Home, Sweet Home! Chance flies home to Maui!

December 1, 2008

"...for the joy of the LORD is your strength." -Nehemiah 8:10

Today, Monday, December 1, 2008, is a big day for Chance. He is being discharged from Rehab Hospital of the Pacific and heading home to Maui. God has intervened on his behalf and caused many small miracles to happen to bring Chance to where he is at today.

Chance will continue with out-patient rehab at home on Maui. His progress has been anointed and incredible. In his last few rehab sessions, he was able to stand and take a few steps with the aid of a walker. He has regained much strength, especially in his right leg and arm. On Sunday when I was transferring him from the bed to a wheelchair, he could move himself forward and assist in standing, which made moving him not so difficult. He is able to use his legs to push himself up (like a pelvic lift in exercising), the difference from just a few weeks ago is amazing.

Chance is filled with joy to be going home and to be able to see all of his friends and family again. He can't wait to see, J.R., his best friend. He will be living in a new house and have a new room that has already been set up for him. Arrangements have been made, to have all of his therapy done in the home for now. Pray that he will continue to improve, steadily and fully.

We had a very special time on Sunday, just Chancey and I hanging out for the last time until I get to Maui for a visit. We sang through the Selena and Hillsong's Mighty to Save CD's together. We watched cartoons, talked about his life, my life (boy, he asks lots of questions!) and I shared many stories with him about his journey over the last three months. Some things he remembered and some things he didn't. He ate a good dinner of saimin, egg salad sandwich and some passion-orange juice.

The things he does remember, just blows me away...the questions that come up, the situations he wants to know about, and the people he remembers. The first prognosis of his brain injuries were so grim without hope...God has intervened on Chance's behalf.

The word of God promises Chance "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD," -Jer 29:11 and "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength" -Is 30:15

Chance and I had a nice conversation about Jesus. I asked Chance if He loved Jesus, he smiled and said yes. Then I asked, "why?" He smiled again and said "because he loves me..." and "he has helped me to heal." Continue to pray for Chance's walk with the Lord. Pray this verse for Chance "And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." That he would grow in wisdom and stature like Jesus did. His heart is very tender and thankful.

The last three months, ran the gamut of emotions for everyone involved. The first two weeks in PICU, the following month in the Wilcox ward at Kapiolani Hospital and now the last month and a half at Rehab Hospital of the Pacific. I have personally seen the hand of God move in many peoples lives through this experience. I have seen Chance's smile light up a room and his sense of humor, make us have some pretty good belly-aching laughs.

Chance is called to his purpose and so is his family. Where the scripture teaches "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -Rom 8:28 Their gift of life in Chance and the journey they have ahead of them is filled with promises for our Lord.

This is my prayer for Chance:

"The LORD bless you
and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace." -Numbers 6:24-26

Mahalo nui loa for all the prayers, love and support you have provided from near and far. Without all of you Chance would not be where he is today. The God of the universe heard your prayers and He has responded on your behalf. Thank you for being faithful in your prayers and love. They have been what has kept us going on this end. Please continue to lift Chance and his family up in prayer. There will be many adjustments to daily life in the coming months for Chance. He still has hopes and dreams that the Lord has placed in his heart...continue to pray for all the hopes and dreams to come to fruition.