Frank, Tatiana, Flor

Frank, Tatiana and Flor arrived Monday, May 7 at Tampa Airport.  After a long day that started at 3:00 AM in Lima, Peru, they only had a short drive to Brandon.  We are all relieved to finally have them with us.  They are also happy to get some much needed rest.
The family will be staying with good friends, Sam and Barbara Kroll, at their home in Dover, FL., about a five minute drive from Brandon.
Shriners has advanced their first appointment to May 16.  Surgery is still scheduled for May 24.  We will post more as their adventure continues.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

SUCCESS ! ! !

We really did not expect any other outcome. When you put your faith and hope in the hands of someone who can remedy the situation, you just sit back and watch. I thank everyone for their prayers, which were answered positively this weekend.

1. Late Friday evening the US Embassy called Eliana and said we could pick up the Visas for Frank, Tatiana and Flor, on Thursday this week.
2. 8:30 AM today, Shriners Hospital called and said they had found an opening for two appointments for Frank and Tatiana on Wednesday, May 23. They will also be scheduled for surgery on Thursday, May 24. (Photos below on October Medical Mission post)
3. American Airlines called Eliana in Lima, first thing this morning and said they had a couple cancellations and could book the kids and Mom to Tampa on Monday, May 7.
4. Eliana had sent a photo of the kids to AA last week. When they called her this morning, they said they would also furnish wheelchairs for them in Lima, Miami, and Tampa. And would also arrange assistance getting from Gate to Gate and through Customs and Immigration in Lima and Miami and disembarking in Tampa.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

So it is one month later than we had originally planned, but this time we know all is in hand. Thanks also to those of you who sent in a donation to The Luz Fund. It could not have come at a more needed time. We were looking at the bottom of the "cookie jar".

If you are in the Brandon/Tampa area any time this Summer, let us know. We can make arrangements for you to meet Frank, Tatiana, and Flor. The kids will be in wheelchairs for about six(6) weeks after surgery and non-weightbearing casts. But I am confident they will be anxious to see you.

Still Waiting

Frank, Tatiana, and their Mama, Flor are still waiting patiently in Lima for permission to travel to the US for their surgery.  Their appointment date of April 4 has come and gone, and we still wait.  A second date of April 18 has now gone, and still we wait.  All paperwork is in order, but they are being delayed by the US Embassy in Lima for issuing their Visas.  They just happened to be the unlucky random number that requires an Administrative Review.  In plain english, a thorough review and double check of their background and reasons for travel.
All is in readiness for them in Tampa.  The most recent new date for their first hospital appointment is April 25 with surgery scheduled for April 26.  But with each passing day, and no word from the State Dept, that date may also need to be changed. 
It is quite expensive keeping them in Lima while we wait.  Eliana has been doing an extremely commendable job of caring for them personally and medically, arranging transportation, hostel, expenses at the Embassy, keeping them clothed and entertainment.  Tatiana was ill for a few days but seems to be recovered now.  It is so difficult to be here in Brandon while they are there, separated from their home in Juanjui and the rest of their loving family.  Funds are extremely tight but we will do what we can because that is what we do.  We could not do otherwise for such a brave boy and girl who have ventured so far from their home for the first time in their short life and still face major surgery and a long rehabilitation.  Prayer does work, if you want to put in a word for them.

Veronica Leaves for Home

Didn't she just get here yesterday?  It seems so short, but yet it has been just over five weeks since they arrived.  Therapy is completed.  Her prostheses have been inspected and adjusted where needed.  Now she is in Lima, Peru, on her way home to Arequipa for another year. 

The past five weeks have been hectic, but enjoyable.  Veronica is doing excellent with her English.  She is also teaching Nancy to speak Spanish.  Nancy can now say 'Si' and 'Hola', although with a decided West Virginia accent, and is thinking about a vacation in Cancun.

Some photos are posted on Veronica's weblog at http://veronica-andes.blogspot.com/  If you visit, drop her a line.  I know she would be glad to hear from you.

Our next project is Frank and Tatiana, who will be arriving soon for their first appointment, April 4.

VERO

Veronica

Veronica and Ynes arrived at Tampa International Airport this morning after a long overnight flight from Lima.  After a late breakfast they are now resting in preparation for their first appointment this year at Shriners Hospital.  More information will follow this evening, maybe a photo, after we see their tentative schedule for the next few weeks.  Support for Veronica and our work with children in need is welcome.  Contact us at TheLuzFund@verizon.net.  Donations are tax deductable as advised by your tax consultant.

As promised, here is a current photo of Veronica and Ynes, relaxing in the garden at home in Brandon a day after their long flight and appointment at Shriners.  Their next visit to Shriners is not until Feb 1 when Therapy will start.  Additional info will be published on Veronicas blog at:  http://veronica-andes.blogspot.com/  .

UPDATE: Frank & Tatiana

Great News from Shriners.  Both Frank and Tatiana have been accepted as patients at Shriners Hospital for Children, Tampa, FL.  The news actually came last Friday, but I wanted to wait until it was confirmed with an appointment date.  That date is Wednesday, April 4, 2012.  So Christmas comes early this year.  We are so happy to be able to send the news to Juanjui.  Thanks to so many who have prayed for this decision.  Now the work starts to find funds for their travel.