Again, I just have to start by thanking all of you for your thoughts and prayers.  It’s been very encouraging for me (and for Jorge’s family as I’ve shared with them) all the letters and notes from people back home who are praying.  Thanks you! 

Just a quick update…Jorge had another surgery last night to place another shunt (I think that’s what it’s called) in his head to relieve the preasure from the liquid that’s been building up.  They also worked on his arm (I think his arm must have been broken in the accident, but since everyone was so focused on his internal bleeding and whatnot, it wasn’t mentioned before) to fix…something?  =)  I get a little lost in some of the Spanish explainations.  But what I did understand for sure was that things went very well.  The doctor was extremely pleased with how Jorge responded to the surgery.  So that’s pretty exciting.  He was heavily medicated all day, so he didn’t move or respond at all today, but that’s to be expected. 

It seems clear now that in terms of the immediate danger of his dying, Jorge is past the worst.  The doctor has been pretty straight forward however, that the healing process is going to be a long one.  But again…that’s to be expected.  And with what we went through last Friday when we all thought we were going to lose him…everything now is something to be thankful for and praise God for.  And we are!  =) 

One last thing…I’m writing this from the hospital where I just spoke with Jorge’s sister, Noelia, about something.  This hospital is amazing…it’s one of the best in the city, and for sure the best neurologist in Santa Cruz works out of here.  But it’s expensive.  This family is of pretty modest means, and this has been a challenge for them.  I’ve been feeling pretty strongly that they have enough to worry about, without having to worry about money as well.  So I’ve put the word out about their need to a few friends and family in Canada.  And now…I’m tossing this out to all of you.  If you’d like to help them, even a little bit, with some of their costs, just let me know (you can e-mail me at ken.switzer@iteams.org and I’ll give you more info).  That’s one of the great things about Bolivia, money goes a long way here.

For sure though…we are most thankful for your prayers for Jorge.  It’s just been one miracle after another here, right from the moment of the accident itself.  If you could see the car, you’d understand that Jorge probably shouldn’t have even survived the initial impact. 

So God is good and is answering the prayers of His people.  I am so thank you for your faithfulness in prayer and for God’s faithfulness in responding.  Thanks again for taking the time to read this and for writing me to let me know you’re praying.  Sometimes I feel pretty far away from Canada…but this week hasn’t been one of those times!  =)