Saturday June 14

Well, I really stink at updating this blog. We are home and Lina is doing great. They moved the pendulum from her nose to her eye-very strange to look at- Dr. Rose fixed the area above her new nose and worked on her back. The back opened up, so she may have to have a graft in July. We are going back on July 9, surgery on the 10th. Lina truly is amazing. I think it is a blessing that she doesn't know she is different. Thank you Palmer family for the wonderful care package, it truly lifted my spirits. Thank you Mom and Dad, you truly know me--the cookies were yummy! I also apreciate you putting your life on hold to take care of the children while Rob was gone. The kids love spending time with you. To all my faithful friends, I can not do this without your continued encouragement, calls, and love. Bill and Susan, my angels--the love and admiration I have for the two of you is immeasurable. Thank you for flying Hannah out. For those they may not know, The Physically Challenged Irish and American Youth Team was in NY while Hannah, Lina and I were there. This is the charity making everything possible for Lina. Medical assistance is not the charter of the organization. They bring kids from Ireland to NY that are physically challenged, cerebral palsy, deaf, etc and they spend 2 weeks in the US. Then they send kids from the US to Ireland for 2 weeks. For some of these kids it is the only opportunity to be away from their parents, they grow physically and mentally. I was blown away. I know that I WILL be a part of the crew when my children are older. Friends, please be in thought as to a fund-raiser that we can do this year, I really want to give back to this organization and will need HELP.
I am not looking forward to going back to NY so soon, but the next surgery should create BIG changes to Lina's face. I hold firm to 1 Corinthians 15:58-Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

tuna and orange gatorade

Definitely not as invasive as the last surgery...She looks great, a little swelling, there is a bandage over the eye, so I can't tell what it looks like yet...I'm off to find her tuna and gatorade... the food here is beyond awful. Sorry for the short post

May 20, 2008

New York, New York...this really is an amazing city! Lina and I got here yesterday, checked into the Fitzpatrick (they put a twin bed in "our" room (210 from last time) and left a fruit basket, they are so nice to us) and then went to the Pediatrician. I was a little worried about the staph infection she had on her ear, however they just put a sterile bandage on the ear and surgery is a go! Dr. Rose will be taking the flap from her nose to recontruct her eye. I can't even imagine how all this works, thank goodness he is the surgeon! He also going to incise one of the scars on her back, and lipo the right side of her face. He said surgery should be about 5 hours, so we will see! Bill picked us up this morning and was amazed at how great Lina looks! My mind is all over the place today--can't seem to focus on anything!
Mary, make sure Daddy videotapes the play tonight, Lina and I can't wait to see it! Hannah, did you talk with Mr. Robinson? John, for those of you that don't know-he broke his collarbone on Friday-be careful. Rob-love you. I'll update soon....

The world doesn't revolve around Lina

I know this blog is dedicated to keeping a log of Lina and her surgeries and her progress, but as I sit here, this raining Sunday, I feel it is important to update on the rest of the family. Rob started a new job on March 12th. It is our hope that he will not have to travel so much. It was a pay decrease, but we feel the time we spend with him is of more value. He is training and has a lot to learn, but he's excited with the opportunities ahead of him. Hannah, as a freshman, is maintaining a 4.5 gpa, currently running track (and placing), and finished basketball season as an honorable mention in all-conference, and made 3rd team for PCAC. She has her sights set for a division 1 college and we couldn't be more proud. Most amazing though is her continued committment to reading the Word everynight. She loves the Lord and it shines through all she does. Mary continues to be Lina's number one cheerleader. She always places Lina above herself and teaches me each day what it means to be a doer of I Corinithians 13. Fourth grade at Wellington is a VERY challenging year, however, she has maintained straight A's all year. When the Lord chose this family to adopt it is quite obvious that he started with Hannah and Mary. They are quite frequently overlooked when attention is being handed out and their dedication to serving Christ has been a monumental reason for the success with Lina and John. John was hand chosen by God himself to complete us! His contagious laugh and smile that could melt and iceburg lift me up when I need it most. Boys are definitely more challenging than girls, at least at this age, but he is worth every moment of frustration! He is succeeding at school with marks of V in every subject. He is loved at school and made his mark as an athlete. He can do any and all sports with ease. This last surgery and even since I got home have been challenging for me. I trust the Lord and know he will not leave me, nor will he give me more than I can handle, however, my flesh, weak nature is feeling beaten and tired. It is a good thing that feeling change and my strenghth can and will be renewed. I have never used this blog as a negative sounding block, because I have great joy, but to those that might read and wonder, some days are hard, as they are in all lives.....I am blessed to have faith and encourage any and all to rely on Christ for all things.

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