Grant, haircuts, coming together

In the past week, Cori and Nate have been given a little more potential insight into the problems Grand has been having with fainting spells. The family that they, by change, got the opportunity to visit with have lost two children to a genetic heart condition that seemed to appear suddenly to claim the lives of their children. The parents were unaware of the condition until the first child died from the condition. As they all discussed the symptoms evidenced prior to the eventual fatal episodes, the symptoms were eerily similar to what Grant has been experiencing for several years. Fortunately, there is a medical test that can be done to diagnose that genetic condition.

Unfortunately, there is no medical facility or doctor that can perform the test in Honduras. There is a doctor available in Costa Rica and Cori has made a online appointment with that doctor to see what can be done – first from a distance, the, if necessary, onsite at the Costa Rican facility. That appointment is set up for the end of February, the first available date. Bear in mind, that we do not know if what Grant has been experiencing is a result of this newly discovered possibility, but it will certainly help continue to diagnose Grant’s condition. Since there has been no other insight offered to help Grant, this lead will be followed through until we get an answer of either “yes” or “no”. Remember that even a “no” on a potential diagnosis is still progress toward a workable solution.  We will be praying for guidance and wisdom for Nate and Cori as they pursue this new information.

Kimberlyn came to the farm today to serve as a beautician. She made quick work of Grandpa’s mop of hair – the envy of all the males in my lineage – and did a great job of it. After a short rest, Mama was next. That haircut took a good bit more time, not because of the amount of hair, but because of the far greater importance of the final outcome to Mama. Grandpa is not hard to please. Mama is much more interested in how her hair looks. All turned out well, and the ladies enjoyed the visit.

Mama is very pleased with her haircut. I was informed that all she needs now is a pedicure and she will be ready for Honduras. I am certain that the home salon today was better for the three of them than a trip to any beauty salon. I am pretty well convinced that the trips women make to the salon is more of a social event than a required beauty exercise. To finish out the visit, Mama and Kimberlyn went to lunch prior to Kimberlyn going home. It was a good visit for both of them and Grandma got to participate in the visit as well.

As for our trip, things are coming together. I spent a little time on the phone this morning talking to a vendor of travel insurance. I could have bought the policy without the conversation, but the helpful agent answered all my questions and even provided some insights I did not know were available to me in the purchase. With the condition of our airline industry at present and the potential interference of poor weather conditions, I feel much more comfortable having the insurance in force. Also, Mama and I have scheduled our COVID tests for next Tuesday morning. Sadly, a negative test result is still required for entry into the country of Honduras. Online pre-entry forms have been filled out and submitted to the Honduran State Department, so we should be ready as far as paperwork is concerned.

Norman will be returning to the farm Monday so Mama will have time to acquaint him with all the little things she does for her flocks and herds twice daily. It is a process I have difficulty following and I get to participate in that process several times per week. My take on secondary care for our livestock is only that they all be sufficiently fed and watered, and that they are reasonably secured in their enclosures each night, not that every little detail is carried out. With almost every night in our absence forecast to be below freezing, providing water will, as always, be the challenge. I have confidence, with Grandpa and Grandma to provide oversight, all will be well.

The morning we are leaving, Wednesday the first, the forecast is for freezing rain overnight and through the day. That means that the trip to the airport that morning, at 2:30 am, will be a potentially hazardous one. Norman, is a very good driver who is familiar with the type of conditions we may be dealing with that morning. Time will tell, but it is a nagging detail as we plan our trip. Nevertheless, we are doing all we can to get packed and ready.

I am definitely looking forward to the trip, especially the time we will spend in Roatan, which for now, is scheduled to be four days. Mama and I have always wanted to visit the island but have not been able to do so in the past. This trip is providing us that unique opportunity. We will do so with Nate, Cori and the kids. That will make the memories created in that time very special. Our island-hopping part of the trip will come after the Get Away Conference01272023 Nate and Cori’s church. We are also looking forward to that three-day conference which is conducted wholly in English. Mama like that.

So we have a full itinerary if all goes as scheduled and less than a week to wait.