Pre-Op for Santi

Today marks four days until Santi's big day! Early this morning Santi left for Shands, he will undergo several x-rays and tests so doctors can get one last look before Monday's halo surgery. Please pray that doctors would be extra aware of the results of these tests and that the doctor will have clear direction.

Santi eating his big breakfast this morning.

Prayer for Cilicia and Santi

Dear Praying Brethren,

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:4-6

I write these few lines hoping all is well with you and your families. As our family prepares for surgery on June 30^th, we ask that you join us in prayer for our children. The prophet Samuel declared “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.” II Sam. 22:7

We are asking if you will please join us as we pray:

• For the peace of the Lord to rest upon us. (May He be our refuge)

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

• That the enemy of our soul be bound from hindering the surgeries.

And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Lk. 22:31-32

• Wisdom for the medical personnel that will be attending our children.

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding Pr. 2:2

• Smooth surgeries without complications.

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deut. 31:8

• Wisdom for Ana and me, if we are needed to make emergency medical decisions.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Ps. 51:6

• No infection and that proper healing would take place in both Cilicia and Santiago.

Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward. Is. 58:8

• That the Lord would use this need in the Huron family for his glory.

But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. Php. 1:12

• That every medical bill would be met with the Lord’s provision.

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Php. 4:19

We trust that we shall see some of you soon and share God’s faithfulness. May the peace and joy of our Lord Jesus Christ be our strength.

Because of Christ,

Brother Santiago

Galatians 2:20

Fred From Florida

I know Mr. Fred has nothing to do with Santi, but many of you that visit and pray for Santi aren't from Florida and I thought you might like to see our clothesline friend. Mr. Fred is very social, likes to watch us hang clothes on the line and impress us with his florescent green color. Samuel (2) thinks he looks like an alligator.

Double Booked...

“Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.”

Deuteronomy 7:9

We’ve had some interesting developments since securing the surgery dates for Santi! Santi’s older sister, Cilicia, who will be turning 19 this summer, is having surgery on the very same day as Santi’s halo placement……in the same hospital…..in the same operating room……….and in the same recovery room!

We discovered that Cilicia has one dysfunctional multicystic kidney that needs to be removed. It is amazing that she has been functioning with one kidney all of her life without our knowing about it. She was experiencing some trouble on that side and after several tests with our family practitioner, we were led to have an ultrasound, which revealed the problem.

Please pray now for BOTH brother and sister teaming up at Shands on June 30th! We know that God is indeed faithful and merciful to us and that this situation has fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel. We anticipate Cilicia and Santi being used of the Lord to give testimony of God’s dealings in their lives through this unusual circumstance. At first, we were taken aback by the “double booking”, but realized that it is a blessing. Santi will have his beloved sister with him. Of course, both will need our care and attention, but they will have each other.

Needless to say, we Hurons are keeping watch here at home and are readying ourselves for some major convalescent care!

Surgery Dates for Santi

We would like to thank all of you for praying for the perfect timing for Santi's surgery. Praise God we now have two dates!

The first surgery date is June 30th for the placing of the halo; he will be in traction for six weeks until August. Santi will be in a wheelchair at all times except for bathroom breaks and for sleeping.
The Lord has been at work for Santi for some time concerning this surgery, the wheelchair that Santi will be using all these weeks was donated to Santi from another little boy who was scheduled to undergo the same halo surgery, but decided to change hospitals, leaving the special made wheelchair without an owner. (God knew that) This wheel chair is a good many thousands of dollars.

The second date, August 18th, is for the actual back surgery. Lord willing, Santi will be in the hospital for a few days and then will be able to come home for the remainder of his healing and another few weeks of traction.

Santi is very excited as he realizes that his prayers have been answered. Every once in a while he will get teary eyed remembering things from previous back surgeries...something about Santi is that he has the most remarkable memory and will recall events and days long gone, with articulate detail. One thing you could pray for Santi is that he will have a peace and trust in God... no worries, no fears.

Please pray for Santi's weight these last few weeks before June 30th, we'd all like him to be as strong and healthy as he can be!

A Day in the Sun

Our family was able to enjoy a beautiful day at a secluded island in Tarpon Springs this week. Jon-Michael enjoyed conquering the horseshoe crab and bringing it back to the shore for all to see...maybe one or two screamed when the poor thing was released at their feet! Digging in the sand, catching small, slimy things, playing with sea weed...what special, sweet memories.

Santi Blueberry Picking

This time in Florida blueberry's are ripe! What fun everyone had in trying to find just the perfect berry...