March 3, 2006

On Wednesday, February 25th, both my parents were in a serious car accident while on their way to a YWAM conference in Chico, California. Some of the injuries were quite serious, and they will be needing lots of time to recover.

In a spot on the state highway 99 known as "Dead Man's Curve", where four lanes suddenly become 2, they had a head on collision with another car. Both cars were traveling approximately 70mph when they collided. It is an absolute miracle my parents are still alive.

I caught the earliest flight out of Kansas City when I heard, and I met my sister in Sacramento (she came separately from Colorado Springs). Together we went to visit them in the ICU unit of Ridout Memorial Hospital in Marysville.

It is hard to describe the emotions Noelle and I experienced seeing our parents in such a fragile condition. We were used to them being the strong ones, always in control, and looking out for us. In a moment of time, things had changed. It was a blessing, though, that we could be there. They were really happy to see us, and it eased our minds greatly to see that they were ok.

A week has passed since the accident, and my parents' condition is improving. Both of them were incredibly lucky not to sustain any head injuries! My dad suffered a broken sternum, several broken ribs, a broken collarbone and lacerations to one of his knees. He was released from the Hospital after only 4 days, and is able to walk around with care.

My mother is a bit worse. She also has a broken sternum and several broken ribs, as well as a cracked pelvis, a smashed foot, a bruised heart, and a break in her back. She is very lucky not to have had any injury to her spinal-cord, and is still able to move fine! She will be in a back-brace and in a wheelchair for several months though. She had surgery on her foot on Monday, which went well, and we hope she will be able to use it again in time. She is to be released from the hospital on Saturday or Sunday.

I have since flown to Colorado with my sister to get her back to school (she is a senior at Pikes Peak Christian School). We are also in the process of rearranging the house to make it more accessible. The guys from Covenant Presbyterian Church have been a huge help, and just spend the last 2 days building a wheelchair ramp outside the back door. Its an old Victorian house, with narrow doorways, and is proving to be a challenge.

I have decided now not to staff the School of Worship in Perth, which starts in April. I will be here in Colorado indefinitely to help take care of my parents. They will be needing lots of rehabilitation over the next months, and I want to be here to support them.

We have received so many letters of encouragement and support over the last week, its overwhelming. We are so grateful for our international family, and for the prayers that continue to go up on our behalf. Thank you!