Feel the prayers

Boy can we ever.....

My friend Jen wrote a comment and reminded us that people we don't even know are praying for us. This is absolutely amazing and I do believe we have felt the prayers. I want to write this extra cheesy post to share just some of the ways we have been blessed during this time and if I forget to mention something, I am really sorry.

Blessings:

*We have had help and numerous offers of help since before we even came to the hospital.

*We have had enough energy, sleep, and peace to sustain us.

* People have fed us.
-Nate and my parents have made and bought meals.
-Nate's sister and brother-in-law bought everyone in the surgery waiting room pizza the day of surgery.
-My stepmother made 5 giant, frozen dishes of meals like chicken cordon bleu.
-My friend Jen provided an entire meal from spaghetti to dessert including her garden fresh spaghetti sauce.
-My brothers have brought or bought meals for us.
-Our church brought a basket of treats with some healthy stuff. The apples were amazing and it has made some great meals when we don't want to leave Anara's side.
-My mom brought in a huge basket of candy/chocolate to keep the nurses coming into the room ;)
-Joel and Nicole brought hot potato soup (with crunchy bacon) and warm bread for dinner tonight.

*My Stepgrandmother ;) (Angie's mom) sent cash for us to use for whatever we need. So far it has been awesome for parking and food.

*My grandma and grandpa sent money for food for us during our hospital stay.

*My brother-in-law, Nathan, posted about Anara on his blog and asked for prayers.

*Bloggers who I weren't even aware read our blog have commented and encouraged us. Some like Carmie have even wrote about Anara on their blog.

*Churches are praying faithfully and checking in on Anara. Englewood has overwhelmed us with support. My mom's church, friends, and small group have supported and encouraged us from the beginning. One of my mom's friends had her children saving their dimes during Anara's adoption process and it went towards Anara's adoption costs. My grandma's church, Mt. Pleasant, has been praying faithfully since 1st hearing of Anara.

*The missionary in Kyrgyzstan who prayed faithfully and loved Anara 1st has been reading Anara's progress and still praises God for the miracle He is working in her life - we love you Jeannie.

*Anara's MD is very serious about her care and has provided every means of contact so that we can reach him 24 hours a day. This is in addition to the docs who round on her daily.

*The nurses and doctors have been great and they meet our needs immediately.

*Nightlight continues to check in on Anara and follow her progress. The director of Nightlight really worked with us throughout her adoption and even raised money towards our adoption fees.

*Jody is the person God used to bring Anara into our family. Without Jody prompting our adoption at the time she did, we would not have Anara right now. Jody will always be a part of our lives and I am pretty sure that Anara will always be special to Jody.

*People continue to leave encouraging notes on our blog and send us special emails. After I post, I check frequently and am overwhelmed by the number of people interested in Anara's status and progress.

*There is something wonderful at the hospital called the "Cheer Guild" and they have been great in providing activities, decorations, blankets, movies, music and toys to distract and entertain the girls (Anara will appreciate this more in the weeks to come).

*People have been visiting and this helps pass the time and give me a way to use a few words.

*Anara is continuing to do all the things she is expected to do at this point. When we have a little problem, it is solved almost immediately. We are thankful for no infection or complication.

*My brother, Bryan, is staying in the hospital with me tonight since things are a little more stressful with Anara's pain (and for some odd reason he doesn't require sleep).

Notes to people- (this sounds kind of like an award show acceptance speech)
*Monica - I got your missed call in the ICU and I hope to call you back soon. Congrats on your baby boy.
*Laura Scott - thanks so much for you email. I had tears in my eyes.
*Lydia - thanks for your curiosity and support making me a feel a little more normal (I love your emails and comments) although I will probably never be as cute, formal, or on top of things as you ;)
*Jenny and Dave Price - thanks for being willing to do anything and offer any service. Thanks for checking in on us, showing us the ropes, and bringing snacks.
*Kids at Englewood - thanks for the awesomely huge card!
*Shelley VanAntwerp (sorry if I misspelled) thanks for updating the church on Anara's progress.
*Jeni Smith - thanks for the coloring pages, magazines, and crayon roll - Violet loves them and soon Anara will too.
*Mike and Lisa - it was really nice of you stop in during Anara's surgery. I wish I could have talked longer, but it was Barney ;)
*Kendra - thanks for the encouragement and prayers.
*Kerry and Beth - thanks for everything you are doing for us.
*Mom thanks for being so flexible, doing so much, and for putting up with me.

I know I am forgetting so much, but those are the things I can rattle off right now. Thanks again everyone for your prayers and words of encouragement.