Jonathan’s visit to Shriner’s—Jan. 25, 2010

Today, Monday, Jan. 25, 2010, Jonathan was able to go to the Shriner hospital in St. Louis, MO. The doctor casted Jonathan for a prosthetic foot that will fit over his right foot sort of like a slipper. He will wear normal shoes with it.
We told them that we are not planning on being back in the US for two more years, and the shop technician (the person making the prosthetic), gave us casting materials, and told us that we can make a new cast for him next year and mail it to the Shriner hospital. They will then be able to mail him his new prosthetic foot.
The doctor and nurse were very impressive with the mobility of his ankle.
The prosthetic should be ready by the first week of February, and then we’ll go back up for the fitting.
Thank you everyone who gave, so that Jonathan and I would be able to make this trip back to the US and have this done. Thank you for all of your prayers during this time.

similar models to what Jonathan will be getting

Visit to the Orthopedic Clinic in Arusha

Today, we went to visit the orthopedic clinic here in Arusha, run by the Evangelical Luthern Church of Tanzania. When we return with Jonathan's special shoe, we will meet with them again and they think they should be able to copy it. This is a huge blessing, because it means we shouldn't need to make a trip every year, or every time Jonathan's foot grows.

We meet the entire Orthopedic team--

From Left to right--

Job (orthopedic technician), Humphrey (Orthopedic shoe maker), Goodluck (orthopedic technician), and Dr. Annemarie Reeg (orthopedic surgeon).

Dr. Reeg was very nice and helpful, very encouraging. I look forward to working with them in the future.

Only 3 days until I leave for America!! I am very nervous about our appointment at the Shriner's hosptial on Jan 18th. I've been waiting for this appointment since Jonathan was born, to see what they will be doing for his little foot. I'll keep you posted!

Snapfish pictures of the visit

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
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By the way, the Evangelical Luthern Church here in Swahili is shortened to the KKKT church. So, its the KKKT clinic.
Afterwards, we went to the shop run by the clinic that sells drinks and gifts. The proceeds to towards the running of the clinic.

Welcome 2010!

Another year has come and gone, and I must be getting older, because it seems like this year has flown by. A year ago, this time, we were preparing to come back to the US to have our baby. We had no clue at that time whether it was a boy or a girl... and certainly didn't know about the problem with his foot.
Today, I am preparing again for another trip to the US, this time with that baby- Jonathan. We will be leaving from the Kilimanjaro airport on Jan. 14th, and returning on Feb. 15th, the day after Valentine's day.
2009 brought many blessings, the biggest of which was our son, Jonathan. I look forward to 2010.
Happy New Year everyone!