Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Monday, October 5th, we went into our Dr's office for a routine ultrasound and found out that our baby had some medical issues. They immediately sent us to a specialist for more detail. We found out that our baby boy had an enlarged bladder and enlarged set of Kidneys. The cause of this was a blockage due to an abnormality in the urethra. His bladder is unable to release urine and form amniotic fluid. This situation has to be corrected or it causes kidney failure, the bladder to explode and also the lungs to not develop. An amnio was done where they drew fluid from the amniotic sac to do a genetic screening to see if there was any other problems we needed to be worried about. They sent us home and had us come back today for the results and to tap his bladder to relieve pressure and to test for Kidney function.
So, Today, Wednesday, October 7th, we went in at 10:30 and got results from the test that we did not want to hear. The TEST showed that Elijah has downs syndrome. They were also going to preform a procedure to put in a stint but they decided against that for now following advice from a specialist in Cincinnati, Ohio. They will take one or two more urine samples and send them to a lab in California to determine damage to the Kidneys, and next week we will travel to Cincinnati to talk to the Doctors there about what our next step should be.

What we want you all to know is that we are fully trusting in the God who created us and who created Elijah. This did not take God by surprise! We believe that God has the ability to heal Elijah from any disease and can restore him to complete health if He chooses to do so. We are praying that the tests were wrong and that this problem can be corrected. HOWEVER, there are 3 very real possible scenarios and we are fully trusting in Gods Big Picture and His plans for any of the three that He chooses to do. He can heal Elijah and preform and incredible miracle, He can choose to take Elijah home, or we will love a child with special needs.

Elijah's name was spoken to me on Monday through the Holy Spirit. I know He has chosen that name for him for a reason. It means "God is the Lord." No matter what happens He is God and Elijah belongs to Him.
A sweet friend of mine emailed me this devotion and it was a direct confirmation of what I have felt God has told me from the very beginning and I would love to share it with you.

Years ago there was a show on television called TO TELL THE TRUTH. It was a game show where three people would answers questions from the celebrity panel of judges. One of the three had done something noteworthy. The other two tried to deceive the panel into thinking they were "the one." At the close of the program, the host would say, "Would the real __________ please stand up?" Often the judges were shocked at who the real "one" was.

ON MOUNT CARMEL

This same situation occurred on Mount Carmel thousands of years ago. The prophet Elijah squared off with the 450 prophets of Baal. They had a contest to show the people who the real God was and is. The prophets of Baal, the imposter god, went first. They called on their god for hours, but to no avail. He did not answer by fire as the contest required. Elijah began to mock them saying, "Perhaps your god is in the bathroom relieving himself!" (I am not making that up. Read it for yourself in 1 Kings 18.)

When it was Elijah's turn, God had him pour water all over the altar he had constructed. The altar, the wood, the stones and the sacrifice were all drenched with water to the point that water was pooled all around the altar. When Elijah called on the true God, the fire fell from heaven and licked up the water, the wood, the stones, the sacrifice and even the dust! It was an incredible display of who the real God was and is. The people replied in amazement, "The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God" (1 Kings 18:39).


Just like Elijah from thousands of years ago, I believe our God is going to use our baby Elijah through his tough journey as an incredible display of who the REAL GOD is and that everyone will say, "The Lord, He is God; the Lord He is God."


We would love for your to pray with us and for us as we walk through this with our precious Jesus and we will keep you posted here with any new information.


9 comments:

  1. In those times when it seems overwhelming remember:
    "Be still and know that I am God"
    We can tell ourselves that all day long, but I know it is sometimes hard to do.
    Praying for you guys like crazy, if you need anything and I mean anything - please let us know. We have been through one pregnancy together and I am here for this one as well (just not pregnant myself)!
    The Lord has brought to mind my favorite bible verse to share with you today.
    Jeremiah 29:11
    We love you guys!!!

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  2. I am praying for you guys! I know that God has you all in His hands through this time. Let me know if i can do anything or help in any way.

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  3. Ok, I am crying. Praying for you all. We love you and will pray like crazy. My favorite quote, outside of scripture is from CS Lewis:

    “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.”-- CS Lewis

    Love to you all.

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  4. Nahum 1:7 "the Lord is GOOD. A strong hold in the day of trouble and He knows them that trust in Him." I too am crying as I read what you wrote. We have had our fair share of trials with our children and I have struggled to see God's goodness at times. I will pray for healing and for your faith to be strengthened as you walk this journey.

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  5. Thank you for sharing this. We have an Elijah too, and his conception and birth were miracles that only God could do. We are praying and look forward to seeing how God will work through the gift of this baby boy. James is an RN at Children's and has worked in the NICU for several years, and would love to encourage you if you ever need to talk. Love, James and Jennifer

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  6. We love you guys... all 5 of you! Praise God for his grace when you need it most. We will pray for Baby Elijah every day. We know God will show himself strong on your behalf. We are here for you if you need us. Love, The Crumps

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  7. We are praying for you, Elijah and your family! What a beautiful post - such faith and trust - just the kind of thing that God is drawn to.... My love to you my friend!!

    Melodye

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  8. What an amazing journey you have ahead. I will lift you guys up to our Father who loves and will never leave or forsake us. You are loved and I am so excited to see what God will weave with your faith and lives in the month's and years to come! May God make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.
    Stephanie Bannister

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