Dear Friends,
The reason for my writing this letter was to share with you how our wonderful Lord worked in our lives. I wanted to tell you of only a few instances in which we saw His Mighty Hand at work. There were many others, but it would take too long to tell about all of them.
On April 2nd, R, Sierra, D (occasionally), and I finished our 2 month and half a week commute and overnight stays to San Antonio. These were done during week days to take Sierra to the hyperbaric treatments. We would stay Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays overnight. We would drive on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Backtracking a little, in January, we received the heartbreaking news that our little Sierra Rose's brain would not develop any more than what it already was at that time. We knew she didn't have vision, but we were also told that she wouldn't be able to walk or talk. That was almost too much for us to bear. Yet, we decided that we were not going to give up on our baby!
This prompted R to do research on brain injuries. She learned that some people had been helped through hyperbaric treatments, which give oxygen to the brain. She and J thought that their baby might benefit from these treatments. There was much prayer entreating the Lord for wisdom. Finally, they decided that this was what the Lord wanted them to do for Sierra.
There was only one problem--the treatments were costly! Although J had a good job which he had started a few days before Sierra was born, he did not have all the money on hand to pay for the treatments. The money was needed soon because they wanted to start the treatments right away. R and I came up with the idea of a raffle fund raiser; but, when we prayed about it, the Lord said, "No!" J submitted to the Lord's saying no but was wondering where a couple of thousand dollars were going to come from in just a week. I must admit, I was a little doubtful also and was thinking of different ways to obtain the money. There were also other expenses to consider such as gasoline, food, and hotel stays. Well, there was only one thing left to do--trust that the Lord would provide!
The next week was amazing! Within a few days we had all the money to cover the cost of the treatments alone. If the first week was amazing, I'm not sure how to describe the following weeks. Money kept coming from all different directions--in small amounts and in large amounts. There was some that came from many unexpected sources. We were overwhelmed with gratefulness. The Lord was moving so many hearts to give to our little Sierra Rose.
Our Lord did not forget we had need for lodging. Some kind people that we did not know offered us a place to stay for free, but we were not able to accept it because of the distance and great traffic to the treatment center. We stayed only one night and were truly touched by their generosity. We had to stay at a hotel. The director of the hyperbarics center had made an agreement with the manager of a nearby hotel. The hotel offered a substantial discount for patients going to the center. The hotel room was more like an efficiency apartment with a tiny kitchen and living area combined plus the bedroom. It was just right for us because we were able to cook our meals there. It was close to the center and to an H.E.B. so we saved on gasoline, food, and time.
We had the Lord's protection also. Once, after driving from San Antonio, R dropped me off at home. When she was ready to leave for her home, she noticed that her vehicle had a flat tire. It wasn't an ordinary flat tire. Wires were sticking out from it. It was completely ruined! We thanked the Lord for giving us that flat tire at home and not on the highway. Because they have an all wheel drive vehicle, R realized that she would not only have to buy one new tire but four. With all the driving we had to do, it would be wise to buy good tires. The tires were costly. The next day, a check arrived in the mail for almost the exact amount that R had spent on the tires. That was incredible in itself, but the most incredible part was that it was from someone we didn't even know!
Our hearts are full of thankfulness to the Lord and to all of you for your support and your wonderful prayers. We know that some of you gave sacrificially, but all of you gave out of love. That is the reason that we were very careful on how we spent the money. The Lord, through you, provided for all of our needs. What a Mighty God we serve!!!
Thank you again and again for your generosity. May the Lord bless all of you.
Love in Christ,
Marta K.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Update March 19, 2008--More Movement
Dear Friends,
Last Thursday Sierra Rose had been doing her slow, steady crawl all evening. R and my mother thought she was getting tired, so they put her on her back. While on her back, she slowly rolled onto her side and then her stomach. This is the first time Sierra has done that!
That night, R put Sierra in bed next to her and placed a travel bag and blanket on the edge of the bed. About 1:00 AM there was a bump in the night. R felt for Sierra, didn't feel her, jumped out of bed, and turned on the lights. My mother ran into the room. They discovered that Sierra had fallen out of bed, probably by crawling right off the edge. They were concerned about a concussion but it turned out that Sierra just hurt her shoulder.
Praise the Lord for protecting Sierra. The space between the bed and the nightstand was only about 10 inches wide. Sierra could have hit her head on the metal bedframe or on the wooden nightstand, but she fell in the narrow space between them.
R started an alternate blogsite for Sierra Rose. It is
http://www.sierrarose-miraclebaby.blogspot.com. R's site will be more of a day-to-day update on Sierra and the family. I'll continue posting at the original blogsite, which is http://sierraroseupdates.blogspot.com.
For prayer requests, we ask the following:
-Pray for Sierra Rose to receive vision.
-Pray for Sierra Rose to smile.
Thank you for staying involved. We appreciate all of you.
--MK
Last Thursday Sierra Rose had been doing her slow, steady crawl all evening. R and my mother thought she was getting tired, so they put her on her back. While on her back, she slowly rolled onto her side and then her stomach. This is the first time Sierra has done that!
That night, R put Sierra in bed next to her and placed a travel bag and blanket on the edge of the bed. About 1:00 AM there was a bump in the night. R felt for Sierra, didn't feel her, jumped out of bed, and turned on the lights. My mother ran into the room. They discovered that Sierra had fallen out of bed, probably by crawling right off the edge. They were concerned about a concussion but it turned out that Sierra just hurt her shoulder.
Praise the Lord for protecting Sierra. The space between the bed and the nightstand was only about 10 inches wide. Sierra could have hit her head on the metal bedframe or on the wooden nightstand, but she fell in the narrow space between them.
R started an alternate blogsite for Sierra Rose. It is
http://www.sierrarose-miraclebaby.blogspot.com. R's site will be more of a day-to-day update on Sierra and the family. I'll continue posting at the original blogsite, which is http://sierraroseupdates.blogspot.com.
For prayer requests, we ask the following:
-Pray for Sierra Rose to receive vision.
-Pray for Sierra Rose to smile.
Thank you for staying involved. We appreciate all of you.
--MK
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Update March 4, 2008--Status Report of Hyperbaric Treatments
Dear Praying Friends,
Even though February is the shortest month of the year, it seemed like a long month for my mother and R: they spent their time driving to San Antonio and back. Both of them also managed to get the flu that's been hitting all over the country.
Sierra Rose, now 5 1/2 months old, has had 19 hyperbaric treatments; she is scheduled to receive 21 more treatments. Even though there was no guarantee that hyperbaric therapy would be beneficial, we are happy to report small improvements. Here are our observations:
1. Sierra's arm muscles are not as tight as they were before.
2. Sierra has better head control. It's still not perfect, but she can lift her head and turn it from side to side.
3. Sierra, when she was put face down on a blanket this past week, began lifting her head and chest off the floor.
4. Sierra can slowly but surely crawl a few feet across a blanket placed on the floor.
Prayer:
-Safe travel for all the trips to San Antonio and back home again
-Continued progress in Sierra's development
-Health for all the family
Praise:
-Safe travel for all the trips to San Antonio and back home again
-Continued progress in Sierra's development
-God's provision in numerous ways
Thanks for all your love and support. We are blessed to have you as our friends.
--MK for the family
Even though February is the shortest month of the year, it seemed like a long month for my mother and R: they spent their time driving to San Antonio and back. Both of them also managed to get the flu that's been hitting all over the country.
Sierra Rose, now 5 1/2 months old, has had 19 hyperbaric treatments; she is scheduled to receive 21 more treatments. Even though there was no guarantee that hyperbaric therapy would be beneficial, we are happy to report small improvements. Here are our observations:
1. Sierra's arm muscles are not as tight as they were before.
2. Sierra has better head control. It's still not perfect, but she can lift her head and turn it from side to side.
3. Sierra, when she was put face down on a blanket this past week, began lifting her head and chest off the floor.
4. Sierra can slowly but surely crawl a few feet across a blanket placed on the floor.
Prayer:
-Safe travel for all the trips to San Antonio and back home again
-Continued progress in Sierra's development
-Health for all the family
Praise:
-Safe travel for all the trips to San Antonio and back home again
-Continued progress in Sierra's development
-God's provision in numerous ways
Thanks for all your love and support. We are blessed to have you as our friends.
--MK for the family
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Update February 12, 2008--First Week Finished, Second Week Started
Dear Friends,
Thank you for praying through this new phase of Sierra Rose's life. She finished her first week of hyperbaric treatments and began her second week yesterday. At this point, the plan is for her to continue being treated through the first week of April.
Thank you so much for your generosity. God has provided abundantly. He has also provided safety during the long commutes. For example, R's car had a flat tire last Wednesday. The flat didn't occur anywhere on the highway, but at the house. Upon closer examination, R realized that the tire was not repairable--it had metal protruding from the rubber. God took care of that situation and provided the right amount to get new tires.
Several friends and even strangers have offered R, Sierra, and my mother places to stay while in San Antonio. So far, though, they have been able to stay at a motel very close to the treatment site. The motel has a significantly discounted rate for people receiving hyperbaric treatment. Because the motel is so close, they can avoid the bad San Antonio traffic.
People at the hyperbaric facility have been friendly and caring. This is an additional blessing.
Sierra's legs appear to be getting stronger. Also, she is turning to her sides more frequently. We're not sure if this is due to the treatments or not, but it's good either way.
Thank you for being faithful in praying. God is still working.
--MK
Thank you for praying through this new phase of Sierra Rose's life. She finished her first week of hyperbaric treatments and began her second week yesterday. At this point, the plan is for her to continue being treated through the first week of April.
Thank you so much for your generosity. God has provided abundantly. He has also provided safety during the long commutes. For example, R's car had a flat tire last Wednesday. The flat didn't occur anywhere on the highway, but at the house. Upon closer examination, R realized that the tire was not repairable--it had metal protruding from the rubber. God took care of that situation and provided the right amount to get new tires.
Several friends and even strangers have offered R, Sierra, and my mother places to stay while in San Antonio. So far, though, they have been able to stay at a motel very close to the treatment site. The motel has a significantly discounted rate for people receiving hyperbaric treatment. Because the motel is so close, they can avoid the bad San Antonio traffic.
People at the hyperbaric facility have been friendly and caring. This is an additional blessing.
Sierra's legs appear to be getting stronger. Also, she is turning to her sides more frequently. We're not sure if this is due to the treatments or not, but it's good either way.
Thank you for being faithful in praying. God is still working.
--MK
Monday, February 4, 2008
Sierra Rose Update February 4, 2008--Change of Plans
Dear Friends,
Thank you for praying for Sierra Rose and the rest of the family. The first treatment went well this morning. Sierra is the youngest patient this hyperbaric place has ever treated, so the people were very cautious and took their time adjusting the pressure of the machine.
The hyperbarics technicians have been talking with a doctor who has experience in using hyperbaric treatment for infants. He recommended that Sierra be given only one treatment per day instead of two because she is so young. This means that Sierra's treatment period will last 2 months instead of 1 month as originally expected. Because there will only be one treatment per day, R and Sierra will commute to and from most of the treatment sessions rather than staying in a hotel. This will take more time and gas but will save hotel expenses and will allow the family to be together more.
The doctor who has been talking with the hyperbaric technicians has taken an interest in Sierra's case. He wants to see the results of her previous EEG and wants her to be tested after 20 treatments to see if there is any sign of improvement.
Thank you for praying so faithfully all these months. God has been working and will continue to work.
--MK
Thank you for praying for Sierra Rose and the rest of the family. The first treatment went well this morning. Sierra is the youngest patient this hyperbaric place has ever treated, so the people were very cautious and took their time adjusting the pressure of the machine.
The hyperbarics technicians have been talking with a doctor who has experience in using hyperbaric treatment for infants. He recommended that Sierra be given only one treatment per day instead of two because she is so young. This means that Sierra's treatment period will last 2 months instead of 1 month as originally expected. Because there will only be one treatment per day, R and Sierra will commute to and from most of the treatment sessions rather than staying in a hotel. This will take more time and gas but will save hotel expenses and will allow the family to be together more.
The doctor who has been talking with the hyperbaric technicians has taken an interest in Sierra's case. He wants to see the results of her previous EEG and wants her to be tested after 20 treatments to see if there is any sign of improvement.
Thank you for praying so faithfully all these months. God has been working and will continue to work.
--MK
Friday, February 1, 2008
Update February 1, 2008--Leaving Town in 2 Days
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your continued prayers and inquires about Sierra Rose. She is now over four months old and is a blessing to those who have met her and even to countless others who have not met her but are still praying for her.
On Sunday afternoon, R and my mother will be taking Sierra to San Antonio to begin her hyperbaric treatments on Monday. Please pray for safe travel and for protection while they are in the big city. Please pray also for these treatments. There is no guarantee that they will be of any benefit, but we are asking God for another miracle--we are asking Him to work His healing power in Sierra's life so that we can see improvement.
Here's something about which we can thank God: Sierra's stomach feeding valve was removed today. Yes, that's right! The doctor said that it could come out because Sierra is still drinking and still gaining weight.
Keep up the prayers. God is using this precious little baby in all of our lives.
--MK
Thank you for your continued prayers and inquires about Sierra Rose. She is now over four months old and is a blessing to those who have met her and even to countless others who have not met her but are still praying for her.
On Sunday afternoon, R and my mother will be taking Sierra to San Antonio to begin her hyperbaric treatments on Monday. Please pray for safe travel and for protection while they are in the big city. Please pray also for these treatments. There is no guarantee that they will be of any benefit, but we are asking God for another miracle--we are asking Him to work His healing power in Sierra's life so that we can see improvement.
Here's something about which we can thank God: Sierra's stomach feeding valve was removed today. Yes, that's right! The doctor said that it could come out because Sierra is still drinking and still gaining weight.
Keep up the prayers. God is using this precious little baby in all of our lives.
--MK
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Update January 24, 2008--New Treatment Option
Dear Friends,
Below is an e-mail update that R and J sent out yesterday evening.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
--MK
Dear Friends,
As many of you are aware, last week we were told that in addition to not being able to see, Sierra Rose would probably never be able to walk or talk. We have been in much prayer over this and believe that the Lord does not want us to give up on our precious little one.
After doing research, R found out about hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperbaric_oxygen_chamber). HBOT is a pressurized chamber in which patients receive 100% oxygen. While in the hyperbaric chamber, the oxygen molecules are pushed closer together allowing the red blood cells to carry more concentrated oxygen. Some of the oxygen is able to dissolve into the plasma which can get into areas where the red blood cells cannot.
In some instances, HBOT can help brain tissue grow and rejuvenate brain cells. We began calling places that offer HBOT and all of them say that since Sierra is still very young, there is greater chance that this might be beneficial for the development of her brain. The family is all in agreement that this should be tried. We realize that God is in control, and we want His will to be done. Whatever the outcome, we will still praise Him and give Him the glory.
Initially, Sierra will need 40 treatments. We are going to take her to San Antonio Hyperbarics (http://www.sanantoniohyperbarics.com) which is just north of San Antonio. The treatments will be given to her twice a day, 5 days a week. She will begin on February 4.
Sierra's blog will contain updated information on how things are going. Once again thank you for your continued prayers.
In Christ, J and R F
Prayer Requests:
-Please pray that God will use the therapy in Sierra's life to bring glory to His name
-Please pray for R and Sierra as they spend the time in San Antonio and for their drive back and forth on the weekends (also for S, M, and D as they will be spending part of the time with them.)
-Please pray for J as he holds down the fort at home while his wife and daughter are away.
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