Woo hoo!!!!! The final George update

In the words of a tearful NICU nurse, "It's a miracle!"  Yesterday George began to master the skills of swallowing, breathing and sucking at the same time; that's right, HE CAN NOW TAKE NOURISHMENT BY MOUTH!!!!!!  What the medical staff had told us would take from 1-3 weeks, he began successfully doing within 36 hours of passing his dye test.  Yes, we are all rejoicing!

It was one week ago today, that George had his surgery.  Throughout the week, we have experienced so many emotions that reminded us of Holy week: we prepared mentally for his surgery on Maundy Thursday, then waited  through the day on Good Friday as he was operated on.  But the joy of Easter morning did not come in two days; it came more gradually, as we waited day by day to see how George would do.  Today it feels like resurrection day; HALLELUIAH!!!! Thank you Lord!!!!!

We are also thankful for the love and support of so many of you who have prayed and helped out in various ways over the last 10 1/2 weeks. Knowing people cared really helped; reading supportive comments on our Facebook wall or sent via e-mail has meant more than words can say.  Now it is time to bring our regular George updates to a close, and give him and his family the kind of privacy a new family typically has as they begin to get ready to bring their baby home.  As for us, Shevawn will be in Seattle for a little while longer (after all this, she really wants to witness his homecoming in person!) her mind and time will be more and more focused on preparing for the Ghana Discovery trip beginning in June.  Currently in Ghana, the process of choosing the Ghanaian participants for our team is nearing completion. We appreciate your continued prayers for us, our Ghanaian leaders, the staff in Ghana who are making preparations for our trip and all our participants as our departure date nears.  Thanks!