Timothy looks healthy and chubby in the pictures; is he still?  Those pictures were taken his first week; he doesn't look bad now but nor does he have the round and robust look.   We don't have a way this week to download pictures from our camera, thus we don't have any new ones up.

How are Luke and Mark doing with all of this? Aside from the first week when we were not around much at all, they are doing fine.  They know about Timothy (they both say his name "Ti---ty") and say his name when they see his picture on the web page.  They've only seen him once - the day he was born, but we talk about him with them frequently.

What things have helped you during this situation?  1) The Word of God - it has a calming and strengthening effect even in the toughest times; 2) Knowledge of the many people who are praying for Timothy and us; 3) Perspective - considering this trial in light of those faced by William Carey (a biography Todd is reading now), or in light of those affected by the NY attacks, or in light of those who were never able to have children.  We realize how blessed we are.

What is the prayer network for Timothy like?  Numerous churches have Timothy on their prayer lists - churches near Todd's Aunt Linda in Brunswick, GA, near Kelli's Aunt Cindy in Dixon, IL, near Todd's parents in Camarillo, CA and Kelli's parents in Rockford, IL.  Our church and friends in Israel are praying together with many at The Master's College.  Recent students of Todd's in the Dallas and Detroit areas are praying as are IBEX alumni around the globe.  And many others.  About 200 people check the web page for updates daily.

What specific prayer requests have been answered?  1) The surgery went well; 2) Timothy made it past the critical phase after surgery; 3) We have been loaned cars to use to drive back and forth; 4) We have been offered a place near UCLA to crash in time of need; 5) We have traveled with safety 100 miles round-trip every day; 6) The doctors and nurses have been very competent and caring; 7) Timothy has not had any infections; 8) We have had good care for the boys while we are with Timothy; 9) Our faith in the Lord has been strengthened; 10) Timothy has basically been stable without major ups and downs since the surgery.

Aside from the obvious medical trials, what other aspect of this situation has been the most difficult?  Being away from our home in Israel and missing the semester at IBEX.

What happens once Timothy comes home?  He'll need to go to the doctor at increasing intervals to monitor his progress.  Somewhere between the age of 3 and 6 months (depending on his development), he'll have a second surgery (called the Glenn), for which he'll be in the hospital about 1 week.

How are you paying for all of this?  We have medical insurance through the college.

How can we help?  Mostly through prayer for Timothy's condition and our family's adjustment to all the new things.  Some friends and former students have helped us out with watching the boys.  When we find a place to live in the near future, there are potentially "holes" that friends might be able to help us fill in as we try to build a "second home" (you can pray for us in this intimidating prospect).

Do you hope to return to Israel?  Absolutely.  It seems unlikely this school year because of the college's decision to close IBEX because of security issues.  This school year we will live near the college in Santa Clarita and Todd will teach Bible classes there.

Have a question we haven't answered?  Ask us.