Isaiah 43:5

Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. Isaiah 43:5

Monday, October 7, 2013

Before us, beside us and behind us.......every single step of the journey......


Just shy of six weeks ago, we packed our suitcases and boarded an airplane and traveled across the globe to China.  Unexpectedly as noted in this post, we had some interesting things happen while enroute that called for some medical intervention.  But we arrived safely with some new experiences tucked in our belts.
September 12th we re-packed the suitcases, passports and important immigration paperwork and traveled the long journey back HOME with the most precious cargo ever......Lucy Kim!    The journey back was even longer in time and distance because we were traveling back from Hong Kong.
 As God promises "He was before us, beside us and behind us" every step of the journey.

We've only been home for a month and we're already about to embark on our next big journey!    These journeys will likely have many similarities.  Like our trip to China, our upcoming journey will be very l-o-n-g, have experiences we can't plan ahead for and will be covered in much prayer.  And just like our journey TO Lucy we're inviting Y-O-U to travel on this journey WITH Lucy (and our family)!
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  On Friday, October 11th, Daddy, Mommy and Lucy will be traveling to Shriner's Children's Hospital in Philadelphia to embark on the first steps of  our little girl's medical journey.
Those that know me personally can attest to the fact that I like to be a scheduler/planner, detail type person. (although eight children and more advanced age has mellowed that part of me a bit)
I knew going into this God led adoption that I was NOT going to be able to have things mapped out, details arranged and organized or a "plan in place."  This has been a journey of faith!  And we are so blessed by the way God decided to "grow our faith." (a prayer I've prayed for many years).  So we will continue taking the steps forward in faith and believing that God will keep His glorious promise of "hedging us in" each step of our next family journey!

Our appointment is scheduled for 9:15 a.m. and we have been told to expect to be at the hospital the majority of the day.  Lucy Kim's appointment is scheduled with Dr. Harold Van Bosse. who is very well known in Pediatric Orthopedics.  I had done some limited research and asked some questions to parents who BTDT (been there done that).  From what I could see in the short video clips I had of Qu Yan Lucy, and her limited medical file, I knew she would need to see a pediatric orthopedist.  I was so very excited to learn that some of the best orthopedic doctors in the United States were in Philadelphia (only a little over an hour's drive from our home).  I made a phone call to Shriners at the end of May and then submitted an "application for treatment" in early June. Even with very limited medical information, Lucy Kim was accepted as a patient and an appointment for October was scheduled!   God showing He was providing where He was guiding!
Here she comes on her twist car!

Maneuvering corners

Misjudged that turn :(
Back in the saddle
If I'm totally truthful, I'd have to say that I'm a bit torn about this appointment.  There's a side of me that "wants to know" and a side of me that "likes not knowing" what Lucy's medical future may or may not hold.  I'm daily needing to give any feelings of fear and doubt over to God. (you know more of that faith growing stuff!) 
Qu Yan/Lucy has limb difference (legs) as well as a deformed ankle and knee.  She can walk independently but with an altered gait.  Walking takes a whole lot more energy because of her limb diff. and ankle problems.  She tires after doing any sustained amount of walking and happily will climb into her stroller.  (thus the MANY stroller pictures you've seen :)
So God created mankind in his own image,in the image of God he created them; 
male and female he created them.  Genesis 1:27

This photo shows her limb diff.
TEAM LUCY will you please pray for our girl?!  There is so much power in prayer and we would be so grateful for those of you willing to intercede to our Heavenly Father on behalf of Lucy.  

Psalm 139:5 - You have hedged me behind and before, and laid your hand upon me.



16 comments:

  1. Oh, Kim, we're praying -- as always! You're so often in our thoughts and prayers. We're praying for Dr. Van Bosse too. He's wise!

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    1. Thank you so very much for your love and on-going prayers!! TEAM LUCY is fantastic!

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  2. A piece of advice....the day will be long at Shriner's, take snacks and maybe something to play with...you can get an affordable lunch on the 6th floor starting at 11:30- 2 ( I think) A lot will be accomplished but you do spend some time waiting.

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    1. Thanks Chris for the valuable input you've given over the last weeks as a BTDT Mama!! I appreciate you (LOTS!)

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  3. You got it sis! Thanks for the update and we'll be praying.

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    1. I think you need to be TEAM LUCY PRAYER CAPTAIN Rhon!! I know that you pray faithfully for us and I can't thank you enough! Love you lots!

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  4. Kim, we will definitely keep covering Lucy and all of you in prayer! ((hugs))

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    1. Appreciate your on-going love, support and prayers Tracey!!

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  5. Praying for this appointment that Lucy has. Know that He has it all in control. Elaine Boardley

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    1. Thanks for taking the time to let us know you're praying! What a source of encouragement from the Body of Christ!! You're right "He's got this" - we need to keep that at the forefront of our minds!

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  6. This verse came to mind after I read your blog: Romans 12:12~Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and fervent in prayer. Claiming this for your family and keeping you in prayer.

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    1. THANK YOU for sharing this verse -- I intend to print it and put it on my mirror as a reminder!! Your love and prayers mean so much to us!!

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  7. Will be praying for you as you begin this new journey.

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    1. Thank you so very much for letting us know that you're praying! Such a source of great encouragement!

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  8. We'll be praying, for Lucy , the family , and for wisdom for the doctors!

    Isa. 41:10
    Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

    Love and Prayers,
    Desirae ( for all the Clopper Clan)

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    1. Many thanks for your prayers and the verse -- I'm planning on printing out and posting some of these great scripture verses! Blessings on your big travel trip ahead too ;0)

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