Yesterday was a great day for Isaac! After TLC we all drove to Levelland Texas to visit South Plains College where Isaac got his degree in Sound Technology. Some of Isaac’s friends were working on a project in one of the recording studios so Kris and I watched as Isaac reminisced and helped the guys set up for the recording. He remembers everything! He gave me directions to the College from the KOA, and when we got there he knew what the equipment was and how it worked, he remembered how to use Pro Tools to record. He even remembers the classes he took, and gave his mom and me a little tour. At one point Kris turned to me and said, “He’s like a little kid in a candy shop!” So true! Isaac was pretty happy to see his guy friends too I think. The poor man is stuck with us two ladies pretty much 24/7 and we don’t want him to turn into a momma’s boy! So it was nice for him to chill with the guys for a bit, talking about music/recording stuff. I think the most comical part of the night was when Isaac broke the silence in the room by saying, “This sure does beat TLC!” He was quite glad to be in his element again.

This morning was pretty notable too! Through a strange (or more likely sovereign) turn of events, one of the Doctors that broke the bad news to us back in the ICU (saying that it would be an “act of God for Isaac to ever recover,”) showed up at TLC this morning. God did act! And that’s what’s so exciting. This young Doctor had run into Ivan last week by accident at Dr. Wolcott’s office. Dr. Wolcott is Isaac’s current Doctor at TLC. Anyways, Ivan and this young man were surprised to see each other, but it was a happy coincidence and Ivan was able to inform him about Isaac’s HUGE improvements- giving all the glory to God. The young Doctor then explained how he’s going to be working with Dr. Wolcott for awhile, but had no idea that Isaac was at the facility. He was really thrilled to hear about how well Isaac was and said he’d change his schedule so he could come see him if possible. Well, long story short, today was the day! And it was surreal to see Isaac standing next to this man who reminded me so much of the ICU days in the recent past. I think the Dr.’s heart was really moved as he and Isaac talked briefly. Isaac thanked him for all the good work he’d done. It was good meeting. We praise our AWESOME God for His hand healing and restoration in Isaac’s life!!! And we continue to pray for soundness of mind and complete healing.

p.s good news on Jessie Russo! They’ve taken her out of ICU and into a neuro unit. Praise God! Please keep lifting her parents and sister up, they’re having a tough time.

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Psalm 30:11-12

God bless,
~Kristi~

“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right, and trust your lives to God who created you, for he will never fail you.”
– 1 Peter 4:19

So I’ve been sitting here thinking, and trying to decide what to write about. Fridays at TLC is an outing day where everyone gets to go into the community. So they do stuff like taking all the clients to the museum, or the park to play soft ball. Well, today they had a grand relay race/triathlon planned. Isaac was helping set up and rode one of those big, fancy tricycles over to the park! Very cool of him, but the weather was so bad here in Lubbock with winds up to 50 mph, they switched to playing Frisbee golf inside. It was pretty fun, and I even got to play. Isaac was the king of threes. Almost every time he made the goal in three throws. After the game one of the therapists said, “Hey Isaac, why don’t you and Kristi do a concert for us while we wait for the others to finish.” “Alright… what do you want me to play? All I can think of right now is worship songs.” Isaac replied. “Well that’s ok! How about you pick three and… oh hey! Do you know the song, ‘Blessed Be Your Name?” Daniel (the therapist) asked. “Yeah, I know it…” Isaac said, as he started to play the piano. “Great! I love that song, we play it at my church sometimes.” A few other people gathered as Isaac and I sang the song. His voice swelled with the music at the peak of the song, and it sounded good. After that we did “Mighty To Save” and my heart was lifted by the worship. Everyone clapped and Isaac turned around to see the crowd had grown. He’s getting more confidence 
And his music was really encouraging to everyone there.

He’s doing really well being off the Keppra. I praise God (and I know I write this all the time but…) I praise God that Isaac is becoming more and more himself everyday! I wish I could truly express to you how incredible it is and how much of a miracle God has done and is doing.

The thing I’m most excited about is seeing his personality and heart for the Lord coming out again. If you know Isaac well, my guess is that you’ve seen and heard him do some funny stuff. So maybe you can imagine him clasping his hands together and announcing to everyone at the table that since the salad is so delicious he’s going to do a noodle dance and then laughing at himself for saying something so silly. Or maybe you can picture him doing a “Slappy Feet” dance as he grins. That stuff makes me happy because that’s part of his joyful personality and he’s doing that stuff more and more.

“In His kindness God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation. All power to Him forever! Amen.”
-1 Peter 5:10-11

Thank you all for praying! Please keep it up dear friends. With love in Christ,
~Kristi~

I have some good things to report to you today. God is good. I could leave this update at that and it’d be perfect. But there’s more to say and lots to praise God for!

Last night Isaac made dinner for Kris and I, it was one of his assignments from TLC. So after picking him up, we went to the store and he searched for everything he would need to make the meal he had in mind (all we needed was a tomato.) He was a bit confused as he tried to navigate to where you would find the produce, but he did it. He’s been having a hard time making decisions, its part of the healing from his injury. As he stood staring at the tomato’s he asked me, “Well… which one do you think I should get?” “It’s up to you; you have to decide on your own.” After a minute I pointed out some that looked better and were cheaper and he went with that. So he did it with minimal assistance, which is great!

He made spaghetti and Texas toast, and I helped by making a salad – just the way he directed though, of course! We kept calling him the Chef, and it makes me smile to remember his face so pleased and a little bit giddy by the title. Kris was the overseer the small trailer kitchen, prompting Isaac to turn off the stove and getting him to think about how much salad we actually would need with three people eating the meal. He did very well and everything turned out great.

The other good thing that I’m happy to report is that Isaac get’s to stop taking the Keppra! He had an EEG last week to see if he was having seizures, and everything came up looking normal for a twenty-two year old man. No seizures! Thank you Lord! So, today his doctor gave the order to stop taking the Keppra. Please keep praying for Isaac’s continued healing. He seems to like TLC more; well at least he’s handling better. (He just informed me that he actually doesn’t like it still even though the people are nice.) But he still needs God to keep healing his brain and restoring his memories!

One more thing I want to ask for prayer about today. I got a message about a girl named Jessie Russo who was in an awful car accident last Friday. She’s currently on life support in Alabama with a serious head injury. She’s still showing brain activity, but isn’t doing well. Her twin sister was driving the car, one person was killed on site, and six other passengers are listed in good condition. I’m not sure of any other details, but this sounds all too familiar to me. Her family was told by the doctors that she will need a miracle. Please pray for Jessie and for her family especially. I can say from experience that they’re in one of the worst situations a person can ever be in I believe and broken hearted. But if I can offer some hope – God is good at doing miracles. When we met with Isaac’s doctors when he was in the ICU they told us the same thing. It looks bad. We’ve done all we can. Your only hope is God’s intervention for his life. Now look and tell me what you see! Isaac is a living, walking, talking, and cooking testimony of God’s power to heal miraculously. But it happens through prayer! The prayers of God’s people are powerful and precious to Him. I know that’s how Isaac is being healed. So, I pray that the Russo’s can be encouraged to know we’re all praying for Jessie too, and God is mighty to save.

God bless,
~Kristi~

We have had a wonderful weekend at home! Friday night before dinner, Kris and I had a great talk with Isaac. He told us about his “experience” in Australia when he followed the leading of the Lord and stood on a street corner in Melbourne asking, “Does anyone need prayer?” He recounted many of the details: names, requests, and conversations. Praise the Lord! Then at dinner he shared his heart with regards to TLC, where he receives treatment. “No one wants to be there,” he exclaimed, and we discussed his thoughts surrounding the therapy and such. The crux of his message was that it doesn’t matter if someone was a great musician, painter, or had other special talents and achievements – when everything is stripped away, such as is the case following tragic accidents, what really matters is that one has Jesus. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Heb 12:2); only He is everlasting, and in Him alone can we find “fullness of life.” At TLC, they were discussing as a group about the importance of forgiveness and hope. Please pray that Isaac can share with them the true source of each; both are impossible without God.

Hannah went to the Clovis Christian School Prom with Dylan Otero. It was great to see her having such a good time. She looked absolutely beautiful! Isaac, Kristi and Kris all came at the beginning of the dance for the introductions and announcement of the King and Queen. We were overjoyed as we watched Isaac two-step with Hannah, both smiling as they shuffled o’er the dance floor. With a new confidence and knowledge that he could indeed two-step, Isaac took Kristi in his arms on the next tune and they made their own dance floor while he taught his Washington-girl to two-step. In Ecclesiastes we are reminded, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the sun.” Further, verse 4 of chapter 3 reads, “. . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance [two-step].”

A highlight this weekend was the wonderful visit we had with Dona Teague here at the house on Saturday morning. The sweet time of fellowship and sharing with one another was so special for all of us. God has joined our hearts and we walk this journey together for the Glory of God. Is 48:17, “I am the Lord your God . . . who directs you in the way you should go.” Thank you, Lord, for leading us.

Here’s a beautiful quote on the page of my journal: “Each sunrise is a reminder that Jesus brings us out of darkness and fills our lives with His glorious light.” Let the Lord take the lead as you two-step together in His glorious light today.

We continue to praise God for his presence and provision in our lives! We are so thankful for your loving prayers, encouragement, and support. I want to share with you yet another way that God has shown himself working in every detail and meeting any need we have. We were so blessed to find out that our vehicle insurance company has been able ot qualify Isaac for additional funding as an under-insured motorist. Our claims adjuster notified us that funding will be available to offset the medical expenses for Isaac’s ongoing therapy. God continues to do immeasurably more than we can ever think or imagine! We are so very thankful for the gifts from so many of you. It has allowed Isaac to continue treatment without delays. The uninterrupted care has been vital in his recovery. Every time there is a need, God has already provided for it through His faithful body. That’s you! Blessings to each of you . . . we can not thank you enough.

Please allow me to yield the remainder of my update to a very special young man. He has a few thoughts he would like to share.

Hello friends and family! This is Isaac. I would like to thank you all very much for your prayers and support for me. I am so thankful to the Lord that He has blessed me with you all. I am moving right through this healing process. It has been long but I know the Lord is working. Thank you all again for the amazing work you are doing through prayer. The Lord is doing wonderful things in and through me. I see constantly how the Lord is at work. Thank you.

I took this title from my Bible in reference to Philippians chapter 1, beginning in verse 12. Verses 12-14 read, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear . . . to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” When I read Philippians this weekend, I felt like God pointed to these scriptures and likened it to Isaac. The chains intended to hold Isaac in bondage were forged from the links of injury and trauma. But the wiles of the enemy were thwarted by the unfailing love, grace, and healing of God.

We read and hear testimony everyday about the work God has been doing in, and through, people’s faith and walk since they have watched God work in the Teague and Godwin families. People share about a newfound faith in God and diligence in spending time with Him. They tell of a boldness and courage to share their faith with others, and even to offer prayer for difficult situations. Prayers are being spoken in faith, believing God for answers, and He is answering! Praise God!

Further down in chapter 1 of Philippians Paul exhorts the believers for their prayers and help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Because of them the situation turned out for Paul’s deliverance. So, too, Isaac is being delivered from what has happened, and Christ is being exalted in his body!

Michael Teague told me, “the devil wanted to kill four of God’s children that day, but he didn’t get any!” Don is rejoicing in eternal life with his Savior. From the testimony of his family, I know Don would echo the words of Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” As for Isaac, Hannah, and Troy, they are living their lives to the Glory of God!

In Philippians 1:22 Paul exclaims, “If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me.” We praise God for this testimony in our lives; especially for Isaac, Hannah, and Troy. We know that God has an amazing hope and future for each of them; one of fruitful labor. God, be glorified!

Blessings.

Today Isaac took me on a date! It was so sweet of him. A dear friend, Isaac’s first piano teacher, sent us $20 so we could go on a date. I told Isaac I’d drive but he had to plan it and everything. So, this afternoon we got all dressed up, Hannah let me borrow a sweet summery dress, and we set off on a grand adventure. I had no idea where we were going! Clovis is a foreign land to me, but Isaac gave me GREAT directs. He knew exactly where we were, and where he wanted to take me. We got some food, and he paid. We drove to the zoo and had a little picnic and then went to see all the animals. It was a beautiful sunny day here so it was really nice to be outside. He opened every door for me and was a perfect gentleman. After the zoo he “took” me to the Java Loft and bought us some coffee, we spent some time up stairs reading the bible and talking about life. God is SOO good! After Isaac read a section of the Bible he stopped and said, “What do you think of that Kristi?” Then he explained to me what he felt like God was saying to him through the passage. It was just like he used to do when we’d read the Word together in New Zealand. We talked about it, and I was really encouraged to hear his heart and see its depth again.

I am more and more amazed by how well Isaac is doing. Every day he becomes more like himself, and everyday he remembers more! Today his endurance seemed a lot better than it has been. Usually he has to take a long rest after doing things that are stimulating, like being around a lot of people, or having a lot of conversation. But today he just took a little rest because I asked him to, and it was pretty short. So, that was a step forward too! And to top off an already good day, Isaac and I played “For the Dawn,” and he was able to hit the high notes of the chorus. I was really excited and impressed! Now we just finished visiting with Isaac’s good friends, Josh and Ben. God’s Spirit was present as we sang, “Mighty to Save,” and prayed together. We have so much to be grateful for! I remember singing that song back when Isaac was in the ICU. God is so good.

God Bless!
~Kristi~

This past week with Isaac has been a very good week! I have seen healing in his thinking process and physical strength as well. I remember just a little over 2 weeks ago taking him out to a coffee house for the first time in a public place. We were all nervous about over-stimulating him. We had been warned about traumatic brain injury patients not being able to tolerate a lot of noise; not being able to concentrate when there are many different sounds and movements going on around them. It tired him out quickly and he needed a nap after the outing. This week we went to Sugar Brown’s coffee house. There were many conversations at the tables around us, the noise of the espresso machines, music playing, and our conversation at our table of four. After about 10 minutes I asked Isaac if all the different noises bothered him. He said it didn’t and that he was use to working in that environment. He began to remember doing concerts in that coffee house and the barista looked familiar to him, he just couldn’t remember his name for sure. After being reminded, he didn’t forget it! It was very encouraging for me!

Fridays at TLC are “outing” days in the afternoon. Yesterday everyone walked or rode to a nearby park. Some played croquet and others softball. Isaac played softball! Isaac normally isn’t very athletic, but he did play baseball when he was much younger. Kristi and I were anxious to see how he would do. We were so excited when he started throwing the ball around and catching. At first up to bat the hitting was difficult for him, but he caught on quickly and did quite well! It was so amazing to watch him playing softball. God has truly done amazing work in his life!!!!

There were a few other glimpses of Isaac’s old personality that came through this week. The first thing I noticed was that when Isaac got dressed in his “skinny” jeans and I gave him his tennis shoes to put on, he looked down at his feet and said, “This looks weird.” I smiled because Isaac NEVER wore athletic shoes. He always would wear flip-flops, Toms, or Vans (in that order). We bought him the tennis shoes when he started physical therapy after waking up from the coma. I told him he could change the shoes. : )

Another time I saw Isaac’s kind heart returning was when he walked over to another patient who was feeling very bad about something that happened during the softball game. Isaac tried to encourage him. Before his accident Isaac would notice people that were outcasts or someone troubled or lonely and go talk to them. Yesterday Isaac also voted for someone to be the “Patient of the Week” that really seems to be lonely. I believe it is the heart of Jesus that is within him that is being outwardly demonstrated again! He is beginning to notice others more than himself. Isaac had been complaining about having to go to TLC every day because he doesn’t understand why he needs to be there, but on Thursday and Friday he didn’t complain! Kristi and I were happy the complaining stopped! We thank Jesus for these signs of encouragement that God isn’t finished with him yet. There are many hurting people at TLC, as you could imagine. They all need the hope and faith found only in Jesus Christ! We are encouraging Isaac to look at TLC as his mission field. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

In God our HOPE,
Kris

Hi everyone,

Today was a good day for all of us here in Lubbock. Ivan, Isaac, Kris and I met with all of Isaac’s therapists to get an update from them on Isaac’s progress. It’s something that all the clients at TLC do. So we all sat together in a conference room and one at a time they told Isaac (and us) about what they’ve been seeing in him. They told us that he is doing very well, and basically he is where they’d expect him to be at this point – he is progressing! Praise God! But he has some definite areas of weakness. All five of the therapists that work with him said that they want to work with him on keeping attention, taking initiative, problem solving, planning, and organizational skills. These are some specific things that we can be praying for him about. You can also pray for him to move to the next level of healing. Right now he’s a level seven… and at this stage he’s very negative about having to go to therapy. He doesn’t understand why he needs it!

We were glad to find out that most of Isaac’s therapists are Christians. It’s really cool how God placed him in the right place, with just the right people. We’ve all been so incredibly blessed by how God has provided and continues to heal Isaac. At the end of our meeting Ivan told all of the therapists about Isaac being a modern day knight, and then he gave them permission to hold Isaac to the principles of manhood that he grew up learning:

“Reject passivity, accept responsibility, lead courageously, expect the greater reward.”

All the therapists wrote it down and said they’d use it to encourage him. I think they wanted to use the saying for their own sons! We just wanted you all to know how well the meeting went and that Isaac truly is moving forward thanks to Gods powerful hand. And again he says, “Thank you so much for your prayers!”

God Bless!
~Kristi~

This past weekend Isaac enjoyed a three-day weekend at home! He helped his dad change a burned out tail light on his car. He also visited a local coffee shop and bookstore. On Sunday his brother Eli, with wife Mayra and their baby Elizabeth, came and celebrated Easter with us. We were very blessed to be able to attend church as a family!

After the Easter service Isaac told Kristi that he didn’t remember tasting life the first time, but he knows what it is like to almost taste death, which makes life more precious.

God is indeed the author of life! Christ conquered the grave on the cross, offering us new life in Him. Each day is a precious gift in which we can give back to God, bringing Him glory.

Isaac wanted me to thank all of you for praying for him. Today he was able to play guitar and sing for his recreational therapy. It was a special time of worship for him. Ivan, Kristi, and I were able to attend! Each day he is improving with his musical skills and more memory is returning!

Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

With a grateful heart,
Kris