Well, we've been home over four months now. At times it feels like we've together forever (in a good way), and other days only yesterday when we traveled to get Natalie from the orphanage. We cannot imagine our lives without her. She is such a precious gift.
Today I want to give God the glory He so deserves. Steve and I still remember getting off the train in Voronezh after traveling for over 24 hours, our translator meeting us with a hearty hug, looking us in the eye and saying, "the girl may not live...do you still want her?" Without blinking an eye we both said "Yes!". Whether she survived with us a day or a year, whatever time we were given to love her, she was ours and we knew it.
Well, 'the girl' is very much alive and on her way to great health. The issues that were so very grave and life threatening only four months ago are under control and under the hand of our beautiful healer, Jesus. Natalie's left kidney is very tiny and will never function over 7%, but the right one is enlarged and compensating for the left one. Both kidneys have grade 2 reflux, but no surgery is needed, just antibiotic daily, tests every six months and the prayer that it will lessen once she is potty trained. Last week we received a report on the MRI we had done a couple of weeks ago. Natalie's head is very small (according to growth charts) and not growing the way the doctors would like. The MRI showed no major reason for the small head size. It did however show that very early in her little life there was injury/possible abuse, inflammation from injury or infection. This thought is heart-breaking, but I want to praise God that there is no obvious evidence that she is at risk for decreased cognitive processes as she continues to grow. Praise God for all His touches on our little girl's life and thank you for all the prayers you have lifted to our King on Natalie's behalf. She is two inches taller, several pounds heavier and talking up a storm! God is good!!
I was told (while in Russia) that love can make a miracle. I believe that and with all my heart, I believe in the Miracle Worker.
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2 comments:
Love the update. So glad to hear Natalie is doing so well and that she is growing like a big girl!! I am in love with your family photo of the 3 of you together! My mom and sis are here in town with me and were looking at all the pics of Natalie too and saying how incredibly cute she is! You are blessed beyond blessed. Enjoy parenthood. It's the greatest gift!
i'm so excited & glad i finally got to meet you in person!!!
with all that's been going on, i actually hadn't checked back on the blog (a first for me!) and hadn't read your latest post. strange how you told me the exact same story, the exact same way... i'd never heard it before, but i'm glad i heard it from you, because somehow seeing you while i heard it was "easier" than reading it - i'm glad to know Natalie is doing so well and that God is HEALING!!!!!! :-D and it's so great that attachment is going well - i've heard that's one of the biggest fears people have adopting, and it looks like Natalie is doing GREAT!!!
looking forward to more updates on your little miracle...
- michelle b.-k.
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