Today Eliseo turned 2. After church this morning, we were planning on having a special birthday lunch, giving him his gifts, and then while the children napped, I was going to make a couple of cakes to take to church to celebrate all the April birthdays in our church family.
After the morning service, Hna. Leticia and I were sweeping the back of the main room while the children and their friends were playing and visiting together up front. Samuel had just woken up from his nap and was having fun with everyone when suddenly, we heard him start to cry. Daniel went to pick him up; one of the children had been holding him, lost his balance and fell on top of him. The floor is cement, and we thought maybe he'd bumped his head, so I checked him over and tried to console him. We only live 5 blocks from the church, so I took the children home while Daniel finished up at the church.
Samuel continued to cry and seemed to be in pain if I moved him. I couldn't see anything wrong, but I felt something was really wrong. I called Daniel, let him know I was worried, so he came right home; Hna. Tola came over to watch the other children, and we drove to the hospital.
It is so hard knowing something is wrong with your child, but not knowing what. Daniel and I prayed as we drove and asked the Lord to comfort Samuel and give the doctors wisdom.
We live in a country where the medical care is not as advanced as we have in the USA. And my first thoughts were of worry and fear and lack of confidence in the doctors. Sometimes it is so hard to be here! But the Lord has called us here. And it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man! That verse came right to my mind; I thought of how the Lord is the one who gives the wisdom and skill to the doctors and how good it was to rest in Him.
They took us right in and checked Samuel over. They x-rayed his head and back/chest...nothing. We prayed. Then one of the nurses noticed that one of his legs was looking swollen. I gently touched it and he began to cry.
They x-rayed his leg and found he had a clean break of his left femur bone! Oh, how it broke our heart to see it! But yet we were so thankful and relieved that they were able to find what was wrong.
They called in a specialist, and he was able to set the bone and put Samuel in a half body cast. I think it weighs about as much as he does! Poor, sweet baby! As they wrapped his leg, I cried, prayed, and sang him his song which I've sang to him from those first days he lay in the NICU.
Little Samuel you're so dear,
How I love it when you are near,
Your name means that God does hear,
He's always with you so never fear.
After setting his leg, they x-rayed it again, and it looked straight. The doctor wants to see him again in 2 weeks; if it is healing well, he will just need to remain in the cast until it's better. If not, they will need to do surgery to put a pin in it.
We got home, Samuel took a nice long nap, and then I brought him out to the play room where he spent the rest of the evening getting loved on by family and friends.
While Daniel and the older boys went to church, Beka and Abi baked Eliseo a cake and we were still able to have a little party for him. He got a toy from Grandma and Grandpa, a little bat and ball set from Mommy and Daddy, a new sippy cup from his brothers, and a shovel and bucket for the sandbox from Rebekah. He was one happy little boy and went right away to share with his best buddy...Samuel. It was so sweet to watch them laugh and play.
Yesterday, we had a going away party for Carlos, who after serving here with us for 8 months, will be going back home to continue studying this Tuesday. There were several unsaved teens who came and after the meal, we sang hymns together and Daniel was able to share the gospel.
It seems the past couple years have brought so much suffering, pain and trials. And honestly, it has been so very hard. But this I do know. All things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose. And the greater the trial, the greater the blessing. How the Lord has changed my heart! Oh, I love Him so! I'm so thankful He saved me!
And today, as I saw Hno. Juan come to church after driving the bus route, sit down with his wife and children, and then go help teach the boys class, my heart filled with so much joy.
When we receive letters from the group that came this past month giving testimony of what the Lord has done in their lives, how He used their time here to work in their hearts, we cried with praise for what the Lord has done.
When I see our church growing in their love for the Lord and each other and want to reach out to those all around them; when I see them cry as they share how the Lord is working in their hearts; when the Lord takes all the Spanish I have and my children's class falls silent as I share what Christ has done for each one of them and they want to know more...
How unworthy we are that the Lord should use us to bring the glorious, wonderful gospel here! And when I remember these things, how the trials and sufferings pale in light of all He has done!
Please, again, I ask you to pray for us. It's been a tough week. But the Lord is so good. Pray little Samuel's bone heals straight and strong. Pray for Daniel and Carlos as they travel to the airport Tuesday. Pray the Lord will strengthen the men of our church as they take over the different areas in which Carlos was serving.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your encouragement to our family and to our church family here. I can't wait to some day meet you all in glory and introduce you to all your brothers and sisters in Christ here.
After the morning service, Hna. Leticia and I were sweeping the back of the main room while the children and their friends were playing and visiting together up front. Samuel had just woken up from his nap and was having fun with everyone when suddenly, we heard him start to cry. Daniel went to pick him up; one of the children had been holding him, lost his balance and fell on top of him. The floor is cement, and we thought maybe he'd bumped his head, so I checked him over and tried to console him. We only live 5 blocks from the church, so I took the children home while Daniel finished up at the church.
Samuel continued to cry and seemed to be in pain if I moved him. I couldn't see anything wrong, but I felt something was really wrong. I called Daniel, let him know I was worried, so he came right home; Hna. Tola came over to watch the other children, and we drove to the hospital.
It is so hard knowing something is wrong with your child, but not knowing what. Daniel and I prayed as we drove and asked the Lord to comfort Samuel and give the doctors wisdom.
We live in a country where the medical care is not as advanced as we have in the USA. And my first thoughts were of worry and fear and lack of confidence in the doctors. Sometimes it is so hard to be here! But the Lord has called us here. And it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man! That verse came right to my mind; I thought of how the Lord is the one who gives the wisdom and skill to the doctors and how good it was to rest in Him.
They took us right in and checked Samuel over. They x-rayed his head and back/chest...nothing. We prayed. Then one of the nurses noticed that one of his legs was looking swollen. I gently touched it and he began to cry.
They x-rayed his leg and found he had a clean break of his left femur bone! Oh, how it broke our heart to see it! But yet we were so thankful and relieved that they were able to find what was wrong.
They called in a specialist, and he was able to set the bone and put Samuel in a half body cast. I think it weighs about as much as he does! Poor, sweet baby! As they wrapped his leg, I cried, prayed, and sang him his song which I've sang to him from those first days he lay in the NICU.
Little Samuel you're so dear,
How I love it when you are near,
Your name means that God does hear,
He's always with you so never fear.
After setting his leg, they x-rayed it again, and it looked straight. The doctor wants to see him again in 2 weeks; if it is healing well, he will just need to remain in the cast until it's better. If not, they will need to do surgery to put a pin in it.
We got home, Samuel took a nice long nap, and then I brought him out to the play room where he spent the rest of the evening getting loved on by family and friends.
While Daniel and the older boys went to church, Beka and Abi baked Eliseo a cake and we were still able to have a little party for him. He got a toy from Grandma and Grandpa, a little bat and ball set from Mommy and Daddy, a new sippy cup from his brothers, and a shovel and bucket for the sandbox from Rebekah. He was one happy little boy and went right away to share with his best buddy...Samuel. It was so sweet to watch them laugh and play.
Yesterday, we had a going away party for Carlos, who after serving here with us for 8 months, will be going back home to continue studying this Tuesday. There were several unsaved teens who came and after the meal, we sang hymns together and Daniel was able to share the gospel.
It seems the past couple years have brought so much suffering, pain and trials. And honestly, it has been so very hard. But this I do know. All things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose. And the greater the trial, the greater the blessing. How the Lord has changed my heart! Oh, I love Him so! I'm so thankful He saved me!
And today, as I saw Hno. Juan come to church after driving the bus route, sit down with his wife and children, and then go help teach the boys class, my heart filled with so much joy.
When we receive letters from the group that came this past month giving testimony of what the Lord has done in their lives, how He used their time here to work in their hearts, we cried with praise for what the Lord has done.
When I see our church growing in their love for the Lord and each other and want to reach out to those all around them; when I see them cry as they share how the Lord is working in their hearts; when the Lord takes all the Spanish I have and my children's class falls silent as I share what Christ has done for each one of them and they want to know more...
How unworthy we are that the Lord should use us to bring the glorious, wonderful gospel here! And when I remember these things, how the trials and sufferings pale in light of all He has done!
Please, again, I ask you to pray for us. It's been a tough week. But the Lord is so good. Pray little Samuel's bone heals straight and strong. Pray for Daniel and Carlos as they travel to the airport Tuesday. Pray the Lord will strengthen the men of our church as they take over the different areas in which Carlos was serving.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for your encouragement to our family and to our church family here. I can't wait to some day meet you all in glory and introduce you to all your brothers and sisters in Christ here.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Cor. 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Cor. 1:5
Oh The Poor Baby. I hope your feeling better, really soon Eliseo. My Son Broke his femur when he was 4 and was in a Spica cast. They sure are heavy, But kids do really well in the casts, They can scoot around to get were they want to go. : )
ReplyDeleteMom2AnAngel
Oh, poor little Samuel! But it is amazing how children heal and rebound from something like this! That picture of him brought back such memories of three summers ago when one of our little grandsons, three years old at the time, broke his femur. I just emailed my daughter to see if she still has any of the pairs of shorts that our daughter-in-law adapted with Velcro for him to use for the weeks that he was in the cast. They might be a bit large, but if she still has them I could send them to you. Otherwise, Jaynee, you could do it yourself, with your sewing skills. she just opened the side seams, and cut through the waist bands, and sewed velcro in place so the shorts could be slid under him and pulled up between his legs and fastened around him, like a diaper. If you don't have access to Velcro, I'm sure you could use snaps or buttons...just a bit more work. She also fixed several pair of underpants in the same way, since, at three, he was able to use a urinal and bedpan most of the time. They were also able to rent him a child-size wheel-chair with a high back and the ability to recline, so he could be wheeled around the house and whereever they needed to go, because, as you learned quickly, Samuel will not be able to sit up while in that cast. One of your main challenges for him will be to keep the top edges of the cast clean. Did they show you how to protect it with tape that can be changed if it becomes soiled or wet? My prayers are with all of you! I'm so glad you have so many good helpers to assist and entertain Samuel in the weeks ahead!
ReplyDeletePoor boy. My daughter was in a similar cast (the cast was down both of her legs) when she was nearly 4 due to hip displasia. It looks awful, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThankfully, she only had to wear it for three weeks. The joy you will feel when the cast comes off is almost worth it. Okay, not really worth it, but there is nothing like being able to hold your child without a cast (especially such a large cast) after they have been in one for a while.
We did save the bar that was part of her cast. Is that weird?
I will be praying for Eliseo and his mommy. It's hardest on mommies, I think. :)
God Bless
Praying that Samuel's leg will heal quickly and straight! And that he will be brave through it all.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Anna M.
As I sit in my kitchen this morning, filled with concern over things that are happing around me in my family, I have been encouraged by your post. Thank you for reminding me of the glories of our Risen Savior. With him all things are possible, I pray for your precious family and your ministry. Sometimes we wonder where we will get the strength to do all that needs to be done, but we must remember He is in control and has all the strength we need. I read your blog, but rarely comment. But today I had to let you know you were in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteIn Christ,
Amy from Georgia
Praying for complete healing for little Samuel's leg. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Amy
So sorry for little Samuel! A boy about his age here at church broke his femur and I was surprised how soon it healed! I'll pray for quick healing for Samuel too.
ReplyDeleteYou all are doing a great work, Jaynee. Keep persevering!
Oh my goodness poor little Samuel. Casts on legs are no fun, my daughter Emma did a spica type cast after her hip surgery 2 summers ago.
ReplyDeleteI did have to smile at all the names on his cast. You have enough in your family alone to fill the whole thing up!
I will pray he heals quickly. What a brave little guy you have.
That pictures breaks my heart! Poor baby boy!!! What a wonderful thing Mommy instincts are. God let you know something wasn't quite right with Samuel. Praying the bone heals without needing surgery.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am sure it will heal quickly. I know you must be thankful that it was not more serious - but that doesn't mean that it is not hard! Poor little man to be in cast! I will remember to pray for him - and you!
ReplyDeleteJenny
I agree with Michele...so hard on mommies. Bless your heart and poor little guy. My family and I will be praying for his healing...hopefully a quick healing.
ReplyDeleteSo blessed to hear about Hna Leticia and Hno Juan. We pray for them and their family daily. I hope her pregnancy is going well. I will send you my new email address.
Blessings on you dear sister. Your husband and children (and all those around you) are so blessed to have a transformed wife and Mommy. One who blesses others by sharing what work God has done and is continuing to do!
Malissa
You are an inspiration to me. Praying for your family.....God won't give you any thing you can't handle. God is good. Sorry to hear about your little guys leg......
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing the Lord's work and having faith. God Bless you!
Oh, Jaynee, I'm so terribly sorry. I know how hard it is to have a baby in casts. Our oldest son was born with very severe clubfoot and more and has had so many casts I can't even count. Multiple surgeries as well. Looking back I'm so thankful for the opportunities I had to share my faith with people in children's hospital that I would never have met otherwise. I know that your light for Christ shines brightly and that people - even those in the hospital - saw your love for the Lord.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for your dear family and quick healing for little Samuel.
When I rad this I said "oh no not samuel!" he's been through so much! I pray he heals quickly!
ReplyDeleteOh Jaynee, I will be praying for you as I know exactly what you are going through. Gavin at 14 yrs old seemed as helpless and broken as your little Samuel does. Even here in the states, worry over dr's was on my heart too.
ReplyDeleteNow, over a year later, Gavin is running track ( he had his pin taken out this past Dec ) and ran his mile at 5:10. I told him after his femur broke, "The Lord broke you to make you stronger and faster" :-)
Many many hugs to you friend~
~Cinnamon
Poor little baby. So sorry. I know as a mommy how much you want to take it away for him. I will be praying for quick healing and relief for sweet Samuel. Give him kisses for me.
ReplyDeleteLove
Jessica
I meant Samuel, not Eliseo. Whoops! I knew who I was talking about. :)
ReplyDeletePraying for healing for little Samuel. And Peace for you and Daniel
ReplyDeletePoor sweet little baby. Praying for a complete recovery for that little one. And praying an extra portion of prayers on you and the family while he is being taken care of! I called everyone in to tell them about it when I saw the picture. We love your family! Missy in TN
ReplyDeleteIt's okay, Michelle. I get them mixed up sometimes too. :) I Daniel yesterday that while he and the boys were at church, the girls wanted to make a cake for Samuel's birthday. He looked at me funny and I still didn't realize what I'd said :) My children get a kick out mommy's mix ups :)
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much for praying and your sweet encouragment. The Lord is so good to strengthen our hearts through His Word and His people.
Oh no! So sorry! Will be praying for Samuel's healing and for whichever poor kiddo fell with him. :( I hope they aren't too upset!
ReplyDeleteAnd happy birthday to Eliseo! :)
OOOPPSSYY I Mean Samuel, Not Eliseo Sorry about that it was really late.
ReplyDeleteMom2AnAngel
jaynee, I don't know if you got the emails I sent earlier...I had your address as "yahoo" for some reason, then saw "juno" on here, so forwarded the originals to you at that address. Anyway, just wondering if you want me to try to ship those things to you...they are probably larger than what you would need, size 6-8...but you will likely need some things larger than what he would usually wear, to fit around the cast. It's too late, now. to send them today...but I could get them from my daughter first thing in the morning and send them tomorrow. But you are so creative, you have probably already come up with something that will work just fine for you! Praying for peace and rapid healing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Eliseo, poor Samuel, hope he heals quickly with no need for surgery!!
ReplyDeleteDana
Oh, I'm so sorry. :( That's so sad. We will be praying for the little guy.... hope he heals up quickly.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Christine
Poor guy. Praying his leg will heal completely. Praying also for the other child also, who must feel sooo bad. May God grant stength for you also.
ReplyDeleteCindy
Jaynee, In January my 21mo old fell on the stairs breaking his femur and was in a spica cast for 6 weeks. My heart goes out to you and your family. What a blessing that you have air conditioning now to keep him from getting to hot in the cast and that you have many helper who can entertain and play with him. They do heal amazingly. When he comes out of the cast expect him to go through all those developmental steps again - rolling, getting on all fours, crawling, pulling himself up, etc...It was about 2 weeks before our son was pulling himself up and about a month before he was walking pretty confidently. Even now, nearly 2 months out he is running but is still a little stiff on his right side.
ReplyDeleteWe love an awesome God who can do all things. What a blessing your family has been to so many. Keep letting your light shine.
Jaynee, praying for you all. :)
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings,
Jillian ♥
Praying for him...such a precious little one..Praying for healing and for him to recovery quickly. God is gracious and will answer your prayers.
ReplyDeleteJaynee,
ReplyDeleteI am praying for Samuel's leg to heal properly without the pins. My Drew (7 yo) fell and broke both the forearm bones in his right arm two months ago. He has two pins in and Lord willing we will be scheduling a surgery date Tues. to have them removed. Even though I am in the states I do not welcome the idea of them having to put him "out" to remove them. More though I am praying for extra strength for you. Things have seemed overwhelming for you lately (not that you ever complain ~ you don't and your positive spirit is what keeps me returning) I am a pastor's wife too and have experienced some incredible things in the recent past that would have seemed unbearable if it were not for the distinct knowledge I had that others were lifting our family up to God in prayer. So I just wanted to tell you that I am praying for you and your family.