There's no place like home...

Sorry for taking so long to blog....I don't think I'll ever get caught up at home, so I might as well keep this updated. Lina and I got home on Thursday. She is doing awesome, thanks to Dr. Rose, Bill, and the foundation. The bottom part of her little nose is so cute and the upper portion will be cute when all is done. The graft on her eye is healing slowly. Her eye has opened up so much! She is no longer wearing the sling and her back is healing. Her leg is not hurting anymore either. What a testimony this child has! Yesterday, when it was time to take a shower, she came crying to me asking for me to shower with her. I think she gets a little spoiled in NY. I told her no, she had to share me with her sister and brother, I guess attachment is no longer an issue. I spent some time talking with a friend about positive blogging...How much should I put on this blog????? I believe Lina's story to be an ispirational one, but I also want to be truthful, that said... This surgery was so hard, both physically and emotionally. Lina was so swollen and in pain, and she got mad this time. There were days that I cried wondering what I was doing, and why ! To be in the hospital surrounded by white walls and then go to the hotel, surrounded by walls that seemed to close in on us. ....Thank the Lord for Bill and Susan! The last 3 days they came and got us, took us to lunch, laughed and talked, if not for them I would be in a white jacket! haha Lina and I will return to NY for a day in about 3 weeks to see Dr. Rose and discuss her next surgery. I believe the next surgery will be shortly thereafter. Dr. Rose continues to amaze me with the plans he has for Lina. Lina wrote in her journal yesterday, "My face is beautiful because Dr. Rose is so cool. He is so smart." How incredible is it that she continues to look at the positive with all she has been through. Today I spoke with Regina from Children With Hairloss, the organization giving Lina hair each year. What an wonderful woman. Her wish is to provide to each child in need, but of course that takes money. To all reading, please pray for funding. Also, Mike at Next Generation in Tampa , is the man responsible for maintaining Lina's wig,and June, who cut it to fit Lina's face, I am so thankful for them, for their love and support of Lina and our family. Isn't it amazing that there is so much good going on yet we so often don't hear about it.
Thank you to my friends for your prayers, love, and conversation. Thank you to my church family for loving us! The Lord is teaching me so many lessons, each day. I am so blessed. He continues to work on me, even though I mess up on a regular basis.

Keep Lina In your Prayers

Just got off the phone with Laura. She and Lina are doing well, however the graft around her eye is not looking great. Please keep praying that God will make this graft take and heal Lina. He and only He can do it! We continue to expect miracles and ask you to keep Lina in your prayers.

Laura sent a photo of Lina and it was kind of shocking. Dr. Rose was very happy with the way Lina looks....I'm glad he said that, becuase it doesn't look right. We have every confidence in Dr. Rose, but just want everyone to know that this is far from the finished product.

Lina and Laura are rebooked on a flight for next Thursday (March 13th). We miss them both so much and can't wait for their return home...

Out of the Hospital...

Lina was released from the hospital over the weekend. She and Laura have been out for a few days now and Laura doesn't have internet access at the hotel, so I'm posting for her.

Lina's doing well. She's eating, she's joking around and all around sounds like she's "Lina" again. They went to see Dr. Rose yesterday and he gave them some news none of us wanted to hear. They need to stay an extra week to take care of a graft that needs some attention. Rather than come back on Friday, they'll need to stay till March 13th. Ouch!

Laura got a look under the bandages yesterday and wanted everyone to know that it's far from done at this point. Dr. Rose is still 'molding the clay' and it looks akward right now.

Sorry for the short post, but have to run kids to school. Keep the prayers coming! Thanks,
Rob