Another kiddo coming soon...

Jean Wilder will be coming soon (hopefully in the next few weeks) to Fort Wayne for eye surgery. He suffers from Congenital Strabismus. The doctor will perform surgery to either lengthen or shorten one of the muscles in his right eye. We have a great host family lined up for him and we are just waiting on a confirmation from the doctor.

Once Jean Wilder is recovered, he will head back to God's Littlest Angels Orphanage and hopefully he will find an adoptive family soon...

PLEASE KEEP PRAYING!!!

Please keep Sabrina in your prayers. Time is not on our side! God is our GREAT physician, and He can perform this miracle!!!
---------------------------------------
Here is an update from Dixie at GLA today:

I hope she will stay stable until we can get her out
-more seizures
-head bigger
-59 cm today
-I did 80 cc tap today
-not holding her temperature but warms up under the heat lights
-losing a lot of heat from her head!
-------------------------------------------
None of that is good!!!

PRAY, PRAY, PRAY!!!!!!!!!

Pray The Date... JULY 8th...

July 8th is when Anna, our transporter from GLA, is scheduled to return to the US with Sabrina. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE spread the word to pray that all of Sabrina's paperwork is done and that her visa is issued to come for her surgery. We had a doc in Sacramento and then when he saw her CT scans, he said, "no." We had a doc in Indy that was willing to shunt her and then the hospital said, "no" because they did not know what her outcome would be.

So, as of yesterday, we have a new doctor. Dr. Young, my son's neurosurgeon said, "yes" to taking her on without hesitation. Today I got the anesthesiologist to commit that Dr. Young wanted to have working with him on her case. So, tomorrow I contact the hosptial, St. Vincent's in Indy, to see if they will approve her. I will be speaking with Loraine Brown, if you want specifics to pray for. Please pray that all of the paperwork will be expedited and that we can get her out next Wednesday!!!

She does not have much time to spare. The orphanage has been tapping her head and withdrawing 50cc's of fluid every other day, and Dixie feels now that is not enough. I am consulting with the neuro doc tomorrow to see what to do. They can not keep up with the fluid collecting around her brain. Pray that her Cerebral Spinal Fluid would slow down in production.

This little angel was spared death at birth, and we are all praying that God once again chooses to spare her life once more!!!

Thank you in advance for your prayers, and I will keep you updated... Here are some recent pics of this angel...

Sabrina

We are still working on Sabrina's case. It is very complicated due to the very serious nature of her disease. We have found out some more information about her medical status that we didnt have initially. The doctor in California is not going to be doing her case now. We are in contact with a peds neuro surgeon at Riley Hospital in Indy. He will possibly be doing her case. We are deciding hopefully today if surgery is the best option for her. She needs much prayer as do the people at Gods Littlest Angels orphanage that are caring for her now. We are praying that God helps us make the best decision for her care.

Witlene

Well it has been a while since we have updated everyone on our patients. We are soooo happy to let everyone know that Witlene is back in Haiti already!

Just to recap her case she came here with a baseball size tumor on her pituitary gland. We expected her to have to have surgery but the neurosurgeon decided to try medications first. We were thrilled to try this and see what happened. Within a few months time her symptoms started to disappear. We were very hopeful that meant her tumor was shrinking.

A few weeks ago we were all praising Jesus for a complete healing. Her tumor was gone! She was so happy and thanking Jesus. Without this treatment she would most likely have gone blind, never been able to have children and eventually died.

Hands That Heal is so thankful for all the "hands" involved in her case. Doctors, hospitals, host families and many others. It is so awesome for us to see the hands of Jesus working together for this outcome that glorifies His name.

Witlene will continue on her medications in Haiti but they are unable to get them there. We are working with the distributor to get it and mail it to her.

It is so amazing how God can work and we give Him all the glory for her healing.

Hands That Heal Auction--TOMORROW--

Come support a great cause! Benefit Auction for Hands that Heal Sat June 13, 8:30 - 12:00 located at 1212 Lower Huntington Rd. in Waynedale. Hands That Heal is a non-profit organization under Avalon Missionary Church. Our mission is to bring Haitian children and adults to the U.S. for life saving surgeries. We find doctors and hospitals that donate their services and host families to keep the children while they are in the U.S. Funds are needed for airline tickets, X rays, meds and various other expenses while they are here.
Over 100 items will be auctioned off both silent and live. Sweetcakes comedy will have face painting and balloon art from 10 - 11 a.m. There will also be a car wash during the auction. A Concession stand will have all kinds of goodies!!!

Here is a sample of just a few of the things we have gotten!!

1-person Hot Air Balloon Ride
2 person plane ride around FW area (1-2 hours)
Signed Nascar and Indy Car items by Danica Patrick, Jimmy Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Kyle Busch and a green start flag signed by 19 well known Indy drivers from 2009 including the winner (Helio Castroneves)
Vera Bradley bags, beautiful handmade Quilts, Gemstone Rings
Manicures, haircuts, Mary Kay, Arbonne, and Avon products
DeBrand Chocolate tour
FW Civic Theater, Embassy Theatre, Rave, and Tin Caps Tickets
Handyman for a Day
4 Desserts, Dinner for 8, Pies for a year (one per month)
Overnight stay at the Hilton and Residence Inn
Landscaping services
Handmade Haitian goods
Knock-out rose bushes
3 month YMCA family membership
Estate Planning
HUGE lot of precious moments collector figurines in original boxes

Pray for Sabrina...

We have a host family: Thanks Kagstrom's!!!

We have a doctor: Thanks MAT!!!

We have CT scans being photographed and e-mailed to the doc today: Thanks Dixie!!!

We have 2 people--one being a nurse--ready to transport her: Thanks Steph and Anna!!!

We have people praying: Thanks to you!!!!!!!!

Now what needs to happen???

**Hospital approving her ASAP!!!

**Haiti expediting all of her paperwork, and that there would be no issues with documents!!!

**Flying to get her and bringing her to the most amazing host family ever!!!

Sabrina...

Please be praying for little Sabrina. She is at God's Littlest Angels Orphanage. Her mom brought her to GLA last week, at 3 days old, to see if they could help. Her head circ is 54.5 cm. Weight 12 pounds. (A normal head circ of a newborn is between 33-38 cm.) Probably 4-5 lbs of her birth weight is water on her brain. Without immediate surgery, this little girl will die.

We are working on finding her a doctor/hospital as I type. Right now, with the help of the Medical Advocacy Team, we might have the answer to our prayers. Please pray that this will work out and she will be able to live.

PLEASE BE PRAYING FOR SABRINA, HER MOM, AND EVERYONE WORKING ON GETTING THIS PRECIOUS ANGEL ALL THAT SHE DESERVES!!!!!

Update on our friend Shnaider

Wow what a difference a year makes. It was a year ago now that Shnaider arrived for his first surgery. He looks like such a little guy and now he is all grown up! Shnaider proved himself to be a very resilient child. He went through 3 surgeries before all was said and done. He spent time with a couple different families and did amazing through all of it. He is such a happy go lucky kiddo.

On his last check with Dr.Young he was thrilled at Shnaiders progress. The shunt that is in place to keep the fluid drained off his surgery site gets to stay in place which means no more surgery! He will go back for a recheck soon but all seems to be healing properly.

We are so thankful to God for how he has protected Shnaider and brought all the right people into his life to care for him. Many have gotten to witness Shnaider's love and have touched his life. We thank God for Dr.Young, St.Vincent Hospital, the Truesdale's, the Mueller's, and the Hall family for being a part of his life.

Georgey

Hello everyone, Hands That Heal has a new child comming soon from Haiti. His name is Georgey. He is 9 years old and will be having surgery at St.Vincent hospital in Indianapolis. The surgery is to correct his gentalia that have not developed properly. The surgery itself will only consist of a few days in the hospital but he will need to have weekly visits with a counselor due to the nature of the surgery and how it will effect him emotionally.
We are coordinating his care with Angel Missions Haiti. He is a very quiet, calm and sweet child. A very special family will be needed to help him through this emotional time. We are in need of a family that is interested in hosting him. If you think this may be something God is calling you to do and would like more information please contact us.
Blessings,
HTH Team

This Is Why We Exhist...

(A new referral: Mishna--clubbed feet)

³⁴"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

³⁷"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

⁴⁰"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25: 34-40 (NIV)

AUCTION...

That's right, Hands That Heal will be having an auction June 13, 2009. I am so excited for this!!! Four years ago I was campaign coordinator for a little boy who was having a kidney transplant. We did a benefit auction for him at our church, and we raised over $14,000.00 that day. It was the most amazing and energizing day!

If we could even come close to this amount, think of all the people that will benefit... Missionaries would not have to worry about finding the $ to get the kids here, and host families would not be required to carry the whole financial burden of adding an additional member for a time being. Also, there are a lot of little things that add up when our patients are here.

So, what can you do???? Do you make anything that you want to donate for the auction? Do you have any sports memorablelia that is collecting dust? Do you know any famous people that could autograph something??? ;-) Anything will help!!!

If you want to donate an item, or just make a monetary contribution, I will be able to get you a "In kind donation" form for tax purposes.

Also, if you live anywhere close to Fort Wayne, Indiana; mark June 13, 2009 on your calendar and come and join us for a morning of great fun and God's goodness!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR DONATIOINS!!!

Just leave me a comment if you have any questions, or would like to be involved in any way.

The "Miracle" Visa(s)...

Djemy and Joyce leaving for his medical visa appointment.

Here is a glimpse into the miracle of Djemy's visa... The below 2 paragraphs were written on a GLA Yahoo group last week. The host parents for Djemy have been in an adoption battle for the past year to get their twins home from GLA. To make a long story REALLY short, everything was going very smooth in their adoption of Sonia and Sonel. Well, as smooth as Haitian adoptions go... :-) They got through Parquet, where the Haitian Court Systems do a birth parent interview, and that went well, and so passports with were issued with Tuttle as their last name. They were legally Ralph and Beka's children now. The US added another birth parent interview on to the end of adoptions in the last year or so. So, at the last birth parent interview, the birth mom said, "That she had never intended on giving them up?????!!!! What???? She did not want them back, and had NO MEANS to care for them! She was in an abusive situation herself, and her children would be in grave danger if she were to ever get them back. She said that she wanted them to live at GLA forever??? So, the fight for Sonia and Sonel began February of 2007. Finally, almost one year later, the USCIS office in San Diego wrote a letter to the Consulate in Haiti to release the children to the Tuttle's, because they fully met the requirements of orphaned children. End of story, and visas were issued. Below are two messages written by Djemy's host mom, Rebekah Tuttle...
---------------------------------------------------------------
(Written January 9, 2009)

I can't type because I am shaking from head to toe but I just had to
announce the news! God has given me the best birthday gift of all and
that is visas for Sonia and Sonel as well as a medical visa for
Djemy....all on the same day!

My wish is for everyone of you to realize that God is faithful and He
still moves mountains! Give Him ALL the glory!!!!

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised
is faithful!" Hebrews 10:23
------------------------------------------------------------------
(Written January 13, 2009)


Hi! I just have to post even though my list of to-do's continues to
grow instead of shrinking. We are leaving on Sunday to bring our
children home! Praise God! We have been singing the Doxology over and
over because it fits our feelings of praise so well! What words can't
say, songs do.

First of all, I want to make sure that I tell all of you as a group
of friends how thankful I am for your friendships and the love and
compassion you have shown. God has blessed me 'above all I could ask
or even think' and I am so thankful! Thank you for your posts,
emails, cards, phone calls and for the incredible outpouring of
congratulations you have given. I am printing them all out to put in
our "Miracle Day" file. One of these days we are going to be able to
share with our children the process that we went through to see them
come home. If I were to have imagined the last two and a half years,
I could never had done it but God knew we were in for a bunch of
heartbreak and agony. He strengthened us and we now come out on the
other side of this with greater blessings that I could ever imagine.

You all of have been used by God to help me continue on even on those
days when I literally begged God to help me breathe. Not only did He
help me breathe but He gave me such compassion for all of you. Every
day now I wake up praying for you and your children that God will
complete what He has started and will bring your children home as
quickly as He wills. I have learned to say the Lord's Prayer and mean
it. It is really not about my will but His.

I can tell you that what God has joined, man can NOT separate. We
have several stories in the Bible that spoke to us during our wait
not only for children but also in those years we have been struggling
with the infertility (make that 14 years). Job came to mind when we
had the miscarriage of our twins. My dad passed away from pancreatic
cancer, two of my sisters were diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Ralph
was called up to go with the Marines to Iraq (God canceled that bump
in the road) and we were trying to get through medical school and the
120 work hour internship year. Those things happened within two years
of each other.

I believe now that God was preparing us for the biggest fight we
would encounter. We were in a Red Sea situation where we would drown
if we continued forward but the army was behind us and we had no
choice but to move forward knowing God had to provide and there was
no other option for us. I will never forget the day back in June or
July when Ralph walked up to me with tears streaming down his face.
He looked at me and said, "I was just sitting at the computer and God
assured me that He has answered our prayers!" God never goes back on
His promises!

One day I was praying and I had this clear picture in my head of
guardian angels hovering over Sonia and Sonel where they were sitting
in the orphanage. We prayed for so long that God would dump buckets
of joy over our heads and we believe that is exactly what has
happened.

I am not a 'signs and wonders' person but we were presented with
nothing less than that on our trip to Oregon. Remember, we have been
praying that God would send the rain and that He would complete the
work He had started in the heart of our daughter, Caitlin. Two hours
from home, the weather turned dark and the snow started coming down.
For three hours, we drove in SoCal with that kind of weather. We got
to central California and we had a rainbow literally follow us for
the entire day until it was evening. Again, the snow began to fall
and we had to stop for the night because the roads were impassible.
The next morning we got up, put the chains on our van and crept up
and over the mountain into Oregon praying we would get there in one
piece. The snow continued the entire two weeks we were gone. Oregon
has never had that kind of weather. I grew up there and this storm
broke all records.

We arrived on Tuesday, logged onto the computer and found that Ralph
was accepted into a residency program that would extend our time in
California for the next few years so we could complete Caitlin's high
school and finish the adoption that God has called us to. Before I
crawled into bed, I logged onto the computer again and found the
email telling us that it appeared we would be adopting not two more
but also a third little sister who needs to be loved and have a home
with her siblings.

Talk about a God-sighting...showing us that He always shows up on
time and is NEVER late. I know, there were times when people would
tell me that "all in God's timing" and I was not wanting to hear that
but looking back, we can clearly see that God was working even when
we could not see Him. I begged Him to show me that He loved me! There
were days that I did not post anything because I hurt too badly. That
should end the speculation that I never questioned or had absolute
faith. I didn't....but I believed God and chose to trust on days when
I didn't want to.

I have been praying for months that God would bring the twins and
Djemy home all three together. I have prayed that believing God could
do it if He chose. On my birthday, we heard that the twins were going
in for their visa appointment. It came out of the blue. It was like
Peter knocking on the door saying, "I am here," and no one believing
it even though he was standing right there. I read the words and it
just would not register. I called for Ralph who had come home to take
me out for lunch. We blinked together and then called GLA! I can't
remember much about the rest of my day except that we kept looking at
each other with a comical look of disbelief and expectant
anticipation that God had answered our prayers!

Friday morning, my phone rang and it was Dixie. She was so excited to
call with the news that was all good. Not only did we have two visas
for our twins but she also was able to pick up the medical visa for
Djemy! God not only poured out His blessings. He dumped buckets of
joy on our heads!

I can tell you that JESUS NEVER FAILS! We have two beautiful children
coming home named Sonia and Sonel who are living proof of that. This
wasn't a case of working it out or finding the right person who could
argue clearly or finding a person who wanted to be nice. The visas
were printed because God performed a miracle against all odds.

This is longer than I intended but I want to give you hope. The
adoption wait is terrible but it would be impossible without the
support of this group which Kristin started and a Friend who never
fails! Thank you, my friend and Friend!

You are all forever in my heart and I am now back at the beginning of
an adoption and most of you will have your kiddos home before I have
the next batch of three. That means I will get to root for you and
send congratulations your way when the good news comes.

"I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in
the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord." Psalms 27:13-14

God has given us back more than we would ever have dreamed. I am the
mommy of 6 children! Glory to God!

In one week, I will be hugging on my children and yours!

Love all of you,
Beka
----------------------------------------
Here is a glimpse of a family that God made by His own hands, and He will complete...

Guerlens

Djemy

Dieuna

Sonel Tuttle

Sonia Tuttle

Be praying for the Tuttle's (Ralph, Beka, and Caitlin,16)! They leave for Haiti on Sunday, January 18th, and will arrive back in San Diego the following Friday. It will be like 'man on man defense'--3 on 3... ;-)

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!

PRAISE THE LORD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!!!!!!! Djemy was issued his medical visa today! I have to run, but I will update the entire story tonight!!!!!!

God is still doing MIRACLES TODAY!!!

New Pics of Shnaider...

Shnaider is getting sooooooo big!!! He is not the little baby that I brought home from the airport! Look at how GREAT he looks! Thanks to the Hall family for taking such great care of this precious boy!

GREAT News for Djemy!!!

Djemy and Guerlens--Dec. 2008

We just found out this week that Djemy has been accepted for Surgery in San Diego, CA, at Rady Children's Hospital. Letters have been written and are in transit to Haiti, via Fed Ex today. Please pray that they arrive in Haiti on Thursday, as expected!

We are praying that everything will fall in line to get him to the States before Christmas.
Will you please pray for this with us?

Djemy will be having multiple surgeries over the next year or more, to reconstruct his nose. We need to get him here, to bulk him up before his surgeries begin.

Please be praying for his little brother, Guerlens, that he will be leaving behind at God's Littlest Angels Orphanage. They are VERY CLOSE, and will miss each other terribly!

Update on Witlene...

Sorry for the silence on Witlene. We have AMAZING NEWS!!! After her MRI and blood tests, we went up for the consult with the Neurosurgeon. He flipped through the slides, and then looked at her blood tests. He almost jumped... (you never see a neurosurgeon get excited!) and had a smile on his face, and said, "Yes, this is what I wanted to see!" What he was referring to, was her Prolactin levels. If the levels are too high or too low, medicine can not be used to shrink the tumor; surgery is the only option.

Her Prolactin levels were too high from the tests done in Haiti. They were repeated 3 or 4 times to make sure. Well, that day they were right in the range, (THANK YOU GOD!), and the doctor is able to start shrinking the tumor with medication. She will return to the doctor at the beginning of January to have her levels taken again. The doctor will know from the blood results if the tumor is responding to the medication. There are only 2 medications used to shrink this kind of tumor, so please pray with us that it is working.

She is having some side effects from the medicine, but that should subside soon. Please pray that all of the side effects (nausea, dizziness, etc.) would dissapear!!!!!

She has some family here in the US, so they are enjoying some time with them. Witlene's brother and his wife have 3 children that were born here in the States, and before this trip, Witlene and her mom had never met them in person. What an amazing opportunity for Witlene and her mom to be able to spend Christmas with family that they have only ever gotten to see photos of, and "hear" about... This will be a Christmas to remember!!! Especially since there will be snow and no Palm Trees this year! :-)

Update on Shnaider

Well if any of you caught it I said that I "had" been hosting Shnaider. We are very excited to let everyone know that he has transitioned on to his prospective adoptive family. They are a wonderful christian couple that got to know about Shnaider through their daughter. Kate Bowley that hosted little Widline recently is prospectively going to be his big sister! This family is amazing. They have adopted many children over the years and currently have 5 children living with them that have all been adopted.

Shnaider transitioned so well with them. We were very sad for him to leave us but very excited to see God bring him his forever family. The top picture is of Shnaider and his two soon to be brothers from Haiti also. The middle are his new parents to be and I cant even believe how big he looks in the last picture. He is getting so big and grown up looking.

He was recently at Dr. Youngs office and the doctor was thrilled with Shnaiders progress. He feels that he will not have to do surgery again and the bone patch that covered the defect is in place. Dr. Young was so happy with Shnaiders growth and development as well. In January they will take out the shunt that had been placed to keep the swelling down and prayerfully the site will have been completely sealed over then and he will be totally done with treatment.

His new family will be keeping him through the duration of his medical stay and are working on the process of adoption.

Keep them in your prayers.

Stephanie

Helping Hands that Heal

Hello all, my name is Stephanie Mueller. That might sound familiar to you because I was hosting Shnaider Alliome. I have gotten to be friends with Rebekah throught the process of hosting and already had a heart for Haiti before I even met Rebekah. I am a nurse and I live in Indianapolis, IN. I have been to Haiti 3 times and run a medical clinic when I am there in a rual area of Haiti called Chambrun.
Through getting to know Rebekah and what Hands that Heal is doing I am now going to be assisting her in helping in any way that I can. I am excited to see how God will use and grow this ministry and to be a part of that.
Stephanie

Witlene...

The two pics below were taken the day after Witlene, her mother Marie, and her brother Walter, had gotten to Indiana. The cute little blonde boy is my youngest son, Luca. I love seeing him snuggling on Walter's lap! He loved being with Walter.

Marie, Witlene, and Walter.

Please keep Witlene and her family in your prayers tomorrow! I, along with her mother, the host parents, Dr. Binkley (the doc from Haiti who asked us to find her help) and his wife Donna, will be accompying Witlene to her MRI and appointment with the neurosurgeon tomorrow. Please pray that my Creole is "on" tomorrow too! :-) I will be the sole tranlator until Dr. Binkley and his wife get to the doctor appointment tomorrow afternoon. I think I will do fine, but there are always words that I don't know...But somehow I am always able to describe the word that I am wanting to use, in Creole! lol...

Her MRI is at noon, eastern time, and her appointment with the neurosurgeon is at 3:30. We will then know the course of action that he wants to take with this tumor. As of the last appointment, 1 week ago, the tumor was the size of a baseball.

----------------

Please also be praying for Djemy. We should be hearing any day on his case. The panel of doctors were meeting last week to decide what kids they were accepting for charity work. I should know something by tomorrow...

Slow Connection...

I am posting this from my sister's apartment in Indianapolis, and her connection is not very good. So, I will not be posting any pics, or much of an update tonight. My oldest son is having surgery tomorrow in Indianapolis, so I will try to get pics uploaded tomorrow night.

Here is who I will be updating on...

Shnaider: pics and some VERY exciting news...

Widline: Hoping to get some more pics of her with family in Haiti...

Witlene: She and her mom are having a great time with the host family. Thanks Dave and Jo for making them feel so welcomed!!! She has an eye doctor exam on Monday, and her MRI and neurosurgeon appt. on Wednesday, the 19th. She was anointed at our church on Sunday, and we are praying that the size of the tumor has shrank. She is just so ready to have some relief from her pain!!!

Djemy: We are waiting to hear from Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, to hear if he will be accepted as a charity case for Rady Children's hospital in San Diego, CA. I am hoping to get a call tomorrow from them.

Some new patients:

Joseph: He is 14 and has very large tumors on his legs. Dr. Didelot from St. Vincent Hospital, in Indianapolis, has agreed to operate on Joseph. we are getting letters together, and arrangements made for him to come over: hopefully by January.

Gregory: He is 8 and has some major urological issues. Dr. Cain from St. Vincent Hospital, has agreed to take Gregory on as a charity case. We are hoping to have him to the States shortly after the New Year.

Both of the above new patients, are being referred to us by Angel Missions Haiti.

Witlene is here...

Witlene is here in Indiana, and I had the privilege to host her, her mother, and brother last night and today. We went to her 1st doctor's appointment this morning and we found out the tumor on her pituitary gland is about the size of a baseball. Over the next couple weeks, she will be getting a lot of blood work done, complete vision screening, and a MRI. She will see the neurosurgeon on November 19th to discuss all of the results from these tests, and the best possible way to fight or remove the tumor.

I will post pictures and more information tomorrow. She and her mother are FREEZING here in Indiana, and we are having seasonally warm weather for November. (71 today) The 40's, that are coming this weekend will be a terrible shock to their systems. They sat in my living room with winter coats on, while my 2 yr. old son, Luca, ran around in jeans and no shirt. :-) It was really funny and they were laughing about it!

I am thanking God that she is here finally, and is able to get the medical attention that she so deserves!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!

I just got this e-mail from Witlene's brother:

Family in Christ,

I don't know how much to thank you for your support praying for my sister. I am excited to let you know that she just received her visa today to travel to the United States where she will undergo surgery for her tumor. Please continue to pray for the remaining of the process. Pray for the doctors, nurses and Technicians, pray for Witlene's host family, pray for Rebekah's family and her organization for God's provision, as well as anyone who will be involved in this process.

With gratitude,

Walter Thermidor

Visa appointment...

Please be praying for Witlene today. She has her visa appointment at the US Embassy today at 11am. God willing, Witline will be coming to the States ASAP to get a tumor removed from her pituitary glande. We have the doctor, hospital, and host family all lined up: Now we just wait on the US Embassy.

Please God, make the meeting go smoothly, and that Witlene would get her visa without any hassels!!!!!!!!!!

Widline back in Haiti...

I don't know much, as Vanessa is still in Haiti, but what I do know is that Widline is in Haiti, and has been reunited with her family. She flew back to Haiti with Vanessa, Angel Missions Haiti, on October 6th. These photos below were taken October 8th. The man in the photo is her grandpa. I won't even try to understand how HARD it was for the Bowley family to say goodbye to Widline!!! But seeing her reunited with her grandpa, and seeing his smile, makes me smile knowing that he entrusted her to us, PERFECT STRANGERS, and now will be able to see his grand daughter grow up to lead a more normal life. This is what Hands That Heal is all about: Helping families get life-saving medical care for their loved ones, that is not accessible in Haiti, and then reuniting them healthy and whole!

Please continue to pray for little Widline, as she acclimates herself back to Haiti, and her family. For her little mind, she would not remember anything about Haiti or her birth family! Also, please keep the Bowley's in your prayers. I have talked with Kate, Widline's host mom, multiple times since Widline left, and the void of her being gone is still very fresh and painful!!! The family loved her like one of their own, and now they are all mourning the loss of her being a part of their family!

BOWLEY'S: WE LOVE YOU AND ARE PRAYING FOR YOU GUYS!!!!! THANKS FOR BEING SUCH AN AMAZING HOST FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Stepping back for a bit -

Well, after much prayer & thought on this subject, I feel I need to step back for a bit as far as doing much 'hands on' work goes with Hands That Heal. The reason has nothing to do with having a problem with anything or anyone [not at all!], but instead, it has to do with everything going on here at the house.

`

As some of you may know, we adopted a baby girl that's 4 weeks old today. We were at the hospital when she was born & brought her home with us at 2 days old. She's doing fabulous in every way except for the fact that at night when she's sleeping, she stops breathing!! It's really bothering us & we've had her at the doctor 2 times so far for it already & she's going in for extensive testing on the 20th. Due to all that she's going through, we're like getting no sleep at all [almost literally].

`

If that's not enough, we're moving into another home in less than 3 weeks. Moving can be a trying time in & of itself for a family of 2 or 3, but we're a family of 8 & so it'll be nothing short of miraculous to get this done [when 4 of the 8 are 6 & under!].

`

I'm the type of person that if I say I'll do something, then you can count on me to throw 110% into it or I'd just as soon not do it at all. That's why I'm at this point now, I don't feel with everything that's going on here, that I can give 110%, so therefore I feel the need to step back.

`

I've talked this over with Rebekah & things between us are great, it's just that this' something that I need to do for our family at this time. I'll still help out when/where I can, but it'll be more of a 'behind the scenes' thing for now.

`

Thanks to all those that have been praying for Hands That Heal, since it began. Your prayers are so appreciated & will be what makes this organization continue from here on.

Please pray...

Please pray for the Bowley family today. This will be their last day with Widline. They should be in one of their appointments right now, and the other appointment should be around 2:30 EST. Please, please pray that if there is something more that needs to be done, that it is VERY CLEAR AND EVIDENT! We are helping Widlene through an organization called, Angel Missions Haiti. They are her POA, and will be making any and all final decisions.

Pray for peace as they leave her with Vanessa's sister today, and pray that Widlene does not cry!!!!! Kate is dreading this. This is the hardest part about being a host family: Saying goodbye to someone that you love and have cared for, for months!!!

11 months old...

How can it be that Widlene is 11 months old already??? Here is a little something about this little Haitian princess from her host mom, Kate:


Well our little PRINCESS is 11 months old today! That is so hard to believe. She is amazing in everyway! She is really starting to mature and change. I am seeing her change and get stronger each day! She is pulling herself up and rolling over. Yesterday at soccer she balanced herself standing for about 8 seconds!



Widlene's next doctors' appointments are next Tuesday. If the doctors are done with her care, she will leave that day from Columbus, with Vanessa Carpenter, AMH. We are all praying that it will be very evident if there is something more that can be done for her here in the States!

Please pray for the Bowley family in this time of transition! They love Widlene like one of their own children, and have really bonded with her over the past seven months. Please pray for her host brothers, as it is always harder for kids to understand the "whys". Pray for Widlene, as she has a lot of major life transitions taking place in the next couple of months. She was too young when she came here to remember her family back in Haiti. Pray that she bonds quickly with them! Lastly, pray that she continues to grow and stay healthy!!!

Can I say, "CUTE"!!!

Look at how big miss little Widline is getting! Really, does it get any cuter than this? Thanks Kate for letting us use your video. I had to share with the world how great Widline is doing!!!!!!!!!! This sweet little princess will turn 1 on October 26. She is growing up way too fast!!! We all love you Widline! :-)

Meet Djemy...

Here is our latest little guy that will be coming to the States for surgery. Djemy is 2 years old and was brought to GLA (God's Littlest Angels Orphanage) in June with the beginning stages of Kwashiorkor.
------------------------------------
Kwashiorkor: Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition with controversial causes, but it is commonly believed to be caused by insufficient protein intake. It usually affects children aged 1–4 years, although it also occurs in older children and adults. Jamaican pediatrician Cicely D. Williams introduced the name into international scientific circles in her 1935 Lancet article[1][2]. When a child is nursing, it receives certain amino acids vital to growth from its mother's milk. When the child is weaned, if the diet that replaces the milk is high in starches and carbohydrates, and deficient in protein (as is common in parts of the world where the bulk of the diet consists of starchy vegetables, or where famine has struck), the child may develop kwashiorkor.

The name is derived from one of the languages of coastal Ghana, translated literally "first-second", and means "rejected one", reflecting the development of the condition in the older child who has been weaned from the breast, often as the result of the birth of a sibling.
(Wikipedia definition)
-----------------------------------------------
At the beginning of July, he had diarrhea and refused to eat. A feeding tube was placed to assure that he was getting enough calories. He had the feeding tube in for 7 days. On the 9th day, he developed NOMA on his left nostril. The necrosis developed rapidly. He ended up in surgery, to save his life, but in the process he lost half of his nasal septum and nasal flair. He was treated with 3 VERY strong antibiotics for 3 weeks following the surgery.

This photo was taken after the surgery to remove the dead tissue.
-----------------------------------------------
NOMA: Exact etiology is not known, but noma is likely caused by bacterial infection, specifically by fusospirochetal organisms.[3] Risk factors include severe protein malnutrition (e.g. Kwashiorkor) and unsanitary conditions.[3]

The mucous membranes of the mouth develop ulcers, and rapid, painless tissue degeneration ensues, which can degrade tissues of the bones in the face.[4]

The disease is associated with high morbidity and mortality and mainly affects children under the age of twelve in the poorest countries of Africa. Children in Asia and some countries of South America are also affected. Most children who get the disease are between the ages of two and six years old.[5] The WHO estimates that 500,000 people are affected, and that 100,000 new cases are reported each year. (Wikipedia definition)
-------------------------------------------

He is doing well now, and is has gained a lot of weight.

We already had a host family lined up for him: Thanks Ralph and Beka! So we started looking in the San Diego area to find him care. God had everything all in His control. The first Cranial Facial Plastic Surgeon's group that I called, accepted him. Thank you to Julie, the nurse coordinator, and Dr. Amanda Gosman, the surgeon, for taking this little guy under your care! The surgery will take place a Rady Children's Hosptial in San Diego, CA, and will be sponsored by Fresh Start. We are waiting for some last minute details to come together, and we will be able to get all of the paperwork together, and FED EX it off to GLA.

GLA was able to contact the birth father, so he is in the process of signing for the passport, ect... This will speed up the process sooooo much!!!!!!!

Please keep Djemy in your prayers and I will update as things transpire!

Update on Shnaider...

Here is another update from Stephanie: This was written Tuesday when they arrived home from the hospital.
--------------------------------------------
We just returned home a few hours ago from Shnaiders latest surgery. His shunt was leaking from the site inside his back. It seems to be draining the fluid between his eyes again thankfully.

He had an extremely hard time comming out of anestheia this time. We arent really sure what happened, possibly a reaction the the amount of Morphine he had but he was hysterically thrashing, screaming, and crying for 7 hours post op. He was totally out of control. It was difficult and my arms hurt so bad today from trying to contain him. About 8:00 pm he finally came out of it and was fine. He is acting great this morning. He even let one of the nurses and the doctors assistant hold him! Usually he cries when someone comes near him at the hospital. Being his 4th time in he is pretty wise to the whole thing.

The doctor would like to go in next week and fix the bone graph in the front and use a special medication as well that crystalizes when it comes in contact with spinal fluid. It will help to create a barrier so the leak can stop. If all works as planned and the shunt keeps functioning that should be it.
Thanks for all the prayers yesterday. I had a feeling going in that it wasnt going to go smoothly for some reason but we made it through. Shnaider is so strong. I cant imagine having having 4 surgeries between the end of May and now.
We will update as we know more about the next procedure.
Stephanie
----------------------------------------------
They will go in to see Dr. Young next week, and we will know more about his next surgery and when exactly it is.

Thanks for all of your prayers for this little guy!

Almost 5 months...

It doesn't seem possible that on September 5th, Shnaider will have been here 5 months. Honestly, where does the time go??? He came the the States as a malnourished little boy that did not even have the energy to stand. Now, he is a different little boy! He is everywhere and has the best personality.

I remember the night that Lori and I went to the airport to pick him up. When he cried, it was not even that loud because he had no energy behind it! At church the next day, he just sat on my lap and ate the whole time. He ate all the time for the first couple weeks. He started walking when he was with the Truesdale's. He had such a good time with his host brothers, Carson and Chase. Now, he is with the Mueller's and he is acting like a typical almost 2 yr. old. He will be 2 November 20th. This little guy is so strong, and he is going to do great things for God as he grows! What a testament to God's faithfulness that his life will, and has already shown! Here are a couple pics: The first one is from 4 months ago, and the other one is from today.



-----------------------------------------
Please keep Shnaider in your prayers as he will have surgery again on Monday to fix the shunt. Here are some pics of where the shunt is, and how the fluid is collecting around the sights. His head has started to swell again too. The shunt should be floating around in his peritoneal cavity, and draining the fluid off his spine and around his brain. Well, somehow his shunt tubing slipped through the fascia, and created a pocket that is not letting the Cerebral Spinal Fluid to reabsorb. They are going to tack the shunt tubing to his abdominal muscles Monday, so it does not slip again, and it should drain properly from here on out. But, if any of you know about shunts, they can malfunction any time for any reason...

Please pray for Shnaider...

Here is an update from Snaider's host mom: Stephanie. Please keep Shnaider, Dr. Young, and his host family in your prayers!
------------------------------------------------------
Shnaider's shunt seems to be malfunctioning. His swelling is back on his face and is swelling around the inscision sites on his abdomen and his back. We are scheduled for an office appointment at 8:45 Mon. morning and they have blocked out surgery for him after that. He seems to have every complication that can possibly happen. Please pray for healing for him, wisdom for the doctors and strength for our family to get him through this.
Stephanie

Witlene...

Please join us in prayer for Marie. She has a tumor on her pituitary gland, and we need to get her over here soon. We started working on her case almost 3 months ago. We have the doctor, and we are just waiting on paperwork from the hospital. With everyone's busy summer schedules, it has been hard to keep things moving! Please pray that all paperwork is final this next week, and that she could travel here in the next month for surgery!!! In the meantime, pray that God gives her relief of her pain and symptoms, while she waits on all of the legalities to be finished up here in the States.

Update on Shnaider...

I don't know how to link to another blog, so I am just pasting what Shnaider's host mom, Stephanie, has had to say over the past couple days. Thank you for all your prayers for this family!!!! They have been felt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Day after surgery:
We made it home from the hospital a few hours ago. Shnaider did a very good job. It was a tiring night. He is still sore and not too happy today but he took a long nap and is eating in his highchair now. His bump is about half the size it was. It should continue to drain the rest of the way. We have another appointment the 28th and we will then have to schedule his next surgery to repair the bone piece that has come off from the first surgery.
Nick had 2 good days at school which is a blessing. Our basement is cleaned up now too. Hopefully we are headed in the right direction now. Thanks so much for all your prayers.


Two days post-op:
Shnaider is doing well today. He slept all night last night and is in minimal pain. He has pointed to his back a few times and whimpered. That is all! He is eating and playing some with toys. The fluid has completely drained as you can see in the top picture which is what we were hoping would happen. Now the leak should be able to seal itself without all that pressure built up and we will go in soon to fix the front.

Nick had another great day at school yesterday and seemed good getting on the bus today. We take it day by day. We have noticed he has good months and bad months sometimes it seems to come in spurts. He is still bothered by Shnaiders crying or loud talking and told me yesterday he feels a little jealous. That is huge for him to say what his feelings are and that is an entirely appropriate feeling to have. Im not sure he fully grasps what jealous is or could define his exact feelings about it. We are trying to do as much as possible with the Jer and Nick one on one with either myself or Tom. This experience of Fostering is new to all of us.


Three days post-op:
Shnaiders favorite place to be, I'm convinced, is in the highchair. He loves to eat. Appetite is totally back today and he woke up from his nap very happy. Yeah!!
Nick had another awesome day at school. Praise the Lord!!
The bump is even flatter today (this pic was yesterday too). No fluid at all in it.

Shnaider had surgery today...

This will be short, because I am up way too late tonight! I will give details tomorrow...

Shnaider's surgery to place the Lumbar Peritoneal Shunt was successful. He will be released to go home with his host family tomorrow, (Actually today, since I am writing this after Midnight... :-)

His bone graph did dislodge, so they will be doing another surgery to fix that in the next few weeks.

Thanks for all of your prayers for Shnaider and the Mueller family!

Shnaider has surgery tomorrow...

Here is another update from Stephanie: Shnaider's host mom.

Shnaider is having a lumbar drain placed tomorrow. They have to drain the fluid permanently in hopes of the leaking spot to heal. We will be in the hospital overnight tomorrow. Pray all goes well. He has been on the crankey side I think because of all the pressure built up. My kids start school tomorrow. We have made some major decisions related to my husbands and my jobs and our family life. Our basement flooded a few days ago and many other stressors are happening right now.
Shnaider will most likely need another surgery soon to make another repair as well and will need to stay much longer than we had originally thougth.
We have much going on with our family right now and Satan is taking advantage of the stress. The beginning of the school year is always a huge stress with Nick. Change and something new do not go well with Autism.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Stephanie
------------------------------------------------
Please be in prayer for the Mueller's! Not only do they have Snaider, who has physical needs, their youngest son, Nick, is autistic. He has done great with Shnaider living with them, but with all of the new changes of school, etc., this can be really hard on an autistic child. School starts tomorrow, and Stephanie will be staying with Shnaider at the hospital. Pray with us that God wraps His arms around this family and that they feel the peace that only God can give!!!!!!!!

To put in simple terms with what is going on with Shnaider's seal; think of trying to patch a pool full of water. The water pressure is going to push the patch away and prevent a good seal. This is what is going on with Shnaider. His first surgery went well, but the patch and bone graph did not have a good chance to heal and scar over before the fluid started building up. So, instead of the body just reabsorbing the fluid, it pushed its way through a "healing patch". So, by placing the lumbar peritoneal shunt, it will drain the excess cerebral spinal fluid, and all of the pressure will be gone and the original surgery sight will be able to heal and scar over, and form a good strong barrier. Then, in about 6 months, Dr. Young will remove the LP Shunt, and the body will resume its job of reabsorbing the cerebral spinal fluid.

Shnaider will probably only be the hospital for a 23 hr. hold. Pray that he does not have any compications, and that he is released as expected!

I will update tomorrow as soon as Stephanie lets me know anything!
We appreciate all of your prayers.

Here is a pic of Shnaider taken today by Stephanie.

Shnaider...

Here is a quick update from Shnaider's host mom: Stephanie:

Just a quick post, he is still doing well. His bump has totally swelled up again to as big as it was before. We are supposed to hear from the surgeon today about potential surgery Wednesday this week. He is eating and sleeping and playing fine. We are praying to get the surgery this week and start moving in the right direction for healing for him.
Steph
--------------------------------------------------
I talked with Stephanie after this update, and after she had spoken with the doctor: they are hoping to get Shnaider in Wednesday. They have 4 surgeries scheduled for that day already, but are hoping to squeeze him in. If not Wednesday, the secretary said that the surgery will be scheduled for Friday of this week.

Please pray for the Mueller family as they make all of the arrangements with their children/jobs, etc., to be with Shnaider during his surgery and post-op. Pray that Shnaider does not start running a fever in the mean time, and that the surgery is successful!

As soon as I hear something new, I will post...

- SHNAIDER UPDATE -

[taken tonight from the host mom's blog]

Shnaider had his big test today. God was with us for sure. He went to sleep for the first part of the procedure and then they let him wake up and we had to wait for 3 hours with packing in his nose and and IV in. He wasnt very happy but a little morphine helped him sleep for 2 of the 3 hours we had to wait. Taking the acutal scans we had to just hold him down crying but he was a trooper and we made it through it. He took a 3 hour nap when we got home! He is a little cranky tonight.

`
We hope to have the results of the test and a surgery date soon. Thanks to everyone for all the prayers. I definately had a peace the whole day and Shnaider did great considering everything they did to him. We pray they find the leak and it will be minor to fix.

Update on Shnaider...

Here is an update on Shnaider, from his host mom: Stephanie. Thanks so much for taking such great care of this little "stinker"!

Snaiders test is next Tuesday morning. We have to be at St.Vincent at 6am. They will give him general anesthia then they have to do a lumbar puncture and inject dye into his spinal column. They will let him wake up and then we have to stay at the hospital all day to do scans waiting on the dye to travel. They are looking for where the spinal fluid leak is comming from. Im sure it will be a long day and I will be there with him alone all day. Ill post again about it before it happens. Keep us in your prayers.
Steph

Update on Widline...

Here is an update on Widline from her host mom: Kate. Thanks Bowley's for taking such good care of the "princess"!!!

We went to Widline's appointment yesterday with Dr. King. She now weighs 12 pounds 8 ounces. He mentioned that if she continues to grow at the same rate, she should catch up by the time she is 15 months old. So for what it is worth! She is doing really well. We now have the sz 15-16 dilator. He would like us to do 15 for two weeks then 16 for two weeks, then do nothing for 2 weeks, and bring her back after 6 weeks. I mentioned her possibly not being here that long because I was not sure what the plan was for her. He said under those circumstances, to just send the dilator with her. He said under normal circumstances he would see these types of patients at least every 6 months. He did mention working with fruits to keep her from getting constipated...right now she is on Miralax as needed.
So, we will be going back to Columbus on AUG 8th to orthopaedic. I am anxious to see what they have to say about her.

Here is a cute picture of Widline showing off her pearly whites! Finally got a good picture of them!

Take care--
kate

Please pray for Shnaider...

Shnaider has had a lot of changes over the last week. Last sunday at Luca's birthday party, I noticed that Shaider looked swollen between his eyes. I asked Carla, his host mom, what she thought, and she had noticed the same thing. My dad examined him. He is a doctor, and he said that there was definitely fluid building up. Shnaider was not in any pain, no fever, and was acting perfectly normal.

Carla called Dr. Young monday morning, and he wanted to see him the next day. In the mean time, Barbara Walker, the missionary who brought him over, called from Miami telling Lori that she could come and bring him back to Haiti that day. Needless to say, that was not going to happen! If all went well, she would return for him August 16th. With all of the unknowns of how long Shnaider would need to stay, the Truesdale's felt it would be good to find another host family to take over care of Shnaider. THANK YOU BEN AND CARLA FOR SACRIFICING YOUR "NORMAL" FAMILY LIFE FOR OVER 4 MONTHS TO CARE FOR AND LOVE SHNAIDER! This was not an easy descision for the Truesdale's to make! Shnaider had become a part of their family and they all loved him very much!!!!

God was not surprised by any of this, and had backup in the wings. I have been corisponding with Stephanie Mueller for over a month now, and she has been very interested in hosting future children. She and her family were willing and able to take Shnaider as soon as the Truesdale's needed to transition him. She is a nurse with St. Vincent's Women's hospital. Shnaider had his surgery at St. Vincent's children's hospital. She lives VERY close to the hospital.

Lori took Shnaider to see Dr. Young on Tuesday, and he was baffled by the swelling. He is consulting with another neurosurgeon as to what the next step will be. More than likely he will need another surgery to figure out what is going on. Because of the need for surgery, Dr. Young felt that the sooner Shnaider could get adjusted to his new host family, the better. So, sooner than anyone could have predicted, Shnaider transitioned to his new host family Tuesday afternoon. He is doing great, and has transitioned exceptionally well! THANK YOU TO THE MUELLER'S FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO TAKE HIM ON SUCH SHORT NOTICE!!!!!!!!!

Please be in prayer for the Truesdale's! All of this transpired while they were on a short family vacation. No matter how much a host family can be prepared: These children come into their lives and hearts, and saying goodbye is NEVER easy! Fortunately Stephanie, Shaider's new host mom, is from Fort Wayne where Carla lives, and the Truesdale's get to babysit this Saturday for the whole day. They will stay in contact with each other throughout Shaider's stay here in the U.S.

In my last post on Shnaider, I asked that everyone pray for Shnaider and his birth mom. Well, I can share specifically now. Shnaider's birth mom can not be located. Barbara is assuming that she has abandoned him. She was supposed to come to the village in June, and did not show up. No one can locate her. So, what does this mean for Shnaider? Once he is deamed "legally abandoned" he will be eligible for adoption. If you or anyone that you know would be interested in possibly adopting Shnaider, please let Lori Shepler, or myself (Rebekah Hubley) know. PLEASE PRAY THAT A FAMILY IS FOUND SOON!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a picture progression of Shaider's "bump"(This is what Carson and Chase, Shaider's host brothers, called his encephalocele):

(Shnaider before surgery)

(3 weeks post surgery)


(Sunday: July 20th at Luca's party)

(Taken just a couple days ago)



Stephanie will be calling Dr. Young tomorrow: I will post as soon as I know something!

Witlene Thermidor

Would you please join us in praying for Marie? She is 25 yrs. old, and has a benign tumor on her pituitary gland. We have a doctor and host family lined up for her. I am just waiting to hear from Lutheran Hospital. Please pray that they will transfer the funds that they had set aside for Shnaider, and use them for Marie. I will be calling the hospital again tomorrow. Also pray that when everything is set here in the States, the US Embassy will not have any problems with issuing her a visitor's visa for her medical care. I have heard that it is sometimes harder to get an adult out of Haiti for medical care, verses a child. I will keep you updated when I hear anything!

Sorry for the silence...

Life has been INSANELY busy for Lori and I!!!!!!!!! I came back from Haiti 8 weeks ago today with Jonas, and life has just gotten crazier! I have 4 children, 3 with special needs, so there is not a dull moment around here during the summer. Lori just moved, and her family is in the process of building a new house. Their life is not going to slow down anytime soon. Their 6th child will be born sometime in late August/early September.

Many of you have e-mailed us and asked about Widline and Shnaider. I have updates...
Also, for those of you who have contacted Lori or I about helping with Hands That Heal, we appreciate your willingness so much, and we will be getting back with you soon to get you plugged in!

Widline is doing great, and has reached many milestones. She is even sitting now!!! She will be returning to Haiti in August with AMH, unless her doctors want to do some more testings/surgeries with her. I will let you know when she has an official travel date. Her host family will MISS HER TERRIBLY!!!!!!! They look forward to hosting another child in the future. Thank you Bowley family for loving Widline like she was your own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have impacted her little life forever!






---------------------------------------------
Shnaider is doing great, and has been released by all of his doctors to go back to Haiti. Barbara Walker, Reach Out To Haiti, will be coming to the States to take him back to Haiti in the next couple weeks. Please be in prayer for Shnaider and his Mom. Hopefully in the next couple days, I will be able to share more in depth about this specific need. Just please lift Shnaider and his mom up to our Lord!!!!!!!! Shnaider came to the States so weak and underweight. He has gained over 5 lbs, and is now walking everywhere. He has really bonded with his host family, and I would ask that you pray for his adjustment as he goes back to Haiti. Here are a couple recent photos that his host mom sent me. Thank you so much to the Truesdale family for hosting and loving Shnaider during his time here in the US! I know that you will greatly miss him!

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Currently, we are working with Angel Missions Haiti to find help for 2 orthopaedic cases and 5 urology cases. We have a doctor that has agreed to take the 2 ortho cases. Thanks Dr. Didelot and St. Vincent's Hospital. Megan, who was featured on the AMH blog a few weeks ago, is one of the cases. Please pray that I can get a hold of the doctor this week to start the paperwork. It is sometimes very hard during the summer months to connect easily with doctors. This is a busy time for them as they do A LOT of surgeries during the summer, and take family vacations, etc. The second ortho case, Joseph, will be coming to the States late fall/early winter, to have tumors removed from his legs.

I am still waiting to hear back from the Urologist, to see who he will be able to help. He will be prioritizing the cases, and doing the most urgent cases this year, and the others next year.

Marie Witlene will be the next patient coming to the States for surgery. She is a 25 yrs. old, and has a tumor on her pituitary gland. Dr. Isa Canavati has agreed to do her surgery, and we are praying that Lutheran Hospital, in Fort Wayne, will donate the OR/hospital stay. This is the hospital that Shnaider was originally going to have his surgery at, and then the surgery was transferred to St. Vincent's. Since the money was set aside for Shaider's surgery, and it was not used, I am asking the hospital if they will just transfer those funds for Marie's surgery. Please pray with us that it will be okayed!

Lastly, Barbara Walker, just sent us medical information for a teenager with a heart condition. We will be seeking medical treatment for her in Ohio. Please pray that a doctor/hospital/ and host family will be found for her.

Please contact us if you are willing to be a host family. We can e-mail you an application, and will keep your information on file, for when we have a child/adult coming to your area.

Thank you so much for praying for this foundation, and partnering with us to find help for the people of Haiti!

Shnaider's Surgery

Carla (Shnaider's host mom) and I left with Jonas and Shnaider at 4am from Fort Wayne to make it to St. Vincent's by 6am.  The boys did great, and Shnaider did awesome before surgery; even though he had not eaten since 8pm the night before.  I got to meet Dr. Young, Shnaider's Neurosurgeon, and he is fabulous.  He was so nice, and explained everything really well, and even thanked us for giving him the opportunity to operate on Shnaider!  

WE ALL LOVE DR. YOUNG!!!!!!!!!!  Shnaider was taken back promptly at 8am, and the surgery was over around 1pm.  Shnaider did great, and all of the reconstruction went well.  They had to take a portion of his skull, on the right, back side; to use to reconstruct the missing skull in the front.  The portion of the skull that he removed should grow in over time.  If it hasn't grown back together by the time he is 4 or 5; we will bring him back to have a plate put on that portion of his skull.  The skin was still pulsing after everything was closed up, so Dr. Young put a pressure bandage on his forhead, and wrapped his entire head, and he will have to wear it for a couple more days.  This should eliminate any further pulsing.  They have kept him on a lot of pain meds., so he he is sleeping a lot.  He gets mad when the nurses mess with him, but then he goes back to sleep when they are done.  Carla has been a trooper!!!!!!  This is the first time she has ever had to deal with a sick child, and she is doing great!  This is a pretty intense surgery to start with! :-) (Thanks Carla!  You have been an awesome host mom!!!!!!!!)

We were worned that there would be a lot of swelling, and they were right!!!!!!!  They said the worst would be 48 hrs. post op, and that is today.  By tonight, the swelling should start to go down.  This is very scary for the patient, because their eyes swell shut, and they cannot see for a couple days.  His swelling is the worst they have seen in a while!  His eyes are swelled shut, and his eyelids are turning inside out.  An Opthalmologist came in to look at his eyes, and they are fine. The nurses are putting ointment on the lids to keep them moist.

All in all, he is doing great for what he has gone through these past couple days!  He has gotten all of his IV's removed, except for one in his foot.  He is off oxygen, and they are just waiting for the swelling to go down!  The doctors expect him to be able to go back to Fort Wayne Tuesday or Wednesday, and then be able to return to his family in Haiti the end of June!  I would love to be there when his mom sees him again for the first time!!!!!!!  He has grown so much in the time that he has been here, and he has the BEST PERSONALITY!

I want to say a personal "thank you" to all of the wonderful nurses and doctors that have cared for Shnaider!!!!!!!!!  He has had the BEST care!  Also, a HUGE "thank you" to St. Vincent's hospital, in Indianapolis, for donating the surgery and all of the expenses surrounding Shnaider's care!  

WE LOVE YOU ST. V'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a photo documentary from pre-op, to 24 hrs. post surgery:

                                                          (Waiting patiently for surgery)



                                                      (Carla (host mom) and Shnaider)

                                                            (Dr. Young and Shnaider)

                                                                  (One hour post-op)


                                                      (Look at his BEAUTIFUL nose)

                                                                      (24 hours post-op)




                                                                  (Poor guy!!!!!!!!!!)

- SHNAIDER UPDATE -

just wanted to post for both rebekah & myself, that although shnaider had his surgery date set for June 3, we received a call today that it's been moved up [due to a cancellation of another patient] & he's having his surgery tomorrow - please pray with us that it all goes smoothly & without a hitch - we'll update the minute we hear anything, but it's sort of been thrown on us quickly/all of a sudden - thanks ahead of time for the prayers!!

This is way more fun than a Tap-Tap...

Here are some new pics of Shnaider. He and his host dad, Ben, are rolling out their yard. Oh, the simple joys of childhood. We should be hearing from Riley Children's Hospital this week, to let us know when Shnaider's appointment will be with the Neurologist and team of Plastic surgeons. Please keep Shnaider in your prayers!

Widline and her new do...

Widline is still doing great. She is starting to reach some milestones; like reaching out to play with toys, getting tummy time, and trying to role over. She also loves to share her thoughts and opinions with everyone in her own baby language! Thanks Kate, Jeremy, and the boys, for taking such good care of Widline, and loving her to pieces! Here are some new pics, and her new hairdo.

12 days and 2 lbs...

That's right, Shnaider has only been here 12 days, and he has already gained 2 lbs.  It is amazing how fast a child can put on weight when they have a chance to eat whenever they want!  His 2 favorite foods right now:  scrambled eggs and french fries with ketchup.  He has always liked rice too, obviously, except the other night he pushed it away and wanted more spaghetti.  (uh oh) :-)  This little boy can out eat any adult!  You will be able to see the 2 lbs in his new pictures, even the start of a double chin! (yeah)  Here is a little note from his host mom too.

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Just wanted to give an update on Shnaider. We had his MRI today and met with the surgeon here in Ft. Wayne. After looking at the MRI results the surgeon decided he wasn't comfortable doing the surgery here at Lutheran hospital. He referred us to Riley Children's hospital in Indianapolis. We were disappointed that he was unable to do it. Now we have to meet with another surgeon at Riley to see what he thinks. Also we will have to talk with Riley hospital to see if they will cover his surgery and stay at no cost. While we are frustrated that it cannot be done here, we are hopeful that Riley will take the case and help Shnaider so he can get back home to his family. Continue to keep us in your prayers as we now have to make 2 hour trips down to Riley. I am a little concerned about scheduling as Ben works and I am usually home with the boys. Ben may be taking some FMLA!!!!
Shnaider has adjusted very well the past week. He is starting to sleep better at night. He is very happy during the day. (as you can see from the pictures below!!) The boys adore him and Shnaider lights up every time he sees them. He is enjoying American food and has gained 2 pounds!!

New pics of Widline...

Here are some pics that Kate, Widline's host mom, sent to us today. Doesn't she look amazing!!! Thank you to Nationwide Children's Hospital, for donating all of Widline's care. You are making a difference in the lives of children who had no hope.

Shnaider's first couple days...

Shnaider is adjusting well for his first couple days in the US.  He seemed a bit shell-shocked at first, but what do you expect!  Things that Shnaider loves:  FOOD, TOY CARS, BATHS, BEING HELD, AND HIS HOST BROTHERS!  It is interesting experiencing the US through his eyes.  A lot of things he is not too sure of, but he is amazingly easy going!  The Truesdale's are enjoying having him at their house!  The oldest boy, Carson, can make Shnaider giggle so much!  It is so cute watching the boys play together!  Kids are so resilient...

Update on Shnaider...

Shnaider is on his way from Miami to Indianapolis today. Lori and I were going to pick Shnaider and Barbara Walker up from the airport at 2:30. She was not picked up on time from her hotel in Miami, so she and Snaider missed their original flight. They are routing her through Chicago, and will arrive in Indy at 8:30 tonight! Even in the states, nothing goes as planned! :-) Shnaider has his MRI and initial appointment with the Neurologist on April 10. I will post more when I know the results from the tests. I get to keep Snaider at our house for 2 days, until his host family gets back from vacation in Pennsylvania. I might not be able to give him up! lol...

He seems to be adjusting to all of the different changes very well! He has been a great traveler over the past couple days! As long as he has some crackers to munch on, he has been perfect! Pray for his family back in Haiti, that they have peace during their seperation! I can not even imagine having to send one of my children to another country without me, to save their life! This shows you how much love these families have for their children! Pray also for Shnaider, he is 17 months old, and is reallly going to miss his mommy and daddy!

I will post more when I know more.

Update on Widline...

Widline had her surgery yesterday, and is doing well recovering at Nationwide Children's Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio. Doctor King did not have to do a colostomy bag on her, and was able to do the initial rectal pull-through. They are taking her off morphine this afternoon, and trying her on Tylenol with codine. She has even taken a bottle of pediatlyte today. She will probably be in the hospital until early next week. Little Miss Widline has all of the doctors and nurses wrapped around her little finger with her beautiful smile. Please pray for continued healing for her! Also pray for Kate and Jeremy, Widline's host parents, as they are away from their 4 boys; while Widline recovers in the hospital.

Little Miss Widline Pierre...

Widline is doing great with her host family.  She is gaining weight slowly.  Next week, her host family will be taking her to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.  She will have her pre-op appointment Tuesday, April 1st, and her 1st surgery is scheduled for Friday, April 4th.  I will post an update on her after her appointment on Tuesday.

- WIDLENE UPDATE -

i'm happy to report that widlene arrived yesterday afternoon to several people at the airport including her host family - one thing about it, when she returns to haiti, she'll be spoiled rotten for sure! - she's being loved on by everyone coming/going & she's eating it up! - i'll post more when i receive more information - thanks for all who've been praying for her (& us) - thanks to Angel Missions Haiti for arranging transport for Widline from Haiti to Virginia, and to Rebekah for traveling to virginia to pick up this precious bundle: I appreciate you!! - isn't this little girl precious??

- UPDATE ON WIDLINE -

UPDATE 2.14.08: We had to share this with everyone who has been praying for Widline
.
Dear Dr. King: It is my pleasure to inform you that the Steering Committee for International Patients has accepted your request to provide the care for Widline Pierre from Haiti to treat her imperforate anus & recto-vaginal fistula without charges to the family. You will provide the necessary medical/surgical services without charge as will the other physicians involved in her care. All Hospital Charges will be waived. We look forward to taking care of this young girl & working with you to make a difference in her life. Best regards, Terry
.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Thanks for all of your prayers. We will post details about her departure from Haiti & when she will arrive! We were able to spend time with her host family at Haitian Camp & they are AMAZING & will be great for her!

Angel Missions Haiti is getting all of Widline's paperwork together for her trip to the US.  Pray that all documents get processed quickly!

- WIDLINE -

This is Widline Pierre...a little girl only 3 months old who was born without a rectal opening. She has not grown since birth & still only weighs 5 pounds & is 19" long. She requires surgery ASAP & we are looking for a pediatric surgeon to help her.  Hands that Heal is partnering with Angel Missions Haiti to get help for Widline.  Vanessa Carpenter, Co-Founder of Angel Missions Haiti, will be doing all of the paperwork in Haiti to get her here for her surgery.  A big "Thank You" to Angel Missions Haiti!

.

(UPDATE: We have been working hard on obtaining a doctor, hospital, & host family for this little girl all in one area. We had a surgeon committed to her care, but we found out today that the hospital is not willing to donate their services. We are back to square one. I have contacted another surgeon and hospital, and are waiting to hear back from them this afternoon. Widline is in such critical condition right now, we need to get her to the States as soon as possible. Please be praying for strength for Widline over these next few days. Also, please pray specifically that a surgeon and hospitial are found ASAP!!!!! If you are reading this & can help out financially, please click on paypal button to the right & donate whatever you can, as we are right now in need of 2 round trip airline tickets from Indianapolis to PAP & back. These tickets more than likely be booked in the next day or so as she is now refusing to eat & her little body is wanting to shut down. She is going to be admitted to a hospital today in PAP for some IV fluids, and the doctors will try to relieve her of some of her constipation. We have to get her here right away as her time is short. Thank you & any questions, please email either one of us.)

- SONEL - (update at bottom of post)

Here is another little guy that we are working very hard on getting out on a medical visa. We have a doctor, hospital & host family lined up for him & are waiting on his paperwork to be completed on the haitian side. The main prayer at this time is the funding for 3 round trip tickets that are needed to bring him home. We know it is in God's hands, that it will come when it is needed & we will keep you posted as to how thing fall into place, for Sonel. (Is he not adorable!)

`

(UPDATE: There has been a lady trying to get Sonel out for awhile now, but was having trouble getting a hospital & doctor both to agree (she had the OK from one, but not the other). I emailed Licia last night telling her about us obtaining a doctor, hospital & host family (the host family was to be this lady that has worked so hard to get Sonel out). I just received an email back saying that God moved & this lady has gotten the 'go ahead' from BOTH the doctor & the hospital she has been talking to. Isn't God good! He saw she was struggling with getting everything lined up, dropped it in our spirits to try & help her out (& still use her as the host family), then He moved on her doctor & hospital to agree to work with her & now we can use the doctor & hospital that we lined up for another child!! ISN'T THAT JUST LIKE GOD!!)

- UPDATE ON SHNAIDER -

Well, to date, we've got a surgeon, hospital & host family all lined up & papers are being written to get this underway as quickly as possible. We're so thankful to God for what He's doing for this little boy. We're now in need of funding so if you're willing to help shnaider out, please do so. You can donate directly through Paypal, if you'd like (located in the upper right hand corner). We'll continue to post updates as they come in, so be looking for them!

- SHNAIDER -

Our first child is Shnaider & he's 14m old. He's needing surgery for an Encephalocele (on forehead/between eyes), so please be praying for him. We're needing sponsors to help with the cost.  So please, if you're able to help, contact us at the numbers listed to the right. (Our contact information & the medical cost is listed in the right hand column)

Thank you & God bless