Little Leidy

Today was one of my favorite days so far at Joy Filled Homes. One of the items that travelled all the way here from Canada was an 8' Trampoline with enclosure that we intended to set up at the orphanage. I wasn't terribly shocked that we were met with a little resistance on the subject. I don't mind a challenge, so I began to advocate the therapeutic and physical benefits of a Trampoline. They have a fairly small yard with a lawn and a swingset; the only exercise they get on a regular basis is walking to the school room and back to the house. Finally last week, Maureen consented to taking the Trampoline and agreed to allow the kids to use it on a regular basis. Today was the big day! We brought it over in the morning while the kids were in school. By the time they were finished class, it was ready! Lila was the first one to try it out, a little timid at first then she began to squeal and bounce higher and faster. Steve helped Gaby on and Eden sat with her to support her while Steve bounced her. Gaby doesn't smile very often, but I have plenty of video to prove that she broke her smile record today! Soon, Helen, Candy and Andrea climbed on. Sometimes they sat while others bounced them, sometimes they stood up and bounced everyone else. Today was the first time I saw the kids playing together like that, helping eachother to stand up and laughing together when they fell over. We had so much fun! The kids were having such a good time that the nannies delayed lunch until everyone had had a turn. Today was the happiest day!
Tomorrow might not be such a happy day. We would really appreciate your prayers for Leidy. She is a 4 year old darling who had Hydrocephalus as an infant which caused severe damage to her brain. She really is a miracle child because Doctors had given her only a few months to live when she was a baby and her symptoms of Hydrocephalus just went away. A couple weeks ago she began to show signs that there were problems in her head. She began to vomit and she had a lot of pain in her head. Thinking that maybe the Hydrocephalus had returned, they brought her in for a CT scan. Instead they found a brain tumor. It may be possible to do surgery to remove the brain tumor, otherwise it just a matter of time. Tomorrow we are taking Leidy and one of her caregivers to a Hospital in Guatemala City to have an MRI which will determine wether or not they will do the surgery. Please pray as the Holy Spirit directs you. This is very hard for the staff at the orphanage, everyone is very attatched to their miracle baby. I will give you an update as soon as we get some answers.