A Look Back and Celebration of 10 years

It was on Friday, August 8, 2008 that Santhosh, Philip and I made our way to the Children’s Hospital for Philip’s simple flap repair. This would be a 45-minute same day surgery, and we would be discharged home later in the afternoon.

But in that span of time, Philip’s airway closed, and emergency resuscitative measures were taken. He was placed on a ventilator and sent to the PICU, as we waited outside with terrified hearts.

It seems a lifetime ago, but I remember it like yesterday. The tears, the anguish, the unknowns and the questions. I would never wish this on anyone. However, as I counsel parents during the LWR missions, inevitably these memories will come back to mind.

Every successful surgery is a miracle. These are risky children to operate on. But as our lead anesthesiologist said, “If we do not operate on this child, then who will? How long will they have to wait for another mission team to come?”

As we reflect on the miracle of Philip’s life over the past ten years, we cannot help thank God for each breath each day of life. He had multiple surgeries after that one in 2008, but with each, God gave him life and a swift recovery.

With every surgery, every heartache, and every bit of happiness the focus does not shift for Philip. His words continue to be, “We will work, until the world is cleft-free!”

Thank you for your support and for believing in this vision!