Whole Hearts

Sorry I didn't post any updates while our sweet Bolivian friends were with us.  It was an intense two weeks, to say the least.  Between doctor's appointments, cultural/language barriers and the everyday business of being a mom....it was intense.

I was told I had the hardest part of the hosting job, the pre-surgery days.  I didn't realize how true that was until the surgery was over and I was making visits in the hospital.  Baby B's mama was so stressed out and afraid that I had a hard time figuring out how to meet her needs and help her feel at home.  I didn't realize how much the anxiety was weighing her down.

She shared that for the last year, she had tried over and over again to do what her baby needed; seeing different doctors, trying medicine, protecting her vulnerable baby from everyday threats, selling possessions to come up with the high fees for tests and appointments.  Waiting to learn if her baby had been selected by Samaritan's Purse for the life-saving trip to the USA.  Rejoicing when the good news came.  Then making her first trip ever out of her hometown to the U.S., baby in tow, no other family.
So yeah, I guess I would be a little distant and distracted too, if thrust into a home of strangers who don't speak my language and don't know what I've been through.

Baby B's heart had a hole between the two chambers, so she was pumping non-oxygenated blood back into her body.  The surgery patched that hole and the recovery was remarkable.  My girls and I were happy to talk about how she had a whole heart now instead of a hole in her heart.

And I was blessed to also talk with her mama some about the hole we all have in our hearts...the hole only God can fill.  I'm still praying that God will give make her heart whole and that she can go home to spread the healing love of God that makes all of our hearts whole.

Since photos speak louder than words, here's a little recap...

Baby B and her family in Bolivia

Sportin' a big 'ol Texas-sized bow

Prayer before surgery

Holding mama up after she handed over her baby

The first night after surgery

Moved out of ICU within 36 hours

Released from the hospital after 4 days!

And I'm happy to say that little Baby B has a great prognosis for a happy, healthy life.  It's amazing to see the difference as she gains strength almost instantaneously.  And it was equally amazing to see the difference in her mama, burden lifted and fears wiped away.  It's a new lease on life for them both.

We are blessed to be part of your physical healing, Baby B.  May God continue the good work He has begun in you, bringing wholeness and health to your soul so that you may proclaim His love to the nations.  Abrazos y besos de Tia Sarita!