Peace

Dave and I have been trying to schedule a NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit) tour for about a week now. Once Lillian's gestational age passed the 24 week mark, a tour was recommended by the doctors. Well, as you know, life happens and it just didn't work out for Dave and I to go together. As a result, I just prayed and decided that whenever an opportunity presented itself I would go whether Dave was with me or not. Well, today my nurse came in and said the NICU could do a tour. Often times, when we think about certain scenarios in our lives, the thought is worse than the reality. Before leaving I quickly texted my mom asking her to pray specifically for peace. Moments later, my nurse Leia wheeled me up the ramp and into the elevator. I wasn't particularly nervous, just anticipating what I would see. When the doors opened, I looked up and I could just sense Jesus' presence--almost like he was greeting me as I got off the elevator. For one of the first times, I wasn't afraid. I wasn't anxious. It was as if God himself was opening each door and welcoming me. Through the Holy Spirit in me I could here Him say, I AM HERE IN THIS PLACE. DON'T WORRY. I AM WITH YOU. I AM WITH LILLIAN. The NICU nurse who gave me the tour was very peaceful and positive. She talked about Lillian in the present, saying sentences like, " When she gets here, we will do this..." "When she is stable, we will take her off the ventilator." etc...It is so encouraging to hear the medical professionals talk about her like she's going to thrive. Go God!

There is hope in the darkest places. I often think about the night I arrived in the hospital, being wheeled into the delivery room. I remember David making a phone call to his mom and saying the words, " we will have to make funeral arrangements." I don't know how Lillian's story will continue. I don't know if God will bless us with the gift of her physical life or if he will take her home. But I do know that God promises HOPE. He even tells us that HOPE does not disappoint us. There has been hope at every corner of our journey with Lillian. I have countless stories of how God has provided even the smallest glimmer of hope in the most helpless of situations. Yesterday I was feeling especially down. I was sobbing, actually, when I heard a knock at the door. It was my nurse Nicole, who said she had a surprise she wanted to show me. In her arms was one of the most beautiful 1-year old Hispanic babies I have ever seen. She was a chunky little thing! My nurse said, " I just wanted to show you a healthy baby girl that was born at 26 weeks." I just stopped and thanked Jesus right then and there for taking my doubts and turning them into hope through the presence of this precious survivor.

I am 25 weeks and 5 days pregnant. The latest ultrasound showed a drop in my amniotic fluid, but is to be expected considering I am "ruptured." Lillian is monitored every day and her heart rate looks great! My job is to keep her cookin as long as possible. Thank you for your prayers. I have been free of any infection, which is a miracle! Your prayers offered in faith are an honor to God.

Remember that God is there for you tomorrow.

Love and more love,

Keri, David, Avery, Reese and Lillian

PS The last update I did not put down david correct blog address to which he posts updates on Lillian as well. The correct address is davidejordan.blogspot.com