Reflections for 2010

As we entered 2011, we spent some time reflecting upon the events of 2010. 

God has been good to Charlene and us. We like to highlight 12 things in 2010 that we are grateful to God for:-

1) Strength in adversity (2009-2010). Doctors gave her very little chance of survival but Charlene consistently exceeded their expectations. The registrar and consultants did not think that Charlene was able to breath without machine support; God sent us signs telling us to go ahead without worries and sure enough, Charlene is able to breathe without the need for support. God also protected Charlene from harm and helped her to survive 4 incidences of choking.

2) Successful operation (28 Jan). Due to Charlene's extremely bad reflux, she had to go through a operation to put a feeding 'button' into her stomach. The preferred operation is the key-hole operation because its less invasive. The surgeon said that it was a difficult operation for a small baby, and they might had to adopt a simpler but more invasive surgery. We prayed to the Lord before and during the 4-hr operation. The key-hole operation was a success.

3) Healing of hernia (15 Apr). Because of Charlene's constant crying, a hernia was formed around Charlene's button. The worst case scenario necessitate a surgical operation. We and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ prayed that the hernia will healed by itself, and God answered our prayers!

4) Decision on usage of steroids (13 May).  Due to the large increase in seizures, the doctors recommended us to use steroids for Charlene. The side effects include the suppression of the immune system. We were very troubled and we prayed and asked for signs. God responded; her seizures dropped dramatically and we decided not to use steroids. This decision was proven correct 3 months later; the doctors found that Charlene's heart muscles is slightly thicker. The current condition is ok, but if we had used steroids, it would impact her negatively. 

5) Incredible weight gain (31 Aug).  Charlene's weight was initially at the 3 percentile. Because of the constant vomiting, the doctors instructed us to give her small amount of milk (about 3 times less than normal babies). Amazingly, with the low amount of milk she consumed, her weight slowly and steadily increase to the 50 percentile. To the extent that we have to watch her weight now and control the milk amount. Even the doctors were surprised by her weight gain! Praise the Lord, He must be providing subsistence to Charlene!

6) Stopping of clustering fits (3 Oct).  When Charlene was admitted to the hospital for clustering fits throughout the whole day, we had to admit her into the hospital. We sms out prayer requests to a few brothers and sisters and to Pastor Timothy. Pastor Timothy in turn forwarded the sms to all cell group leaders to get everyone to pray. Amazingly, Charlene fits stopped soon after our smses. The Lord must have answered the prayers of our brothers and sisters in YMM.

7) Surprise entry to Rainbow Centre (16 Sep), Charlene only waited for 3 months to get a place in Rainbow Centre. That was really surprising for us bec Rainbow Centre typically had a waiting time of 6 months - 1 year. God must have plans for Charlene in the school. The physio and teachers had been very helpful and provided us with lotsa practical advice.

8) First year Birthday Party (17 Oct).  

What is required for a successful first year birthday party? Families, friends, decoration, birthday cakes... For Charlene, it also requires a lot of divine intervention. 

- Charlene was only discharged 4 days before the planned date; we were already making plans to cancel it bec the buffet catering needed 3 days notice for cancellation. 

- In the early morning before the birthday party, Charlene was crying non-stop from 230am to 645am and from 9am to 12pm. We were so worried that she would continue crying at the top of her voice during the party and the celebration would be meaningless. We prayed to God that He bless Charlene with peace and calm during the party. Miraculously, Charlene stopped crying the moment we brought her into the party. She didn't cry nor throw tantrum. We were even able to chit-chat with our friends during the party.

9) Recovery from reflux (22 Nov).  Charlene's reflux condition is a constant worry for us because of the danger of choking and the constant vomiting. We were very happy when the doctor declared that Charlene's reflux condition has become very minimal. We were even able to switch into a milder and cheaper reflux medication.

10) A stroll as a family (3 Dec). We were able to push Charlene in the stroller and took a stroll to Bernard's house. That was our 1st time taking a leisurely stroll as a family, without need to worry about our arms breaking =)

11) Celebration of Christmas outside the hospital (24 Dec). Charlene was admitted to the hospital on 21 Dec due to vomiting of bile. The typical length of Charlene's hospitalisation is about 2 weeks, and that would mean that we would spend Christmas in the hospital again. We prayed to God that we are able to celebrate Christmas outside the hospital. True enough, we were able to sing Christmas carols to her in the comfort of our home.

12) Watch-night service (31 Dec).  This is a first for us as individuals and as a family. The 2 of us have never attended watch-night service before. And to be able to do that with Charlene, its great joy! Charlene was crying intermittently but we were able to be there for the whole night. We also received help from Alica Chang, Christine and Phe Mie. So we as a family spent the first moments of 2011 in Lord's abode and we hope to continue doing that for the rest of 2011! 

We are also thankful and grateful to all church-mates and friends for your spiritual, emotional, financial and physical support throughout the past year. 

Though at times, things can be difficult and tough, God always provide us with people who would lighten our load. The little smses, visits, thoughtful gifts... are all very important to us. Even though we can't be as active as before, and cannot participate in activities and keep in touch as often, we hope that our friendships can still remain.

May God bless you all with an abundance of peace and health for 2011!