Since the moment I received that call on the day of Elena's injury, she has been covered entirely in prayer each and every day. That is so incredible. Lately, I have been reflecting on what a comfort all of you have been. I start to tear up every time I try to comprehend just how much my little girl is loved and prayed for. It's overwhelming to Chad and me to think about all the prayers that have been said over the last 13 months. Elena is living proof that there IS power in prayer.
This past week we were at a gathering with all my extended family and several friends from the community my Mom grew up in. The minute Elena and I walked in my cousin's young son ran up to us saying, "It's Baby Elena! She's so cute! I pray for her every night!". It was all I could do to keep it together to say thank you.
We walked in a little further and I ran into my Great Aunt who stopped to see Elena and tell me that she prays for her every day. Later, my Mom ran into her minister (who she didn't know) who asked her if she was Elena's Grandma. He told my Mom that my Great Aunt prints out my blog entries, takes them to church and the church posts them in their bulletin to update everyone who is praying for our girl. Wow.
We were able to see my cousin whose family is soon moving to Chile to be missionaries. Though this was the first time they were able to meet Elena, they have been such a support to us. While in the hospital, we received messages from people whom we did not know, telling us they were praying for Elena. My cousin and his wife had activated their network of prayer warriors across the globe. His wife told me their youngest, who is five, still prays for Elena every night. He prays that she would "be able to eat food...because it tastes so good" and "be able to walk because it is sooo much better than crawling". From the mouths of babes! They have been such an encouragement to us, even though they live thousands of miles away!
Another of my cousins has a young daughter who adores Elena. When we were in the hospital she would come bringing homemade cards and presents. Now every time we see her, she wants to hold Baby Elena. She rubs Elena's hands, kisses her and sings to her. The sincerity of her sweet gestures breaks my heart every time!
We were introduced to several other people who we did not know, but knew us. They have been following our story, praying for Elena continuously. What a blessing it is to know that people who don't even know us faithfully pray for our little girl!
It seems like Chad comes home every day telling me about something kind a client did for HIM! Whether it's a text saying they prayed for our family that morning or how their daughter was so excited to see Elena roll over, every gesture gives us a dose of comfort. Knowing that all of you STILL pray for our daughter means more to us than words could ever explain. We are so touched to know that your children, who have much more exciting things to think about like Barbies, Trains and birthday parties, STILL remember Baby Elena and pray for her each night.
All of this serves as a reminder to both Chad and me that our situation is big, bigger than we could ever imagine. God is doing incredible things in our lives and in those whom Elena has touched. We are continually humbled at the love God has poured out in our lives through you all. Your prayers and encouragement really do lift our spirits. It helps us to realize what an opportunity we have to share our story and the work that God is doing in all of us. Thank you to each and every one of you who support us every step of the way. We know Elena continues to be a shining light, not only in our lives, but out there in this world.
"No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light."
Luke 11:33
