Jaco flew home on Sunday afternoon. Elina got to ride with him to San Francisco and was on the same flight all the way back to Holland, as well as a couple of Dutch nurses. It seems like he was pretty well taken care of. The rehab bed they found for him is in his own city, so his family can be comfortable and, when Jaco's ready, it will be easy for friends and family to come visit him. Jaco's parents flew home early on Monday morning.
It's sad to say goodbye, but we're relieved that they can be at home now, and it's a good thing that Jaco was ready to make such a big trip so soon.
At this point, our updates may become less frequent and hopefully Jaco and Elina themselves will be able to post some too.
Thanks for all your prayers. Jaco still has a long recovery ahead of him, so please keep lifting him up in that way: for strength of mind and incredible faith, for encouraging progress in healing, for really great doctors and nurses in Holland, that his family would stand by him with strength and hope and love, and that all involved would be able to find God's blessing and love in what happens in the future.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Update June 26th
Well, it looks like we've got a bed and a flight for Jaco in Holland. He's headed home on Sunday at about 3 pm with two nurses and hopefully with Elina on the same flight. His parents will be on a flight soon after. It's going to be really sad to say goodbye, but we're all really glad that he and his family can go where they will be more comfortable and at home.
In the meantime, Jaco's been taking outings in a wheelchair, and wheeled himself around the little garden here at the hospital. I think Jaco loves the feeling of independence that it gives him to wheel himself around. It's a little barren, that garden, but good anyway. He's also been working really hard at increasing his lung capacity: currently he's up to 3.5 liters, and the little gadget that he blows into to measure only goes up to 4 liters, so we think he's in pretty darn good shape.
Jordan and I brought an alpinism magazine and a good book (A Severe Mercy) for Jaco to read here and on the flight home- he's in incredibly good spirits mentally and emotionally, and honestly a big encouragement to us and to his family. What a guy.
Please pray that his optimism would continue, that his travel would go smoothly and comfortably and that the time on the airplane would go fast. Also, please keep praying for continuing recovery and healing, that every day would bring steady improvement. Thank God for what we've already seen!
In the meantime, Jaco's been taking outings in a wheelchair, and wheeled himself around the little garden here at the hospital. I think Jaco loves the feeling of independence that it gives him to wheel himself around. It's a little barren, that garden, but good anyway. He's also been working really hard at increasing his lung capacity: currently he's up to 3.5 liters, and the little gadget that he blows into to measure only goes up to 4 liters, so we think he's in pretty darn good shape.
Jordan and I brought an alpinism magazine and a good book (A Severe Mercy) for Jaco to read here and on the flight home- he's in incredibly good spirits mentally and emotionally, and honestly a big encouragement to us and to his family. What a guy.
Please pray that his optimism would continue, that his travel would go smoothly and comfortably and that the time on the airplane would go fast. Also, please keep praying for continuing recovery and healing, that every day would bring steady improvement. Thank God for what we've already seen!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Update June 25th
Jaco's family got to meet with the surgeon on Tuesday afternoon after to talk about the x-rays Jaco had on Monday and to ask all their questions. The meeting was good. The doctor was really hopeful and encouraging, but careful to let us know that only time can tell us the full extent of Jaco's injuries. The x-rays showed that Jaco's spine is stable enough not to need another surgery. Thanks for all the prayers about that!
The doctor also said that the hospital is currently looking for a rehab bed for Jaco in Holland. Once something opens up, they'll start looking for a flight and Jaco will be able to go home. It might be just a few days, it could be a little longer.
His physical therapy continues- he's getting time everyday outside sitting in the sun. All of the other SOAR students came up to Reno to visit on Tuesday also and sat outside on the patio with Jaco and talked for a long time, and met Jaco's parents and girlfriend. That was also their opportunity to say goodbye before Jaco goes home.
Yesterday (Wednesday), Jaco's parents came to Bishop to see the house where Jaco was living, see some of the mountains he climbed, and to see the site where the accident happened.
Please pray for the plans to get Jaco back to Holland. Continuing prayers for his family and their time here are needed also, and that there time here is healing for them. And as always, please pray for Jaco's healing to continue steadily, and for his mind to be at peace and that God's love in this would be evident to him.
The doctor also said that the hospital is currently looking for a rehab bed for Jaco in Holland. Once something opens up, they'll start looking for a flight and Jaco will be able to go home. It might be just a few days, it could be a little longer.
His physical therapy continues- he's getting time everyday outside sitting in the sun. All of the other SOAR students came up to Reno to visit on Tuesday also and sat outside on the patio with Jaco and talked for a long time, and met Jaco's parents and girlfriend. That was also their opportunity to say goodbye before Jaco goes home.
Yesterday (Wednesday), Jaco's parents came to Bishop to see the house where Jaco was living, see some of the mountains he climbed, and to see the site where the accident happened.
Please pray for the plans to get Jaco back to Holland. Continuing prayers for his family and their time here are needed also, and that there time here is healing for them. And as always, please pray for Jaco's healing to continue steadily, and for his mind to be at peace and that God's love in this would be evident to him.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Update June 22nd
Sorry for the delay between posts...
I (Ruth) have traded places with Aaron and am now in Reno with Jaco, his parents, and his girlfriend. It's good to be here with them.
Jaco's doing great. Last night he was moved out of ICU and into a larger room with more space and privacy. Today, as part of his physical therapy, he was moved into a wheeled chair and is sitting outside with his feet propped up, enjoying some fresh air, sunshine, and a little bouquet of flowers. Apples, green beans, and pasta for lunch! I think it's a big relief to him to get to go out a little. Physical therapy is tough, but the nurses are great and Jaco's more than ready to get on the way to better, especially if it means getting to go outside.
He's expecting to have x-rays this afternoon to determine how he's healing and if further surgery will be needed to stabilize his spine. If surgery isn't necessary, he's looking at heading home to Holland sooner than later.
Elina's a good musician and providing some peace with the guitar and her voice. Jaco's father has a great sense of humor and even though I can't understand his jokes, he makes us all laugh. They all enjoyed looking at the blog today (they hadn't seen it yet) and appreciate so much the prayers and concern from people worldwide. Thank you all so much.
Please pray that no more surgeries will be necessary, that his healing will continue steadily. Pray that his parents and girlfriend will have peace in this situation and will be able to enjoy their time here with Jaco and find God's blessing in this situation.
I (Ruth) have traded places with Aaron and am now in Reno with Jaco, his parents, and his girlfriend. It's good to be here with them.
Jaco's doing great. Last night he was moved out of ICU and into a larger room with more space and privacy. Today, as part of his physical therapy, he was moved into a wheeled chair and is sitting outside with his feet propped up, enjoying some fresh air, sunshine, and a little bouquet of flowers. Apples, green beans, and pasta for lunch! I think it's a big relief to him to get to go out a little. Physical therapy is tough, but the nurses are great and Jaco's more than ready to get on the way to better, especially if it means getting to go outside.
He's expecting to have x-rays this afternoon to determine how he's healing and if further surgery will be needed to stabilize his spine. If surgery isn't necessary, he's looking at heading home to Holland sooner than later.
Elina's a good musician and providing some peace with the guitar and her voice. Jaco's father has a great sense of humor and even though I can't understand his jokes, he makes us all laugh. They all enjoyed looking at the blog today (they hadn't seen it yet) and appreciate so much the prayers and concern from people worldwide. Thank you all so much.
Please pray that no more surgeries will be necessary, that his healing will continue steadily. Pray that his parents and girlfriend will have peace in this situation and will be able to enjoy their time here with Jaco and find God's blessing in this situation.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Update June 20, 2009
Jaco's parents and girlfriend arrived last night and he was finally able to see them. They have lots of time to talk and catch up.
The good news continues; Jaco has been able to sit up in bed, which is tiring for him, and he's been sleeping a lot as his body continues to recover from surgery and injuries.
He's been hopeful, cheerful, and able to joke about his situation, and continues to put his trust in God.
He will have some more x-rays on Monday to determine if another surgery will be necessary or if the bones will heal adequately on their own at this point.
Please pray for his time with his parents and girlfriend, for all the people directly involved as they continue to wait for news, for his continued healing and recovery, and that no more surgeries will be necessary!
The good news continues; Jaco has been able to sit up in bed, which is tiring for him, and he's been sleeping a lot as his body continues to recover from surgery and injuries.
He's been hopeful, cheerful, and able to joke about his situation, and continues to put his trust in God.
He will have some more x-rays on Monday to determine if another surgery will be necessary or if the bones will heal adequately on their own at this point.
Please pray for his time with his parents and girlfriend, for all the people directly involved as they continue to wait for news, for his continued healing and recovery, and that no more surgeries will be necessary!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Update June 19, 2009
I just received updated information from Aaron who spent some time talking with Jaco this morning. Everything Aaron shared with us is really good news.
Jaco was feeling well this morning and able to sit up. Aaron said Jaco was very hopeful, joking, and excited to see his family and girlfriend, who are arriving from Holland later today.
We know that his surgery yesterday went well, that a lot of Jaco's pain has been relieved. The doctor's were able to fuse his fractured vertebra.
Dave has left for Reno earlier today to see Jaco, assist Aaron, and to meet Jaco's family.
Please continue praying with us for Jaco's recovery, for his meeting with his family (he hasn't seen them since Februray), and for his fellow students and staff who wish they could be with him right now.
Jaco was feeling well this morning and able to sit up. Aaron said Jaco was very hopeful, joking, and excited to see his family and girlfriend, who are arriving from Holland later today.
We know that his surgery yesterday went well, that a lot of Jaco's pain has been relieved. The doctor's were able to fuse his fractured vertebra.
Dave has left for Reno earlier today to see Jaco, assist Aaron, and to meet Jaco's family.
Please continue praying with us for Jaco's recovery, for his meeting with his family (he hasn't seen them since Februray), and for his fellow students and staff who wish they could be with him right now.
Donations
Jaco has insurance to cover his medical expenses but his family is making the trip from Holland to be with him. This will be a heavy financial burden for them, as they have had to purchase last minute plane tickets and will have living expenses for the time they will be here. If anyone wants to donate funds to help them, it would be a huge blessing.
Please send any donations to the following address with a note attached designating it to "Jaco's Fund"
Please send any donations to the following address with a note attached designating it to "Jaco's Fund"
YWAM Bishop / Sea & Summit Expeditions
PO Box 1818
Bishop, CA 93515
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Update 06/18/09
Hi everyone,
We desperately need your prayers. This last week was the beginning of our summer programs, and our staff and SOAR interns were working at a nearby camp running day activities. Wednesday, one of our interns, while engaged in one of these activities, was in an accident which resulted in a spinal injury. He was flown to a hospital in Reno where he underwent surgery for a fractured vertebra. It is very unclear at this point as to his long term prognosis, and it may be some time before we know. This young man is our dear friend, and this is very painful for he and his family, for the other SOAR interns, and for our staff. His name is Jaco, and he is from Holland. Jaco’s family will arrive in Reno Friday evening. Please stand with Jaco, his family, and our team in prayer.
We will keep you posted.
We desperately need your prayers. This last week was the beginning of our summer programs, and our staff and SOAR interns were working at a nearby camp running day activities. Wednesday, one of our interns, while engaged in one of these activities, was in an accident which resulted in a spinal injury. He was flown to a hospital in Reno where he underwent surgery for a fractured vertebra. It is very unclear at this point as to his long term prognosis, and it may be some time before we know. This young man is our dear friend, and this is very painful for he and his family, for the other SOAR interns, and for our staff. His name is Jaco, and he is from Holland. Jaco’s family will arrive in Reno Friday evening. Please stand with Jaco, his family, and our team in prayer.
We will keep you posted.
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