We're Home!!

This is a picture of Sarah Mei on the day before her open-heart surgery. We were blessed to be able to stay at the Ronald McDonald house for the 1st 4 days in Charleston. The Ronald McDonald house offers rooms for families with critically ill children. They not only provide a room but also 1-2 meals a day brought in by volunteer organizations. Sarah Mei, always the ham, smiled for the camera while sitting with Ronald McDonald.

Sarah Mei had all day pre-op appointments on Thursday, open-heart surgery Friday, moved out of PCICU on Sunday afternoon, went back under general anesthesia on Tuesday for two MRI's to rule out more medical problems (not related to her heart) and then was discharged on Wednesday afternoon. We arrived home Wednesday evening just a week and a day after driving to Charleston. The whole trip was a whirlwind and still seems surreal.

Evidently Sarah Mei didn't get the "memo" that says patients should be sore and tired after open-heart surgery. She's been on Tylenol-only (for pain management) since Tuesday and hasn't missed a beat (no pun intended). An onlooker would never believe that she underwent open-heart surgery a week ago. She's amazing!

This is a picture of Sarah Mei and Michaela just 3 days after surgery. In this photo Sarah Mei is still sporting her IV, her heart leads (used on the step-down cardiac unit to monitor heart function) bandages from her central line and arterial line and a chest tube which is covered by her "blanket." She took all of the lines and leads in stride; however, the blood pressure cuff was another story. Every time a nurse took her blood pressure she would scream and plead "no, no". Needless to say her blood pressure readings were a bit high.


One of the wonderful features at MUSC is their Pediatric Atrium. It is a sun-filled room offering activities for the pediatric patients including crafts, play areas, a library, special presentations and Sarah Mei's favorite, the train set. This is a picture of Sarah Mei's 1st trip to the Atrium - day 4 post surgery.


We can't thank every one enough for their prayers on our behalf. Sarah Mei had the absolute best possible surgical outcome. We know this is because of the work of skilled surgeon's hands being directed by the Great Physician. We truly felt the "peace of God which surpasses all understanding." Phil. 4:7a

Special thanks to Jan Bryant, mother of one of Sarah Mei's Chenzhou orphanage sisters, for her visit to the hospital. She drove over 1 1/2 hours, each way, in the pouring rain to deliver fruit pizzas, goody bags for Sarah Mei and our girls, and get well cards made by her children. You are a blessing to our family! Thanks for showing us Christ' love.


Please continue to pray for healing for Sarah Mei's surgical incision, continued recovery (the 2nd week after open-heart surgery is the week of highest risks) and a good outcome on the other medical tests performed while in the hospital.