Lorraine and Fred Thomas are so thankful for all the prayers and mission support from WRPC. Ornelle had to have her 4th surgery just before Christmas to adjust the shunt that was put in her head to relieve pressure. This surgery seemed to take care of immediate problems of pain and she has had to take way less pain medication this week. She is recuperating comfortably at her brother Lewis's home west of Gallup. WRPC helped fund Lewis's family to get set up for propane, which was more reliable than wood heat, for Ornelle in her recovery. Lorraine visits daily and takes her to all her follow-up appointments. Her current task is trying to get Ornelle a hospital bed and a chair lift for their vehicle. Jennifer Holmes has been in contact with Sally Fellers of the David Fellers Foundation here in LA and is helping network for solutions. Keep your eyes and ears out for sources for medical supply equipment. Medicare may come through with a hospital bed, but Jennifer is still waiting to hear. The chair lift was refused by Medicare, the Navajo Tribe and Indian Health Services, since she has access during the day to Dial-A-Ride. We've noted that this will not be that helpful in an emergency situation. Also, Dial-A-Ride sometimes will not come out to the reservation (depending on the road conditions).

As so many are still traveling or have house guests and have been busily preparing and enjoying festive foods and treats, the usual PW Wednesday Potluck Luncheon (would be January 4, 2012) has been CANCELLED. Note on your calendar we will meet again on Wednesday, February 1 for lunch. Please give some thought to the annual Hunger Luncheon which would be on Wednesday, March 7.

On January 7 Lorraine and Fred Thomas of WRPC's partner church, House of Fellowship (on the Navajo Reservation) and WRPC members Jennifer and Ken Holmes delivered two truckloads of wood to Elizabeth Livingston of Pinedale, New Mexico, 10 miles north of Church Rock near Gallup. The wood was donated by Sumner and Joan Barr of WRPC and Fred and Lorraine of HOF. Elizabeth, who is in her early 80's, lives with her daughter Clara Harry on an unimproved (and very muddy) road. Elizabeth just got out of the hospital and is in frail health. They do not own a vehicle, which makes wood hauling very difficult. Elizabeth and Clara were very grateful for the truckloads of wood and wanted WRPC and HOF to know that they pray for us.