8 Weeks.

The official word after visiting with the surgeon today...8 weeks in this extreme cast. 

His surgery was so difficult, and the hip socket initially so unresponsive, that we must wait 8 weeks before trying to move the leg at all.

Originally, the thought was that a casting period of 5-6 weeks total was needed...now we need 8 weeks for the current cast, and likely another four after that.

THREE MONTHS.

Then, after our furlough to the States this summer, we'll return and start on the other hip.

The wound is healing well, and for that we are very grateful.  The Charmer's emotions are very up and down.  Now we're trying to think of ways that we could transport him to school, so that he will get some break from the monotony of bed rest.  We live on the sixth and seventh floor, without an elevator...so moving this six year old, while his leg is at a drastic angle in a hard cast, requires some ingenuity.

We have been so blessed by our community here that has brought meals, raised funds for the surgeries, and come to sit with The Charmer while we've had to teach.  There is so much to be thankful for...

My mom always said, "anything that is worth anything is worth the work it takes to achieve it" (or something like that... :)

The Charmer's dream to take his first steps is worth a great deal.  We must all keep this dream alive in our minds, protecting it and nurturing it, because it will take a tremendous amount of work to achieve it.   But it will be WORTH IT ALL, when we see our boy walk...and DANCE before the Lord!

Thank you for your ongoing prayers for our little guy...each day we draw strength and comfort from your intercession.

Yes, if I really let my mind break free from the day to day realities...I can see him dancing now...