Friday, May 30, 2008

Our morning

Hi everyone!

We started the morning off with prayer. We then got ready to change Annie's bandages. I (Missy) was looking forward to this about as much as I would if I were going to the dentist to have my wisdom teeth pulled. Pure dread. We explained to Annie that mommy and daddy would be doing the changing of her bandages instead of the nurses. I told her that mommy would do her best not to hurt her. Keri, Greg and I started the process and all was going okay until we got to her hand. (which Keri describes as a charcoaled marshmallow) All of a sudden Keri says, "I think I am going to pass out." About that time, she passes out. We have since then, joked about her doing that on purpose for some comic relief. She came to a few seconds later and was fine. Then Mike decided he should take over. It wasn't funny at the time except for the fact that Annie was really confused, because Miss Keri wasn't in pain. She wanted me to tell you all of this because she wanted you to know just how bad her burns really are. You can't tell that because she is covered in bandages and only we can see what is under them. Jerod and Alex still do not know the seriousness of her condition. I say all of this because when I feel someone is doing better I tend to slack off of the prayers. Sorry, I just do. So, I want you to know, she is doing great for someone who had 20% of her body burned and some of those places we don't like to talk about. However, she still screams as if she were being burned all over again as we scrub the burned skin and rebandage it. She still has fears about going potty and can not stand on her own for more than a few minutes without the assistance of a walker or someone's hand. I really don't want to seem like I am complaining. God has done a miracle for her! The doctors continue to tell us that the majority of children who are burned like she was usually have all 3rd degree burns, all need surgery and almost all of them have their faces burned and lose all of their hair. So, I praise God that Annie's face is still PERFECT and her beautiful red hair is all there! Those are only cosmetic things, however it makes her seem normal. When you walk through the burn unit, you realize just how precious life is and just how much people look at the outside of a person and not at one's heart. We covet your prayers for tomorrow as she will again go to the "torture chamber" at 8:00am EST. We love reading your posts and tell Annie of all the people who are praying for her. She says, "Thank You!"

11 comments:

  1. We'll pray hard for sweet Annie in the morning. We're still praying for Mommy and Daddy, as well as Jerod and Alex. We can't wait to see all of you.

    Chris, Robin, Alli, and Molly Rees

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  2. Missy and Greg;
    God will help you thorugh this time and has equipped you as parents to help Annie as well as Jerod and Alex. I'm sending hugs with this e-mail to each of you. Tell Keri not to fret, I had days when I thought I'd pass out, tell her the key is to be sure something is behind her! haha Give Annie a hug for me. She won't remember me, but I hope the boys do when you give them hugs from me as well. Looking forward to seeing you all real soon. We are continuing in prayer with every breath.
    Sheila McMillan
    RBC Springfield MO

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  3. I read your blog every morning to know how to pray for you guys throughout the day. I then check it again at night to make sure I did not miss anything. You all are constantly on my mind. May the Lord strengthen your inmost being today. We love you guys.

    Wishing we could be with you,
    Keith, Jessie, Josiah, Joshua, Jonah and Emily

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  4. Dear Missy, Greg & family,
    You don't know us, but we want to let you know that our church is praying for Annie. We received the request to pray from our Pastor's wife. Your Annie is so beautiful, and it breaks our hearts that she is in pain. Praying for God to continue to work miracles in her life and give you all peace.

    Love in Christ,
    Eric & Marla Campbell
    Statesboro, Ga

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  5. Annie,

    You are doing such a good job. I am so proud of you. We love you and pray for you all the time. We don't forget to pray for Mama, Daddy, Jerod, and Alex also. God loves you, and someday soon, the pain will go away and you will be all well.

    Love, Uncle Carl and Aunt Martha

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  6. Hi Miss -

    We continue to pray constantly for her and for your family. I appreciate your honesty about Precious Annie's condition. I can't imagine the gut-wrenching that happens each time you must bathe her. But I know Who is giving you the courage and fortitude to continue with what is needed. Do you have an estimate on how long you will be there? We have a care package to send. It will take a full 5-7 days. But we would love to bless her with some toys for distraction!!!
    Love you, Miss! May the Lord continue to give all of you the strength and courage for each moment.

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  7. It just breaks our hearts to hear of the excruciating pain she endures for the treatments; we can't imagine how it must be for you! We were interceding for her this morning on our way out to Angahuan. Later in the day, Josh and Jenell brought Tommy & Donna Beard out to take them to the volcano. On the way home, we went past your place so they'd have an idea of where you live and the village you work in. Your neighbor man on the corner saw us and asked how Annie was doing. He said to be sure and tell you that everything was just fine with your house--they're keeping their eye on it, too. He seemed very concerned, very compassionate. We miss you guys so much and are praying daily for the miracles Annie needs to come home (REALLY HOME) soon! LOVE YOU! The Stefflers

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  8. hey guys!
    Looks like I get to go to bed early tonight. (Susan's asleep) But before I do, I wanted to send you a little note. Thanks for what you wrote- I was slacking in my prayers. I will pray for you throughout the night, if I'm up. I will pray that Annie's pain tolerance will be high and for you all, emotionally, to be able to bear what you are going through. I have such a hard time watching my kids get shots, and that is a little thing compared to what you are going through.
    Kristen has made great strides in pottytraining this week! That is our most exciting news. Do you know what she calls Meredith? "Na".
    I don't know where that came from. Is your sister Meredith older or younger? I can't remember. I bet you never called her "Na"!
    I hope you will all get restful, uninteruppted sleep tonight. We love you and are anxiously awaiting each day's note on your blog.
    Love, the Mulhollens

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  9. Hi Annie

    It is great to hear of your progress. We are praying for you and hope you recover swiftly. Thanks for all the great photos on the website.

    Uncle Tommy and Aunt Donna

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  10. Hey Guys! Thanks so much for taking a little time to post so we can stay on top of your prayer needs. I've been lifting you as often as possible and have let the kids know they need to pray as well. I have forwarded the blog address to my side of the family so we'll have lots of people on their knees for you as well. We love you and can't wait to see you again.

    Darin, Kimberly, Kacey, Keely, Chloe and Tanner

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  11. Missy, Greg, Keri, Mike,
    I know what it is to look at your child's burns and have to care for them - torture IS an accurate description - both for Annie and for you. I know you have to be physically and emotionally drained, caring for Annie and trying to protect your boys from the worst of it. I don't have any earth-shattering advice, just know that God WILL get you through this and know that you have a family here in Chile faithfully praying along with others around the world. My prayer for this week is that you will see with every bandage change the obvious healing God is doing. In HIS love and mine,
    -Angel Tomlinson

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