A Light ? at the End of the Tunnel

Connor had his LAST surgery last Thursday and all went well. The doctors said surgery and about 2 weeks later, home! We were very excited. But his recovery has been tough as is his pattern. Praise the Lord he was taken off the ventilator a couple of days ago and his little tummy is finally getting rid of all the air that was put in it for surgery. (It has not been my experience that this is difficult for the male gender, but Connor continues to show us he has his own way of doing things).

A couple of weeks ago, I was visiting Connor with Sara and got to speak with one of the Neonatologists. He acknowledged our frustration over Connor’s digestive issues but marveled over the fact that his eyes are now mature and perfectly normal, his brain is not damaged in any way and is growing and developing normally. There are so many things to be thankful that Connor does not struggle with it would take pages to name them all!

These things and many others have led me to reflections on the goodness of God. He promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). This always seems like a future promise to me. However, if God really is good as His word says then when He looks on His people and sees us clothed in Christ’s righteousness all He does for us can only be good! Not a marshmallow soft good, but a deep, real, strong good based on Christ’s work and God’s character. He is doing this not only for the Kevin Andrew Foster family but for the individuals of this family including for Connor personally. How does God do this for a little baby who has to have everything done for him? By His Spirit of course! By the Holy Spirit I pray not just for Connor’s physical healing but for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in this little guy even now. May he be along the lines of John the Baptist and proclaim from the beginning of his life the greatness of our God. Amen.

Grandma Kim

The Long and winding road…

Well, all of Connor’s tests came back negative for any blockages, his tube feeding was re-started and his poor tummy couldn’t take it A gastrointestinal doctor was called in for consultation, he made recommendations and the Neonatal team will come up with a plan shortly. Good news: this is common with anyone of any age who has had gastrointestinal surgery. Bad news: no immediate, easy fix. More labs, rest, a (not very) different formula, an antibiotic to build good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, maybe a biopsy of the large intestine down the road as the problems seem to have intensified after his 2nd surgery (reconnecting the small and large intestines) and who knows what else?

The answer to that last question is: God does. The Scriptures tell us God is good. That’s not just an adjective. He is/defines goodness itself. If this is true (and I hope you know that IT IS) then we can rest assured that our God, who is goodness itself, is taking very good care of Connor through this whole situation. You are good and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:68

Please pray for wisdom for the Neonatal team and that God will bless their efforts on Connor’s behalf and for His own glory. Pray that Kevin, Sara and the extended family will walk and not faint.

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Love,

Grandma Kim

Silence From The Desert...

Since the last update, Connor has had another surgery (hernias) and may be headed for another.  He continues to grow (8lbs. 9oz.) but is so far unable to tolerate full feedings, leading the doctors to think there may be a blockage somewhere although they cannot detect anything from any tests done so far (upper and lower GI’s).  Next Monday, 1/11/10, he will have a barium enema test to try to determine if and/or where the problem is.  

Many of you have asked why the blog has not been updated.  I think the answer is that discouragement has begun to set in.  It has been a long 4 months.  Please pray: 

1. For wisdom for the doctors, that the Lord will show them what the problem is and how to fix it quickly. 
2. For Connor to be able to tolerate full feedings AND be able to take a full bottle very soon, so that he can come home. 
3. For Kevin and Sara, that they will grow in faith, wisdom, unity, and maturity.
4. Against a spirit of despair for the whole family.

It is not to be imagined that He who has helped us in 6 troubles will leave us in the 7^th.  God does nothing by halves, and He will never cease to help us until we cease to need.  The manna shall fall every morning until we cross the Jordan. -C.H. Spurgeon on Psalm 4:1:

Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness:  thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.

Love,

Grandma Kim