Totally Blessed and Totally Unexpected

****This is a long entry containing A LOT!!! Thanks for taking the time to read it!

My trip to Haiti again surpassed my hopes and plans for Three Angels. I traveled with the most incredible group people; I now call friends, who share a true love for mission work, God and his people of Haiti. We saw well over 400 patients in the Halos medical clinic in 3 days, visited Mother Teresa’s Orphanage, assisted with the medical care of wound patients at a nearby hospital, and found plenty of time to play with the orphans ~ and we even experienced Tropical Storm Fay on our last day. This was by far the best and most blessed trip I have been on since beginning my work for Three Angels.

The past week was also one of the most emotional trips I have taken to Three Angels. So much was going on with the clinic and there was so much to do. We were blessed with wonderful doctors, nurses, technicians and others who devoted 8 days to doing all they could to help make a difference in the lives of the people of Haiti. Prayers were said as we asked the Lord for blessings for the patients. Stories were shared as medical concerns were discussed. Much needed help was given to so many people who would otherwise never receive any sort of medical care. Smiles were shared as children spent time coloring and doing crafts while they waited for the doctors. Each and every step in the process of a medical appointment was emotional, extraordinary and so very memorable.

Halos has truly been blessed by the medical professionals willing to donate their personal time to the mission. So many nurses, techs and doctors take time away from their families and jobs to come down and help in the clinic. This week was no exception. The volunteers were dedicated; excited and willing to do whatever it took to make a difference while sending the patients on their way full of hope. From Haitians living on the streets as well as Three Angels families to the orphans of Angel House, each and every one of them received a thorough exam and was given the best medical care Halos could possibly offer. It was such a blessing for them and for the volunteers, as well.

One doctor in particular has given so much of his time to the orphans at Angel House. Dr. Brian Mauch, a pediatrician from Midland, Michigan has come down to Haiti numerous times to examine the orphans and give medical care to so many Haitian children. He is a gentle man with a huge heart for the people of Haiti. I am honored to know him and forever grateful for his willingness to be a part of the organization. The adoptive families are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and loving professional taking care of their children.

I had the opportunity and privilege to sit in on many of Dr. Brain’s exams of the children. Seeing him thoroughly exam children using his incredible knowledge and expressing his true love for each one of them was so heart warming. His tender approach of talking to the children while carefully observing each developmental and medical concern is so sincere. He takes the time to understand each child’s needs and takes significant time to make a plan of care for each one. It brought back many memories of my children’s visits to the doctor when they were younger. The time, love and dedication our pediatrician took with my children was the same Dr. Brain gave to each and every child of Angel House.

Mike and I have been blessed with extremely healthy children, so the ‘doctor’s visit’ I experienced with Jonathan on Monday was like no other. After a thorough exam and coincidentally seeing Jonathan’s mother in the clinic as well that day, Dr. Brian had concerns. He did some research after clinic hours and sat me down to discuss his medical suspicions. Brian was able to diagnose Jonathan with a hereditary disease called Neurofibromatosis, a disease that affects the neurological system as well as many other systems of the body. Patients with this disease have the potential for many defects, disorders and illnesses through life. High risks for leukemia, neurological and renal cancers, malignant skin, brain and nerve tumors, physical, language and metal disabilities are just a few of the problems people with this disease encounter. Most of these patients also suffer from mental and physical delays, sight and hearing problems and possible debilitation further down the road. There is also the possibility Jonathan has a mild case of the disease and will lead a normal and happy life. Needless to say, Jonathan’s check-up turned into a consultation I never expected.

After discussing all the problems Jonathan could possibly face, my first thought was, “I am so grateful the Lord has blessed our little boy with a doctor for a papa!” God has big plans for our son and I know there is a reason he is a part of our family. I have great peace about what may be ahead for our little boy and feel very confident Mike and I have been blessed with the tools to take any obstacles head on. God has given us strength to face anything that may lie ahead for Jonathan, as well as all of our children.

It was highly recommended to us to begin intervention for Jonathan’s illness as soon as possible. The sooner he can receive therapies for his delays the better chance he has at overcoming larger obstacles ahead. It is also important for him to begin medical care by specialists who are able to monitor the progression of his disease. A team of doctors will need to be consulted for the rest of his life. Genetic, neurology, cardiology, and so many others, will be routine doctor visits for our little boy; and Brain believes this care needs to begin now.

With this said, we have decided it is in the best interest of Jonathan’s health to apply for a medical visa. His quality of life can very greatly upon the medical intervention he receives. We have seen our little boy thrive at Angel House over the last year and pray it continues. Under the circumstances of limited resources in Haiti, it would be best to bring Jonathan to the U.S. to begin therapies, neurological evaluations and other treatments as soon as possible.

The next month or two will be a whirlwind for us. We have many specialists to consult with, letters to request and paperwork to prepare for the visa application process. It is important that we have as much information for the Embassy to receive approval. The sooner we can get our son home the better chance he has at being cared for properly by the doctors. The sooner diagnoses are made means treatments can begin. The sooner treatments begin the better chance Jonathan will have at being healthy, cancer free and neurologically intact.

Although the Lord is the only one who knows just what Jonathan will endure with his disease, I have faith He will protect our little boy and give Mike and I whatever is needed to help our son. God already blessed us with a beautiful little boy to love. He provided Halos with an incredible pediatrician with great knowledge and love. God sent Jonathan’s mother to the clinic, and her visit allowed for a confirmation of Jonathan’s diagnosis. Mike and I have been given strength and perseverance to fight Jonathan's disease and overcome whatever lies ahead. With His faithfulness, we are all blessed!