Some Time Wednesday Night/Thursday Morning:
I hear a noise again... I jerk up straight and look...everything is ok...what time is it?? Is it 3 am yet?? Ok... all quiet again.. I can lay back down. 20 minutes later or so and another sound.. just a soft gurgle this time... I'm up just the same. Beside me lies a 2-month old baby girl with severe hydrocephalus, fluid on the brain, causing her head to swell. Her swollen head is so soft that its difficult to hold her. The swelling also makes it difficult for her to turn her head... which is why another 30 minutes, I'll be sitting up again and looking into the crib next to my temporary roll-away bed. She's prone to spitting up... and with her lying on her back, I'm constantly listening for her to spit up, so that she doesn't choke in the middle of the night. This little disproportionate baby is called Pamela.
We went and picked up Pamela Tuesday afternoon after being contacted by the hospital where she was at. Her parents abandoned her, leaving her at the hospital. The hospital didn't want her either, they kept her drugged on unnecessary meds to keep her quiet and not crying. She is abandoned and unwanted....we will take her.
In the few days we have had her, her head already grown a centimeter in two days. We have watched and will continue to observe. It appears that the pressure from all the fluid has already affected her vision and hearing, as it appears she is deaf and blind.
So where do we go from here? We will continue to observe and wait and see what the LORD has in store for this little girl. In the States, she would be moved to surgery and the fluid would be drained...but here its a little more difficult than that. She is unwanted and there is something wrong with her... so she is considered worthless. It would take so long to line up a surgery for an orphan, that by that time it might possibly be too late. Also, even if surgery is scheduled, there is a high risk of infection in these cases.
So...right now... I'm not sure what the next step for little Pamela is going to be. There are so many things we still don't know about this little girl. We just have to wait for the LORD to reveal His plan, one step at a time. She seems comfortable and appears surprisingly in no pain.
So for now... I will continue to watch over her during the night, sleeping in the ICU room with her, and afternnoon school (as I have become school teacher for 2 boys since I've been here) has been moved to the ICU. We will continue offer her love and stimulation for possibly the first time in her life.... the rest is up to God.
Lord wrap your arms around this small baby. The world has said she is of no worth, but we know better. We know that You created her. You formed her in her mother's womb. You knew all the struggles she would face, this was no surprise to You. We give her up to You Lord, wrap your arms around her and may Your will be done! Amen.
Oh... dear Pamela....
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
A reason in every season
All of my life,
In every season,
You are still God,
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
- A few lines from Hillsong's "Desert Song"
In every season,
You are still God,
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship
- A few lines from Hillsong's "Desert Song"
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Time for an update...
I know that many people from home are reading my blog and checking it often for updates. And to you sweet people, I apologize as I haven't been updating as regularly as I had planned to. I wish to keep you informed with everything, but recently I've been super busy and to be honest sort of had a case of writer's block. I don't know what to say really. I know what I want to say... I want to be able to tell everyone that everything is going lovely, that I have no troubles at all... but no one can really say that can they? I would love to be able to tell you that everything has just fallen into place so easily. I would love to be able to give you sweet stories of trouble and stress free days...
But I can't exactly say that at the moment...but what I can tell is that God is good! God is God! God is in control! God is still GOOD and WORTHY TO BE WORSHIPPED HONORED AND GLORIFIED!
This is something I've really been trying to embrace. We are called to worship Christ in all seasons of life, in all situations. In the good times and bad, the correct response to any situation is worship! Because if we believe that God is sovereign, as I do, then we know that He is never surprised by the bad, as we usually are. So even when our head is spinning and we are left breathless by the events surrounding us... God is still calmly in control of all things! THERE... in that fact is where my hope lies! It is that fact alone that I am able to continue doing what I am doing. It is because Jesus has called me to this life. I know without a shadow of doubt, that I am right where I am supposed to be. Yes it is hard. Yes it is heartbreaking. But God, the creator of the universe, has called me here....and that is enough for me. There are times when I have no clue why me? What on earth am I doing here? ME.. of all people?? Lord, don't you think there is someone better suited for this than me? At times I feel like I'm the worst person for the job? What can I possibly contribute here? And the answer is.. nothing. I can't do anything.. but God can do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! That is why, even when I'm heartbroken to the core and ready to give up, I should worship. Because it is at those times, just as in any other time, God is working. God is fulfilling HIS will. I may not have a clue as to why things are happening as they are.. but God knows. He has a plan and his plan is perfect. He is in control of things.
Ok... so I wasn't really expecting this post to be this long. When I first started writing I was planning on maybe 5 sentences... and then all of the above just came out. Also, a quick thank you to all those who are reading my blog, keeping up with my journey, and especially for all the prayers on my behalf! I'm so grateful!
~ To God be the Glory!
But I can't exactly say that at the moment...but what I can tell is that God is good! God is God! God is in control! God is still GOOD and WORTHY TO BE WORSHIPPED HONORED AND GLORIFIED!
This is something I've really been trying to embrace. We are called to worship Christ in all seasons of life, in all situations. In the good times and bad, the correct response to any situation is worship! Because if we believe that God is sovereign, as I do, then we know that He is never surprised by the bad, as we usually are. So even when our head is spinning and we are left breathless by the events surrounding us... God is still calmly in control of all things! THERE... in that fact is where my hope lies! It is that fact alone that I am able to continue doing what I am doing. It is because Jesus has called me to this life. I know without a shadow of doubt, that I am right where I am supposed to be. Yes it is hard. Yes it is heartbreaking. But God, the creator of the universe, has called me here....and that is enough for me. There are times when I have no clue why me? What on earth am I doing here? ME.. of all people?? Lord, don't you think there is someone better suited for this than me? At times I feel like I'm the worst person for the job? What can I possibly contribute here? And the answer is.. nothing. I can't do anything.. but God can do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! That is why, even when I'm heartbroken to the core and ready to give up, I should worship. Because it is at those times, just as in any other time, God is working. God is fulfilling HIS will. I may not have a clue as to why things are happening as they are.. but God knows. He has a plan and his plan is perfect. He is in control of things.
Ok... so I wasn't really expecting this post to be this long. When I first started writing I was planning on maybe 5 sentences... and then all of the above just came out. Also, a quick thank you to all those who are reading my blog, keeping up with my journey, and especially for all the prayers on my behalf! I'm so grateful!
~ To God be the Glory!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Even in the Valley...
High upon the mountian the sun is shining bright
My heart is filled with gladness
Here above the cares of life
But ive just come through the valley of trouble fear and pain
It was there i came to know my God
Enough to stand and say...
Even in the valley God is good
even in the valley he is faithful and true
He carries his children through
Like he said he would
Even in the valley God is good
This road of life has lead you
To a valley of defeat
You wonder if the father
Has heard your desperate plea
There is hope in that rugged place
Where tears of sorrow dwell
Cant you hear him gently whispering
"I'm here and all is well"
Even in the valley God is good
Even in the valley he is faithful and true
He carries his children through
Like he said he would
Even in the valley God is good
Even in the valley God is good
Even in the valley he is faithful and true
He carries his children through
Like he said he would
Even in the valley God is so good
God is so good he carries his children through like he said he would even in the valley God is good
My heart is filled with gladness
Here above the cares of life
But ive just come through the valley of trouble fear and pain
It was there i came to know my God
Enough to stand and say...
Even in the valley God is good
even in the valley he is faithful and true
He carries his children through
Like he said he would
Even in the valley God is good
This road of life has lead you
To a valley of defeat
You wonder if the father
Has heard your desperate plea
There is hope in that rugged place
Where tears of sorrow dwell
Cant you hear him gently whispering
"I'm here and all is well"
Even in the valley God is good
Even in the valley he is faithful and true
He carries his children through
Like he said he would
Even in the valley God is good
Even in the valley God is good
Even in the valley he is faithful and true
He carries his children through
Like he said he would
Even in the valley God is so good
God is so good he carries his children through like he said he would even in the valley God is good
Monday, January 11, 2010
Photo Update...
Ok, so this is my second post for today, the first was more serious, giving everyone a glimpse of what has been going around in my head for the past month. Now... for a much lighter post...time to update you and let you see some of what I've been doing. Hope you enjoy.. I've sure enjoyed it!
We saw THIS going down the interstate the other day... there is no fluff on this at all... just metal and tires.
Me and Franz made cookies the other day...
Franz loved stirring and then making the balls of cookie dough!
A boat ride near the volcano we visited.
Patrick, Angelika, and Cat.
Kuya Theodie (pronounced Chody)
Teacher Bunny
The volcano
Me and Glenda on the boat
Kuya Theodie and Me getting strapped in for....
ZIP LINING!!! (SO MUCH FUN!)
We zip lined over a holler in the mountains right near the water, islands and the volcano! Very high, but very pretty!!
Some of the islands.
The group that went to see the volcano.
Trying to remember how to breathe...
Things to Remember:
- Nothing is ever as it seems.
- Even in the valley God is good!! Even when I'm on the verge of tears.. the facts remain the same... God is Good; God is Sovereign; God is NOT Surprised; God's Plan is PERFECT; God is still GOD!
- God is always in control.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Just a note of disclosure before you get into reading this update...this is Brittany's mom updating for her. With that being said, you can know not to expect the same excellent writing skills as you are used to...
We (me and her Dad) were able to chat with Brittany for a few short minutes last night and she asked if we could update her blog for her. She was getting ready to bake cookies with a couple of the young boys and I think they were pretty excited.
She has said that things are very busy and she hasn't had a lot of time for internet things such as updating her blog, chatting with facebook friends or webcaming with anyone. (I, her Mom, am aware of these time restrictions and when I "just happen" to be on-line when she is...I am trying very hard NOT to monopolize her time by chatting continually with her on facebook. This is a difficult thing on my part because I am selfish and want to communicate as much as possible with her, but I also want to share her with all of you, thus I will try to contain myself so that she can have time with you.)
When she first arrived it was before the holidays and things were very hectic as they were preparing for the season and doing many things at Gentle Hands for the children. This week she is starting to get into a schedule or routine as to what she will be doing and where she will be working at Gentle Hands. And as this is being solidified she is finding that her schedule is still going to be very busy. I am not sure as to what all she is and will be doing, but she has shared that she is involved with some of the toddlers during the day. She is enjoying seeing their growth from the summer and watching them as they are learning new words, learning to stand alone and starting to take some of their first steps.
She will also be sharing nightly devotions with the 4-5 year old boys. She is excited that she will have this special time with them, but asks for your prayers for her that God will be glorified, exalted, honored and made known to these children through her during this time. That her words will be God's words.
She has pictures on her facebook page of the first shopping trip with a few of the children to get some new jeans and pajamas for them. The outing also included a stop at the local McDonald's, things that so many of us just simply take for granted. The pictures show the excitement and fun that they all had on this venture. She will update with pictures as she takes each group of children for their outing--this is such a huge thing for them to get to go and also a huge blessing for Brittany to get to take them-I'm not sure who is receiving the biggest blessing, her or the kids?
This update is to give you an idea of what she is doing and ways you can pray for her. I'm sorry that I don't have more details, but hopefully she can have some time to fill us in soon. We know that God is doing mighty things in and through her and we pray that HE will be glorified, exalted and honored both in and through her life and ours as well!
To God be the Glory!!!
Vicki (Brittany's Mom)
We (me and her Dad) were able to chat with Brittany for a few short minutes last night and she asked if we could update her blog for her. She was getting ready to bake cookies with a couple of the young boys and I think they were pretty excited.
She has said that things are very busy and she hasn't had a lot of time for internet things such as updating her blog, chatting with facebook friends or webcaming with anyone. (I, her Mom, am aware of these time restrictions and when I "just happen" to be on-line when she is...I am trying very hard NOT to monopolize her time by chatting continually with her on facebook. This is a difficult thing on my part because I am selfish and want to communicate as much as possible with her, but I also want to share her with all of you, thus I will try to contain myself so that she can have time with you.)
When she first arrived it was before the holidays and things were very hectic as they were preparing for the season and doing many things at Gentle Hands for the children. This week she is starting to get into a schedule or routine as to what she will be doing and where she will be working at Gentle Hands. And as this is being solidified she is finding that her schedule is still going to be very busy. I am not sure as to what all she is and will be doing, but she has shared that she is involved with some of the toddlers during the day. She is enjoying seeing their growth from the summer and watching them as they are learning new words, learning to stand alone and starting to take some of their first steps.
She will also be sharing nightly devotions with the 4-5 year old boys. She is excited that she will have this special time with them, but asks for your prayers for her that God will be glorified, exalted, honored and made known to these children through her during this time. That her words will be God's words.
She has pictures on her facebook page of the first shopping trip with a few of the children to get some new jeans and pajamas for them. The outing also included a stop at the local McDonald's, things that so many of us just simply take for granted. The pictures show the excitement and fun that they all had on this venture. She will update with pictures as she takes each group of children for their outing--this is such a huge thing for them to get to go and also a huge blessing for Brittany to get to take them-I'm not sure who is receiving the biggest blessing, her or the kids?
This update is to give you an idea of what she is doing and ways you can pray for her. I'm sorry that I don't have more details, but hopefully she can have some time to fill us in soon. We know that God is doing mighty things in and through her and we pray that HE will be glorified, exalted and honored both in and through her life and ours as well!
To God be the Glory!!!
Vicki (Brittany's Mom)
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