First, we praise the Lord for meeting our needs for housing and transportation while we are in Charleston. If you have never heard of CrossBridge ministries, please take a minute to look at their website. They have an amazing ministry, and I know they would also ask for your prayers as they continue meeting the needs of patients and families.
Pray that Rebekah stays healthy so her surgery will not be postponed. These next two weeks are critical for her, and she is currently recovering from a cold. Please pray for her quick recovery and for no more illnesses. Also, please be understanding when you may or may not see us out and about as we are trying to keep ourselves well so that we can care for Rebekah.
Pray that the surgery will go smoothly, that it will be successful, and that there will be no complications. Included in that, please pray earnestly for the surgical team, led by Dr. Scott Bradley, and all of the PCICU doctors and nurses who will be involved in Rebekah's care. I know we have said it before, but this is a major surgery. It will not be a walk in the park for any of us.
Pray that Rebekah will recover well with no post-operative infections or complications. We know from past experience that anesthesia and paralytic drugs are not very nice to Rebekah. She has a difficult time waking up after sedation. Pray that her recovery time will be as easy as possible for her.
Pray for the Lord's provision for our financial needs for surgery and the weeks of recovery afterwards. While we do have our transportation and housing needs met, there are other things like gas, meals/groceries and parking fees that will be needed. We have been blessed already with many offers of help in these areas!
Pray for safety as we travel between Greenville and Charleston. It is about a four hour trip one-way, and that is not an easy trip for a 15-month-old. Especially one who is recovering from major open heart surgery!
Pray for the boys as life at home will not be normal with Mom and Rebekah away. The boys all know (in age-appropriate terms) that Rebekah and Mommy will be going to Charleston for another surgery. While they do not know the seriousness of the surgery, they do know that they will miss their baby sister and mommy. Please give the boys extra hugs and be understanding if they seem to be more emotional than usual!
Pray for family and friends as they step in and help with the boys at home. We have been blessed by so many wonderful friends and family who help out at (literally!) a moment's notice. Thank you all so much for the many ways that you have helped out since we first found out about Rebekah's special heart. Thank you, also, to all of you who faithfully follow Rebekah's story via the blog. Many of you we have never met, but you have a special place in our lives. We could not do this without the support of so many people who are praying for us.
And, lastly, please pray for us. Having seen Rebekah go through one open heart surgery before, we fully know what to expect. And that is not a pretty sight. Please pray that we can be strong for Rebekah and that our testimony would be evident to all those around us. We meet many people while in the hospital with Rebekah. Please pray specifically that we would have an opportunity to share our faith with others through Rebekah's story.
Drew and Nancy
