We carry on – you go!

It was when I asked Håkan what we should do with our planned trip, with a team, to Kenya this fall, that he answered, ”We carry on – you go!”

That sharing – which makes us one, so that when one of us does something, we do it together – is what it means to be one!

Now we’ve had a friend and pastor-colleague, Beckie Baraka from Kenya, here for a visit in Uddevalla for a week. She was one of the ones who translated us to Swahili when we were in Nairobi. It’s been a wonderful week. Beckie has visited the school, preschool, Second Hand, the boardwalk, Smögen, eaten at Lindesnäs and at home in different homes, seen our house and had different meetings at Fristaden.

Yesterday we had “Africa in Uddevalla”. Everyone who has ever been on a team to Kenya was welcome to meet Beckie. We ate apple pie together, and then there was an open house with food: rice, ugali, bread and salad, and then chicken in different forms – African chicken in a pot, stir-fry chicken, Swedish chicken with gravy. What a party-feeling!

We went in the sanctuary, looked at pictures, and told about our outreaches to Kenya. Many got to share one thing that made the deepest impression on them, from their trip. Afterwards, we had coffee and good fellowship around the tables.

We finished off the day with worship and African songs, before Beckie preached. The thing that made the deepest impression from that day was when Beckie invited all our friends from Africa, who were at the meeting, to come forward, and prayed for them. It was so nice – a holy moment which concluded with our Josefina singing in Swahili about God’s protection over them and us all.

What a day! What a week! Thank you, God, that I can be a part of it. We have been there so many times, and now Kenya is here with us again – Pastor JB Masinde was here last year. As they shout in Kenya, ”God is good – all the time!”

Beckie, who represents over 10,000 Kenyans who have prayed for us and Håkan during these past six months, visited Håkan several times. She’ll take that back to Kenya and they will continue to pray for us.

So, in October, we’ll go… ”We carry on – you go!” Yes, I’ll take a team made up of mostly youth with me. You’ll hear later about what we’ll be doing.

Bless you!
Hugs,
Gunilla

A Little Nuts!

Thursday
We don’t have many of our personal belongings left, as you have surely understood. I was so happy that two of my lavender hair bands were still around after the fire. Today I had braids in my hair. After school, I went to the bank and the store. When I came home, I saw that one of the braids had come undone and the hair band was gone. I went back and ran around, searching everywhere. It was gone. I realized that my eagerness to find it had more to do with it being something that was left from our live before the 3rd of March. If I haven’t had the hair bands in my hair, they’ve been on my arm since April – a little nuts!

I heard myself say to the personnel in the store that they should let me know if they found the hair band because it was one of the few things I had left after the fire – a little nuts, isn’t it? I went home with a smile on my lips. What a ridiculous reaction on my part, but the best part was that I realized that myself.

Today Håkan went with a bus full of patients and staff to the aquarium in Lysekil. The whole gang went around with wheelchairs and walkers. Beef patties in the restaurant were a high point. I asked our Daniel if he could take the bus out to Lysekil, with a camera, and take pictures, but he said no. I can imagine how it looked, anyway.

After the trip, Håkan was very tired, with all the impressions, but was glad, anyway, for the visits from Johanna, Gabriella and Jan.

After we had walked the boardwalk with our friend, Beckie, from Kenya, I went by Håkan and kissed him goodnight, because the next morning, he was off to Sahlgrenska again.

Friday
They removed half of Håkan’s stitches today; they’ll remove the other half next week. So, there will be more trips to Sahlgrenska. Down there, they have taken pictures of him in all positions, so they can see what exact adjustments will be needed in the future.

Now Håkan is walking on his own with the help of someone walking beside him with the walker. Thank you, Lord, for one more step in the right direction.

“…they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them…” Ps. 107:19-20

God bless you!
Hugs,
Gunilla

Shuttle traffic to Sahlgrenska

On Thursday, last week, Håkan went down to Gothenburg and slept over, to be in place for the operation on Friday. That operation lasted 4 hours, with recovery. After that, Håkan was so tired that he stayed another night there and came home to Uddevalla Hospital on Saturday morning.

On Monday, Håkan was off again before 7 am for Sahlgrenska, in a hospital shuttle, to be there in time for his follow-up checkup. Back to Uddevalla again at 9 am.

On Tuesday, a new checkup and a new trip to Gothenburg, for Håkan and his eyelid, when he came with a new bandage over his eye.

Now I think we’re into “shuttle traffic”, aren’t we?

It’ll be exciting to see Håkan’s new eyelid. Imagine that the only thing left on his upper body when he came out of the fire was a cotton collar. Because of that, his neck was so nice that the doctors could take skin from his neck for his new eyelid.

The next trip to Gothenburg is on Friday, when we’ll see if it’s time to take out the stitches from the eyelids.

Håkan is healing more and more on his back and stomach. It’s even possible to give him a little massage – he thinks that feels so good.

Right now, Håkan has kind of like a stocking cap on his head. The thin skin is so vulnerable. Blisters come and go all the time – typical for a burn injury. Now we’re waiting for the skin to heal again.

The doctors say that, if it goes quickly, it takes about 1 year for rehabilitation, but it can take up to 2 years. Today is the 176th day since the fire, so we are thankful for every step forward – he’s making progress all the time.

Thank you for your continued prayers for us, and especially for Håkan.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by name. Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” Ps. 147:3-5

God bless you all!
Many hugs,
Gunilla

Sunday hospital rally

On Sunday afternoon, the staff took 5 patients from the hospital out on a wheelchair rally, down the hill to the park, where they all had a snack. It rained a little, but they were all so happy for the chance to get outside. That was when Håkan coined the phrase, “Sunday hospital rally”.

Per-Göran and Inger visited Håkan in the afternoon. They stayed for several hours and had a worthwhile conversation, Håkan said.

Nova and her mom, Johanna, also visited Grandpa, and Nova told him about the Sunday service we had on the beach, at Skeppsviken. Aunt Bella danced and Grandma sang about her backside, that is, ”Thank you, God, for all of me…heart…”

When I came up to Håkan, he was out walking in the corridor with his walker. He lit up, a long way away, so I asked him how he could see that it was me from so far away. He answered that he recognized right away the color purple.

We sat and talked and today Håkan was much more energetic – nice. We read out of his daily devotional and prayed together.

Now it’s easier to hold Håkan’s hand, but some of his fingers are very sensitive. I could hold his hand a long while. From his hands being totally bandaged, with skin transplants, to being healed. Now it’s time for physical and occupational therapy, and he’s making progress.

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength...” Is. 40:31

“…I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Is. 41:10

God bless you all!
Hugs,
Gunilla

After the party!

What a 50th birthday party Carina had – naturally high quality, musically, and good food – together with her whole family – fantastic.

Håkan recorded his congratulations to Carina, and I know how much he appreciates her, as a person, and the worship ministry she’s involved in, when she pulls down heaven.

After the party, I drove straight to Håkan. He sat there watching sports on TV. Kjell and Gunilla from Växjö had been with Håkan today with a guitar and singing, flowers and fruit. They had a nice time. We spoke about Carina’s party and everyone who had sent their greetings to Håkan.

Last Thursday, Håkan rode in an ambulance down to Sahlgrenska, and on Friday, he was operated on for four hours with a local anaesthesia. That was painful for Håkan. The doctor took skin from his neck and put new skin on Håkan’s right eyelids, both upper and lower.

Today, Saturday, Håkan came back to Uddevalla Hospital, but will go back to Sahlgrenska on Monday morning again, so they can look at his eyelids again.

But this evening, we were alone in Håkan’s room.

Just to be able to sit close and listen is such a nice feeling. That was inconceivable a few months ago.

Just to be able to stand close and massage his back is so nice. I didn’t dare touch his back a little while ago.

Just to be able to express our love to each other is so great, now that we can both talk again.

To rejoice over life, say how proud I am of my husband. Now we don’t take anything for granted.

To be able to pray together and bless each other – what a strength. Thanks, Lord, for grace and life!

“For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”
Isaiah 41:13

Thank you everyone for all your support!
Bless!
Many hugs,
Gunilla

Håkan sends a greeting from the hospital

Last week, there were articles about Håkan and the Gniste family in two Christian newspapers in Sweden. I won’t translate the entire articles, but just wanted to pass on Håkan’s greeting which appeared in “Världen idag” on Wednesday the 12th of August:

A greeting from Håkan Gniste

Thanks. A big thanks to God for life. A big thanks to everyone who has been with us during this time, all the prayers, everyone who has helped and supported us, both in Sweden and abroad. Thanks to my family, especially to Gunilla, who has borne so much during these months. Thanks to all our children, family and relatives. Thanks to Fristaden and all our brothers and sisters in the faith in Uddevalla, who have helped in one way or another. Thanks to everyone who has stood with us through the blog, in prayer and gifts. The Body of Christ isn’t only meetings and events; the Body of Christ is much more. It is the Body of Christ which is attractive; it is the Body which will change. This happens when relationships are deepened among Christians, and we need to pass this on to the next generation.

Håkan Gniste,
Rehab Unit,
Uddevalla Hospital

Good feeling!

The nurse was going to stick Håkan with a needle, but with his new skin, it’s difficult to find a blood vessel. Another nurse came in to help. She said to Håkan that it was good to see him again. “Do you know each other?” So she explained that the time before was on the morning of the 3rd of March, when Håkan came in, burned.

You can only imagine what a feeling that was to meet again after 5 months, in the state Håkan is in now compared to then…and for Håkan, to meet someone who was there in the very beginning.

These are important details in the process of inner healing, of emotional healing, from the trauma that we’ve gone through. When we came up to visit Håkan, we cried together, mostly for life, that we are alive, that Håkan survived, in spite of that burned body, and now he’s sitting there with patched and repaired skin, which is thin, but anyway, for the most part, in the process of healing.

It is good! It is great! It is fantastic!

Ps.107:19-21
“Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

We want to give thanks! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, my Lord and my God!

Bless!
Hugs,
Gunilla

The Kingdom of God!

Last Friday, Håkan was at Sahlgrenska in Gothenburg, for an examination. The doctors have decided that both lower eyelids need to be operated on again, so that will be really good. Otherwise, Håkan’s eyesight is at risk. Håkan was satisfied with the decision and that they have taken this seriously, so his eyesight can be better.

This weekend I have been down in Halmstad, at ”The Building” Conference that the Salvation Army has there every year, at ”Gullbrannagården”. The plan was for both of us to be there and speak, but Håkan, of course, is still in the hospital, so I had to go without my husband.

The theme was ”The Kingdom of God”. Håkan and I sat and talked about it before Lotta and I drove down to the conference. I wrote it down and started my seminar with the Bible verse that Håkan got about the Kingdom of God which can’t be shaken to pieces and read excerpts from our conversation, so he could share a little, even though he couldn’t be there.

The whole weekend was absolutely fantastic. Lotta, who was with me, said it was the best she’s been a part of in a long time. The devotion and longing for more of God were enormous. The Salvation Army in Halmstad is such a good example, with many new families and singles who have experienced changed lives – powerful testimonies about what Jesus has done in their lives.

We drove straight to Håkan, told him how good we’d had it, about the wonderful meetings, good fellowship and what was shared. Naturally, we had a lot of greetings with us to Håkan.

Now it’s Monday evening and I’ve come home from visiting Håkan, who says that he will go to Sahlgrenska on Thursday, for an operation around his right eye on Friday. Today, an eye doctor in Uddevalla has sewn a couple of stitches in the eyelids which will help the eye until Friday.

Please stand with us in prayer, that this operation is successful.

God bless you!
Many hugs,
Gunilla

You anoint my head with oil

Today my sister, Elisabet, and her husband, Carl-Axel, came. We had coffee in the apartment, drove to the house, and then to Håkan at the hospital. When we got there, Dave from England, Janne and Stig Walldin were there. Håkan was so happy. They spoke both English and Swedish.

Elisabet had both home cooked crayfish and fresh blackberries with her. Håkan enjoyed them and spoke about the mackerel sandwich and shrimp party which have brightened up his days in the hospital.

We have joked with Håkan and wondered if he should have a party with fermented Baltic herring there also. “It’s probably best to wait until I come home, or at Anders’ and Carin’s,” he answered, and we agreed.

Now we all stood there around Håkan, and the vicar began to speak and said that it wasn’t a coincidence that we were all there together. He had oil with him and wanted to pray and anoint Håkan. It was a holy moment. There was unity in Håkan’s room – different ministers of the Lord who together prayed and blessed Håkan.

Arne and Buck came to see Håkan later, and the evening concluded with fried chanterelle on ryecrisp for Håkan and a good night kiss, from me.

Mohammed will go along with Håkan to Gothenburg on Friday. There won’t be any operation, but just an examination, this time.

Thanks for all love, care and prayer.

God bless you!
Hugs,
Gunilla

Håkan’s first home visit

Today Håkan was out on his first mission, outside of the hospital. Together with an Occupational Therapist and a Physical Therapist, he came home for a short visit. The red Saab stopped outside our entrance. Håkan got help, naturally, but managed very well to raise himself up out of the car – with the help of his walker – stand up, and walk, slowly but surely, up the 6 steps before coming to the elevator.

When we came into the apartment, we fixed a chair with cushions on it for Håkan, and then he could see our new home. Our dog, Jasmine, was happy to see Håkan, although a little shy. The dog would have preferred to go on a walk with Håkan, but now he just sat there on a chair and walked very carefully. Jasmine took it easy and lay down under the table – dogs are wise.

When they had seen what aids were needed for Håkan when he comes home on visits, they made their way downstairs, back the same way they came. It’s harder to go downstairs than upstairs.

Then we sat in the car and rode to Sigelhultsvägen. The car drove into the driveway, and with help, Håkan made his way to our patio, which is newly built. What a day, what a feeling for us, for Håkan, to be able to come home, even if only on the patio. He went carefully to the edge and looked down to see all that had been done in the yard.

Yesterday we picked apples from the yard. The grandchildren helped make apple pie for their grandpa to eat today. Now we sat there and ate, and then came the surprise for the day. Janne had picked up Dave Richards from the airport, and when they got to Uddevalla, they came by our house, and got to see Håkan’s joy over coming to the yard, and have fellowship with him.

Dave, who came to us directly after the fire, got to see Håkan from the beginning. That we now, 161 days later, are sitting and eating together at our home, is almost incomprehensible! “He who waits for something good, never waits too long!”

We thanked God and the staff who made this possible. There is still a lot that lies ahead, before Håkan can come home, but one more step has been taken on this long journey.

You must understand that Håkan has a different suit of skin than he had before the accident, and his face is different, but nice, considering it’s experienced an 80% burn injury, but inside, it’s the same, kind Håkan as before.

Margareta and Bength Gustafson visited Håkan this weekend. When we spoke to each other afterwards, Bength expressed that when Håkan started to talk, it was the same old Håkan, who with clarity spoke well of the unity and what God is doing in Uddevalla.

This evening, Dave is visiting Håkan at the hospital. I have to prepare for the weekend in Halmstad.

On Friday, Håkan will go to Sahlgrenska for another operation – more information is coming!

Thanks for praying for us!

Hugs to you all!
Bless!
Gunilla

“The impossible just takes a little longer time.”

This week Per Cedergårdh, an old pastor’s colleague, visited Håkan. They also went through a pastor’s training together. Håkan said to Per, ”You’re coming with a gift for me.” The gift was that Per should pray for Håkan’s hands and his eyes. Håkan received prayer, and was so happy for it, and for all the good things that Per told him about, that God has done in different countries this year.

This weekend we’re having our church camp out at Ammenäs, a place we’ve returned to many times since the first time in 1988. Many have received Jesus here, been changed, and the Spirit of God has done so much in our lives. Now we’re here again, with good fellowship in worship, and we’re sharing our lives with each other. We know that Håkan would like to be here, but another year is coming, next year, when Håkan can be with us again.

Today Håkan’s sister has been with him in the afternoon and he was happy and alert when I came up, satisfied with hearing a little from the camp. We both cried and laughed together.

When we left, Håkan’s sister wanted to see what’s happening with the house before she went back to Småland. Håkan needed to rest before his next visitor came.

I drove back to the camp in time for the campfire, with a very fun program. Now we’re sitting and sharing testimonies. Gun said that she reads the blog every day, following it to know how she should pray, and excited about what has happened with Håkan. She concluded by saying, ”The impossible just takes a little longer time.”

Now the doctors have decided that Håkan needs another eye operation. One of his eyes has a little difficulty closing, so please pray for Håkan’s eyes. The operation might be sometime this coming week.

Thanks for being with us, through the blog, and remember that, ”The impossible just takes a little longer time.”

In the Bible it says, ”Nothing is impossible for God.” Maybe it just takes a little longer time, sometimes…

God bless you!
Hugs,
Gunilla

So much can happen in a week!

Yesterday we came home from a wonderful vacation on Gotland. I drove straight to the hospital to visit my husband. There sat Håkan with Jan, Lotta and Dan on the balcony, full of flowers, the sun shining, the weather warm, after a real shrimp party, and he was in a good mood.

We went to his room and Håkan told me what they had worked on during the week. Training on walking up and down stairs has made it possible for Håkan to walk up 4 steps of stairs, with help.

The walker, which has been Håkan’s most important tool for getting back on his feet again, is still present, but he can raise himself up more easily now, with the walker’s help. We see a big difference just in this week we’ve been away.

We talked about Johan’s comment, “Give us one more week and Håkan will be able to walk better.” They have faith, and surely experience, and now we are there.

Today, Janne and I have been to see Håkan. Then he told us with a proud look that this was ”the big day” when he had walked 11 steps of stairs, both up and down, with an occupational therapist by his side, of course. After that, Håkan walked without the walker, for the first time, in the corridor, to the dining room, all by himself, naturally, with staff beside him.

This day is a breakthrough for Håkan and his gait! The joy in Håkan’s eyes, and the proud voice, make me think of the Bible verse, “Rejoice with those who rejoice…”

Håkan’s comment was, ”Imagine that you can be so happy for such minor progress, but in my world, this is extremely big.”

So now we are happy for this step. Please stand with us and pray for the next daring step that Håkan will take.

Thank you for visiting the blog and getting updated. Please write a greeting to Håkan – we’ll read it to him.

God bless you!
Hugs,
Gunilla

Boards at the hospital

A few weeks ago, a man called Bengt, who was on his way through town, came by our house with some boards and moulding. His family had gone through the same thing – their house had burned – in the beginning of January this year. Now they have a planing mill, and wanted to bless us with skirting-board, cornice and window cases. Bengt and his little daughter came with various samples. Very attractive moulding.

Amelie and I were going up to Håkan for an evening visit. We went by the house and picked up boards and moulding. I don’t know if it’s so usual to come with boards to the hospital, but by the way people looked at us, it seemed a little unusual. Håkan was happy for the board visit, and that he can participate in the construction of the house. The joy that comes from knowing that someone is blessing us in this way was icing on the cake, as we say.

The staff laughed at us when we went home with our boards under our arms, wondering what we’d planned to build on the unit.

Now one more thing is decided for the re-construction of the house. Today, Dan and Arne are on site again after vacation, and are looking at how the work on the house should be organized.

A big thanks to Bengt and his family, who thought about us and wanted to give to us. Thank you, Lord, for brothers and sisters who share with us – bless them back.

Håkan is continuing to work on occupational and physical therapy every day. Training and more training…results in skill!

“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Col. 1:18-20

God bless you also!
Hugs,
Gunilla

Take care of…

We were up at the conference in Uppsala a few days. It was really good! Håkan and I have been there with the family every year since 1987. I was a little nervous about going without Håkan, but it was great to meet so many friends who have thought about us and prayed for us. We are really dependent upon the Lord and each other. That's the Body of Christ, taking care of and supporting one another – the Body functioning!

Imagine that a warm look can mean so much – it warms our hearts…
Imagine that a hug can mean so much – it’s felt…
Imagine that a word of encouragement can mean so much – it’s heard…
Imagine that a gift can mean so much – it’s noticed…

A big THANKS to everyone who, in one way or another, is participating in our long journey – it makes us feel borne, and we manage one more step.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Gal. 6:2

Now I’m on vacation a couple of days with Daniel on the island of Gotland. We came over with the ferry yesterday, and got settled into a one bedroom apartment inside the wall in Visby. Today we’ve walked around, looked at the old part of the city, and at the old ruins. It’s fantastic to see all the old church ruins and monastery.

We were at the Salvation Army for a meal, fellowship and meeting in the evening. It was really wonderful, in every way. Afterwards, we took the car and traveled around the island. I wanted to see where my parents got engaged in 1945, here on Gotland.

Håkan has had visits from Josefina, Jakob and Maria, and Mohammed this weekend. Today, my sister, Anneli, her husband, Peter, Linnea and Agnes were with Håkan. Tomorrow, it’s Bella’s and Johanna’s turn.

I’ve been in 5th gear since the 3rd of March, so a few days’ break is not such a bad idea. When I spoke to Håkan today, he said he was happy for my sake and that this was what his wife needed – I suppose that’s true. That’s taking care of…

Live in the present, in thanksgiving, and take care of each other!

Bless!
Gunilla

Report from big brother

From our visit on Friday, the 31st of July, we see what fantastic progress Håkan is making.

We also see how God is present in everything. The sores on Håkan’s body are nearly completely healed, and therefore, we, in the family, are so thankful for the prayer chain that has gone on all over the world for Håkan’s recovery.

Irrespective of where we are, we see how the power of prayer is functioning. I hope that you who read this never doubt that.

”The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

I believe that our battle for Håkan in prayer has come into a new phase. Håkan is getting better and better, but now he’s also starting to think more about the future. Here we need to stand with him more in our prayers, concentrate on and give our love to Håkan through our prayers.

We need to focus especially on praying for:

- Håkan’s hands. That he gets back all their functions so that he can use them in a normal way.

- Håkan’s eyes. That his eyesight is restored 100%.

We know that nothing is impossible for God.

”With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Thanks for your support. God bless you all.

Per-Göran Gniste