Monday, August 11, 2008

Surgery Update


We have been in contact with several people who have spoken with Grace's orphanage. We asked that they not proceed with her palate surgery, today we got confirmation that they will not do it. Praise the Lord!! Now, to most that will sound strange. Why would we not want them to do her surgery? Well, it would have been scheduled a couple days before Kerry was to get to China for her.
Now , I don't know about you but a baby that is taken from her foster family, then has surgery and then given to a stranger? No way. She would have been very upset and I'm not sure that is something even the best parent could handle.
We have prayed about this a lot and think the best plan is for her to have the palate surgery done here. We have a great doctor lined up and he will do all her surgeries. I am also hoping it will help the bonding process with her and I.

As most of you know, I will not be going to China this time. It breaks my heart, I love China.
I especially have a special place in my heart for the people of Xian. We were there two years ago on the 18th of September for Hope. And to miss it this time.....well I am a little upset.
I remember touring the Terracotta Warriors in 2006. An older grandmother came up to us and said through a translator (her granddaughter) Is that your daughter? She is beautiful and so lucky. She then said through hand gestures "do you believe in this? (She was pointing to a cross necklace she had on display) When we said yes, tears ran down her cheeks and she said me to by pointing to her chest and heart. I do to. (again translated by her granddaughter) She tried to give us a dress for Hope for free, she wouldn't accept any money. I instead gave the money to her granddaughter and bought other things.


What an amazing thing, to find a fellow Christian in China. Now I know some of you say, I don't like it when people say "She is so lucky", normally I don't either but in this case I was proud.

7 comments:

Rebecca Lily said...

Desiree, I am glad that worked out this way. I really do think it's best that Grace is home first and not have too much trauma all at once. Plus you will be able to ensure that she gets a very good doctor to do her surgery. I'm thankful that they were able to accomodate your request!

Your story about the grandmother in China brought me to tears. I would love to meet another Christian in China. What an amazing experience!

Blessings,
Rebecca

Anonymous said...

What a blessing that you all were able to get in touch with them and they agreed to wait. God is so great isn't he?

The grandmother story brought tears to my eyes as well, Americans don't understand what a blessing it is to have a church on every street corner.

Jutta said...

Des,

just got back from PA and catching up on your updates. Great to see all these good news. Now if we can just get up there quicker. I can't wait to meet Gracie.

Love
The Walters Clan

The Ferrill's said...

That is amazing! What an incredible blessing.
I can imagine you long to go back to China. We are unsure of who is traveling this time, and deep down I know it would be hard for me not to go...but the Lord knows best!
And praise the Lord that Grace's surgery will occur in the US! Yay!
And I am not the expert on potty training at all...still dealing with issues around here, double duty! ;)
Come on TA!

Julie said...

I am so happy that you were able to get the surgery delayed. That would have been so hard on Kerry and Gracie.

Tami said...

Desiree...I'm glad they were able to cancel the surgery....I think your reasoning is very sound!

Loved the story of the grandmother....As I see it, from what she has probably seen and experienced in her lifetime, she had every right to say Hope was lucky....the way I see it, it doesn't mean that you're not blessed as well. Very touching, thanks for sharing.

Praise and Coffee said...

Awesome, you remind me of the good things about China!!

I am so glad they will not be doing the surgery, she will need her Momma there for her!!

I'm so excited for you!
Sue

It's so funny to think our gotcha day is just one week before yours - we just missed each other there in Xian!