Update on Jason.

Well, Jason's had his operation. I think the photo's say more than words ever can. However here's the technical bit:

Jasein has a type of cerebral palsy which is a short circuiting between the brain and the muscles. There are all types and variations of this. Different types of the body can be affected as well as various muscle manifestations and levels of intelligence. Pre operatively Jasein was a minimal ambulator. He has problems with balance and involuntary movements (athetosis) that can not be significantly improved by any types of procedures. These typically are static – not improving or worsening over time. However some of his deficits can be overcome by training therapy etc. just as any of the rest of us would learn to do a new sport. He was noted to have an internal torsion of his Left femur and a contracture of the Left knee. These both can be improved with surgery which we performed on July 22.

The surgery went well as planned. The femur was cut and derotated and securely fixed in a position 40 degrees externally rotated from where he was. As well some tendons behind his knee were lengthened. The hardware is strong and can tolerate weight bearing. He is to keep his knee immobilizer on full time for 4 weeks then may remove it in the day time only for another 4 weeks after which time he does not need it. He also was given a plastic brace to help align the L foot which can be used as needed. He does not need anything special in the weeks to come and can begin some short distance (in house) walking with assistance as his pain permits. Starting in 4 weeks we can begin a more aggressive program of exercises and mobilization.

Thank you Dr Scott Nelson, you're in my debt.

The photo above is of my dear friend John Huizinga praying for the little guy before his operation. I'm so thankful that this tough hunk of a Canadian has a heart of a Saint. I know he loves Jason as much as I do. We also both share in our belief that God is a healing God.

This is Jason coming home after the op. Its too small an image, so what you can't see is that little Jason has obviously been crying. I got these photos sent to me whilst at work and I confess that I had to retire to the loo to have 'a moment'

I received an email last night from John which gave me the latest: I was in the village yesterday afternoon and checked in with our little buddy and thought I would send over a couple of pics. He is doing fine but will need some serious additional TLC for the next couple of weeks. Right now one of the most important things is to keep his redirected foot and leg in a somewhat straight position.

I can't do TLC from England. The frustration builds daily to return.

Little Jason

Yeah, that's right. There's no God.

See this extract from a wonderful friend in DR called John Huizinga

"Tomorrow morning we are leaving with Jason to Santo Domingo along with his mother and a few others. I feel so sorry for this little guy, his life is going to change so much in such a little time. We had a container arrive here last week with school and medical supplies on it and God is so GOOD, on it was a walker that has a seat in it that is used for people learning to walk and it is just Jason’s size. Blow me away! Please remember him in your prayers as he will be the one most affected. I will keep you in the loop and send pics when possible."

He feels the suffering of His children even more accutely than we do. But he's given us freedom of choice. Its us that's messed up this world, not Him. But with His help, we can do our bit to change it. Go on, brighten up someones day today!

Just an update on the playground: I've been able to wire the first £3,000 out to DR. Just another £3,000 to go! Can you help??

The School

We're like a couple of proud parents!

I've been back two weeks now and I still miss the DR so much. I find myself looking at photos, and emailing my new American friends. Even music which I heard whilst out there is being played on the CD. Just something, anything to keep the link going.

OK, So I'll have to focus on raising the funds to get our school accredited. So far I have raised £2,350 which has broken the back of it. Much of this down to the wonderful generosity of a dear lady client, friend and true exponant of generous giving! (You know who you are!)

Anyway, here's some great news which we have had from the USA. Remember little Jason. Well, if not, here's a photo of the lad!

Jason's getting his operation and the cost of both this and the rehab has been covered by our U.S. friends. Bless you guys!

Its these acts of kindness which so strike me. I often need reminding of that which is important to me, as my spending habits do not always reflect this. Take yesterday, I was up in London running in the 10k marathon, and afterwards I saw that there was a sale in Selfridges. I'm not averse to spending £70 on a nice shirt, yet I know that that £70 could buy so much more than a bit of false status. Its interesting that the 'pressure' of clothes is just not a problem for the children of los Algadones.
'Hand me downs' serve just as well as Armani's!

I gave Selfridges a miss. Remind me of this at the start of the football season when I'm looking at turning the event into a fashion show. Will I still be as strong!