Surgery

Alexander's surgery went well. It was a bit frustrating because it seems it is impossible for the medical community to tell you something and then follow through with what they said. When the anesthesiologist came by, he explained that Alexander would be given a mild sedative to make him groggy, then they would wheel him back to the operating room and then they would give him gas that would make him sleep. He never got the sedative and was terrified when they came to take him to the operating room. Due to the long wait he had already gotten scared because he did not understand what was going on. I truly believe he thought we were abandoning him. Those of you that have adopted know the routine of when you pick your child up from the orphanage - you strip all the clothes off them and then you put your clothes on them. Well, at the hospital, we had to strip him down and put the hospital gown on him. When they called us back to the recovery room after the surgery, we waited for him to open his eyes. When he saw we were there, he laid his head back down and rested a little more.

He returns for a post-op check up next week and then about two weeks later, we start therapy with the implant. Thanks for your prayers!

- Tony B.

Surgery Day

At the hospital right now for Alexander's cochlear implant surgery.

Christmas Eve Prayer

Here in the US, it is Christmas Eve and most of us, particularly in the south, are enjoying some warm weather. While you are running around today getting those final presents or food for your Christmas meal, say a prayer for the fatherless in Russia. Right now, with a wind chill, it is -20 degrees Fahrenheit in SE Siberia - and that is in the warmer city areas on the southern coast. In the higher elevations, it is much colder. Pray that these children will stay warm no matter where they lay their head to sleep.

It is almost 6AM in Vladivostok right now, the time when most of us start to think of breakfast. For some in SE Siberia, breakfast is a luxury. As you pray, pray the Father will provide for them today and give them something warm to drink and nourishing to their body.

It is not my intention to bring you down on such a joyful day of celebration, I just ask that as you celebrate, pray for the most vulnerable - the fatherless.


Merry Christmas!!