Jen's Hanging Out

Well, Jen has enjoyed that hospital food so much that she decided to extend her stay. That, my friends, is sarcasm :) Jen did NOT go home yesterday, there are still some trials with her own health; most especially her blood pressure. So we trust that will be worked out. I do not have an update on little Gigi, only Jen. Suffice it to say that the whole family just really needs your prayers. Drew's parents are returning today and will stay for an unspecified period of time at this point.

As most of you are aware, Jen is not doing these initial posts. I am a friend who used to live near her and I offered to update everyone because I was at a loss for what I could do so far away from her and Drew and the kids. And, this way I would not have to keep Courtney on the phone for hours asking lots of questions (I still do that though!!) I will continue to update as long as Jen and Drew would like me to. Any quotes or scripture references will be taken from Cowman's Streams in the Desert. I highly recommend it to everyone!

I was not surprised when Courtney told me that the meal plan for the month of Sept. was filled in less than a day and that they have meal support through November. I was not surprised, because I knew God would work in everyone's heart BUT I also knew that everyone has been showered with Jen's kindness, she is always ready to say yes, and ready to step in whenever someone needs her ready to serve. This a chance for all of us to give back to someone who has given so much to us. Thank you for doing so much for her and her family, being this far away, it helps to know that she is being prayed for, cared for, cooked for, etc, as that will make her healing and caring for Gigi much easier.

As God's chosen people...clothe yourselves with...kindness (colosians 3:12)

The Valleys

Hello Everyone,
Please continue to pray that Gigi will stay healthy and for wisdom and guidance for ALL involved with her care.

Gigi was placed on a ventilator since her arrival. Her small size makes breathing hard work for her and the doctors wanted to give her little body a break from all that work. God has provided incredible strength and Gigi has done extraordinary well breathing on her own in the first few days of her life. Jen says Gigi appears calmer now that she is not working so hard to keep up with the breathing. The doctors presented the possiblity of a Blood Transfusion today. They would also like to eliminate Gigi's peripheral IV tubing lines and place one central line in the main vein to her heart. To the NICU staff, neonatologists and those used to caring for premature babies theses are common procedures. However to her loving parents, who are still reeling from the surprise of her early arrival, these are surprising and fear provoking ideas and conversations.

However, God has promised that He would walk with them in the dark valleys and He would get them (and all of us in dark valleys) through the valley. Gigi and her family will come through this valley and recognize and appreciate the beauty, peace and calm of those "nonvalley" times. The pressure of difficult times makes us appreciate life. (A.B. Simpson)

Please pray for wisdom and discernment for Gigi's medical team as these decisons and procedures are being made. Also, continue to pray that Jen's blood pressure will go down. Jen is being released from the hospital today (Weds., Aug. 30).

Thanks for all the offers for meals and other support. May God bless you as you bless others!!!

We were under great pressure...so that we despaired even of life...But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. ( 2 Corinthians 1:8-9)

Gigi's Arrived

Praise the Lord! Gabrielle Joy Gilifillan "Gigi" was born August 26th, at 11:19 AM. She weighed 1 pound, 13 ounces and is 13 3/4" long. She is breathing sporadically on her own and her Apgar scores were good.

Gabrielle means "God is my strength," and He truly has been and will continue to be their strength during this amazing ordeal. Drew said there were no complications (truly miraculous considering all that has happened this week), and that Jen and Gigi are doing well.

Please continue to pray diligently and specifically for them. Pray for healing for Jen and that her body will return to normal quickly as it deals with all the pre-eclampsia side effects. Pray for Kelly and Conor as they slowly process the situation and for understanding as Jen will be in the hospital for at least 4 days and up there many hours after that with baby GIgi. Pray for Drew that he will give all the details to the Lord and let Him who is much more able handle them. And whatever else the Lord puts on your heart.

The Lord's provisions have given them so much strength during all this --- truly amazing and miraculous. We serve an awesome God!!!

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10