Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Grandma's Here

As I type this, the beautiful and charming Susan is watching over Ali. It's a little after 5 am here on the west coast, but Susan has been up and showered and in with Ali for an hour.

It's so good to have Susan here.

Our new friends Eric and Charlene have been amazing. Eric is a servant leader at Calvary Chapel San Francisco. I visited CCSF Sunday morning and enjoyed a sweet time of worship with this congregation in downtown San Francisco. The Pastor was away so Eric brought a message that was timely from the first chapter of Ruth. I took notes furiously knowing that the Lord was using this man to speak to me about my situation. I love what his comments on verse 6: "it was a dismal time, things looked desperate, but Naomi arose; she journeyed toward God." That brings to mind the time when following Jesus became hard, disciples started to leave Him. Jesus asked His closest guys, "Do you also want to go away?" To which Peter replied, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

There is only one direction to move in: toward God. Cleave to Him.

Charlene's visit with Ali yesterday was divinely timely. She came, once again, bearing bags of food.

Comfort.

Food.

Homemade tamales never tasted better. When Susan arrived weary from the road, I was able to serve her up tamales, hand rolled with love from a California kitchen. Thanks, Charlene. You're amazing!

So to those of you praying for us: thank you. Please don't become weary in your efforts. Ali has taken steps forward. This is the fourth day Ali has been breathing on her own. The cries; she sighs. We're looking forward to the day she will open her eyes.

As you pray for Ali, please remember to pray for our family as well. A tough road ahead of us. Custody of Ali has been transferred from Charity to California Child Protective Services. Given the situation, this is a good thing. CPS is very motivated to have Ali in the custody of Susan and I, but it's definitely not a "slam dunk". When Ali gets out of the hospital, she may need special care. CPS's number one priority is that Ali receive the best care possible.

Another challenge is that when CPS approves Susan and me to be Ali's guardians, we plan to reside in Florida. So we'll also have to be approved by the state of Florida's Child Protective Services. In the meantime, Ali won't be able to leave California. So Susan will stay. Tomorrow I leave to be with my son Aaron in the Bahamas who graduates from Patmos Reality Discipleship.

So keep praying for us.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great word. It is inspiring to observe your faith as your family journeys through this trial.
Ali is blessed to be loved by so many wonderful people! We will continue to pray.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad Susan is there. I can't imagine how she must have ached to be there sooner.

I continue to hold up all of you in prayer. There is obviously a lot more to this situation than you have told us about--and I am not suggesting that you need to give us details. I'm saying only that the whole situation, beyond Ali's condition, is a lot more serious than I realized. Much more to pray about.

What I know is that God has known all along and has prepared the way for some things to occur, to be said, that you would need. Therefore, I'm confident that He is also preparing the way for everything to work out for the good of all of you, and especially Ali.

Blessings and peace...

Vicki

Anonymous said...

So glad Susan is there to help. Ali and you guys remain at the top of our prayer list and in our hearts constantly. You probably know that everyone prayed for Ali at the Core night Sunday...the prayers at our table were filled with emotion for Ali and you guys. Have a safe trip...and please give Aaron our congrats on graduating.

Love, Bob and Dorinda