On February 11, 2009 my precious niece was born into this fragile world weighing in at a pound and 12 ounces. My sister is an amazing picture of what it means to have faith that can move mountains. She has been so comfortable in waiting on the sovereignty of God in this long ordeal. My sister has be tested to put her her trust in the doctors and nurses to see to the care of her precious baby. By God's grace he has provided amazing support for them. Little Anna, as I call her, is growing fast and is doing well now. She weighed in at 4 pounds and 7 ounces last night. She also succeeded in taking her first bottle. As soon as my niece was born I felt an urge to pray that I could somehow meet her while she stayed in the nicu.
The urge continued until one Saturday morning, I received a call from Aunt Kathy who offered a ticket. So, the wheels were set in motion as I made all the arrangements. Which was a great undertaking! On the day that I was to leave a big winter storm hit Denver which was where my connecting flight was to take me through. I decided to take the chance and try to make it through it trusting in God's timing. Our flight left on time from PDX down to Eugene so I felt hopeful. As we got off the plane, I got a call from my husband who quickly told me my flight to Denver had been canceled. As, I turned to talk to the ticket agent I realized suddenly that it was just another girl and I at the desk. The ticket agent told us that they were not suppose to have us leave Portland because there were no other flights offered out of Eugene that day. And all the other passengers had been told to go on to a wrong gate! So, this other "stranger" and I were instructed to get back on the plane that we had just gotten off of and fly back to Portland. There were five of us on this plane back to Portland. I am not sure where the other passengers ever went! So, this "stranger" and I started talking and realized we were in the same boat, struggling to get to Denver. We quickly shared a brief history of our families and found out that we were both believers. After we got off of the plane in Portland once again, we found ourselves back at the ticket counter trying to get to our destinations. There was no way we were going to leave that day. So, I ended up calling my gracious husband to come back to get me. As all this was going on my "new" friend, who I found out was named Hope, could not find a flight out either. So, I offered her a place to spend the night. So, we left the airport without my luggage which was on its way back to Eugene but with a new friend. As the evening progressed and Hope and I got to know one another I realized what an amazing God we have. As we shared, we talked about where God has been leading us and the books we had been reading and it was amazing to see that the Holy Spirit had been directing us to the same books, truths, and revealing to us more of who he is. I came away thinking, what if God's simple plan was for us to meet that day, one so that Hope would be taken care of, given a warm bed, and a simple dinner and two to encourage each of us in our walks. How amazing is God's sovereignty.
That next morning we both made our flights and got to our destinations without a hiccup. But all the more grateful for God's protection. As my visit is coming to a close I am even more convinced of God's love and ever watchful hand. Especially over the little ones who are fighting for their survival. There is a sense of hope in the nicu and much rejoicing at the simpliest successes that we each take for granted daily. I am so honored and blessed to have journeyed this path this week. I am blessed beyond measure in seeing the faith of my sister and husband. I am grateful for the Ronald McDonald house and thier incredible support to all these families. But most of all I praise our Father in heaven who's hand so intricately woven into the tapestry of our lives.
