I’m sitting at the hospital right now, writing this.  Just as I openned my blog to update you, my friend Maribel came over to tell me the good news that just now Jorge moved his arm and was squinting his eyes.  He’s been in a medically induced coma since the accident on Wednesday, so this is the first movement or signs of consiousness we’ve seen since then.  It’s pretty good news…I’m actually getting a bit emotional as I write this.  For those of you who know me and are smiling to themselves about the whole “twitchy nose” thing, let me just say…I’m so far past that, you can’t even imagine.  =)

First of all, before I go on, let me just say thanks to all of you for praying and passing on notes telling me such.  You guys have been amazing!  It was encouraging to hear from people all over the place telling me that they were praying for Jorge.  I’m sure he’ll appreciate it too!

It’s been a rough few days.  Within minutes of finishing my update last Friday, we were told that Jorge would need immediate surgery for more internal bleeding.  His stomach was becoming so swolen and enlarged that the doctor said he would die without the surgery.  But the doctor was very clear that he didn’t think Jorge’s chances of surviving the surgery were very good either.  He suggested that Vivianna (Jorge’s wife) be brought to the hospital immediately.  So Maribel (another of my volunteers) and I took off to the house where she was staying, to get her.  

Let me say right here, that Vivi has been unbelievable.  Her and Jorge were just married last May, so I feel like I’m still getting to know her.  Through all of this, she’s been a rock of peace and stability.  Her faith has not dimished even for a moment.  The only time I saw her cry was when we first got to the hospital and Jorge’s mom hugged her.  Other than that, she just keeps on believing and trusting in God’s faithfulness.  I’m not saying that she didn’t understand the situation, or know that Jorge was likely not going to survive the night, but her faith in God sustained her through it all.  

I, on the other hand, felt like a basket-case.  I’m not good with the emotion, people.  =)  It makes my head hurt…  Every time I openned my mouth I think I started to cry.  But I was comforted by the fact that I wasn’t the only one.  Jorge is one of those people who is pretty universally loved.  

By the time the surgery started, many of the people from our church had gathered at the hospital.  Most had been at the church praying, but when the news went out about the surgery, they all came.  We gathered in a courtyard next to the hospital, in a big circle, and prayed together.  Seriously, at that point I’d used up all the words I had…all I could pray was just, “Please God.  Please God.” 

I feel dumb saying this next part, because obviously this isn’t at all about me.  But…whatever.  I just couldn’t imagine losing the guy who’s become probably my closest friend here.  I feel dumb because other people were faced with losing their husband or son.  But, I guess my perspective is my perspective.  Truth be told, it’s been tough the past few years.  I left some good friends in Canada, and I’ve had a hard time making new friends here.  Okay, even as I write that, I feel like a twelve year old writing about changing schools in some after-school TV special.  But it’s true.  So when Jorge and I became friends, it was definitely a blessing.  To think about losing that friendship was incredibly painful. 

So words fail me when I try to describe what it was like when one of the ladies in the church came out to tell us that Jorge had survived the surgery and was stable.  Suffice to say that it was a good moment. 

We still covett your prayers however.  Jorge is definitely stronger and the doctor is using the word “hope” a lot more.  But even as I write this, we’ve been told that he’s still got liquid in his brain, and they’ll have to operate again tonight to relieve the preasure.  No one is quite sure what Jorge will be like when he regains consciousness…but that’s tomorrow’s problem.  Today we’re just going to continue to take one moment at a time.  People are smiling more, and there’s more of a sense of peace here.

Please continue to pray for Jorge, for Vivianna and for his family and friends.  Everyone is tired and emotional.  His family especially, needs your prayers.  Jorge’s sister, Noelia and he are very close (Noelia and her husband are also volunteers with us).  I can see this has taken a toll on her.  Jorge also has an eight year old son, who I’m sure is struggling to understand everything.

But like I said, through all of this we can see God’s faithfulness.  No matter what the future holds, God is good, and worthy of our praises.  Thanks for reading, praying and for being concerned.