Monday, July 16, 2007

I'm back...I think...

We are home. My husband and I have just endured the most stressful and horrible week of our lives...sorry I wasn't able to get word to many of you to pray, but thank you so much to those who read about my son on Susan's blog and sent emails of encouragement. I'm exhausted, so I'll just paste an email here that was sent out on our behalf that summarizes what we've been through. God has been soooooooooooo faithful on our behalf, and we can do nothing but praise Him for sparing our sweet little Benny and bringing us through this situation. This email was written Saturday by one of our co-workers. I'll process and share more little by little.


Friday, July 13: Dina just called and asked me to send you this email to let you know what has been going on in their lives these past few days and bring you up to date. If you have any questions feel free to contact me and I will try to pass them on to the Kowals.

Last weekend, Benny came down with a fever and generally was sick.

By Tuesday, it was clear to them that he was getting worse and needed medical attention. They took him to the local hospital where Benny was diagnosed with Dengue Shock Syndrome. This is stage 4 in the development of Dengue Fever which is often fatal in young children especially in 3rd world countries. Benny was immediately placed in a pediatric ICU ward with many other children and they waited through the next 48 critical hours surrounded by neighbors and coworkers. During that time of waiting, we prepared to evacuate Benny to Singapore but the Lord did not allow us to get him on the flight because he was still in critical condition--receiving oxygen, IV, and having a catheter in. They continue testing Benny's blood every 4 hours and we watched and waited as the Lord brought him to the point where yesterday, they were able to move Benny to a private room and both Dina and Russ have been able to get some much needed sleep. By this afternoon, we expect that they will be removing the IV and catheter and if his blood levels are sufficiently normal within the next two or three days, he should be released to come home from the hospital.

Obviously, Russ and Dina have tried to communicate with people as they have been able to do so, but today Russ asked if I would include an update to you since he realized you probably have been out of the loop on the developments. Thank you for praying for them.

Russ and Dina have been encouraged in spite of this difficult situation. There have been painful moments as they watched situations unfold there in the emergency room and ICU, but they are encouraged that even in those situations, the Lord has given them opportunities to be a blessing to many.

I am sure they will be in touch as soon as they are home from the hospital and able to be back online. In the meantime, we are happy to pass along any information we have.

9 comments:

  1. Praise the Lord! I have been praying for all of you and am so glad to hear this encouraging report.

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  2. So glad to hear that things are encouraging & your DS is improving. My prayers are with you.

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  3. Just another example of God's faithfulness! Sorry you had to go thru so much, but it does strengthen our faith, doesn't it? My prayers are with you as well! Praises to Him who is Able!

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  4. I've been worried about you and have been praying, now I know why you were on my heart. Still prayin for you. Hope you can get some rest. Love from TX!

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  5. Thank you Lord! Glad to hear that Benny is getting better. God's grace is truly sufficient for our every need. I'll certainly continue to pray for your family.

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  6. So glad to hear a bit of an update! I can't even begin to imagine what you have been through. Praise the Lord though for His amazing love and care during these times!!

    Hugs,
    DeAnna

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  7. I'm so sorry to hear what everyone has been going through. My prayers are with you all. Hugs xoxo

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  8. Thank you for this update. God is good. His mercy endures forever.

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  9. So glad that B is OK. I'd been praying for *you* (concerned as your last post was that you were getting sick), and obviously the Lord has placed you on my heart for a reason. I'm sure you're all exhausted, and I'll continue to pray for your family.

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