Blessings

There isn't much to report on Harper tonight, which is a good thing! She had a nice, calm day... Only one dose of morphine in 24 hours, and the only issue she had today was vomiting after feeds. However, while they are having to work out feeding amounts and schedules, we had a step forward in that she started sucking her pacifier and we were able to work with the speech therapist on practicing swallowing with a pacifier and syringe.

We've been so focused on Harper's health that we haven't said much about how we've been blessed up here in Durham. As most of you know, we have been housed in the Ronald McDonald house, and it has been an incredible blessing. They only charge $10-$15 per night for families here, and that gives us a room with two beds and a tv, access to a shower, and a hot meal in the evening provided by various volunteer groups. It has been amazing to be on the receiving end of such an outreach... There are so many wonderful people out there who are giving their time and resources to help the children and families here.

Not only are we blessed by the workers and volunteers here, but we have met some great families with incredible stories as well. When I start to feel discouraged or frustrated with our situation, God puts someone in my path here to give me perspective on how very blessed we are... Older children hanging out here, smiling in spite of transplants and treatments and procedures... Families who have been here for months, some even a year or more... Parents who have given up everything to be here, fighting alongside of their children. Just tonight as we waited in line for dinner we met a family celebrating their baby's first birthday after they spent the first six months of his life here awaiting a heart transplant. Around the house are painted ceiling tiles and framed artwork and poems telling stories of miracles of life and others sharing memories of the little time they had with their angels. It can be emotionally draining at times, but overall it is a place of great hope. And praise God, we know where our hope lies!

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. AND HOPE DOES NOT DISAPPOINT US, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." -Romans 5:3-5