Wednesday, April 25, 2012

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.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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.