So many people ask how things are going with the adoption. My answer has been how slow it feels to me and how much my heart aches to hold her and how we stare at her pictures we have throughout our home and on our phones... How hard it is to watch her grow for 6 months without being with her....Now - I can say with excitement - Progressing!! YAY!!!
There is a bounce in my step now as we are getting close to the last steps... so close I can almost taste it!
I know adoption talk sounds like a foreign language with all the acronyms and if you follow our timeline (at tabs on top of page) - it isn't any more clear. :) A quick synopsis of what has happened recently and what is yet to happen:
12/17 - we got approval to call Meisi our immediate relative instead of orphan :)
12/26 - Meisi's visa paperwork (Article 5) arrived at Consulate in China
1/9 - Great Wall should be able to pick up our Article 5 to take to China's Welfare Agency
1/23-1/30 - Hopefully receive our Travel Approval and then be able to buy plane tickets!!
Woohoo!!! We are getting closer!!! Exciting to think in 6-8 weeks we will be on a plane to China and FINALLY holding our precious Meisi!!!!
So thankful for so many of you who have sent notes, cards, gifts and prayers as we journey through this process. :) We are so blessed to have such an amazing family in Christ. :) We LOVE you guys!!
We are still hoping and praying to make it to China by her birthday (2/19). Chinese New Year could prevent that (everything closes from Feb 8-15), but we know God is bigger and if He wills it, it will be!
Please continue to pray with us as we wait and prepare to travel. Issues that are on my heart -
1) Meisi's health during the winter (it is VERY cold in Beijing right now).
2) Preparing our hearts for Meisi - and our kids hearts for one another
3) That she bonds with us and us with her instantly (with God all things are possible)
4) Preparing for travel; (living in Fl and needing cold weather clothes is a challenge) and preparing our home for Meisi (room, bed, clothes...)- yes I am still a procrastinator :)
5) Wisdom in dealing with those who aren't supportive of adoption and whose words pierce my soul.
Have to end this post with a reminder I got on a facebook group I am in for adoption. A friend on there talked about the difficulties she faced in adoption. She said to remember that love is not a feeling...it is an action. A great reminder with our kids (bio or adopted), our husbands and families. My mind immediately went to one of my all time favorite groups - DC Talk singing Luv is a verb - enjoy this video - hope it brings a smile to your face like mine - "Haven't you heard - LOVE is a serious word.....Love is a verb!" :)
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
We got an update!
We were told by our Referral Specialist at Great Wall that we could get two FREE updates because Meisi is from one of their partnership orphanages. She recommended getting a referral now and again closer to travel (which we are REALLY hoping and praying will be Feb at the latest). We were very excited to be able to have these updates. Many have to pay $$ for updates - what a blesing and surprise! Brian and I came up with 19 questions. Most were answered. The thing I was most interested was how big she has gotten to be. The last height and weight we had were from when she was just over one year old. She is 22 months now. She has grown sooo much!
I know that is good news because she is getting nutrition...
But I admit to being sad reading how much she has grown and all the milestones she has had that we have missed, and, and.....
Yes, yes....we have many more years to be with her and see and live more milestones WITH her...
Just a happy/sad day for this waiting Mama. Did I mention adoption causes just as much if not more emotional instability than pregnancy??
Back to the update -
Here are the questions we asked and their answers. Would love to know what some of the foods and drinks are...
1. Please provide current measurements.
Height: 84.5 cm (33 inches) Weight: 11.6 kg (25.5 lb) Head size: 45.4 cm (17.9 in) Chest size: 50 cm (19.7 in) Foot length: 12 cm (size 5) Teeth number: 20
2. Please provide updated pictures.
Her photos are attached.
3. Please provide update on health.
Her current health condition is good.
4. Has she had any illnesses?
No.
5. How does her CHD affect her in daily life activities?
They told her CHD has little impact on her daily life activities.
6. Please provide update on verbal and motor skills. Is she talking? Walking?
Yes, she is talking and she can say simple words (but she doesn’t like to talk; she is a little introverted; she usually smiles to you when you call her). She can walk and run with ease.
7. What is her favorite food and drink?
She likes cooked wheaten foods, such as steamed stuffed buns and dumplings. She likes sweet and sour beverage (ummm...what is sweet and sour beverage??)
8. What are her favorite toys?
She likes toys with bright colors.
9. What are her favorite activities?
She likes to play with toys and play games with other children.
10. What is her personality like? Is she serious? Silly? Mischievous? Well behaved? Happy? Sad?
She is introverted and shy.
11. What name or nickname is she most often called?
They usually call her Zhen Zhen.
12. Does she get along well with other children?
Yes.
13. Does she sleep through the night?
She typically sleeps through the night and occasionally wakes up.
14. What soothes her when she is hurt or upset?
You can hold her and give her snacks when she is hurt or upset.
15. What is her nighttime routine?
Not provided.
16. What is her daytime routine?
Not provided.
17. Does she drink from bottle?
Yes.
18. Does she have any allergies?
No.
19. What type of snacks does she like?
She likes ham, fried potatoes and crackers. (what kind of ham is a snack?)
We got a few pictures too. :) This is one of my favorites as it shows her little personality some...wonder if she is hiding because she is introverted and shy?
Oh my sweet Meisi - Mama cannot wait to hold you...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7, my emphasis added on those things I struggle with...)
Lord, thank you for our precious new daughter you have blessed us with. Please Father, if it be Your will, let us get through these last stages in high speed so that we can be with Meisi quickly. We desperately want to be with her for her second birthday (earlier would be even better). ;) We ask this in Jesus's precious and Holy Name. Amen.
I know that is good news because she is getting nutrition...
But I admit to being sad reading how much she has grown and all the milestones she has had that we have missed, and, and.....
Yes, yes....we have many more years to be with her and see and live more milestones WITH her...
Just a happy/sad day for this waiting Mama. Did I mention adoption causes just as much if not more emotional instability than pregnancy??
Back to the update -
Here are the questions we asked and their answers. Would love to know what some of the foods and drinks are...
1. Please provide current measurements.
Height: 84.5 cm (33 inches) Weight: 11.6 kg (25.5 lb) Head size: 45.4 cm (17.9 in) Chest size: 50 cm (19.7 in) Foot length: 12 cm (size 5) Teeth number: 20
2. Please provide updated pictures.
Her photos are attached.
3. Please provide update on health.
Her current health condition is good.
4. Has she had any illnesses?
No.
5. How does her CHD affect her in daily life activities?
They told her CHD has little impact on her daily life activities.
6. Please provide update on verbal and motor skills. Is she talking? Walking?
Yes, she is talking and she can say simple words (but she doesn’t like to talk; she is a little introverted; she usually smiles to you when you call her). She can walk and run with ease.
7. What is her favorite food and drink?
She likes cooked wheaten foods, such as steamed stuffed buns and dumplings. She likes sweet and sour beverage (ummm...what is sweet and sour beverage??)
8. What are her favorite toys?
She likes toys with bright colors.
9. What are her favorite activities?
She likes to play with toys and play games with other children.
10. What is her personality like? Is she serious? Silly? Mischievous? Well behaved? Happy? Sad?
She is introverted and shy.
11. What name or nickname is she most often called?
They usually call her Zhen Zhen.
12. Does she get along well with other children?
Yes.
13. Does she sleep through the night?
She typically sleeps through the night and occasionally wakes up.
14. What soothes her when she is hurt or upset?
You can hold her and give her snacks when she is hurt or upset.
15. What is her nighttime routine?
Not provided.
16. What is her daytime routine?
Not provided.
17. Does she drink from bottle?
Yes.
18. Does she have any allergies?
No.
19. What type of snacks does she like?
She likes ham, fried potatoes and crackers. (what kind of ham is a snack?)
We got a few pictures too. :) This is one of my favorites as it shows her little personality some...wonder if she is hiding because she is introverted and shy?
Oh my sweet Meisi - Mama cannot wait to hold you...
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-7, my emphasis added on those things I struggle with...)
Lord, thank you for our precious new daughter you have blessed us with. Please Father, if it be Your will, let us get through these last stages in high speed so that we can be with Meisi quickly. We desperately want to be with her for her second birthday (earlier would be even better). ;) We ask this in Jesus's precious and Holy Name. Amen.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
"Giving Tuesday"
This is the first year for "Giving Tuesday". Instead of pulling from what I've read I'll let you do your own research on this topic. :)
As you research and contemplate ways you may give, I would like to offer you an option to consider (there are many great options...this is just one close to our heart) - Love Without Boundaries.
We love Love Without Boundaries.....
There are people out there who I have never met, but my family will be eternally grateful to them. People who gave to help fund Meisi's surgery which was several thousand dollars. After her surgery, Meisi was still very tiny and required a very special but expensive formula to survive. People heard the need and they gave. We are so thankful for each and every one of those people. We are so thankful for Love Without Boundaries who provided all these life saving and giving therapies after they accepted the call when Meisi was just 2 months old and dying. Amazing things can happen when the Holy Spirit leads people to move and they follow. God still does miracles. :)
If you are contemplating sending money to an organization or charity but haven't found one yet that you can trust or feel comfortable with. I urge you to learn more about Love Without Boundaries (LWB). You can support precious children who have medical needs like Meisi did or nutrition needs like Meisi did or help provide education like our dear friend's girls received. It is amazing what even a small amount each month can do in the life of a child. LWB provides wonderful updates on the child or program you are supporting with pictures and information. We were blessed that our referral file included a few of Meisi's medical updates LWB had sent to those supporting her in her first few months she was with them. There are no words to express the gratitude for all those who gave, prayed for and loved on her before we even knew her. We are so thankful to Love Without Boundaries for answering the call.
We are not all called to adopt, we are all called to do something.
Is "Giving Tuesday" your day to start?
As you research and contemplate ways you may give, I would like to offer you an option to consider (there are many great options...this is just one close to our heart) - Love Without Boundaries.
We love Love Without Boundaries.....
There are people out there who I have never met, but my family will be eternally grateful to them. People who gave to help fund Meisi's surgery which was several thousand dollars. After her surgery, Meisi was still very tiny and required a very special but expensive formula to survive. People heard the need and they gave. We are so thankful for each and every one of those people. We are so thankful for Love Without Boundaries who provided all these life saving and giving therapies after they accepted the call when Meisi was just 2 months old and dying. Amazing things can happen when the Holy Spirit leads people to move and they follow. God still does miracles. :)
If you are contemplating sending money to an organization or charity but haven't found one yet that you can trust or feel comfortable with. I urge you to learn more about Love Without Boundaries (LWB). You can support precious children who have medical needs like Meisi did or nutrition needs like Meisi did or help provide education like our dear friend's girls received. It is amazing what even a small amount each month can do in the life of a child. LWB provides wonderful updates on the child or program you are supporting with pictures and information. We were blessed that our referral file included a few of Meisi's medical updates LWB had sent to those supporting her in her first few months she was with them. There are no words to express the gratitude for all those who gave, prayed for and loved on her before we even knew her. We are so thankful to Love Without Boundaries for answering the call.
We are not all called to adopt, we are all called to do something.
Is "Giving Tuesday" your day to start?
Monday, November 26, 2012
FINALLY - LOA!!!!
Yay!!!! Yay!!!!!! Yay!!!!
It has arrived!! Thank you Lord!!! I feel like I can breath again!!!!
So excited to FINALLY be able to introduce our precious, beautiful daughter - Meisi Zhen Simpson :)
This is one of my favorite pictures of her we found on the Love Without Boundaries facebook page. Just wanna reach out and squeeze her. Can you see why this wait has been so so hard!?!
These were her referral pictures we received. We knew she was ours immediately. :) Looking into her eyes...wow.... we love you sweet baby girl.
On August 22nd, 2012 Ding Si Zhen was born in our hearts. :)
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It has arrived!! Thank you Lord!!! I feel like I can breath again!!!!
So excited to FINALLY be able to introduce our precious, beautiful daughter - Meisi Zhen Simpson :)
This is one of my favorite pictures of her we found on the Love Without Boundaries facebook page. Just wanna reach out and squeeze her. Can you see why this wait has been so so hard!?!
On August 22nd, 2012 Ding Si Zhen was born in our hearts. :)
.jpg)
We sent our Letter of Intent for her 2 days later. We kept praying about what to name our precious daughter. In her referral paperwork it said this regarding her Chinese name Si Zhen:
"Si means thought, because we want her to grow to have good thoughts and good morals. Zhen means treasure, because we think she is a treasure."
We knew we didn't want to change that, too precious. Ian (our 5 y/o son) kept saying we should name her "Beauty" because she is such a beauty. We agree, but you can't really name a child "Beauty" (unless you are Disney). :)
We wanted to make sure we kept her heritage in her name (just as Aili and Ian are named for our Scottish heritage). Her identifier with LWB is "Delyth" which means "pretty" in Welsh. We learned that "Mei" means "beautiful" in Chinese.....Perfect!!! After much praying and talking, we decided her name is Meisi Zhen - beautiful thought and treasure. :) Ian says he is still gonna call her "beauty or cutie." I think we all will. ;)
One more picture...hehe...been waiting too long to share these. :) How surprised I was to get this from some friends who found it on Pinterest....Beauty, eyes and her heart all in the same sentence....our beautiful heart baby with amazing eyes... We LOVE you!! Gotcha Day can't get here soon enough!
Thankful for time together
Is it Sunday already?? I must admit I am kinda sad to see my kids go back to school tomorrow and my hubby go back to work.
We had planned a busy week of traveling back to KY to see dear friends, but we weren't able to get Brian's schedule worked out in time to do that. So, instead, we stayed here and had
SO.
MUCH.
FUN!!
One day we went on a VERY long bike ride in our neighborhood, stopping periodically to take
pictures, play on playground, sit on a pier...
The kids have been begging to camp out - so we went camping - sort of....
People talk about "car camping", but we went "Garage Camping." We put up the projector and watched a couple movies, played Chutes and Ladders, Bingo and Go fish then roasted marshmallows on our grill. :) It was a blast, but our blow ups had holes in them so, we snuck back inside our cozy beds to sleep. I do wish I knew how to get videos on here. We laughed harder than I can remember with some of Ian's songs he sang us. :) Great belly laughs!! My little man is hilarious!!
Thanksgiving dinner was fantastic this year too!! So thankful for our dear friends from our Life Group (Bible Study group). We got to eat together for Thanksgiving. I even played Bocce ball for the first time. It was fun!! Even better that my teammate carried us through to win the championship - thanks Jason! :)
While there - Ian finally agreed to marry J (a few weeks ago he was the runaway groom during life group). :) Of course, right at the end she got wet feet - haha. We are discussing the benefit of arranged marriages. lol Look at their smiles- aren't they cute??
Black Friday shopping?? Of course!! This time with grandparent's money though. :) They sent it for me to do the kids shopping. Waaaayyyy more fun to spend someone else's money. :)
I tried really hard to keep up with the 30 days of thankfulness on facebook but I am soo far behind on that. I have too much to be thankful for to just think of one thing each day!! Obviously thankful we are getting closer everyday to getting Meisi, although the wait for LOA has been one of the hardest and most emotional roller coasters I have ever been on.. This too shall pass. Thankful this is the last Thanksgiving she will have without us (haha - of course, she has no idea what thanksgiving is...yet). :) Thankful that she is already part of our family. We talk about her, pray for her, buy her things, love her. Even though she will not be "with" us in 2012, we are thankful for the birth of our daughter and sister in our hearts this year. :) Ian today says, "Meisi is the smallest in our family." When asked how many kids we have, the kids immediately say, "Three, our baby sister is waiting for us in China!" LOVE it and my precious kids!! :)
Speaking of precious kids....this morning in worship we sang Matt Redman's "Never Let Go." I wept throughout it, praying for a precious little boy named Seth and His sweet mom Sarah -
"I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,
There will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes,
Still I will praise you, Still I will praise you."
I had posted about this precious little boy identified as "Kelly" in my VERY first blog post here. "Kelly" who is now Seth is home with his amazing family. :) However, the doctors here have said he is inoperable and medications will not help with his heart defect. If you would like to follow along on her blog it is here. Can you pray with me for this sweet child and family? I am praying it is God's will to heal Seth and to give the Risley's amazing comfort and peace throughout this journey. The power of prayers is amazing.
Thankful for each moment we have and the time we have together.
Hoping this week I will FINALLY get to share pictures of Meisi with you!!! COME ON LOA!!!
On a final note - I am thankful for my amazing man!! I just came donwstairs to load these pictures and all the dishes are done. :) I am blessed. :)
We had planned a busy week of traveling back to KY to see dear friends, but we weren't able to get Brian's schedule worked out in time to do that. So, instead, we stayed here and had
SO.
MUCH.
FUN!!
One day we went on a VERY long bike ride in our neighborhood, stopping periodically to take
pictures, play on playground, sit on a pier...
The kids have been begging to camp out - so we went camping - sort of....
People talk about "car camping", but we went "Garage Camping." We put up the projector and watched a couple movies, played Chutes and Ladders, Bingo and Go fish then roasted marshmallows on our grill. :) It was a blast, but our blow ups had holes in them so, we snuck back inside our cozy beds to sleep. I do wish I knew how to get videos on here. We laughed harder than I can remember with some of Ian's songs he sang us. :) Great belly laughs!! My little man is hilarious!!
Thanksgiving dinner was fantastic this year too!! So thankful for our dear friends from our Life Group (Bible Study group). We got to eat together for Thanksgiving. I even played Bocce ball for the first time. It was fun!! Even better that my teammate carried us through to win the championship - thanks Jason! :)
Black Friday shopping?? Of course!! This time with grandparent's money though. :) They sent it for me to do the kids shopping. Waaaayyyy more fun to spend someone else's money. :)
I tried really hard to keep up with the 30 days of thankfulness on facebook but I am soo far behind on that. I have too much to be thankful for to just think of one thing each day!! Obviously thankful we are getting closer everyday to getting Meisi, although the wait for LOA has been one of the hardest and most emotional roller coasters I have ever been on.. This too shall pass. Thankful this is the last Thanksgiving she will have without us (haha - of course, she has no idea what thanksgiving is...yet). :) Thankful that she is already part of our family. We talk about her, pray for her, buy her things, love her. Even though she will not be "with" us in 2012, we are thankful for the birth of our daughter and sister in our hearts this year. :) Ian today says, "Meisi is the smallest in our family." When asked how many kids we have, the kids immediately say, "Three, our baby sister is waiting for us in China!" LOVE it and my precious kids!! :)
Speaking of precious kids....this morning in worship we sang Matt Redman's "Never Let Go." I wept throughout it, praying for a precious little boy named Seth and His sweet mom Sarah -
"I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on,
There will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes,
Still I will praise you, Still I will praise you."
I had posted about this precious little boy identified as "Kelly" in my VERY first blog post here. "Kelly" who is now Seth is home with his amazing family. :) However, the doctors here have said he is inoperable and medications will not help with his heart defect. If you would like to follow along on her blog it is here. Can you pray with me for this sweet child and family? I am praying it is God's will to heal Seth and to give the Risley's amazing comfort and peace throughout this journey. The power of prayers is amazing.
Thankful for each moment we have and the time we have together.
Hoping this week I will FINALLY get to share pictures of Meisi with you!!! COME ON LOA!!!
On a final note - I am thankful for my amazing man!! I just came donwstairs to load these pictures and all the dishes are done. :) I am blessed. :)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Puzzles, Pampered Chef and Purposeful Crafts :)
We've had several folks ask how they can help us with the adoption. Well, more than anything we need prayer! Please pray for
1. God's protection over Meisi until we can get to her (winter months are hard in China)
2. God's comfort during the wait - we know His timing is perfect (and hopefully sooner than later) ;)
3. For Meisi's heart to be prepared to be part of our family
4. For our hearts (Brian, me, Aili and Ian) to be prepared to be her family
5. That we let the peace of Christ rule in us. He's got this and He is faithful! How quickly my mind forgets this!!!
Finances? Well, He has been amazing at providing all we have needed so far through saving more - spending less, taking temporary jobs here and there, tax returns, yard/bake sales, 31 party, generous friends, and a Scrapebooking Fundraiser with 4 other amazing ladies at our church who were in process (now 3 of these families have their children home). :) Until now the fees have been somewhat spread out. As we approach the travel phase we are looking at the last half of the cost of adoption ($5500 orphanage "donation", $1000-2000 for legal fees in China, and $5000-7000 in travel expenses for Brian and I). We are hoping to raise enough in our fundraisers to cover the orphanage "donation".
If you want to help with the finances of adoption and our specific journey to bring our Meisi home we have three ways you can do that! We are doing a puzzle fundraiser, a Pampered Chef online party, and I am selling a craft I made (purposeful craft). If you are thinking of buying Pampered Chef for Christmas - this is a double gift as our friend is donating her commission to our adoption. Check out my fundraisers tab at the top for more details.
Puzzle fundraiser?? Here is how it works!
We just bought the coolest puzzle!
Every $10 would "buy" two puzzle pieces which we will write your name on like this:
Once puzzle is completed we will hang in double sided frame and display in our home so that we can always see who helped us bring home Meisi. :)
I have added a paypal link on the sidebar or you can send us your gift in the mail (send me a note if you need our address). Please include a note saying whose name you would like on the pieces.
I am also selling these "purposeful crafts" or he"ART" pieces. :)
I can create any country you'd like and if you really need a different color pattern - let me know, I probably can do that too! The cost of these are $10 not framed, $20 if framed (8x8) plus shipping.
Thank you for journeying with us to Meisi! :) Your prayers, words of encouragement and support are such a blessing!!
1. God's protection over Meisi until we can get to her (winter months are hard in China)
2. God's comfort during the wait - we know His timing is perfect (and hopefully sooner than later) ;)
3. For Meisi's heart to be prepared to be part of our family
4. For our hearts (Brian, me, Aili and Ian) to be prepared to be her family
5. That we let the peace of Christ rule in us. He's got this and He is faithful! How quickly my mind forgets this!!!
Finances? Well, He has been amazing at providing all we have needed so far through saving more - spending less, taking temporary jobs here and there, tax returns, yard/bake sales, 31 party, generous friends, and a Scrapebooking Fundraiser with 4 other amazing ladies at our church who were in process (now 3 of these families have their children home). :) Until now the fees have been somewhat spread out. As we approach the travel phase we are looking at the last half of the cost of adoption ($5500 orphanage "donation", $1000-2000 for legal fees in China, and $5000-7000 in travel expenses for Brian and I). We are hoping to raise enough in our fundraisers to cover the orphanage "donation".
If you want to help with the finances of adoption and our specific journey to bring our Meisi home we have three ways you can do that! We are doing a puzzle fundraiser, a Pampered Chef online party, and I am selling a craft I made (purposeful craft). If you are thinking of buying Pampered Chef for Christmas - this is a double gift as our friend is donating her commission to our adoption. Check out my fundraisers tab at the top for more details.
Puzzle fundraiser?? Here is how it works!
We just bought the coolest puzzle!
Every $10 would "buy" two puzzle pieces which we will write your name on like this:
Once puzzle is completed we will hang in double sided frame and display in our home so that we can always see who helped us bring home Meisi. :)
I have added a paypal link on the sidebar or you can send us your gift in the mail (send me a note if you need our address). Please include a note saying whose name you would like on the pieces.
I am also selling these "purposeful crafts" or he"ART" pieces. :)
I can create any country you'd like and if you really need a different color pattern - let me know, I probably can do that too! The cost of these are $10 not framed, $20 if framed (8x8) plus shipping.
Thank you for journeying with us to Meisi! :) Your prayers, words of encouragement and support are such a blessing!!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monkey Bars and Pink Casts
We are still waiting for that same piece of paper from China (LOA/LSC). Wednesday, Great Wall (our agency) told me today that they don't expect us to receive it for another 4-8 weeks. :( However, on Friday they told me we are in the review room which was good news to me. At least we are out of translation! After review we will got to the matching room where our LOA/LSC will be issued!
My mind was taken from the wait for just a little while.... Unfortunately, my distraction was an accident with my Aili Grace. Aili had a fall from the monkey bars at school which led to surgery to pin her little bones together in her left arm (and she is a lefty). :(
Amazing how things like this remind me of the brevity of life. I was so worried about her heart and how it would deal with the stress and all the medications she would be getting. It didn't ease me any with nurses asking what her heart condition was. :( God is good and faithful. She did great through the surgery and the whole time the doctors and nurses commented on how brave and strong she is. :) She did get an infection a few days later, but has recovered from that too.
Now she has her hot pink cast and seems to be doing very well... She still can't write but is enjoying directing people to what she needs/wants. :)
Thank you all for your prayers for her. We are so blessed with amazing friends around the world who love Jesus and stand with us in prayer from miles away. She kept telling doctors and nurses how safe she felt because "mommy asked people to pray and people around the world are praying for me...so I know I am safe." :)
That safety and your prayers led her to share with Brian and I some burdens and temptations she carried and she laid those at Jesus's feet. It is amazing what our eight year old can understand and verbalize. Thank you for your prayers and thank you Jesus for answering!! :)
My mind was taken from the wait for just a little while.... Unfortunately, my distraction was an accident with my Aili Grace. Aili had a fall from the monkey bars at school which led to surgery to pin her little bones together in her left arm (and she is a lefty). :(
 |
| Wanting Daddy to lay next to her |
 |
| Therapy dog named Benji |
 |
| You can see it is great therapy! She loves dogs!! |
 |
| Just before going back to surgery :( |
 |
| After surgery - she woke with this cute bear they gave her :) |
Amazing how things like this remind me of the brevity of life. I was so worried about her heart and how it would deal with the stress and all the medications she would be getting. It didn't ease me any with nurses asking what her heart condition was. :( God is good and faithful. She did great through the surgery and the whole time the doctors and nurses commented on how brave and strong she is. :) She did get an infection a few days later, but has recovered from that too.
Now she has her hot pink cast and seems to be doing very well... She still can't write but is enjoying directing people to what she needs/wants. :)
Thank you all for your prayers for her. We are so blessed with amazing friends around the world who love Jesus and stand with us in prayer from miles away. She kept telling doctors and nurses how safe she felt because "mommy asked people to pray and people around the world are praying for me...so I know I am safe." :)
That safety and your prayers led her to share with Brian and I some burdens and temptations she carried and she laid those at Jesus's feet. It is amazing what our eight year old can understand and verbalize. Thank you for your prayers and thank you Jesus for answering!! :)
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