How long, O Lord?
Dr Di Rayson captures our collective weariness and longing as we begin our Advent journey in 2020.
On the fifth day of Advent, 2020, Rhanee Tsetsakos and Jared Kartinyeri share excerpts of their health stories and reflect on the power of creation.
If not for creation then for what?
“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”
“What can I do with you, Ephraim?
What can I do with you, Judah?
Your love is like the morning mist,
like the early dew that disappears.
Therefore I cut you in pieces with my prophets,
I killed you with the words of my mouth—
then my judgments go forth like the sun.
For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings”.
Hosea 6:1-6
Below are excerpts from Facebook posts by Rhanee Tsetsakos and Jared Kartinyeri. Their health journeys show the lived experience of not Closing The Gap. As it says above, Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him even amongst our weariness. Let us pray.
10 November 2019 - Jared Kartinyeri
Got a new kidney
9 May 2020 - AKction Aboriginal Kidney Care Together - Improving Outcomes NOW!
Jared Kartinyeri & Rhanee Jane Tsetsakos are members of the AKction group and have started on one of the pieces for their art project.
The aim of this piece is to raise awareness and educate others about the struggles and triumphs of living with kidney disease and kidney failure.
They have been collecting clean medical waste and equipment from their dialysis treatments, with the intent to recycle those objects into an art piece that will help to spark conversations around the level and quality of services and care that is needed for our mob to stay alive longer whilst living with kidney disease.
#AKction #lifeasarenalpatient #artproject #watchthisspace
26 May 2020 - Rhanee Tsetsakos
My thought for the day: We were created to create! Whether another human life, art, stories, memories, objects, technologies….
If not for creation then for what?
11 August 2020 - Jared Kartinyeri
Art Project final stage
The artwork is to be displayed at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
22 October 2020 - Jared Kartinyeri is feeling happy
A big congratulations, and Praise the Lord, to my cousin Rhanee Jane Tsetsakos on getting a new kidney today. God bless you. I pray this one is for you. And I pray that the transplant operation will go well. Love ya cuz.
26 October 2020 - Rhanee Tsetsakos
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT UPDATE #12
My sister Cello Joy came to visit and sit with me today. We laughed, we loved, we shed a joyful tear or two, but my favorite moment was her sharing an Alana Levandoski reflective piece called 'Every Breath Is Grace'. I drifted off peacefully, letting go of the tension my body was holding and drifted in and out of a place of healing, comfort, safety and love.
I felt super LOVED today as she tucked me in before leaving 🥰🥰🥰
27 October 2020 - Rhanee Tsetsakos
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT UPDATE #13
Pain, pain go away come again.... Never again!!! 😫😖😩🤒😰😓😴😪😔
Arm is sore... Tummy is sore... Back is sore... Brain is sore. It feels like I may have a slight temp (but the nurses can't find the temperature gauge to check my temp).
Broken sleep, but still got plenty. Awaiting to see what the Docs got planned for me today and if I can go home???
Still tired so I may have some sleep left in me yet!
27 October 2020 - Rhanee Tsetsakos
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT UPDATE #14
My visitors today included Hubby, Rach, Chappy Nic and his off-sider Rian. We shared stories, songs and prayer in a beautiful moment of worship and fellowship - Which just organically came about.
Doctors are happy with progress... So, One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus 🎶🎵🎼
11 November 2020 - Jared Kartinyeri
A year today since I got that call. I owe it all to Jesus. I thank you Lord. He is good. I waited on his time. I trusted him for this day and it happens.
20 November 2020 - Rhanee Tsetsakos
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT UPDATE #35
So today marks my 4th week of living with my precious little K🐨ALA. The Journey has had its twists and turns, but everyday has been a better day then the last. Almost back to my ideal weight of 54kg (sitting at 54.4kg) Peeing every hour on the hour approx. 300-350mLs, often doing the 'Bustin' 4 A P' dance lol.
Hospital early for bloods today, Creatnine is down to 340 and continues to decrease. Wound has pretty much healed, but still taking it easy! So everything is pretty much tracking along as it should.
Prayers for my Twin (the recipient of the other donor kidney) please, as he is having some complications with his journey. I pray that his journey starts to turn around and go a bit more smoothly for him so that he can return to his normal life, enjoy his gift and spend quality time with his family, friends and loved ones. Prayer for continued healing for all Transplant patients as they embark on their own journeys of treatment and healing. It can be a lonely time, a scary time, a time of uncertainty, and a time of fear and anxiety. But it can also be a time of courage and strength, perseverance and hope.
22 November 2020 - Jared Kartinyeri
We can all say that this year was a challenging year. A year where there was bush fires, and the pandemic. Plus the big protests in America to Australia. We also had the riots. But we stand here for and I thank God for his faithfulness and love towards us. His hand on us of protection. His mercy and grace upon us. We call upon him for strength as we Keep going on for him. Thank you Lord. Our heavenly Father.
24 November 2020 - Rhanee Tsetsakos
KIDNEY TRANSPLANT UPDATE #36
It's been exactly 1 month since TWIN & myself had our life saving transplant surgeries. For me I can barely grasp the reality of it all, because life is always changing and sometimes I just can't keep up... in a good way of course!
Short and sweet post today... K🐨ALA is 100% operational!
Rhanee Tsetsakos is an Adnyamathanha woman currently living on Kaurna country in Adelaide. She is an Aboriginal Christian Leader and Leader within the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC). Rhanee is an author and published her first children’s book ‘Walking to Corroboree’ (with Anne Kerr) in 2017. Rhanee has now set up her own business ‘Yura Manda’ as an Indigenous Storyteller and Cultural Educator. Rhanee is passionate about being a strong connection and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-indigenous people to establish and build genuine relationships between each other. Rhanee reflects on the Aboriginal health crisis, which is her daily reality.
Jared Kartinyeri is an Aboriginal Christian Leader who attends the Aboriginal Berean Community Church on Kaurna country in Adelaide. He is an amazing drummer and you can often find him sharing Bible verses and his faith on Facebook. Jared is involved in ministry and volunteering and is a member of the Grasstree Gathering and a friend of Surrender. Jared can often be found with a huge smile and a joke or two as well.
Rhanee and Jared are part of the AKction Aboriginal Kidney Care Together - Improving Outcomes NOW! Group made up of South Australian Aboriginal people living with kidney disease, and the family members that care for and support them.
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