Christmas Greetings

Dec 12, 2005
   Hello to all our wonderful family and friends. Again, we can't say thank-you enough for all the prayers and love sent our way. Over the past week we have received many emails, cards, food and kind gifts, all which have encouraged us in our journey. One brother called us to share a scripture verse which has really touched us. The verse is Matt. 25:40 And the King( JESUS) shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. When we think of the "extra" work that it takes to care for Brett, we can think on this verse and realize we are doing it as unto our Lord Jesus, who has done ALL for us! Many other scripture verses have touched us and helped us. Where would we be without the Word at times like these. Praise God for His faithfulness to us all.

OVER THE PAST WEEK
   We can be thankful that overall things have gone very smoothly since we brought Brett home. We have both had to do NG tube inserts and have had both success and failure. Brett continues to be very easy to care for and is easily comforted when he us upset. He does not always like to sleep real long during the night, but that is normal for our babies. We are happy to report that Brett is gaining weight at about 1/2oz. per day and is now at a whopping 5lbs. and 5oz. He has a strong healthy cry and during the past few days we have gotten brave and decided to try bottle feedings on our own. When feeding a baby with a cleft palate you must sit them up so they don't suck the food up the opening and down into the lungs. He seems to be doing fine at suck-swallowing, so we will continue to give him chances to practice sucking. Although he does not take a lot with the bottle, it is a start. We will be excited when all tubes are gone. Right now we drag a 50ft. oxygen hose from one end of the house to the other. But... we are beginning to wean him off the oxygen too. Pray that we will be sensitive to the Spirit as we care for Brett and make decisions for him.

IN CLOSING
   We will continue to try updating once a week or so about Brett and also about happenings in Haiti. Ron Shick and Dean Pashak are leading a Bluffton Team as this is written. We trust all is going well with them. Linnea Shick had gall bladder surgery and all went well for which we are very thankful. Once again we've seen God's faithfulness. She is anxious to get down to Haiti and be with Ron again. Right now it is looking like the Haiti elections are going to take place in January. Let's continue to be prayerful for the country of Haiti.

Our love and prayers to all during this Christmas Season.

Jan, Val and Family