We flew ou of Atlanta and went over Minnisota, over Canada, over the Nothewest Territory, over Russia, then to Shanghai. We had to wait for Chinese officials to board the plane and check for swine flu. Other than that and being long, he trip over went well. We arranged for a diver from Shanghai to Hangzhou which took about two hours. We went to church at Chong Yi ths Sunday morning May 10 and it was a good experience. Thanks to everyone for the many thoughts and prayers during this journey.
May 10th, 2009
Brad will be leaving Thursday May 7th to return to China for his second trip and rounds of treatments. He will be there about a month, returning June 5th. I will be accompanying him on the trip over, however, I will only be there two weeks. My plan is to keep everyone updated with his progress as long as I am there. It will be up to Brad to keep us informed after I leave.
This will be my first trip to China and I am counting on Brad for communication and sight-seeing. He has several places he is recommending that I see.
Craig (Brad’s dad)
May 10th, 2009
Just a quick update on our day. I got checked into a hotel a few blocks away. Brad told me to come back about 12:30 to get him for lunch. When I got back he was asleep and didn’t wake up until about 2:00. He wanted to go to a tea house. It was nice but no one spoke English. They did not know the English word “tea” and we did not know the Chinese word. So we played sharades. That was fun. We finally got it ordered. They brought it with tea leaves floating on top of the glass. Once they settled it was time to sip tea. By the time that happened, it was time for Brad to be back for his physical evaluation. So I was hurrying us to get back. He was not happy with me. He said it was jet lag for both of us. He said he would like to order out tonight. He is waiting to hear from Mallory. He said he would like to go to her church tonight if possible. I am on standby for whatever. Thanks for your prayers for Brad.
May 9th, 2009
Greetings to everyone and thank you for your prayers for Brad.
We left Atlanta Thursday morning and flew North over Chattanooga, Chiago, started curving Northwest over Canada and the Northwest Terratory, over Siberia and Russia down to China. We started West over Bejing so as to miss N. Korea fly zone. We arrived in Shanghi 16 hours later. Due to the Swine Flu concern we stayed on the plane for almost another hour to have temperature checked by a lazer thermometer. All cleared and baggage grabbed we were off to meet Jerry our taxi driver. We then drove about two and and half hours to the hospital at Hangzhou.
We went out to KFC for dinner and a stop at the RT Mart. Then a good night rest with exception of car alarms going off in the night 20 floors below. The windows were open for a nice breeze. Brad is planning on staying alone but it was late so he allowed me to stay the night. So I am off to check into a hotel.
He had his blood drawn this morning and we will be off exploring for the day. He is trying to make contact with a friend. We are planning on being picked up by taxi in the morning to go to church. More later.
Craig / Brad
May 9th, 2009
Brad will be leaving Thursday May 7th to return to China for his second trip and rounds of treatments. He will be there about a month, returning June 5th. I will be accompanying him on the trip over, however, I will only be there two weeks. My plan is to keep everyone updated with his progress as long as I am there. It will be up to Brad to keep us informed after I leave.
This will be my first trip to China and I am counting on Brad for communication and sight-seeing. He has several places he is recommending that I see.
Craig (Brad’s dad)
May 4th, 2009
Brad and I have been home now for 17 days…sorry it has taken me so long to write. Jetlag took it’s toll on us after we returned, but finally our sleeping habits match others here is Alabama.
Brad has shown improvement in his voice…. his diction is improved and his volume is greater.
He is not choaking. His movement seems to be smoother.
Brad is in physical and occupational therapy three times a week. He is also seeing a Chinese accupuncturist three days a week. This doctor is placing 9-10 needles in Brad’s ears and head.
We continue to pray for improvement.
Remember, if one reads this blog before traveling to China…pack a can opener!
November 17th, 2008
Brad had his final treatment of stem cells today. The head doctor saw him today and made the comment that some people respond slowly. In fact, he wants Brad re-evaluated in the states in three months. This hospital is supposed to give me a copy of his medical records and orders for this evaluation and physical therapy and acupuncture. Pray that they do please. Brad is a little discouraged. Two more days of PT, standing tx, acupuncture and electrowave therapy and then we are heading home.
October 27th, 2008
Today is Sunday and Brad and I wanted to worship at our new friend’s church in Hangzhou. This church was written about in Billy Graham’s Decision magazine after Franklin’s visit to China in May. It numbers about 7,000 members. We dressed and checked out of the hospital. The taxi drivers in this section of the city were not interested in taking us across the river to a church. Repeatedly we were told no. Finally one of the 20th floor drivers appeared and asked where we wanted to go. He reluctantly told us OK but wait. Another driver appeared and we were on our way. Upon arriving to the church, Mr. Chung drove up to the front steps (like on the sidewalk!). We were met by a Chinese church member who wisked Brad in the wheelchair up a ramp (which I was so thankful to see!) and into the sanctuary. We were told the service (traditional at 7:30AM- more contemporary later) started at 9:30 AM. The traditional service went over so we participated in the end of this service. I stood there with tears streaming down my face singing “And I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able” in English while the Chinese made a glorious praise to our Lord. The believers there shone with the love of God. They brought me a Bible and I showed them ours. A beautiful young woman sat beside me and we tried to converse before the second service began. She wrote down her name in Chinese and phone number. Then she wrote down a question and asked me repeatedly. I gave her the business card I had with the hospital name on it. When the second service began a praise and worship team led us in praise songs…I hummed along and clapped. Then we turned to the Scriptures. I saw “33″ one of the two screens on either side of the pulpit so I looked at my new friend’s Bible. I thought it looked like she should be in Jeremiah so I turned there. Brad and I were reading this until one kind man brought us a Bible written in both Chinese and English. We were in Psalms 33-Ha! They made me stand up (and I whispered-visitor- they shook their heads-yes). Then we prayed. The Scripture was read again and a gentleman showed me that we were reading in Genesis about Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. After the sermon, we sang “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”. This time a hymnal was given to us that was all in English so I sang all 3 verses. What a delight to worship with other believers. My soul was thirsty for this. As we left I was encouraged to go up front, but our driver was there to pick us up at 11:30 right in front of the front steps again. Someone told me, “God Bless You (in English)” as I followed the kind man who was wheeling Brad down the ramp again. I was almost embarrassed as our driver blew the horn loudly at the church members who were exiting their church walking down their steps and sidewalk to the bus stop. All the drivers beep at each other constantly. Once when I was pushing Brad in his wheelchair and needed to be heard I said BEEP myself!
On the way back to the hospital I pulled out a magazine called “More”. There is a website called www.morehangzhou.com Until I read this article I had no idea just how popular this city is to the non-Chinese who come here to learn Chinese. This includes Americans, of course, but apparently there are many nationalities represented. One article said to this group of young people, Beijing is too expensive; Shanghai is too polluted. Hangzhou is a recreational area for this group to exercise (biking, running around the West Lake), is a shopping paradise (in that the prices are very reasonable) and is diverse enough to offer great dining and friendly atmospheres to meet others who want to expand their knowledge of China. This reminded me of the sign I saw in Beijing upon departing the plane. A hugh banner from the Olympics read, “One World, One Dream”.
Brad’s last SCT is tomorrow, IV in his hand. He had a rash today. Dr. Mary told me that she did not give him any dexamethasone with the last lumbar since it was his own marrow. She said she would observe it. We pack Tuesday, go to the hotel Wed. and leave Thursday. RBC here we come!
October 26th, 2008
For those of you who are brave, I have posted several videos of Brad having acupuncture and PT.
Go to www.youtube.com and type in “canoeangus”
The can opener story has another dimension. Marcos, from Venezuela, brought the exact can opener into the kitchen to cook with..he brought his from home. Ha!
As far as the mouse trap…..the other day I was told that our drapes would be removed to be cleaned and returned that night. I said that would be great, but just watch the mouse trap. (I had already stepped on accidently one day while making up the bed-Ugh!!!) I think it was a different man who returned that night to re-hang the drapes. Yea, you guessed it, while climbing down the ladder this man stepped right square onto the trap..I imagine if I could have understood him, his language might not have been appropriate in a lady’s presence!
October 23rd, 2008
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