Missed appointment

This is just to inform you that Caleb locked his keys in his car & had no spare & missed his appointment with the hand specialist in Chatt. It will be up to him to reschdule. I have reached the end of my part of his journey. I have completely turned the rest over to him. If he chooses to have surgery, he is suppose to let me know, but there really is nothing else for me to do......I thank you all so much for the many thoughts & prayers that helped us through a very difficult time in our lives. And I pray that our journey pointed you toward our Lord..........Love, Tami

Moving Quickly

Things are moving a little quickly. In the course of talking with Caleb's school about dates for trying to schedule appointments, I was given a recommendation for a hand Dr in the Chatt. area. This would be so much more convenient for Caleb, so I am in the process of setting things up down there. Please pray that things would continue to go well. They are falling into place so far & I am excited to get this last leg of Caleb's road to a conclusion. I will keep you posted as to if/when there would be a surgery. We are hoping for the week of Oct 4-9. Thank you for all your prayers & support. We love you all! Tami

MAYO

Well, we really don't know much more.......Dr Spinner said there is nothing neurosurgery can do for him........He is referring him to a hand reconstruction specialist. Caleb ran out of time to meet with this Dr. He needed to get to the airport to catch his flight home to TN. It's such a difficult time of year. He's very busy with school. We will check into making an appointment with this Dr during a break in Caleb's school schedule........Thank you for your continued prayers.....

Mayo

Well, Caleb was at Mayo on Friday for tests. It was mentioned to him that there is a possibility that there is other damage in the left arm, between the elbow & the wrist. We won't know if there is or what the results are until he goes in on Tuesday. If you read this, please continue to pray. We are trusting that God is Good & He is still Sovereign........we just need to trust Him in ALL things! Love, Tami

From Caleb in India

http://andi-sheba.blogspot.com/2009/07/stepping-out.html
the man i met in Mumbai at his AIDS clinic wrote this

Mayo

We have heard from the Mayo Clinic! Caleb will fly to MN from TN on Sept 4th for testing & then rent a car & drive to NE for Labor Day weekend. Then back to MN on Tuesday for a consultation with the neurosurgeon on what they think they can or cannot do for him. Then he will fly back to TN. It's hard to believe we are on the last "leg" of this Road to Recovery! It has been an Amazing Road & God has been so good! Please continue to pray that His will be done concerning Caleb's hand mobility! Of course, mom would like to see as much restored as possible, but Caleb has made peace with the amount of mobility he has at the moment. That's a GOOD thing! I will plan to post again what we learn from the Mayo Clinic. Thank you all for your prayers!!! LOTS of Love, Tami & Family

Mayo Clinic

I still have not heard from the Mayo clinic. I've left a couple of messages with the Dr in Omaha & I realize that it's vacation time of year, so I am trying my best to be patient. Caleb has agreed that we need to get him in to the Mayo clinic, but as slow as this process is, we are just hoping to avoid school & if not, we'll see if they will work with him in missing a little school. I think they will. Well, I need to go. We are working on the phone system at the Middle School so I need to go. God's Grace is AMAZING!!! Love, Tami

Mayo Clinic

Sorry it's taken so long for me to post. We have heard from the neurosurgeon. They are referring Caleb to the Mayo Clinic. As Caleb is in TN, I called him & told him what they had to say. He was busy with friends & didn't want to talk about it much. He wants to use the $300 voucher he got from the airlines to go see Uncle Josh & Aunt Kristie. He wants the Mayo Clinic to work around his schedule to go see them (Josh & Kristie) & then go to India again before school starts. Soooo, because he's 21, it's best that I turn this over to him. I will give them his cell phone number when they call & he will have to make the arrangements to go to Mayo. Emotionally, mom wishes he was under 18 & had to do what I tell him, but he's not.......Just pray that God will have his way in this situation. I can only do so much! Thank you for all your prayers. Love, Tami

PLEASE Pray

Please continue to pray. I just got off the phone with the neurosurgeon's assistant. At this point it's not looking very good for surgery. The Dr has been discussing Caleb's case with other Dr's and they are afraid to disrupt the blood supply to that muscle flap transplant. The Dr still is going to talk to another specialist next week, so please pray that there might be something more they think they can do. I was so hoping there would be a little more mobility restored to his left hand. Thank you! Love, Tami

Long time

I apologize that it's been so long since I've written. With Caleb having his own Blog at www.calebbaber.blogspot.com and no real new news from the neurosurgeon, it's been easy to just be busy with "life". And that's a good thing. Life is so precious and truly a gift from God. Anyway, I do ask that you continue to pray that when we do get news from the neursurgeon, that he feels he can help Caleb. I am hoping to know something the second week of June. I promise to update you all as soon as I know something. I do ask for prayer for some friends of Todd & I's that were in a motorcycle accident. They have a rough road also. Thank you for all your support over the last 8 months!!! Love, Tami

Amazing

Caleb stopped in to say Hi before going to Lincoln to see the prosthetic people & as he walked down the hall to my office, I couldn't tell that he was walking on prosthetics!!! He walking was so smooth. I guess I am impressed because he hasn't had both of them for very long. He said he actually had to tell someone he had met over the weekend that he did not have feet. It's hard to put into words how this makes me feel! I thank you all so much for your prayers. Caleb's road keeps getting a little shorter! :) Love, Tami

Neurosurgeon

Caleb & I went to the neurosurgeon yesterday. He's ordered an MRI to see if he can find both ends of the nerves that are not working. If he can find them, the next consideration is whether or not he can operate on the muscle flap without damaging it. It needs to keep it's blood supply, etc. Then the last consideration will be, where to get the nerves. They normally get them from the lower leg.........
He will start with the MRI results & let us know if we can proceed from there. If we can, the first part of June he is going to talk to one of the top specialists in the country and ask for advice on how to proceed and then he will let us know from there.
Please pray that God will have His perfect will in this situation & be glorified! Thanks!!!

Caleb is walking!! :)

I just got a phone call from Caleb. He went to get his left leg today & he is walking around with no crutches, no cane, just his own 2 feet!! It has taken so long to get to this point....I just had to share!! Thanks!!!

A New Phase in the Journey

Caleb has an appointment in Lincoln today to get his left leg!!! Who Hoo!!! He will stay in Lincoln tonight & walk with his leg & then tomorrow he has an appointment with the burn Dr to check & see how well the skin graft holds up. Please pray for the skin graft to hold up well & that Caleb will enjoy his newly found freedom!! He is very ready to be able to walk with 2 legs & is making plans to try to snowboard here in the next few weeks! I think he's biting off a little too much, but I've never been able to slow that kid down before, so I don't expect that it's changed that much!! Thank You for your continued support & prayers!! We are so Blessed to have so many praying for him!!! Love, Tami

Quick Update

I just wanted to give a quick little update. On Thursday the 16th, Caleb is suppose to go to Lincoln & get fitted for his left leg. We are hoping next week he will have it. It'd be nice to have it for his birthday on the 22nd! He also has an appointment with the neurosurgeon on the 22nd. He's getting around quite well, and busy making plans for his summer.

I will never be able to Thank You enough for all your prayers throughout Caleb's Road to Recovery. I know we are not there yet and I think I will periodically post as things progress. We love you all so much! Thanks!! Love, Tami

my blog is: http://calebbaber.blogspot.com/ so that's where I will blog from now on, and don't expect it to be twitter or some other instantaneous where's caleb machine. thank you all for all your support through this entire experience.

Update

Well, I thought I'd better post an update. Caleb did end up getting a vehicle. He was very excited to get a Nissan pickup. It's a nice little truck. The height makes it much easier to get in & out of than a car. We are praying as parents that it serves him well to get back to TN in the fall! He also went to see the Dr on Monday & got half of his staples removed. He's healing o.k. but it's just taking a little slower than he had hoped, but overall.....we can't complain.......We've passed the 6 month mark & looking backwards, it's really quite amazing he's come so far!!! God has been so good to all of us through this entire journey! I am again going to try to turn the reighs of this blog over to my son, but as you can tell, I am a classic enabler, soooooo I have to keep working on it!! Thank you so much for all your prayers & thoughts & support!!! Love, Tami

Spoke at Salvation Army Banquet

Originally published Friday March 27, 2009

Caleb did on awesome job speaking at the Salvation Army Banquet last night!! I've heard him talk about everything he said, but putting it in order & hearing it sure made me cry!! We are so truly Blessed! He is alive & God has given him such Peace about the Goodness of God. He is an inspiration to me too!! I am more & more in love with God's Grace every day!

Sometimes I can't believe he does what he does. Out of the hospital on Tuesday. Had a Dr's appointment on Wed in Lincoln (everything looked good on the left leg, but it is SLOW healing!) Then he decided to stay in Lincoln as Doug Shippee (from DFN) and crew were in town. And spoke at the banquet last night! He's been in more pain than he thought, but he is slowly recovering!

Caleb is hoping to get a vehicle today. He's been borrowing a junker from his dad these last couple of weeks, but it's JUNKER!!!! Please pray that God would have His hand on this decision. He's taking it to our mechanic to look at today & we will go from there.

I must close, work is getting busy! Thank you for all the prayers that have been lifted up on Caleb's behalf!!! Love, Tami

Home

Caleb came home from the hospital yesterdya afternoon. He didn't look so hot, but cuddled with the heating pad & made it through the night. This morning he had a burn Dr appointment in Lincoln. Grandma & Grandpa Goodwater took him. On his way down he found out that Doug Shippee, DFN would be in Lincoln & there were going to get together, so now he is spending the night in Lincoln.........must be doing better!!! Thank you so much for your prayers! They mean so much to us!!! Love, Tami

Reality

Well, this process is going to be more painful and prolonged than I thought. I am getting out of the hospital today, please pray for strength as the pain isn't really affect by pain meds. I am going to try to just get back to any activities I can. Wow, this is kind of a downer of a post. On the other hand I do get to speak on thursday which is very exciting!

Trying to come home!

We are waiting to see the Dr so that he can release Caleb to come home. He's in a little more pain because they've taken him off the pump pain medication. There's just a lot of movement his body isn't really used to. Please keep that in prayer! Praise the Lord in everything!!! Love, Tami

Good news

Well I pooped. And then I ate. Praise God!

Things are moving!

Well, we got a text from Caleb. Things are moving, so hopefully he'll be able to come home soon!! Who-hoo!!! Thank you for all your prayers throughout this weekend. Mom was trying really hard not to worry!!! But I have to admit, I feel much better!! We'll go back up to the hospital again later & check on him. Thank you and thank the Lord again!!! Love, Tami

Still waiting...

I still have not passed anything not even gas. I have not had a fever though so that is a very good indicator of whether it has become something bad or not. I guess my only option is to wait patiently and trust God that I'll be able to eat eventually. Please continue to pray for me, I am nothing outside of Christ but in Him I have found the strength to walk through harder things than this.

Also, I get pretty bored up here in the hospital so if anyone wants to visit they should feel free.

Thanks everybody,

caleb
cbaber@dalitnetwork.org
caleb.baber@gmail.com

Awake

Well my being awake at 3 in the morning is not a good thing obviously. I woke up because of the pain and swelling I think so please pray for rest. Also, I have not yet passed anything not even gas. It is not neccessarily a bad thing.as my bowel has been asleep for 5 months but it is definitely something that needs to start happening. Thank you all again for your prayers and support through the journey!

caleb
cbaber@dalitnetwork.org
caleb.baber@gmail.com

Please continue to Pray

We are asking that you please continue to pray for Caleb's ostomy reversal. Things haven't started really moving yet. He is able to start to drinking clear liquids today, but things haven't begun moving yet. We are trying not to worry, but after the original surgery failed back in October, we are a little anxious that it is taking so long. Or so it seems so long to us. We are just asking that you continue to keep it in prayer!! I Pet 1:7 It is Friday! Hope you all have a GREAT weekend!! Love, Tami

Walking!

I felt horrible this morning but they adjusted my meds and I was able to walk around the loop in the hospital. This afternoon I walked all the way outside and around the parking lot!

Oh My son!!

Yes, they removed his appendix too, but that was to prevent them having to go in again if he had a need to. As Doug Shippee pointed out, it was a freebie!! Surgery went well. They removed some adhesions also & untwisted the intestines & hooked him all back up. He is awake & being a smart aleck as you can tell. The Dr expects him to do well & we are hoping to have him home on Sunday. We want to thank you all so very much for your continued prayers. He has come so far & we are so grateful! Thank You!! Love, Tami

They stole my appendix!

All's well

From caleb

Hi all,

I'm up late before my surgery, I know all you moms out there probably are cringing but that's ok. I am at peace with the surgery and am fully confident in Gods hands as He will most certainly be guiding the surgeons. Please lift up the recovery time and also that I'll be able to make the most of all the down time I'll have while there in the hospital. Thank you all for your prayers and support!

caleb
cbaber@dalitnetwork.org

There are many titles for today's update, but.....

Hi All, I thought I would update you. Caleb is having surgery at Faith Regional (Lutheran) at Noon On Wednesday. He is getting his ostomy reversed & is VERY excited to get this done. He is having Dr. Buetler do the surgery. Please pray that God will guide his hands & decisions involving surgery. Today, he has a 3:30 presurgery appointment. He had a CT Scan last week so Dr can see what's gong on inside and I gave him the records that we had from Vanderbilt. The insurance company approved 7 days in the hospital, but they didn't think he would be there past the weekend. Lucky for him, several of his friends are home on Spring Break & can visit. I am only taking off the day of surgery. Caleb told me not to take off any more than that & I will just check on him after work. Thank you all for your prayers! Our God is such an Amazing God! Todd pointed out last night that we are almost at the 6 month anniversary. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by & how far Caleb has truly come. I know for Caleb, things don't always move fast enough. Thank you again for everything!! Love, Tami

Spring Break visitors

Hi all, I'm not sure how soon Caleb will get to updating the blog. He has Carmen & Katie (friends from college) here visiting over Spring Break. He has REALLY been enjoying their company. LOTS of late night talking. He is suppose to have his ostomy reversed on March 18th. If you would lift that up to the Lord, we would appreciate your prayers!! Love, Tami

All's Well on leg

Just got a call from Caleb, all is well with his leg. This particular cream can have this affect on people. They gave him a new cream and some prescriptions for his kerlix, etc. But all is well!!! Thanks for the prayers. :)
Please keep him in prayer on the 18th of March. He will be having his ostomy reversed if all goes well. A couple of his friends from TN are here on Spring Break & they are planning to organize a fast for Caleb's appointment with a neurosurgeon on March 30th. We are begging God to give him some function with his left hand. If you want more details, I will get them to you, as I hear of them. Thanks again!! Love, Tami

check this out!

so if you don't have facebook, you should get it and get involved

http://apps.facebook.com/causes/1864/46779775?m=cc366e79

caleb
cbaber@dalitnetwork.org

Update on Appt

I just talked to Caleb & he is needing to go see the burn Dr about his leg. They are trying to make the appointment for tomorrow. Please pray that God would put His healing had upon his leg. He is suppose to go in tomorrow to get a CT scan about his ostomy reversal & we are praying that we will not have to reschedule that. I will keep you posted......again thanks for any & all prayers! Love, Tami

Prayer Request

I just wanted to take a minute to ask everyone to pray for Caleb's left leg and his spirits. When he went to the Dr. on Wednesday his leg looked a little iffy, so they put him on an antibiotic and some cream. His leg is looking like he might be allergic to the cream, although he's had this cream before. He's at the Dr's office now & I am waiting to hear from him. Needless to say, his spirits are a little low. If you would hold him up to the throne of Grace, I would appreciate it!!! Love, Tami

Well, I'm back

Hey everyone,

Sorry for such a lack of communication while I was gone. I appreciate all your prayers!

Well, it went very well. No falls or bugs. I did get exhausted but would have been disappointed if I hadn't. I don't really know how to put the experience down in writing but would love to get any questions from all of you.

Thats right, Hard Rock Hyderabad.

Well thanks again everyone,

caleb

Home

Well, Caleb's feet are again on NE soil! We are thankful that he made it home & we can't wait to hear about his trip. I don't "do" facebook, so I don't know alot of what he's put on that. I've been told that he has kept up quite well on facebook & posted many pictures. I'll have to wait for the "real thing". I just wanted to praise the Lord for brining him safely back home again!!!! Love, Tami

So Doug asked me to post this picture

Song I promised........

By Your Side” by Tenth Avenue North
Why are you striving these days Why are you trying to earn grace Why are you crying Let me lift up your face Just don't turn away Why are you looking for love Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough To where will you go child Tell me where will you run To where will you run And I'll be by your side Wherever you fall In the dead of night Whenever you call And please don't fight These hands that are holding you My hands are holding you Look at these hands and my side They swallowed the grave on that night When I drank the world's sin So I could carry you in And give you lifeI want to give you life (Chorus 2x) Cause I, I love you I want you to know That I, I love you I'll never let you go
It is an AWESOME video if you can watch it!! Love, Tami

Good Morning!

Hi all,
I thought I'd post a link to the newspaper article that my sister-in-law forwarded to me. It brought tears to my eyes.
http://www.pvtrib.com/main.asp?SectionID=74&subsectionID=407&articleID=49425
Caleb is getting the word out about his kids in India in many ways. I am looking forward to seeing the video that he has to put together & hearing about his trip. Please continue to pray that God would give him extraordinary strength.
I've been told that he is also speaking at the Salvation Army Banquet later in March. It's kinda fun to see God move in so ways.
I am also looking forward to Carmen & Katie coming for Spring Break. Please pray for safe travel for them.
Todd is learning a new song to play on his guitar at church. The lyrics are really cool & when I get them, I will post them. I think you will appreciate them. When I look back on the last few months, I cannot get over God's Amazing Grace.....I loved it before, but I am in awe of it more & more everyday! Thank you for traveling this road with us! Love, Tami

Well, I'm here....in India

It's a little harder to find internet here in Mumbai than I thought it would be. I am at the OM office now though, working on Windows 98 in case you were wondering. It does what I need for this at least, no pictures today though.

I'll begin with the trip here. I thought I would have a problem as traveling to the other side of the planet last time left me exhausted and hardly able to function. I found the exact opposite to be true. God gave me incredible strength to get through Denver International without a wheelchair and to the back of the first plane on crutches. I was expecting a little help but got none in the form of changing my seat. Then about 24 hours latter I was able to walk up the stairs of the hotel and get to bed in time for about 3 hours of sleep. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it went very well.

We went to the slum on sunday for church and worshipped with our Indian brothers and sisters for about 2 and a half hours. I was struck with the power of the prayers I heard and the testimonies told. God moves in hearts regardless of location, language, class or caste!

caleb

The Office

We'll, I apologize for missing last night. My computer died and I forgot my charger at the office.

Wednesday was incredibly busy. I was asked to share my story with the office in the morning prayer time. It was the first time I had told my entire story to a group. It was hard in some ways but God totally freed me to speak with passion and clarity. I was then asked to speak 3 more times that day to different audiences all under a dozen or so people. It was encouraging to see my story take shape throughout the day, seeing it become more effective with less tangents every time.

That night I went with one of the lady's from the office to speak to her small group which was part of a much larger youth group. They had a time of praise at the beginning that culminated in the Newsboys' song "I Am Free." The chorus goes a like this:

I am free to run
I am free to dance
I am free to live for You
I am free

here's a video with the lyrics:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vwnGYfeilE

I couldn't even get passed the first line for a long time.....it was overwhelming, it brought me to tears that flowed and flowed...I mean, I'm not free to run or dance. It wasn't out of bitterness or pain but just genuine sorrow for what I had lost as an expression of my freedom in Christ. God brought me through the sorrow and into Hope and the last time through I was able to sing every word with all of my being, that I am FREE to live for Him...there's nothing else to it. God gave me some words recently that I shared with a dear friend and now I'll share with you all: "A good summation of what God has shown me through all of this is that you cannot lose any vital thing with which you are meant to honor Him." I believe that I'll again be able to run and dance but never again will I be able to do either without an incredible understanding of what each means and that every stride or step can be made honoring Him.

To move away from that incredible time where God met me, and into the time spent at the office. I've done two main things. I have busted my butt to get a clear vision for the video we're attempting to shoot while there. I have also been a brain to pick for Stasia who is heading the creation of Student Advocacy. I have enjoyed every minute of working with and around all at the office and wish I had much more time to spend working with them. I, for the first time since being injured, poured out myself into something outside of me and my recovery. It was awesome. It was a God-thing.

Now, I'm re-packing for the trip to India. I am very excited but also painfully aware of my limitations in both mobility and endurance. Please hold me and the body God has given me before His throne asking for every grace and strength to be poured out on me for His glory. I cannot complete even the journey there let alone the adventure waiting and the journey home without Him.

Thank you all for your support and prayers throughout my recovery and now in this trip back to India....back to the boys that God put on my heart three years ago almost to the very day!

caleb

Let the Journey begin

Hello everyone,

This is Caleb. I'm in Denver now. I got in with no trouble flying at all. Doug and I had lunch and then we just jumped right in at DFN's offices. Got to meet everyone and now know the others going on the trip with us. Got a few ideas for the video we're going to try to make while there. All in all it was a good day, kinda on the long side but I'm sure there's more where that came from. Well, I'll try to update daily for this trip but I'm not making any promises.

caleb

Long Time

It's been a long time, so I thought I'd update you. Caleb called me on Thursday Feb 5th & was upset because he bit off more than he could handle at this time by taking full time college credits. He's decided to withdraw. I know this was not easy for him.

We are still working on getting things changed to move home. The burn Dr does not come to Norfolk, so Caleb will need transportation to those appointments until we find a vehicle for him. It's not been an easy task. Rehab here in town shouldn't be very difficult to get lined up. I've got the paperwork started. The burn Dr told him about March 11th he should be ready for his left prosthetic.

Caleb got the final approval to go to India today. He is VERY excited! He wants to see those boys he has been supporting. Thanks to everyone who has helped him continue that support. Josh 3:13. We will keep walking forward, as the Lord leads. He has provided our every need thus far, I remind myself not to get weary. My Todd is very good at taking care of me.

We were given a referral for a neurosurgeon in Omaha. We also can get a referral to the Mayo Clinic for Caleb's left hand if it's needed. I will be trying to set that up while he's in India along with his ostomy reversal surgery. There is still a long way to go and lots for me to do.

Thank you all for your support! God has been sooooo good to us! Love, Tami

From Mom

I want to thank you Caleb, for posting. I appreciate anything you do to lighten the load!! I would like to let people know that Caleb is wanting to move home. He has been having so much fun hanging out with his friends that are here in town. And driving his little brother's vehicle. And going out to lunch with you, Lori.....First we need to see if the burn Dr comes to Norolk. Then we will get the ball rolling on our end. Line up therapy etc. Please be in prayer about this, that we would get everything lined up that needs taken care of. That we would be able to find a vehicle that Caleb can afford, so that he is able to get himself from point A to point B. Todd's & my job have been overly generous with letting us off work, but it would be SOOO helpful if Caleb is able to get himself around. We are trusting that God knows exactly what we need & we are trying to be patient & "know that I am God" .............I can never thank you enough for your prayers!!! Work has gotten busy, so I must go! Thank You again!!! Love, Tami

A little late

Well, I suppose I should talk about the surgery last wednesday since it's almost been a week. It went well, it took a while for me to feel good enough to leave, longer than normal anyway. I'm fine though. They casted it fully. Guess they don't trust me not to fall on it. I drove a bunch, it's going really well!

Driving?

Hey Everyone!

Thought I'd let you all know that I was able to pass all of the requirements for me to be able to drive with absolutely no restrictions! This is a huge blessing and freedom that I hope to put to good use. Thanks for all your prayers!

caleb

Update.....FINALLY!

Sorry to all of you out there who have continued to come here to hear the news of yours truely (Caleb that is), I am finding it hard to maintain my Facebook and online studies as well as a blog. In any case, I want you all to know I appreciate your thoughts, prayers, calls, cards, and visits. I have found out from all of you and your support of me and my family that I am one of the luckiest guys in the world.

Well I suppose a proper update is in order:

I just got back home from the airport here in Omaha. I went to Arizona with my brother, mom, and step-dad Todd. It is my first experience in commercial flying since being injured. All in all I can say it was a very good experience. I wasn't sure how everything would work out, but everyone working for the airlines helped out above and beyond what I could have asked for. The flight itself was just like all the other times, I didn't find that the altitude affected me at all. The trip itself was very taxing though.

You're probably wondering 'well thats nice but why the heck were you going to Arizona?' Well, a very special lady had a birthday that I wasn't planning on missing. My step- Grandma Dora turned the big 75. I was one of the lucky grandkids that surprised her with our being there. I am very glad that God enabled me to make the trip.

I was also able to spend Saturday evening with a dear friend, Nate Purdum. We spent an hour or so out on this beautiful lake. It was very significant for me because it was the first time I got to be out doors. The view was spectacular, and the conversation even better.

While down in AZ I had a second interview with a newspaper. The Tribune I think for you Arizonians around Dewey and/or Prescott. It was good to get to share my heart for the Dalit people with her more than my journey up this recovery hill.

Speaking of India I am very excited as my mom has already said about the opportunity to go. I ask you to pray to the Great Physician to heal my leg to the extent that my doctors are at ease with sending me as well as His continued protection while in India with all of the bugs I'll run into. A little more info for the trip: I may have the opportunity to spend a few days in Denver at the Dalit Freedom Network's headquarters, I think I'll be getting a 10 year visa for India which will come in handy countless times, I will get to see my boys as my mom said, and now I have experience in commercial travel. I'm most excited to see my boys Bhargav, Sai Kumar, Sai Kiran, and Raju Pulli. I didn't get to meet all of them on my first trip and I miss Bhargav a lot. I was tinking about it and I don't know if I'll have the strength or not but I really would like to have another picture with him on my shoulders. It's overwhelming for me to talk about him sometimes. He represents so many things to me but especially Hope and Courage in my own life and in his. Please pray for this opportunity.

I suppose I can also share that I am having a driving evaluation on Tuesday. We'll figure out to what extent I will need adjustments if any to a vehicle to be able to drive safely. I am very excited about the prospect of driving again with all of its freedom.

I hope you all are able to find nothing more or less than Christ in this post.

Sara Groves - I Saw What I Saw

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
and what I know of love

we've done what we've done and we can't erase it
we are what we are and it's more than enough
we have what we have but it's no substitution

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I'm made of
and what I know of love

I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
your dreams inspire
your face a memory
your hope a fire
Your pain has changed me
your dream inspires
your face a memory
your hope a fire
your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
your courage asks me what I'm made of
your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
and what I know of love
and what I know of God

-------
Courage.
Christ.
Redeemed to what end?
To be like the world,
To accumulate "cheap crap quick"
Things that will be worthless in eternity?
For the Joy that was set before Him did He suffer...
Do we realize what that means?
For Him Joy was to know YOU,
to see YOU living in Redeemed, free to love with no reserve



in some ways this song describes my hearts unyielding passion for the downcast....I saw, heard, and know the pain of this world but know that He suffered so that my life, my heart, my very soul can be free from sin, Justified, and able to enter into His Redemption of my heart and His creation.

Another surgery :(

Caleb just called not too long ago & he needs more work done on the left leg. So it's back to surgery next Wed in Lincoln at 7:30 am. I am disappointed. This is surgery #17. I was really hoping that he would be done except for his ostomy surgery. As a coworker so graciously pointed out, at least he's here to have the surgeries.............thanks Jenn.

Thank you for all your prayers. An update on the left hand. It still is not working. I don't know when/if he should go see a specialist, but please keep that in your prayers too. We really appreciate it!!! LOve, Tami

Update

Well, I can see that my son has not posted an update for quite awhile. KIDS!!!! Let's see if I can remember what I should. On Wednesday after I talked to Caleb he fell outside Border's in Omaha & his leg started to bleed. His step mom took him back to Lincoln for the Dr to look at and evidently all was O.K. I remind myself that there are going to be falls. But I still hate it. Probably more so now than when he was learning to walk the first time. He didn't have as far to fall when he was little!!!

Caleb was invited to go to India at the end of February with Doug Shippee, the President of Dalit Freedom Network. He's checked with all of his Dr's & they have given the O.K. as long as there are no "open" wounds. They are going to see the first graduating class from the school. Caleb is extremely excited about this trip. He wants to see "his boys" again. I am sure this trip will post several challenges for him, but as I've said before, he is a determined young man.

This morning he has another appointment with the burn Dr at 10:30. His aunt Theresa is taking him to this one. I will post more when I hear from Caleb after his appointment.

I stumbled upon another blog that Caleb had started back in Feb. The title amazed me: o, to grace how great a debtor ............I didn't have time to read a lot of it, but one line in particular jumped out at me. "Perhaps one day, I will look back and see a path that God led me down that leads to the place of understanding and wisdom that I am looking for in my present. For now, Jesus must be my guide to understanding Him and me in clarity, honesty, and truth. "

I must get back to work! I will encourage Caleb to keep in touch better!!! Thank you for all your thoughts, & prayers!! I can never say that enough!!! Love, Tami

Appointment for skingraft

I talked to Caleb earlier. His stepmom Tammy took him to this appointment, which I GREATLY appreciate!!!! The bottom of the skingraft looks GREAT, but the top of the skingraft isn't doing so well. It's probably from the fall at the senior high. I don't know exactly what that means, Caleb was not full of information. They did put something on it & rebandaged it. That's really all I know.

I hope you are managing to keep warm if you are anywhere near this COLD/Frigid NE weather. I also pray that God ministers to all our hearts and that we continue to learn to lean on Him. In Him, Love, Tami

Full time Student

I just wanted to let you know that Caleb is going to be a full-time student again!!! I didn't think he would be able to "sit out" too much. He's a pretty determined young man. He is taking some online & independent classes. They have waived some of the restrictions on things for him because of the medical issues involved, which we are very Thankful for. He was so excited when I came home from work yesterday. I just wanted to share that info with you all!!!!

Have a GREAT weekend!!!
Love, Tami

Glimmer

I am at work & "While I'm waiting" is playing on my CD player and I wanted to share how God gave me a glimmer today to keep trusting & praying.

Today when Caleb put on his glove to attach his left hand to his crutches, he said "ouch". Then he looked up at me and said "That's weird" I said "No that's GOOD!!!! I will keep praying!!!

He also biffed it for the first time. At the Senior High, (he wanted to go see Miss Henre) they have a really bad/slick floor when you enter the building and Caleb's crutch went right out from under him & he fell. There was no water on the floor, so I was surprised. He seems O.K. but my heart jumped!!!

Gotta get back to work! Thanks!!! Love, Tami

Things went well

I just wanted to let you know that things went well with Caleb's skingraft yesterday. He is in a little more pain because they took donor skin from him, but he's home in Norfolk until the weekend. It was recommended that he forego rehab this week while things heal.

Thank you for your prayers & support. He's doing so well. God has been so good & I am continuing to trust His healing power on Caleb's left hand. I am asking that God restore full mobility in that hand. "You have not because you ask not"

Love, Tami

I just want everyone to know that for Wednesday through Friday I walked everywhere with my crutches, no wheelchair at all. It is the first time i have felt like I'm making real progress for a while. -caleb

ready for the fight ahead of me. -caleb

Update

Caleb said at the Dr's office that he wanted to post on the blog. I've been waiting for him to update.......... so I will give a brief update. The Dr's said that he is healing extremely well, and quickly & he is a week ahead of schedule on how well the Integra is healing, so he will have a skingraft on Tuesday. After that heals, he will get to begin rehab on the left leg. He is so ready for that....

I have had a great Christmas break so far. THANK YOU so much for your prayers & support. Having Caleb home & with the family has been wonderful. I have decided that I will post periodically, but this is Caleb's Road, and he is in GREAT shape & able to post anytime he feels like it, so, if you don't hear from me, that's why.

Laura Katherine, I have not forgotten & will not forget to pray for your dad. Please keep me updated.
Love, Tami