-4 weeks, and then he'll go into a hinge cast or maybe the walking boot -- I think he was a little bit bummed today, but he already feels so much better just being out of that huge white splint thing - the cast is so much more streamlined and comfortable (and his toes stick out and it doesn't come all the way up to his knee like the splint did!)

I'm exhausted - we've had so many early mornings and just draining things lately - I'm taking my parents to the airport tomorrow at 6:30 (they're going to Colombia on a mission trip - that's why Darin's preaching these next 2 Sundays), then we'll be driving 2 hours to go to Darin's cousin's bday party (he's turning 4 - we're starting his lego collection :)), then 2 hours back to Louisville to have dinner with a family from church - it will be a busy, tiring day (right before another busy Sunday), but it's good - maybe this next week will be a week of rest!?! :)

The Waiting Game

How interesting is it that my first official preaching assignment here in Louisville would be on Psalm 6? Not a Psalm I was particularly familiar with. But I had to laugh when I first read it, even as I was coming out of the haze of my Achilles-repair surgery. "My bones are in agony... how long, O Lord, how long?" So I'm preaching this week about waiting for the Lord. Definitely not something I am particularly good at. In fact, it might be one of the things I am considerably bad at. Back when I could drive Kristin would often hold me back from passing road hazards on small country roads like a farmer with a load of hay, a big mower deck or one of those scooters that can't really keep up with cars... Yes, like Indigo in the Princess Bride, "I hate waiting."

Nevertheless, here I am - immobilized until September. Waiting on new insurance cards; waiting on that 10-14 day post-op visit (it's now day 16) to change my lovely leg dressing; waiting to bathe normally again; waiting to drive again; waiting to walk again without crutches. And now trying to actually learn what it means to wait for the Lord.

(p.s. next week I preach on Psalm 7 - about enemies, persecution and injustice... please join Kristin in praying that God does not give me as immediate an illustration for that lesson.)

I am a Genius

Most people, after rupturing their Achilles tendon halfway through their second game of (over 30) indoor soccer, would get the memo. Most people, after surgery and 4 months of rehab, would probably retire to more tendon-friendly pastimes - like golf, reading, wii or video-editing. But no - I am not most people. And, in my defense, I did play for nearly two years after my comeback from the first surgery - probably more than 50 or 60 games (and I even scored once or twice in there). But then, in the last game of the season - my last game in Charlotte... I heard and felt that all too familiar "pop," and collapsed to the turf. In the nanoseconds of my descent to the scratchy green surface a million images raced through my mind: Kristin's face when she got the call, my ortho doc's face when I hobbled into his office again, surgery, recovery, rehab - all THE VERY WEEK we are preparing to move across country, start a new job, and my wife is 5 months pregnant. Indeed, I am a genius.

The Streak Continues

So last Thursday we had our 18 week ultrasound, with very pink expectations and very blue results. 4 of us predicted girl, and Kristin and I (at least) had built up considerable excitement about bows and dresses, long hair and nail polish (ok, I can't say I was that fired up about nail polish, but you get the point). But Joel called it - he said it would be fun to have a girl, but "Come on, it's going to be a boy!" And he actually wanted a boy - since he wasn't sure if it was a girl if he would, in fact, be a big brother... Now, he will definitely be a big brother. Anderson boy number 4 is on his way - still scheduled for November 7 (though a C-section will probably be scheduled somewhat before then). Top name contenders right now are "Luke Daniel," "Drew Joseph," and "J.P. - John Paul." Kristin and I have worked through our disappointment and can honestly say we are excited about another boy - confident that boys are what God has designed us to raise, and that He has a mission for each of our young men to accomplish.

Next Steps

Today is a turning point day for the Anderson crew. First, because we have officially announced that we are following God's call to help build up His church in Louisville, KY. And second because it might (no promises here) actually mark the time when I start to blog (hold the applause, both of you).

This really is the culmination of a dream we've had for over 10 years now - to work with Kristin's mom and dad in ministry - preaching the word, making disciples and planting churches - together! I remember when her folks got to their first senior pastorate in Florida, how Mike (I have to call him that now - Papa just doesn't feel very professional) prophetically invited me to lead his 3rd church plant. I have always been inspired by his approach to Biblical community, centered in small groups - and by his commitment to plant churches. Now we have the privilege of coming alongside two people who have already greatly impacted our lives (and happen to be family members) to do the work of ministry together!

It looks like our last Sunday in Charlotte will be June 28 - please join us in praying for a smooth transition in which we can finish well here and get things started well in Louisville!