Upcoming News Coverage

It's hard to believe that it has been almost 6 months since Anes and parents, Adis and Aldina, arrived in Indianapolis looking for "HOPE in One Hemisphere"...and now nearly 4 months since they returned home to Bosnia with a 'new" Anes - happy and progressing AND seizure free! In the two months they were here, I spent a lot of time with them - hoping with them and helping as well I hope. I can not put into adequate words what it meant to share in this piece of their journey. I feel a great bond with them and a great love for them. And I really miss them. It warms my heart to get updates on Anes and to see pictures of him happy and doing 'typical' things...like feeding himself. I pray each day that he continues to make developmental strides and never experiences another seizure. Afterall, that is the ultimate goal any parent is reaching for in putting their child through this crazy surgery called hemispherectomy. A huge surgery that at first seems so unreasonable and unfathomable to a parent, but which quickly becomes the best HOPE for a better life for their child. It takes any parent a lot of FAITH and TRUST to proceed. Imagine what it must have took for these parents to come to a foreign land and trust all these people they knew only through the internet or not at all! Amazing parents...amazing people...but the driver was their immense love for Anes and the need to have this HOPE for him. And what a team of people it took to make it happen...all for a boy they had never met but whom they felt compelled to help...to get his shot at 'HOPE in One Hemisphere'. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who had a hand involved or played a role. What a gift YOU all were given...to be a part of Anes' story.

Which brings me to THE STORY...
I received word from my contact with Wish TV 8 in Indianapolis about the schedule for airing the local coverage of Anes' story. The local coverage will have interviews with myself and Jon and footage from our home and Avery as well as Anes in therapy. It focuses on the piece of the story that tells how Anes' family came to connect with myself, then the Hemispherectomy Foundation, and end up in Indianapolis for surgery. It focuses on the diagnosis, the connections of our familes, the value of helping others, etc. The first local coverage will air this Sunday night (Dec 13th) during the night cast. Additional repeat coverage will then air on Monday during daybreak news cast and at the 5pm news cast. I am sure that it will also be available from the website at some point as well (www.WISHTV.com).

The Doctors episode airs on CBS on Monday, Dec 14th (check www.thedoctorstv.com for your local listing for time and channel). This episode will cover Anes' journey through surgery, the surgery itself and it showcases Anes, his amazing parents (Adis and Aldina) and the wonderful neurosurgeon Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol (who performed Anes' hemispherectomy here in Indianapolis) on set. I have no idea what all made it into the final cut of the episode they are airing, but they took photage of Anes' from pre-surgery, during surgery, through initial recovery, etc, as well as interviews with the family, Dr. Cohen, Dr. Patel, the rehab team, myself, and others. They also had access to all the pictures I had taken from the time Anes, Adis and Aldina arrived through Anes' recovery. I'm excited to see this episode and see Anes, Adis and Aldina's beautiful faces again...it is hard to not miss them terribly. It is amazing to realize that they came here with Anes having more seizures than they even realized at the time and after the hard work and generosity of an amazing medical team and hospital and help from The Hemispherectomy Foundation, they got to go back home to their other child, family and friends and share the 'new' Anes. What a blessing!

If you take nothing else from this story...
Know that reaching out to others is the right thing to do.
Know that there is nothing monetary or even tangible that is as rewarding as helping another.
Know that great faith can move mountains.
Know that nothing is more powerful than love, especially love for a child.
Know that it doesn't matter the differences in your nationality, your faith, or your language...the hope and love in your hearts will connect you above all of those.

Blessings of the season!
Holly

No News is Good News

The saying is true...no news IS good news. BUT...I'm still sorry to have left you without any news for so long. Here's a quick summary of what's happened since the last update.

Anes' recovery and rehabilitation has gone remarkably well. Recovery was without incident or major concern. Aside from a few days of low to mid-grade temps, which are common post hemi, recovery really was smooth sailing for this little man. We were all excited to see him come though the recovery so well and so quickly and move on to the nest step...rehab.

Rehab work has been going very well. Anes has been working hard since starting rehab, even if he wasn't always happy to do so in the beginning. Of course, as the days have gone by, he is tolerating and even enjoying his therapy. It has been a busy but exciting time. With 2 sessions each of OT, PT and Speech each weekday and 1 session each Saturday, he has certainly been busy. It is all paying off though, as he continues to amaze every one each day with something "new". I am excited to report that he has become quite the "jabber box" these days and that he no longer prefers to lie arround. He loves attention and wants to be held. He reacts to the environment and anticipates during little games (which I love to play with him). He giggles when tickled and he tries to play peek-a-boo. He loves watching the Baby Einstein DVDs and he smiles when I sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to him (though I know he is totally humoring me). He eats by mouth...like a champ...and is learning to drink from straw. I am excited to see what the future continues to bring Anes. i have no doubt that there are many more skills to be learned and successes to be had.

To see him now, you'd be simply amazed. That is the power of this surgery for our kids...at least what it can be. Anes has joined his life in a way that he was not able to before his hemi. He is aware of his world and taking it all in and learning more each day. What a gift to be thankful for and to celebrate with each new day! I know Adis and Aldina are...very thankful and still celebrating each new day and skill.

Anes will leave inpatient rehab this Friday, but continue on outpatient rehab for a couple more weeks. Then, around month's end, he will be on his way home to Bosnia. So many of us - myself, the medical team, the therapists, the interpreters - will know doubt be just a little sad to see him go, but will also be celebrating his journey here and keeping in touch as it continues at "home". There is little doubt that this little life will have changed us all in some way(s), leaving a unique impression on each of us.

I wish I could give you a visual of just how well he is doing, but I still can not do so. Just know that is won't be long until you can hear all about his story and see pictures from surgery day through the present day. I can't say more than that yet, but will post the information you need when I can finally do so.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of his journey here. For caring...for sharing...for helping. You've touched a life and made it better and there are no better gifts to share than those coming out of love and compassion for another. I continue to feel blessed to have been just a tiny part of his journey. I'm hoping we will all be able to gather together to say "goodbye" when the time comes. I will post details of any plans for a "bon voyage" party as they come to fruition.

In celebration and continued HOPE,
Holly

Anes plows through Day 3 and 4

Anes continues to do so well. The VEEG is off and he is out of the PICU. He is now on the pediatric floor and doing better each day. Day 3 was probably the "worst" for him in terms of general recovery. He was more awake and aware and started to run a temperature (which is generally normal for the hemi kiddos post-op) and you could just tell that he was feeling crummy. After some Tylenol and pain med, he was feeling a lot better and was able to sleep. Of course, because of the fever, the medical team collected blood to culture just to be sure. So far, they are clear. Oh, and no sign of the "s" word. YAY!!!

Yesterday, he was really looking great! His right eye is now fully open and he is trying to smile in response to the silliness that we all give him. He is making all these little vocalizations when he is upset and cries, which he does now. Aldina said he did not do these things before. And while it is tough to see and hear him cry, it is so good to see him have this completely 'typical' response. We take that as a good sign of the things to come !

Oh how I wish that I could share a picture so that you can see how amazing he looks. You just have to trust that he is looking great. I am so proud of him...such a tough little guy! He is drinking some from the bottle again (after not wanting to on day 3 probably because it hurt to "suck") and eating baby food from a spoon. He is taking all his meds orally, though he really doesn't want to swallow that yucky tasting Topomax. He lets you know how much he dislikes that!

Last night we brought dinner over to the hospital. Since the cafeteria food is not-so-good, they has been going to the Hardee's across the street and had had just about all the burgers they could stand. So, we decided to bring Italian (spaghetti, chicken parmesean, chicken canolloni, etc) over and all have dinner together in the room. I think it was a nice change of pace and we all enjoyed the chance to eat together and talk.

It has been awesome to see so many people step up to support them over these last few weeks. Every interpreter that has come to assist has fallen for Anes and Adis and Aldina. Now they just come over to check up and hang out with them all of their own accord. It is so great to see that. The human spirit...moved by a child. Thank you Ruzica, Milan, Marko, Tina, Josh...you all have been such great support and comfort! And now, I suspect, life-long friendships have been made!

That's it for now. I'll update later after I check in on them all. Have a great day!

Much love,
Aunt Holly (that is what I call myself now...Anes' US aunt..haha)

P.S.: My own Sweet Pea turned 4 years old on Friday! Hard to believe...where did 4 years go?

Day 2 is GREAT too!

Anes' second day of recovery was another great day! WOW is the only word I have for what I see each time I visit him. He is one tough little man! He is drinking from a bottle, taking his medicines by mouth (admittedly with a little prodding for the ones that don't taste great). He is using his right hand just as before...trying to get his pacifier to his mouth. I think the right eye being swollen nearly shut is making that task a bit difficult because he can't see so well from that side. He will get it though in the days to come, as that swelling goes down and he can fully open his eye again. He was able to open it a sliver today, which was more than yesterday.

Overall, the head swelling seemed no worse today. Really, it is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G just how great he looks. He was still hooked to the VEEG, but tolerating it well. Still no sign of any seizures....PRAISE GOD! Aldina was told that it would likely come off tomorrow sometime and he would be moved out of the PICU. His stats are all great. No nasal canula for oxygen today. No IVs. He is only hooked to the VEEG and the vitals monitoring leads and still with the central line. That's it! What a little champ. He doesn't fuss much at all while lying in the bed...only when being moved 'cause it hurts his little head. Aldina said he was trying to smile at Adis this afternoon and that he gave them more of his little "kiss smacks"...so sweet.

Thank you all for being such a fantastic prayer and emotional support team for Anes, Adis and Aldina. They are so thankful for everything! I wish you could all meet them and know them as I do now. They are wonderful people who have shown us all again just was great FAITH looks like. Even though I have been present for this...I still have to remind myself that this has really happened. A beautiful boy from Bosnia came to America to be treated by a surgeon and medical team who cared enough to make it happen because they felt it was the right thing to do. Almost a year after that first email from Asmir...it really has happened.

Please say a little extra prayer of "thanks" to our loving God today. He saw to it that this would happen for Anes.

In FAITH,
Holly

Recovery Off to a GREAT Start

I went to the hospital to see Anes late this morning. WOW! He is doing exceptionally well.

While I was there, he opened his left eye (his right is swollen shut) and moved all his extremities. He was already extubated and breathing on his own with only a nasal canula. He made several small little sounds and vocalizations. I was just blown away at the sight and sound of him. He is voiding great, but as usual, still waiting for the BM to show up. He had been given clearance to start feeding by mouth again late this afternoon. Oh, and the sweetest thing...he made his "kiss smack" back to Aldina when she made it and asked him to give her kisses. PRECIOUS and IMPRESSIVE. Less than 24 hours after surgery!

Dr. Patel stopped by and said that so far everything looks good. They had gone through the VEEG up to 10:30 pm last night and there had been no sign of a seizure getting through to the other side or body. He was very encouraged by everything that he was seeing Anes do...which gave more weight to our own encouragement. By the time I left to go to work, he was resting comfortably in Aldina's arms...for the first time since she and Adis had turned him over to the team for surgery. It was a moving sight to see him in her arms again. I know that moment...what it feels like...and what calm and relief it brings. Aldina told me could hold him like that all day. And I just bet she did.

Now, some of you may have noticed that I have not posted any pictures in the last couple of days. I did not stop taking them and I did not forget, but there is a reason that this blog is devoid of pictures right now. Anes' story caught the interest of a national media source and they have been in town covering his story. As a part of this interest and the intent to air this story on TV, the family and involved parties had to agree to a few things - one of which was not to post any pictures and not to talk to other media until the story this media source has produced airs. So, you will have to take our word for it that he is doing well and he LOOKS great.

If it all seems crazy that any of us agreed to this, let me assure you that it is all because we believe in the story that will be told...in its ability to teach other's about this condition, this surgery, the power of compassion, and the good that comes from helping another. We hope you will agree that it is all worthwhile in the end. All we can say for now is keep your ears perked for the story at a time in the not too distant future.

And, as always, keep those prayers up! They have made a great impact.

In Peace,
Holly

Off to PICU

As I noted in the earlier post, Anes' surgery is completed. He is now in the PICU resting comfortably. Adis and Aldina were able to see him and talk with Dr. Cohen and Dr. Patel. By all accounts, everything went very well. He is still hooked to EEG to monitor for any unwanted activity, but so far things are looking great!

After work, I visited with Adis and Aldina for about an hour at the RMH. They were so relieved to have this part over and very happy with how things have gone. We hugged and celebrated today and what this means for Anes and their family. I can not tell you how wonderful this child and his family are...I am so blessed to know them! I have grown to love them all so very much.

The staff at Methodist, Dr. Cohen and Dr. Patel have been nothing short of amazing. I wish more doctors could be of this caliber, could be this generous, humble, and compassionate. They have made an impression on all of us. It is not everyday that you meet these kind of people, much less physicians with their knowledge and skill level. I know that I am forever grateful to them for helping Anes...and for doing so in such a humble manner.

Tomorrow morning I will go to see Anes with my own eyes for the first time since surgery was completed. I can not wait to see him! I have no words for how I feel right now...

Please keep Anes in your prayers in the days to come, as recovery progresses and he begins rehabilitation. This part of the war is done, but there are other battles still to be fought for Anes.

In Joy,
Holly

Sugery Complete!

I just called to check in on surgery, as I had to leave to go to work :(

Great news....Anes is out!

Dr. Cohen came to talk to Adis and Aldina and let them know that surgery was complete. Anes did great! He took them to the recovery area waiting room and they are just waiting to see him for the first time since 8 am this morning. They should be able to do so in just a few minutes! Aldina was so happy and is ready to see him.

WOW! What a sense of relief right now.

Please keep the prayer going, focusing on his recovery in the days to come and that those "yucky" things are gone for good!

I will update as I know more!

Love,
Holly

Report from the OR

Dr. Patel, the neurologist treating Anes, came out of the OR with a great report at about 1:30 pm. He said that Anes was doing great...that he is a strong little guy. He indicated that surgery was going very well, no problems and no concerns. He said that Dr. Cohen is actually running a bit ahead of his anticpated schedule. Knowing Dr. Patel, this is all great news! He is a man that is always a real straight-shooter. So, if there were any concerns at all he absolutely would have told Adis and Aldina. The fact that he says things are going great means that we all have a lot to take great comfort in right now! Praise God! Don't stop the prayers!

In HOPE,
Holly

3rd Surgery Update

Just got a third update that everything continues to go well! We are so very happy. Praying for Anes' new beginning.

2nd Surgery Update

Just received word that things continue to go well. Anes is doing great.

Prayers continue...

First Surgery Update

Adis and Aldina just received their first surgery update from the OR, stating that everything is going well. Anes is doing great.

Please keep the prayers going...
Holly

A New Day

Today is the day...a new start for Anes.

Anes went into surgery this morning at 8:00 am. Aldina was able to go back to the OR with him and see who would be taking care of her beautiful child today. It was a good thing. Dr. Cohen knew that this would make Aldina feel better...and it did.

Please, as you have a moment today, pray for Anes. Pray that this surgery is everthing that Adis and Aldina have hoped and prayed that it will be. Pray that the doctors and the medical team have the wisdom they need to not only keep him safe, but to make this surgery a huge success. Pray that the days to come will provide a quick recovery for Anes and that he is able to show the world just how strong and smart he is. Just pray...we would be so grateful.

We will update as we can as we learn more about how surgery is progressing...so stay tuned.

With much love and thanks,
Holly and Aldina

The Adventures of a Video EEG

First thing Monday morning, I arrived at the house to meet Aldina, Adis and Anes and we headed off to the hospital so that Anes could get all "wired up" for the video EEG. Tina, the interpreter who has been helping us met us there at 9:30 am. It was off to registration first, which went surprisingly smooth, and then to the EEG technician room for placement of the electrodes. Anyone reading this who has experienced a VEEG with their own child (or seen a hook-up done) knows what an unpleasant experience this can be for a young child. Anes was no different. He did NOT like it one little bit. Of course he would not...he could not understand what they were doing to him. Prior to this, Anes' EEGs were never more than 20 minutes long in Bosnia, thus they did not require having the electrodes glued down to the head. Once all the leads were placed and Aldina could pick him up, he calmed down a great deal. But he was tired after all that commotion! I have to admit, he looked pretty darn cute with his little alien netting on though (see for yourself!).

After this, it was off to the overnight room for the family. The plan was to record activity for 48 hours. Dr Cohen stopped in to make sure things were going well and see if there where any questions. The Pediatric team also came in and took a full history on Anes to make sure he was all well from the general pediatric/child health side. Since Anes was asleep, they decided to come back later to do the physical exam...which was a good thing. Tina stayed until Adis and Aldina were comfortable in the room and knew the protocols, etc.. The hospital's PR/Communications team came in and talked to Aldina an Adis about their story and that they would like to do some internal video taping, in hopes that everything would go well and they would be able to share the story nationally to help other families and spread awareness. Adis and Aldina understood the purpose and were gracious enough to easily agree, and they learned that the crew would be in about 5 pm to start filming material when Dr. Cohen would be back to talk to them. Aldina asked for Tina and I to be around at that time if possible and we both agreed. By the time I returned at 5 pm, Anes had woken, was happy and already showing those with the camera's just how special he is. He definately had an effect on those people!

The filming of Adis, Aldina, Anes, and Dr. Cohen (with interpretation provided by Tina) appeared to go very well. The PR/Communication team really seemed to be getting excited about what they were seeing and learning about this child and his family. I had the chance to talk to those in charge and answer some of their questions. Eventually, they took Dr. Cohan aside and did a short interview with him about the surgery...what it is, why it is important, what it can mean to Anes, what happens without it, etc. They then also asked me to go on camera and share how the family got here...how they became connected with me, The Hemispherectomy Foundation, and ultimately Dr. Cohen and Methodist Hospital. They also wanted to capture the perspective of a parent who has been through the surgery and what it means to families. It was an honor to take part in that and I hope that I did all of our hemi families justice.

During this time, Adis and Aldina did learn that Anes is having more seizures than they could see with their eyes (clinical seizures vs. subclinical seizures). That in fact, he is having very little non-seizure time. Aldina shared that this was hard to hear and that they didn't know before. We talked about how this was not a surprise to the medical team though, as most HME kiddos have as many, if not more, seizures that can't be seen as can be seen with the eye. And we talked about how this information just made it more apparent that they are where they need to be and doing the right thing for Anes. The other thing they learned, which is what many of us had been holding our breaths to hear, was that so far it appeared that the activity was only coming from the right HME side. They would learn more about the EEG the following morning when Dr. Patel, neurology, was scheduled to come talk to them.

All in all, it was a good day, though Anes might strongly disagree :) Good news and no surprises. Not sure you can ask for more from a medical standpoint!

After getting some giggle, smile and play time Anes, I headed out so that they could all settle in for the night and get some rest. Tina and I said that we both would be back the next morning at 7 am when Dr. Patel would be in to talk about the EEG in more detail.

The hospital took great care of them all day, even making sure that Adis and Aldina had food and that Anes' needs were able to be met...I'm sure in so small part to Dr. Cohen and the expectations he made clear to hospital staff!

So, tomorrow is another day...but all things are looking good! Praise God! Keep praying for everything to go as hoped and planned.

Peace,
Holly

The First Days

It has been a busy few days since Anes, Adis and Aldina arrived in Indianapolis...but I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I thought you all might like to have a quick summary of details regarding the last few days...so read on to see what they have been up to.

After all the commotion of Thursday's arrival, they were able to get a little rest and go out for an early dinner with Caiden and I at CHAMPS in the downtown mall on Friday late afternoon. We also swung over to Brookestone to pick up the "European to American" adapters they needed for the laptop and cell phone they brought with them to stay in contact with family back home. I was glad that it turned into an easier task than I thought it might be...success at the first store we tried! We then headed to a big box store to pick up some food items for them to have at the Ronald McDonald House and a couple more pieces of clothing since their bags had not yet shown up. Then it was back to Jon and I's house so Anes, Adis and Aldina could meet Avery. We enjoyed our time together and getting pictures of the kids together. It was so cute! Anes can steal your heart as quick as lightening! He will "kiss" you back when you make the kissing sound for him. I mean...there is not a heart he won't melt!

By Saturday, 2 of their 3 bags had arrived...so they had a majority of their "stuff" finally. They came over to our house again, this time for dinner and more time together. They showed us many pictures of Bosnia on our home computer and share more facts and information about their country and culture. Did you know that the world's largest pyramid is in Bosnia and was only discovered a couple years ago? We were amazed to learn so much from them! Bosnia is a beautiful country and so are it's people. After dinner and our time together, we made some calls to find the still missing 3rd bag. Within a couple of hours, it too finally showed up. So, the shoes and such made it after all!

For Sunday, we made plans to go to the zoo and we had a great time! We enjoyed a long walk from the RMH to the zoo. We took time to see the Oceans, Plains and Forest exhibits and to talk and learn even more about each other....and to enjoy some ice cream cones! Anes, loving the milder weather that Sunday brought and the walk in his stroller, slept through all of the zoo! He was adorable doing it too! We then walked back to the RMH, stopping to takes some great pics of Adis and Aldina with the Indianapolis skyline in the background and some great group shots...and of course several more cute pics of Anes. We took a short break back that the house, so Anes could eat and we all could rest or legs, and then we went out for pizza at Jon and I's favorite Irvington pizza spot. It was such a beautiful evening that we sat outside and enjoyed the evening together. When we finished dinner, I took them back to the RMH and visited a little while longer. We talked about the next day, the EEG, what to bring, etc... and the schedule for the morning. Aldina invited me to help her give Anes a bath, which was a lot of fun even though he doesn't like the bath time much :) After he was all settled in his PJ's, he and I played for a few more minutes, because I can't leave until I get a few Anes' giggles and a "kiss". We all said good night then...knowing that tomorrow was going to be an early morning and busy day.

It has been nothing short of amazing...to learn more about Anes, Adis, Aldina, and Bosnia these past few days. They are easy people...kind, caring and proud of their county. Just as we are here. In our talks, we have done a lot of comparing and contrasting our countries and cultures. It has been eye-opening and educational. They have shared so many insights and comments with me, that I can not put them all down here...but instead offer just a few. They are amazed at the outright kindness that they have experienced from the people here in Indianapolis...the staff at the house, strangers at the stores and on the streets. They have commented how different it is to go out here than at home in Bosnia, because people here do not stare at Anes or Avery and because the restaurants went out of their way to help meet the needs of our children in their big strollers. At home, they do not take Anes out to places like this. They shared that the doctors are different here...more kind and caring. In Bosnia, many of the doctors are corrupt and expect gifts or money to treat them. They we so surprised to see Dr. Cohen at the airport...and could not believe that this type of caring was coming from a doctor they did not know. There is no public schooling for children with special needs. Only private ones, but only in bigger places like Sarajevo...not at all in the small cities. There are no places for weekly therapies. Aldina does with Anes at home what she learned from the little bit of physical therapy he received in Kosevo Hospital. Any equipment he has, they pay for...as there is no insurance to cover those things. There are no Medicaid waivers, Medicaid disability, etc. Yet, none of this is shared in a complaining fashion...just an "it is what it is" way of explaining and a real proudness of who they are and of Bosnian culture. It makes my heart hurt for Anes, because he deserves what my child gets...what any other child here in America gets. Still, he knows love. Profound love. And he is so well taken care of...every need met. Of course, that is not a surprise. Is there greater love than that which brings parents on a 15 hour journey, across the seas, to a foreign land, in the name of hope and for a chance to save their child? I doubt it.

It is importatnt to note that, for all we have that is good and right here in America, they too have things that are good and right in Bosnia. There is more emphasis on family togetherness and less materialistic things. Because they do not have so many excesses, they seem to appreciate what they have better. It was interesting to hear from Adis that the plate of food that he received at CHAMPS was as much food as they eat in a day. Of course, we all know that American portions are out of control at most restaurants, but this observation made me think about the excesses that we "enjoy" here, that ultimately, are not always in our best interests. The bottom line is that they are happy, caring, loving, gracious, proud and very easy-going. A great lesson for me....for many. Someday, I hope to get the honor of visiting them in their home and learning even more of Bosnia and seeting Anes growing and developing.

Thank you, sweet little Anes, for sharing your journey and for sharing your parents and your country with all of us. I feel so privileged to know you and to know the strength and love of your family! Be blessed little man...I love you! May you have the chance you deserve, that your parents deserve.

Everyone, please continue your prayers in earnest for Anes in the days to come.

In Hope,
Holly

OFF TO THE ZOO

Well, I certainly have lots to report from the last couple of days, and I will do that this evening. I have not had much time...but we have been having a great time getting to know each other and spend quality time with each other. I have lots of pictures to share from the last two days as well, and will do so later this evening.

I just wanted to post a quick bit of info, to let you all know that things are going great. We are actually heading to the zoo in just a couple of minutes. Aldina had never been to a zoo, and Adis only once in Kosevo I believe. Anes has been a little angel, and I have adored getting hug and kiss him. He even "kisses" you back! So much fun!

I will update with more details and picutres later tonight!

Have a blessed Sunday!
Holly

A SAFE LANDING

THEY ARE HERE!!!! They are beautiful, kind, wonderful and so much more. But, I suppose most everyone reading this is not surprised to read that :) I can not express my happiness right now...as there are not adequate words. Seeing them, their faces, in person for the first time...I will never forget that moment! The site of this child and his family...that I have spent so many months praying for and worrying about...very emotional to say the least.

Dr. Cohan and his lovely wife Isabelle came to the airport to meet them with me! What a great surprise that was! Such a kind man and equally kind wife. We were blessed to have an amazing woman named Tina that came to translate for us (at no cost!) and she stayed for the duration. What proof of the kindness and compassion that exists in the world. Thanks again to the Language Training Center of Indianapolis for providing this assistance and for caring about this family and their story.

It was a long journey for them today. They left Sarajevo at 7:00 am Indy time, arrived in Indy at 10:00 pm, and finally were in their room at the RMH at 1:20 am (the next morning). The only problem in the whole day was that their luggage didn't make it here with them. Seems it never made the plane change in Munich, Germany. This was discovered when they landed in Chicago, where they were told to make a claim once they landed in Indy. But, no worries. They certainly took it all in stride and put their trust in us. Isn't that amazing? That takes an incredibale amount of strength and courage! I don't know if I could do it as well as they seem to. I am so proud to know them...and so proud of them...and honored to be a part of this journey of theirs!

At the airport, we all sat down with a coffeee and spent time talking and getting to "know" each other, filled a claim for the baggage and then we made a trip to the nearest 24-hr Meijer store to get a few clothes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and a little orange juice to get them through the overnight and morning. We made it to the Ronald McDonald House by about 12:45 am and we made sure everything was in place there...and that they had everything they needed. When we left, Anes and Adis were sleeping and Aldina was hopefully working her way towards that too. I can't imagine how tired they must have been, yet they kept going as long as they needed to. Anes was awesome tonight. To think he had to spend all day on planes and was now in a new land with people he didn't know "oohing" and "aahing" over him in a foreign language. He humored as as best he could, but he was SOOO tired. After a diaper change at the airport, he went right to sleep and continued to sleep through all the rest of the activities. I just kept staring at him and smiling. He is simply beautiful...and I feel so blessed to know him and his equally beautiful parents.

It is now 2:30am and I am at my own home. I am in awe of what Adis and Aldina are doing for Anes. What strength, faith and trust they have. I am proud to know them and I am so proud of what they have done to get here. May all their hopes and dreams for Anes be realized...I am praying so. And I know so many others are praying that as well! Please join us in that prayer!

Tomorrow will we go out for groceries and anything else they may need. And we will spend more time together...and help them prepare for the days to come. They want to meet Avery and my family...and I am so excited to share my family with them.

For now, I must sleep. More to come tomorrow.

In contined hope and prayer,
Holly

Anes Arrives Tonight!

After 11 months of chatting with Anes' uncle Asmir, I finally get to meet the child I have been hoping and praying for for so long, and his loving family. In less than 2 hours from this moment. I can not wait! I have butterflies in my stomach. I am leaving for the airport in just a few minutes. Can I ask you to say some prayers for this family? Pray that they arrive safely and pray that we are all that they hope we will be for them.

I want to state a special thanks to the Language Training Center in Indianapolis, for caring enough about this child and his story to assist us tonight with translating at no cost to us. What a kind and generous gift. Our gratitude is immense.

I will post more later tonight, so that those following Anes' journey can know that the family arrived safe and sound and is settled in for the night in their room.

Thank you for caring about Anes!

Cheers,
Holly