FLOORS

{Nothing against plywood, but I didn't realize how nice it would be to finally have real wood floors again.}

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Psalm 119:105

GOAT WALK

{same time...every day}

Elka loves her goats!

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

Psalm 23:1-3

BEA UPDATE

(dr. visit buddies)

Bea has had 2 follow up visits with the cardiologist since coming home from surgery. She is doing so well!

(happy homecoming)

Though she has had some fluid around her heart, it had diminished by the second appointment

and so we are hopeful and prayerful that it will be completely gone by the next.

(goodies on the way)

Since she's on a particular blood thinner, she has to have weekly blood labs for a while (6 months or so). That's been an adjustment along with some new medications and times, but otherwise Bea's transition back home has been beautiful.

There's a sense of completion having finished off Bea's surgeries. Although she will still need a transplant someday, we rest in knowing that for now, we have done all that we can to help her heart. By the time her transplant is needed, medical technology will have advanced so greatly, that we really don't discuss the future yet, but it's bright. And full of hope.

We thank God for all that He has accomplished in Bea's young life.

She is a testimony of His faithfulness and we are so blessed to get to be part of her journey.

"He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

Isaiah 40:11

HAPPY

We walked and talked and shared our hearts. It was a really hard day. One of the toughest in a while.

When that bite of loss swoops in like a thief it's easy to waffle, want everything to just go back to being normal again.

But there's a lesson in the loss. There always is. We searched for it determined yesterday.

When we lived in our old house, waiting for the new life we found here, we would dream of getting a dog for Brodie. It was something he waited and waited and longed and longed for. Happy was our gift to him, to them all, the day after we moved into our new home. She came with the changing chapter and her name has summarized our year and a half here perfectly.

Happy.

She was such a special dog and brought everyone in our family joy. She was gentle, obedient, sweet, and had a wonderful personality with the kindest look in her dark eyes. I trusted her with the little ones. She was the fastest runner with beauty in her long strides. Her long golden ears were floppy and humble. She was part of the family. She was a friend. She was Brodie's special dog.

To lose Happy so suddenly and without any real warning has been startling to say the least, and yet, we seek the opportunity to turn our sorrows Godward, to teach the brevity of life, to focus on eternal things, to cherish the days we have while they're ours, to discuss legacy and trusting God in all things. Yes, we decide to employ the loss of Happy as an opportunity to gain so much more.

We're thankful for the memories our Happy girl gave us and we're thankful for the pangs of loss that stir up love in new ways. Thank you, Lord, for growing us through pruning and for using our tears for your kind of good. It's never easy, but you use it all and we trust you. May we learn what you seek. May we all be malleable, vessels in the hands of the Potter. We've asked you to burn off the dross in our hearts and lives, to leave us more refined, more like you. May this experience equate to more of that.

"Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel."

Proverbs 25:4

"Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use,

set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work."

2 Timothy 2:21

SURGERY #4 - BEA (OPEN HEART-FONTAN)

I look into these eyes...so mature these days. She's grown into such a little lady.

There is depth of character in Bea's heart...and for good reason.

She's lived an incredible journey in her short life of nearly 7 years thus far.

The journey continues...

. . . . . .

June 28, 2017 - Day 1

6:45AM

We sent them off at 4:00AM today. I've never liked goodbyes. And as I tried to hold it together, be strong for my little girl, I crumbled inside, though I don't think she noticed as we hugged and prayed there in the dark.

She looked so pretty this morning, all dressed up in her new dress she has waited for this moment to wear. The other will hang in her hospital room, a reminder of her homecoming. As I sit here this morning, I think of last night with Bea. She insisted on refilling my water by my bedside. She wanted to make sure I would be alright. She wanted to take a photo with every sibling. Bea is so thoughtful and caring, always wanting to serve others and provide. Bea is a nurturer. She's a very special person. We miss her deeply already...

They arrived safely at the airport and Brodie said it all began to hit him as they walked to their gate.

(Such a little girl going through such a big experience.)

"Remembering how far she has come since the last time we flew..." he said.
(referring to flying home with her from China, 2014)

She looked through the photo book her siblings made for her and doodled in her coloring book from friends, so innocent and unaware. Bea has been so brave! She is emotional about being gone from home, yet so understanding, accepting, and calmly rational about what she is going away to do. She understands that this is good...even when it's hard.

(safe in Daddy's arms)

(Bea's drawing of herself with Daddy from earlier this week...making sense of it all)

Though their flight got delayed at first and then canceled and changed altogether, they finally boarded, ready to set off and land in a different airport instead. And this is how these things go. Expect the unexpected. We will have to do that.

And God will be good, wise, and purposeful in and through it all.

10:30AM

They made it to the hospital in time for their morning appointment, praise the Lord! Bea is doing well and is being very brave through the pokes and prods. She even received a teddy bear which made her joyful smile even brighter.

The hospitals always do such a great job with the little ones, making them feel special during tough circumstances.

(model patient as always)

Though there were a few tears during the blood draw, she recovered well and was all smiles again quickly!

My hope and prayer for Bea is that as she endures these many trials over the coming days and weeks, that she will know more of the love and comfort of her Heavenly Father and experience that through her earthly father as he cares for her. We pray for well-managed pain and peace in Bea's heart. So far, she has handled everything from the goodbyes to the expectation of what's to come and everything in between amazingly well for her young age. We're so proud of our girl!

As they waited in the office for her echo, Brodie let Bea scroll through photos and videos on his iPad. He sent me this photo with a text that said, "Found her watching this." It's from the moment she met her daddy in China. My heart melts to know how much Bea has grown in her understanding of what love is since that significant day and moment in her history. Truly, the Lord has done great things in Bea's life! I can only image that He has even more in store through the life of this precious, precious girl!

2:30PM

They finally finished their day filled with pre-op procedures and meetings and are just now eating some lunch.

After checking into the hotel, Daddy set out to find Bea her long anticipated chicken noodle soup.

Success!

(happy Bea)

(somebody feels pretty special today)

It's not that we didn't know Bea's heart is very complex, but after the meeting with the pre-op team today, Brodie was made well aware that this is an extremely complicated surgery. We are hopeful and we are prayerful as tomorrow begins to approach. For the rest of today, though...the goal is to make Bea feel loved and cherished and secure. I'm pretty sure she does. :)

(loving her date with Daddy)

After lunch, they strolled around, enjoying each other's company and landed at the promised candy store.

Just like Beck last year...

(Beck at Stanford April, 2016...sweet memories)

(Bea today...sweet memories)

Brodie has said several times what a joy it is to be with Bea. She's a wonderful friend and daughter. I'm so glad they have had this time to bond even more and grow in their daddy/daughter relationship through this whole experience. What a gift!

8:00PM

For dinner, Bea and Daddy went to the same Chinese restaurant that Beck and Daddy went to last year.

(Noodles make Bea happy!)

And for dessert (because apparently she had dropped her lollipop and didn't get to eat it)...

(Daddy knows how to take care of his girl!)

It's been a blessed day. The Lord is so gracious. Time has flown by for us here at home (our prayer request) and we are ready for tomorrow...a very important day. Brodie and Bea need to be at the hospital at 6:15AM. Here we go...God is in control.

"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation."

Psalm 118:14

. . . . . .

June 29, 2017 - Day 2 - Surgery Day

5:15AM

They are on their way to the hospital. Daddy brushed her hair. She looks so pretty in the photos. She's so happy. My heart could burst with all the emotions of wanting to stop her from having to go through what's ahead just hours from now. The mommy in me wants to tell Brodie to forget the whole thing and just come home! But the mother in me says this is all for good and for healing and God is in control. Yes, we must proceed...but I'll admit I feel like turning back in my flesh right now.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

Brodie has been reading the Bible to Bea. He said, "Let's pray." To which Bea responded, "Ok, pray for who?"

That's so Bea! She's always more concerned for others than herself. He told me after that she prayed for me.

7:09AM

The anesthesiologist is with them now. Bea is her joyful self. Lord, please be with our girl.

Here we go...

9:00AM

We're praying every hour on the hour as we do through these surgeries. It's a good way to seek the Lord and somehow also makes the day pass amazingly fast. Prayer. It is powerful, pleasing to God, and comforting.

I've decided to wash all of Bea's clothing today. It makes my mommy heart feel close to her. It's a way I can care for her tangibly from afar. As I hang and fold each item, I pray for my little girl and miss her terribly here at home. Bea loves home. She also takes very good care of her clothing. She is a very clean child and folds her things often to put them away, rather than tossing them into the dirty hamper. Her clothes aren't in need of the washing necessarily today...but I was.

We have felt such dear support from friends and family across the globe. There are so many prayers being lifted for Bea from places both near and far and I can just sense the sweet sound such prayers are to the ears of the Lord who knows all and cares. He cares. There is so much comfort and peace in that. Today started off extremely emotional for me. But, through prayer and seeking the Lord and His Word, I am filled with peace now in this hour. Even as Bea sleeps and undergoes extensive and complex surgery, I rest in trusting that God is indeed in control.

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Psalm 46:10

10:00AM

As promised, we received an update at 10:00AM telling us that Bea is so far stable. She is in process and the surgeon (Dr. Hanley) is making his plan at the moment. I picture Jesus hovering over the whole situation, caring for Bea, mighty to save, loving, able.

"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;

he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love."

Zephaniah 3:17

1:56PM

Our last update was at noon. We were told things should be wrapping up by 1:00PM, and as the minutes have felt like hours since then, it's hard not to reflect on what happened last time with Bea. As hours passed with no news, we eventually realized she had gone into full cardiac arrest post surgery. Lord, please protect Bea this time! We pray for success and we pray for peace as we wait and trust you...

2:30PM

PRAISE THE LORD!!! Brodie just spoke with Dr. Hanley and the surgery was a success!!

Oh the joy to know that this stage in the process is over and complete! Thank you, Jesus!!

Now...for recovery.

There is still a very long road ahead for our little sweetie. Please Lord, be gracious to Bea. May your love shine upon her and carry her through this next phase of this arduous journey. God, please be near to us all. We've only just begun...

5:30PM

3 hours have passed. Still waiting to see Bea...

6:00PM

Finally, our girl!

(little girl, big room)

So far she is stable and we are praising Jesus for the miracles He performed today!

Thank you, Lord, for how you're caring for and watching over Bea.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Matthew 10:29-31

. . . . . .

June 29, 2017 - Day 3

5:00AM

Today is a new day full of new hope and potential. After an emotionally exhausting day yesterday, things are looking up and much brighter today, praise the Lord! Bea has remained stable through the night though she does have a slight fever (which is normal) and her chest tubes are producing extra fluids right now. Once that has decreased, the plan is to extubate and begin the delicate process of waking her up. She will be in pain, so they will closely monitor her morphine levels and then eventually wean her off of that over the course of the next several days. Poor sweet Bea. The little dear has a hard time with splinter pain. I want to spare her the severe pain she will be in from all this. I want to take it all away for her! Lord, please comfort Bea in her time of suffering as only you can!

(oxygen saturation 100%)

The photo above is a miracle!

Bea's oxygen saturation is at 100%!! This is a child who has bounced around from the high 70s to 80s since we've known her. Oh praise the Lord for this miracle!! With increased oxygen, Bea's body can function so much better! She can learn better. Her other vital organs will function better, especially over the course of time as they are all less taxed. She'll be able to run without exhaustion, climb stairs normally, and her little fingers and toes will prayerfully not be blue anymore. Oxygen. It's easy to take such a gift for granted, but not today! The number 100 never looked so good!

The goal for today is to see fluid production in Bea's chest tubes decrease and then see our little sweetie pie's eyes open. We're praying for peace in her heart as she sees Daddy for the first time and knows she is safe because he is with her. May she know that her Heavenly Father is with her now and always.

Thank you, Lord, for Brodie and the excellent father he is to his children. Thank you for how he loves like you. Please use him in a special way throughout this journey in Bea's life to lead her closer and closer to you.

"For he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'

So we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.'"

Hebrews 13:5-6

9:15AM

The breathing tube is out and Bea is awake, praise the Lord!

She is doing beautifully and even smiled for her daddy.

Oh, Lord, you are so good!

Brodie asked if she is in pain and she shook her head "no"...another answer to prayer!!

The look in her eyes is full of peace and prayerfully comfort looking into her daddy's eyes.

My mommy heart is full. Still praying on the hour.

3:40PM

Today has had the highs and lows we expected...the lowest of lows being Bea's pain. It was my biggest concern and has been our greatest prayer. We've been praying for comfort and eased pain this afternoon as we await God's plan for Bea. It's so hard to see her in so much pain! She has also vomitted a couple of times, which I wish she didn't have to go through.

Lord, please heal, protect, comfort, and ease the pain for Bea.

. . . . . .

July 1, 2017 - Day 4

6:00AM

No news yet this morning, but last night they were able to manage Bea's pain a little better by changing her medication. They think the other pain medicine was what was making her nauseous too, so I'm really praying she has felt better through the night. Also, she was about to eat her first solids as we went to bed last night, so I'm eager to hear and prayerful that she was able to keep that all down. We had a little (needed) chuckle before bed when Brodie texted me that she had taken 3 bites of yogurt in 15 minutes..."sounds like Bea," we agreed. It's a well known fact that Bea wins as the slowest eater in town. Somehow that little tid bit of her personality is endearingly missable at the moment. There are so many things I love about Bea and her slow and gentle ways are definitely one of the stand out things I miss about her today, among MANY others.

Last night Nova had her first breakdown, missing her Bea. Nova and Bea have a precious bond and Nova is so delicately sensitive and caring. She slept in my bed with me and fell asleep talking about how maybe one day she might adopt a little girl from China. We thought it would be neat for her daughter to have so much in common with her Aunt B. I hope that all of our children adopt someday, not because it's all roses or even an easy road, rather the contrary in some ways, yet such a beautiful piece of the heart of our Lord.

We're willing to do hard things. Lord, help us do well the hard things set before us today.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13

10:45AM

Bea had a good night, praise the Lord! The goal of the day today is to manage her pain, which has been a challenge, and to lift her spirits. Our joyful Bea has lost her smile, a normal yet difficult part of this stage in the journey and how well I remember this from last time. It's so hard to see the sorrow she feels right now, and yet, I just know our happy Bea is going to shine again with the inner glow we all love about her...it's coming...and we are doing all we can to encourage her! We miss our smiley Bea.

As they switched some of her pain meds around today, she rested while her daddy read Scripture over his girl until she fell asleep.

To see her at peace is a blessing right now. Sleep is on her side as she heals.

Feeling that we want to do all we can to bring a smile back to Bea's face, we started sending Scripture voice messages and Brodie said she was enjoying them. A few friends have started to do the same and we pray that the joy of the Lord will be her strength as she listens to the Word of God! Since she enjoys scrolling through photos, we have also started sending pics of the many families all over the world that are praying for Bea in hopes of brightening her day. Oh, the joy in our hearts to see a smile on her beautiful face!

(Listening to the Wright family read from Ephesians here...she smiled!)

3:15PM

Oma and Funny Grandpa drove up to visit today and that was a blessing all around. They've entertained Bea and made her feel special, got lunch for Brodie, and will allow him time to go get a shower at their hotel tomorrow. It's special that they were able to do the same last year when Beck was up at Stanford too, an encouragement to us all.

Pain is still a constant challenge and I'm hoping tomorrow brings with it some relief and comfort for Bea. We're still waiting for her joy to return, but at least we got a couple of smiles today as she was able to take in how very loved she is by many and Jesus most of all.

6:30PM

Tonight as Bea prepared to get up and walk for the first time, just to go sit in a chair, we prayed.

Little sweetie Bea, she looks frightened and apparently she was. She is very overwhelmed and the poor dear vomited by the time they reached the chair. I want to take this all away for her and it's so hard that I can't so I pray, thankful she is in her daddy's arms.

To watch how Brodie cares for Bea, to see him love her and tend to her as a compassionate father, speaks into my heart as I consider how the Father loves us all. Broken, we are His. He loves us. Brodie teaches me more of that with Bea (and all of our children daily).

I pray she learns even more of the same.

"As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him."

Psalm 103:13

Tomorrow is a new day. Lord, please heal, protect, and comfort our precious Bea.

. . . . . .

July 2, 2017 - Day 5

6:00AM

"So it was a crazy night," the conversation began. Due to an emergency patient being flown in, Bea was the chosen one to change to a new room over in the PICU from the CICU because her vitals were most stable. Well, this unforeseen change turned into a huge blessing because now Brodie and Bea have their own room and even a bed in the room where Brodie can sleep right next to Bea.

Praise the Lord!!

The story goes...

In the middle of the night Bea said, "Hey Daddy, why do I have to wear this?" (Referring to her nasal cannula.) The asking of questions was the beginning of the return of herself. She even began using her manners and asking for apple slices "please".

She smiled from the inside out for the first time too! Thank you Lord!

"This is the turning point that we've been praying for!" Brodie said (as he choked up). "I almost wanted to call you and tell you."

And then it hit me...

Me: "Wait, what time was this?"

Brodie: "3:00AM"

At 2:30AM I was woken up by one of our children who needed comforting for some very itchy mosquito bites. As I got back in bed, I couldn't fall back to sleep so I lay there and prayed and prayed. I even said to the Lord at one point, Well, maybe you have me awake to pray for something specific for Bea. So I cried out to God on my daughter's behalf and now I sit here this morning stunned by our great God, Healer, Lover of our souls, ALL wise, powerful, and in omniscient, omnipresent control.

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Colossians 1:17

Bea's amazing turnaround happened right at the time He had woken me up to pray!!

Thank you, Jesus! Thank you for this encouragement today!!

8:00AM

Some dear friends sent over downloads of Bea's favorite videos so she could watch them and listen to Scripture.

To see the smile on her face and to experience the outpouring of love has blessed my tender mama heart today.

I put the same video on for our children here and in a way it made us feel closer to Bea this morning.

Thank you, Lord, for how you work through your people.

10:00AM

We just got to speak with Bea on the phone and she is talking well and sounding so much more like herself. Praise the Lord!

This morning has not been without its challenges, but Jesus wins and there is JOY!

Oh, I love that smile!!

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!"

Psalm 150:1-2

7:00PM

This evening Bea was transported out of ICU and moved into a regular room upstairs.

This is great news and evidence of her improvement!!

(in the elevator...a little hesitant)

Bea's hesitancy was brief and quickly replaced with sheer JOY when she finally reached her room and got to eat some ice cream!

That must have been the golden ticket because from there on out, she was chatty as can be and full of her usual-self talkative words and questions. We were hysterical listening to her on the phone telling us all of her goings-ons etc. She wanted to know how everyone was doing and when Brodie sent photos of our little conversationalist we couldn't stop laughing for joy at the return of OUR Bea!

(talk, talk, talk, talk, talk...)

Oh my goodness...Bea talked and talked and talked and solved all the problems of the world in that one conversation. She told us repeatedly how she was upstairs now and about all the big plans she has for the rest of her hospital stay. We got the full scoop Bea-style and giggled the entire time! This was definitely the highlight of the day! Our Bea has returned! It's only a matter of days now, I can feel it. Just waiting on those chest tubes to stop draining and many prayers to that end. Praise the Lord!

And her dress hangs on the wall as a reminder that she is coming home...

. . . . . .

July 3, 2017 - Day 6

12:45PM

Today has been full of all kinds of adventures for Bea!

From physical therapy...

To going on a wild ride with Daddy...

(Daddy pushes...Bea steers.)

(Driving is serious.)

To receiving special gifts from special friends...

Bea has definitely had a wonderful day today and we are all eager to see her one step closer to coming home!

(getting ready for the homecoming...)

What a blessing it is to see our little sweetie doing so extremely well!

We are all praising God for His amazing grace!

 "And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."

John 1:16

. . . . . .

July 4, 2017 - Day 7

6:00AM

Still waiting to hear from Brodie how the night went last night, but I've been up praying for a while now. We know that Bea goes home when her chest tube fluids go down to the range they are looking for, so we are going to pray every hour on the hour again today for a miracle. It's nothing for God. He can heal her in an instant. Bea is His. We're asking.

Lord, if it be your will, would you cause a miracle to occur in Bea's little body? We know that nothing is too hard for you. You've told us that in your Word. We thank you for the many miracles you have already performed this week and we praise you for all that you've done and all that you're yet to do. You are able. You are holy. We want you to be glorified in this surgery and in all areas of our lives! May our prayers and faith and trust and hope in you today bring honor to your great name. Amen.

"Is anything too hard for the LORD?"

Genesis 18:14

3:00PM

This afternoon Bea finally got to venture out to the playroom for some fun and crafting.

She had such a good time and melted my heart with her smiles.

(flubber)

(making friends)

The boy in the photo above didn't speak English, but Brodie was able to witness to him in Spanish over the course of their stay.

He didn't even know who Jesus was...but now he does. Lord, please water the seeds planted in Nelson's heart this week.

(painting)

It's nice to see Bea doing normal things that kids just do...getting better one day at a time.

. . . . . .

July 5, 2017 -  Day 8

6:15AM

We're waiting for confirmation today, but it seems that God is answering our many prayers for the fluid in Bea's chest tubes to decrease!! The doctors will let us know more on their rounds this morning. Today is a hope-filled day!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."

Psalm136:1

12:00PM

Well, although the drainage has definitely decreased, we are still looking at around 3-4 more days of waiting. Though this feels long, in the scheme of things, Bea's recovery has been amazing! There have been no hiccups thus far and her joy has remained steady. We couldn't have asked for more in terms of surgical success and we are extremely grateful! The countdown to homecoming is on and in the meantime, we hope to learn all the lessons the Lord is teaching us through this trial and separation. May He be glorified!

. . . . . .

July 6, 2018 - Day 9

1:45PM

Today we found out that 2 of Bea's 3 chest tubes are in the required range to be pulled. This is exciting!! They expect the 3rd to be in the same range by tomorrow morning and if so, they will pull all 3 and then take a chest x-ray. They will follow her progress over the following 24 hours and then take another chest x-ray to confirm there is no remaining fluid in the lungs. Assuming this to be the case, she would then be discharged by noon that same day....Soooo.....We're looking at 2 more days potentially and it's so optimistic, that Brodie even booked their return flight home!! Thank you, Lord, it's almost time...

(Bea LOVES the playroom!)

. . . . . .

July 7, 2017 - Day 10

4:15PM

Today we found out that one of Bea's chest tubes is still draining too much fluid and so we must wait another day. This is the wise and safe thing to do, so we settle that it's best. Brodie will change their flights to Sunday now...just 2 days away!! In the meantime, they're enjoying the playroom, physical therapy games, and each other's company. Brodie feels that he and Bea have bonded in a whole new way through this endeavor and that is so beautiful to me, that I cherish the time apart and value what they've gained.

Thank you, Lord, for the sweet gift of a father/daughter bond that has blossomed even more fully for Brodie and Bea during this time away. May Bea understand your great love for her even more deeply as a benefit of her relationship with her daddy.

(Ahh, the beloved playroom!)

. . . . . .

July 8, 2017 - Day 11

10:30AM

Early this morning, Bea's chest tube drainage was within the required range for discharge!! We celebrated, but were quickly met with discouraging news. For some reason, Bea's tubes began to increase their output and the doctors aren't sure if the drainage is ramping up again or if this was just one last spurt (which technically would be a good thing). The plan is to do a chest x-ray and then reevaluate at 1:00PM today so that Brodie can have 24 hours notice if he needs to change his flight which leaves tomorrow at 2:00PM.

We wait...

"And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you."

Psalm 39:7

(x-ray time)

(out for a walk with Daddy)

I'll admit, I was doing well holding the many swirling emotions of this roller coaster together until I got that last photo of my people.

I miss them SO MUCH it hurts!! We are all so blessed by those 2. I cannot wait to welcome them home again.

In His time...

"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him."

Psalm 37:7

2:15PM

Well, after a day of waiting, 1:00PM came and went, but by 2:00PM the doctors had finally confirmed that they wanted to keep Bea for at least another day. This is God's will and though my flesh wants to fight against the reality, I've learned time after time in my life just to accept, and not only to accept but to believe that God's will is always good, wise, perfect, purposeful, and loving.

So that's what we'll do...accept and believe. We wait...again...

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"

Psalm 27:14

Now we pray for Monday. It's our 18 year wedding anniversary on Monday. 2 more days till then. What would you have us learn or gain in these next 2 days, Lord? We know you intend them for good, and a homecoming on our anniversary would be sweet.

"The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him."

Lamentations 3:25

. . . . . .

July 9, 2017 - Day 12

11:20AM

Bea is getting her chest tubes removed!! The time has finally come. She has been medicated and now we wait for the procedure prayerfully. It is painful and can be traumatic so we are praying for little Bea, also that her body will continue to expel the remaining fluids naturally after the tubes are removed. This is a big moment and one of the last steps to coming home.

12:30PM

All done! Tube free!

Poor little Bea. She was so good and remained still for the removal though she has been crying since. She misses Mommy. She misses home. She misses her people. We just got off the phone with her and she whimpered the whole time. Our hearts hurt for her and we are so eager to welcome her home! We prayed and then she had to go for a chest x-ray. We pray the results are positive.

Tomorrow morning Bea will have another chest x-ray to be sure the fluids are not pooling and if all is well, they fly out at 2:00PM!

(so many memories at Stanford)

. . . . . .

July 10, 2017 - Day 13

9:30AM

It's official...They're coming home!!!

Bea is wearing her going home dress and now they are just waiting to discharge.

Praise the Lord, they're coming home!!!

10:30AM

And there's the photo we've all been waiting for...

(No balloon??)

We would find out later that Bea decided to give her Get Well balloon

to her little roommate who remains in the hospital, waiting for her new heart.

(Bea's roommate, Ximena)

I praise you, Lord, for how Bea loves others like you do. Please remain with precious Ximena.

May she receive healing and ultimately may she come to know you at the earliest age.

Sunshine on these smiling faces...homecoming is now just hours away!!

"Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!"

Psalm 150:1-2