Lizzie's First Christmas

Dear friends, Lizzie is now 4.5 months old, and has been growing and developing well, despite all that she's gone through. She's reached many milestones which are normal for babies her age, and we thank God for that. Lizzie is learning how to grab toys (her favourites are butterflies and red objects), and especially loves to play on her musical 'piano' gym which hangs over her - she's able to reach out and 'play piano' much to mummy and daddy's amusement. Lizzie's also quite an expressive little girl, she likes to smile, giggle and squeal real loud, and will often demand to be carried. We've also noticed that she's not only a very gentle girl, but also a very happy girl. This is one aspect of her character that Simon and I committed to prayer before and during my pregnancy, and we know that God has answered our prayers with a joyful child :) Recently Simon and my mum-in-law brought Lizzie in for her usual hospital reviews, and they happened to scan her kidneys. We were told that one of her kidneys had calcium deposits or stones. This was cause for concern, as Lizzie is on calcium supplements due to low calcium levels. We were told to return the next day for amore detailed scan of the kidneys, so that night we prayed hard, that God would spare Lizzie the need for any more medical procedures or medications. The next day I brought her in, together with my mum-in-law, they scanned Lizzie again - she cried so hard during the scan, but shewas a good girl and kept still for the doctors. We were so thankful and relieved - for detailed scan showed that the stones had indeed disappeared. We continue to pray and ask for total and complete healing for our Lizzie, and that she will not have to undergo anymore procedures. We know that nothing is impossible with our Lord Jesus Christ, and continue to trust and lean on Him. We thank you all for supporting us and Lizzie through your prayers, encouragement, friendship, and most of all for being a part of our testimony.
God Bless, Elaine

Lizzie's Infant Baptism

Dear friends, Lizzie will be baptized on 17 Dec 06 at Paya Lebar Methodist Church (5 Boundary Road) at the 11.15am service. After months of agonizing over her conditions and fervent prayers, this day will be a great milestone for us as parents, and for many of you who kept us and Lizzie in prayers. Do come and join us if you can.
God bless, Simon

God is still faithful to us

Dear friends, I am sorry for the silence since Lizzie came home with us. Ms.Lizzie is keeping daddy and mommy very busy with dirty diapers and many feeds... much to our pleasure. :) Lizzie went for her reviews with the surgeon and the cardiologist on 10 and 11 August. Both commented that Lizzie is very pink, which is a good sign of healthy blood flow. However, the pulse oximeter showed that Lizzie's O2 level is only around 70. It was recommended that Lizzie stay on the O2 concentrator every night until the level is higher. We brought Lizzie to see the cardiologist again on 23 August and the results are the same - very pinkish but O2 level at 70. The cardiologist, seemingly satisfied with her condition, commented she is healthy and not showing any sign of physical distress. Her O2 level may possibly stay at this level without much change. We can take her off the O2 concentrator at night if we feel comfortable enough. On the same day, we met the genetic paediatrician, Dr. Denise Goh. As Lizzie was having her scan done, Denise did not get to see Lizzie that day. She commented that her (extensive) experience with Digeorge's (DG)Syndrome children shows that most are able to attend normal schools but they are unlikely to be the top achievers. Mild cases of DG will not be obvious to the layman, although she can spot them, after having seen many cases. She agreed to follow up with Lizzie's care on a long term basis to ensure that Lizzie gets her necessary medication, therapy and anything else as necessary. Elaine brought Lizzie to see Denise yesterday (25 Oct). Denise was surprised to see that Lizzie actually looks normal. We are very thankful with that comment, coming from someone who is trained in this field. Denise also checked Lizzie for her reflexes and other symptoms of DG. Denise thinks that Lizzie is healthy apart from her heart defects and calcium deficiency. Yesterday night, we did not put Lizzie on the O2 concentrator at all. We checked her colour every 3 hours and she is as pink as ever. Lizzie slept as soundly as before and did not show any sign of turning blue or had difficulty in breathing. This are exciting moments for us and answers to some of our prayers. We have been praying that God will not only heal Lizzie of her heart defects and chromosome disorder, He will also not allow her physical and mental developments to be affected. We are thankful for this confirmation that Lizzie is not physically affected, apart from her size. From our daily interaction with Lizzie, we can also tell that she is slowly sizing up her daddy, mommy and grandma and know to what extent she can demand things. She even have different sounds and cries to express different emotions. We know that our prayers (and yours) are working and will continue reach the courts of Heaven and the ears of Jesus. We thank you for your prayers. They are most precious to us and Lizzie. We know in our hearts that one day, God will heal Lizzie of all defects and disorders. Thank you. We will keep you posted of her developments.
God bless, Simon & Elaine

Lizzie's homecoming!!!

Dear friends, Lizzie will be discharged directly from the Paeds ICU tomorrow (7Oct). While her O2 level still fluctuates a bit, the docs are confident that it will improve as her lungs develop further. Meanwhile, they will arrange for some O2 concentrator device to come home with Lizzie for use when applicable. I thank you for praying for Lizzie. All your prayers and encouragements touched our hearts and let us know that God is near, even in our darkest days. He sent you to be our comforters and weare most grateful. We saw her surgery wound yesterday. It stretches from under her right arm to mid-way round her back. There are 2 other puncture holes where tubes were inserted. By God's grace, these are healing well. We have a long journey ahead with regards to Lizzie's heart condition, but we will leave it in the hand of God. Elaine and I asked that if you wish to visit, do let us know in advance as Lizzie still need lots of rest. I am sorry if this sounds snobbish. We appreciate your well wishes and care but we just want to be extra careful with Lizzie. Thank you for your kind support during this difficult period. I will continue to update you on Lizzie's development through this website. God bless you, Simon & Elaine

Lizzie back in Paediatric ICU

Dear friends, After 2 nights in the normal ward, Lizzie is transferred back to Paediatric ICU. Lizzie's O2 level has been dropping and went below 60 on several occasions, especially at night. The past 2 nights were a struggle for Elaine and myself as we took turns to watch over with Lizzie. Besides the lack of sleep, observing Lizzie's desperate attempt to breathe, O2 level plunging and several rounds of choking were very despressing for us. After seeing her O2 levels this morning, Prof Quek decided to step her back up to Peads ICU. Lizzie is back in Ward 46A, with a O2 tube into her nostrils to push up her O2 level. While we have the peace of mind to know that she will be better taken care of in PICU, we are also thrown off-track. There goes our hope to bring Lizzie back home this week (which Prof Quek thought was going to happen). We asked for your prayers, that Lizzie will be able to breathe without tubes, and that she will not desaturate or choke easily. Pray that God will heal her so that we can bring our baby home. Thanks for your prayers, Simon & Elaine

Lizzie stepped down to normal ward

Dear friends, Elaine just informed me at 3pm today that all machines and tubes are taken off. Lizzie is completely free from medication and machines. Her O2 level is hovering in the mid 80s. Lizzie will be stepped down to a normal ward today. It's ward 47. We know that we are going to bring Lizzie home very soon.... after almost 2 months. Lizzie will finally get to see her own bed and all the toys that everyone bought for her!! We thank God for all these and we thank you for your constant prayers and encouragement. We know that this is just the beginning of the battle for Lizzie and us but we also know that God is sovereign and He will provide us with the grace for what the future holds. This website will continue as long as there is a need for future surgeries. Thank you for being a part of Lizzie's first days. You will certainly see more of her in the coming days!!
God bless you all, Simon & Elaine

Update - 28 Sep

Dear friends, I thank you for your prayers for Lizzie. I know you prayed becos Lizzie is much better this morning. Thank you!! With additional O2 thru' the ventilator (40%), Lizzie's O2 level was in the 80s when I visited her this morning. The surgical team came by and said that they will try to remove the ventilator this morning. It's about time, cos Lizzie's been making suckling noises(asking for pacifier or, better, milk bottle!!). Elaine and I thank God that despite not acceding to our request for no surgery, He made this surgery count. Lizzie is pink as a lobster and quite alert now. She was about to look at mummy, daddy and visitors. She opened her eyes and look when I called her name. Before I left NUH this morning, the docs came in and switched the ventilator to unassisted mode. Lizzie is breathing on her own!!! They also reduced the O2 to 30%. Although her O2 level dropped to 70, the docs are confident that she will be about to manage it on her own. Lizzie's finally getting her pacifier. We are praying that she will be discharged from Paediatric ICU this weekend to a normal ward. We will update you again. Thanks for your prayers.
God bless, Simon

Lizzie in critical condition

Dear friends, I went to see my Little Lizzie this morning. She opened her eyes for a while but they are not focused. The nurse told me that her O2 level has been in the 60s. When I was there, it dipped to the 50s. The registrar and professor were called in. When I left the hospital, they were still trying to improve her O2 level. The prof told me they will still go ahead to remove the ventilator today.
Please pray for Lizzie that:
1. there will be no further desaturation of her O2 level. Pray that God will open up all the air passages and her lungs so that oxygenated blood will flow freely and her O2 level will rise.
2. the current low O2 level will not affect her brain or her physical development. No part of her body will be affected as God provides the grace for her not just to survive, but to live victoriously.
Thanks for praying.
May God bless you too. Simon

Surgery done on 25 Sep

Dear friends, we saw Lizzie for a long time on 24 Sep.
She kept her eyes open for the longest time - 5 hours straight. We can tell that she is tired but she refused to close her eyes. It seemed that she could sense something is going on and wanted us to see her eyes before they close for a long while. The memory of that day is so precious to us (I have uploaded those pictures in Day 47). Lizzie went thru' the surgery to implant an artifical stem to aid blood flow to her heart. She is now sedated and intubated (a tube inserted thru' her mouth to her lungs to aid breathing). According to the Docs, the surgery went well. However, Lizzie has lots of tubes and insertions into her arms and legs. The number of electronic devices hooked up to her tiny body is depressing. Elaine and I are hoping that these devices will be taken off Lizzie in the next few days as she grow stronger and heals. More importantly, we are hoping that she will be able to breathe on her own so that they will take her off the ventilator. Once she is off the ventilator, they will stop the sedation and we can see Lizzie's sparkly eyes again. Please pray for our little Lizzie. She has gone thru' so much for a 48-day old baby, barely full sized.
Thanks for your kind thoughts and prayers.
God bless,Simon & Elaine

Final scan before surgery

Dear friends, the cardiologist scanned Lizzie today at our request before the surgery on Monday. The disapointment continues. Lizzie's condition is the same. Still nothing from God. Elaine and I spoke to the surgeon this morning and confirmed that the surgery will be done on Monday morning, probably around 8.30am. It will be approximately 2 hours long. The procedure is to put an artificial stem on the right side of Lizzie's heart to provide more blood flow from the lung to the heart. Following the surgery, Lizzie will be warded in a different ward for recovery. She will also be on medication, although mild, permanently. The surgeon is not able to tell us that this will surely be the only operation needed before the open-heart surgery when Lizzie is 20kg. Subsequent follow-up surgeries may be necessary before that. Please pray for God's grace and mercy for our little Lizzie. She is sleeping soundly every day (otherwise crying angrily for her pacifier!!), oblivious of the surgeries she need to face for years to come.
PS: Please do not come down, or send us anything. We appreciate allthe gifts and visits with great gratitude, but we really only need your prayers for Lizzie.
Thanks, Simon & Elaine

Surgery date confirmed

Dear friends, the Docs had a meeting today and confirmed that they are operating on Lizzie on Monday, 25 September.
Your kind prayers are most appreciated.
Thanks, Simon & Elaine

Possible surgery on 22 Sep - Pls pray!!

Dear friends, Lizzie is into her 42nd day today and she is still in Neonatal ICU. Her condition is stable but her O2 level fluctuates from the high 80s to low 90s (higher better) to low 60s. Earlier on (in Day 6 or so), the Docs have started medication to keep her PDA open for oxygenated blood to flow from her lungs to her heart. That medication has since been increased to the maximum. On the night of 3rd October (Sunday), we received a call from the Prof handling Lizzie's case, saying that she will most probably be operated on in the morning of 4th October because her O2 level remained low for the past few hours. Fortunately, Lizzie's O2 level rose and stabilized overnight, thus negating the need for emergency surgery. Since then, the Docs have tried many things to get her O2 level up. They tried enclosing her head in a box filled with O2, bloodtransfusion, treatments of possible infections and even put an O2 tube in her nostrils. Her O2 level still fluctuates daily between the high 60s to the high 80s. I see Lizzie every day in the morning before work and again in the evening after work. The most precious moments were those when her eyes are open. They are so bright and sparkly and Lizzie will look at me very intensely as if she has a lot to tell me. Sometimes when I look into Lizzie's eyes, I can see the pain she is enduring. It is as if she is asking me for help. If you are a parent, you will know that it is very torturous to know that your child is suffering, and you are powerless to do anything for her. The thought of her suffering tears me up from within every single day. If I can give my life for hers, I will not hesitate even for a second. If only there is a way to trade my heart and chromosomes with hers….Elaine and I prayed for Lizzie every time we see her in ICU. We prayed for her every night. We prayed for her on every journey to the hospital. Yet, God has not come to her. Before her birth, we prayed that God will heal her, but every scan showed no positive results. We prayed that God will heal her at birth, but Lizzie was born with congenital heart defects and Digeorge's Syndrome. We prayed that God will heal her without medication or surgery, but the Docs have already started the medication on her and it has reached the maximum dosage. Yesterday, we learnt that the surgeons are making arrangements for Lizzie's surgery this Friday. WHERE IS GOD?!! WHY IS HE SILENT?!! It is not that we do not believe in medical science. If God choose to heal her through a surgery, so be it. However, the surgeries I am talking about here involve putting artificial tube to replace her missing pulmonary artery. As she grows, they will replace this small tube with a larger one, hence another open heart surgery (when she is 3 or 4 years old). There may yet be another surgery when she is a teenager. In addition to the risks involved, these surgeries mean that she cannot be active and cannot live life as a normal healthy person. These surgeries also do not do solve any effects of Digeorge's Syndrome. It is particularly hurtful when I read the bible and listen to worship songs. The bible tells me that God is loving, faithful and merciful. That God hears the cry of His people and come to their aid. That God is faithful and will not forsake His people. That Godwill send His angels to guard His people that their feet will not strike a stone. That God has plans for His people that will prosper them and not harm them. How is He showing His faithfulness to my child and my family? To a life that is created to bring Him glory? I have asked God for nothing but for children to glorify Him. Why doesGod allow my child to suffer for the rest of her life? What glory is there for God that Lizzie is weak or even disabled? What good are we to God if our time and resources are taken up to take care of Lizzie instead of serving Him? How will pre-believers see us? What purpose does it serve when these pre-believers see God's people suffering unexplainably and endlessly? Elaine and I are beyond desperation. When we thought we have reached the lowest point in our lives, Lizzie's situation got worse. When will these end? How much more does God think we can take? How much longer does God allow Lizzie to suffer? Are we not God's people? What are we supposed to think and do? We are struggling every day between having faith and hoping in God, seeing the reality of Lizzie's suffering and her O2 level dipping and friends thinking that we are in denial. I am sorry for venting and complaining. While I am extremely frustrated, I am still holding on to my faith in a God I have knew for the past 18 years. Please pray for Lizzie, that the surgery this Friday will not be necessary because God has intervened.
Thanks and God bless, Simon

Where are you, God?

Dear friends, Lizzie has been in the Neonatal ICU since 9 August. Apart from the heart conditions, the docs are also taking precautions over the effects of Digeorge's Syndrome. Among the effects is immunodeficiency. Only limited persons are allowed in the NICU and we have to wash our hands before going near Lizzie. For Lizzie, we also have to wear masks for added precaution. After the paediatric cardiologist scanned her, he concluded that the main artery supplying oxygenated blood from the lung to the heart is missing. With this, the heart will not be able to send oxygen to the other parts of the body. The obvious sign is that she will turn blue (hence the term blue babies). Lizzie hasn't turned blue cos she is relying on a artery branch ("PDA") which exist in all newborns as the replacement artery for this function. Typically, this branch will close within 48 hours of birth. On the monitors, we are keeping close watch over the O2 level. Anything below 80 is bad.The first 3 days went by without much fuss as Lizzie's PDA served her well. On the fourth day, the O2 level began to drop, crossing the 80 level very frequently. Finally, at 10:30pm, the docs decided to start the medication which will enlarge her blood vessels, including the PDA. This meant that Lizzie is a step closer to surgery. There is also a risk that the medication will cause respiratory problems. The next morning, Lizzie's O2 level rose to 96 and she wasn't facing any respiratory problems. We were relieved....temporarily. The docs mentioned that the medication is kept to the minimum level (0.01) and is working in keeping the PDA open. Two days went by and Lizzie's O2 level started dropping again. The docs increased the medication dosage to 0.02. Another day went by and the O2 level went down yet again. This time the docs increased the medication to 0.04. This worked for a while and soon, the medication was raised to 0.06. The maximum dosage is 0.10. Lizzie's O2 level was holding up in the range of 89 to 91 for 2days. The docs came and told us each day we visited Lizzie that she is doing very well. The calcium level is holding up and they are reducing the calcium supplements for her. Her blood platlet count is good. We were overjoyed. Lizzie's PDA is staying open and there are little signs of Digeorge's Syndrome. We thank God for hearing and answering our prayers. On 20 Aug 2006, Lizzie's O2 level is on the move again and this time, it plunged to 70 and hovered around 75 to 78. After more than 1/2 hour, the doc decided to increase her medication. I am not sure what is the current dosage, but I know it is now in the high level. Our faith level has also been fluctuating with Lizzie's O2 level, especially during times when we prayed and the O2 level dipped further. We are still hoping and waiting for God's hand to move in our lives. Where is our God? Elaine and I sometimes feel disappointed that it is not God who sustain our little baby's life but medication. We visit Lizzie in NUH daily. Seeing her being hooked up with tubes and sensors and the constantly changing numbers on the monitors just make our hearts sink to new lows everyday. We do see small victories each day, of Lizzie opening her eyes, of her finally drinking milk from the bottle instead of the tube that leads into her stomach, of hearing the sound of her cries, etc. But we yearn for more. We know that our God is not just one who give us small temporal victories. He is a God of impossibles. We yearn for a deep healing touch from God that will heal Lizzie of her congenital heart defects and Digeorge's Syndrome. We prayed that our child's life will not be sustained by medication and surgeries, but the medication has already started. We are holding on to our prayers that the medication will be reduced and eventually taken off and there will be no surgery for our child. As long as the docs have not performed surgery on Lizzie, we are holding on. Having said that, the cardiologist has already mentioned that he is only waiting for Lizzie to put on enough weight (to atleast 2.5kg) before he will operate on her. Lizzie is now 2.0kg. Thank you for your kind prayers for our Lizzie. Time is running short.
God bless, Simon

Lizzie has arrived!!!!!

Hi everyone, Lizzie has arrived. Elaine gave birth to Elizabeth Lee on the 9 August 2006, at 8:09AM. Lizzie is still in Neonatal ICU, with the congenital heart condition and suspected immune deficiency. She is currently on medication to keep her blood vessels enlarged so that enough oxygenated blood flows through her body.
Please pray that: 1. One of Lizzie's blood vessels, called PDA, will remain open. This is the one replacing her main artery from the lung to her heart.
2. For God's intervention that her heart will be made new so that there is no need for surgery or prolonged medication.
3. For God's protection over her mental and physical developments sothat these areas are not affected in any ways. In Psalms, God told me that He hears the cry of His people and He will answer them. The righteous will have many troubles but God will deliver him from them all. I am holding on to a fainting hope that He is my God and He hears my cry. God has to heal Lizzie soon, before the paediatric cardiologist decides that it is time for surgery.
Thanks for your prayers, Simon

1 month left to Lizzie's birth

Dear friends, Thank for your encouragements, well-wishes and prayers these past months. Elaine and I are holding up strong and praying everyday for Lizzie. I also welcome those who just joined this webpage. May our testimony help to bring you closer to God. Today is the 28th July. Lizzie's expected delivery date (EDD) is 27 August. We have exactly 1 month.
I humbly ask for your prayers in the following areas:
1. In the last scan by the Antenatal Diagnostic Centre specialist, Lizzie is small for her age (34 weeks). The specialist has scheduled another scan this coming Thursday to determine if Lizzie is in distress. If she is, they will want to induce labour and bring her out earlier. We do not want her in the incubator. Elaine wants to carry her to full term and allow each part of her body to grow to properly. Please pray that God will make her grow to normal size, so that there will not be any pre-term delivery.
2. In the last scan in Gleneagles, the paediatric cardiologist told us there is no improvement. The hole in her heart (VSD) is enlarged and the artery leading from the lung to the heart (pulmonary artery)is small and hardly visible. He will not see Lizzie again until after the birth.
From the lessons in the bible and many personal testimonies of God's deliverance, I've learnt that God comes when you least expect it and at a time when His actions speaks the loudest. While we only have 1 month left, He only needs a moment to heal my child. I have also learnt that in Jesus' time, everyone who came to Jesus was healed.He is our Healer, our loving and compassionate Saviour and our Deliverer. I do not doubt Jesus will heal Lizzie, only a matter of His perfect time.
3. As I mentioned, Lizzie is also diagnosed with Digeorge's Syndrome. Elaine and I have been praying that this syndrome (as well as Fallot and/or Taussig Bing Syndromes) will be removed in Jesus' name. We continue to believe that the name of Jesus is greater than any other names, including the names of these syndromes and so these syndromes will be removed. Please pray for the removal of these syndromes from Lizzie. I know I am asking a lot from you. These are our desperate prayers to God and we asked that if you can, pray not just for us, but with us for Lizzie. Your prayers are the greatest thing you can do for us and we thank you.
May God bless you. With heartfelt thanks, Simon & Elaine

Basis for having children

We have been praying for a child for some time. Each time, we prayed that God will provide us with not just a child, but one who will grow up to glorify Him and serve Him wholly. Since Elaine told me she is pregnant, I have been searching the bible for a verse of dedication. God led me to this verse: 1 Samuel 1:28 - "So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord. And he will worship the Lord there." I read the whole chapter and meditated on it. I claim this verse for my future child. This is what the Lord revealed to me:
1 Samuel 1 is about Hannah and how God gave her a child at the end. There are several points that we can all take note as future parents. Verse 7 - "This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went to the house of the Lord,"…Despite God "closing her womb" and did not grant her any children, Hannah went to the house of the Lord year after year. Her persistence in seeking God is also reiterated in Jesus' parable about a man who persisted in asking for 3 loaves of bread from his neighbour at midnight and finally received them. We need to continually remind ourselves of God's perfect timing, infinite wisdom, limitless power and everlasting love so that we can continue to worship Him, praise Him and seek Him despite our situations and despite unanswered prayers. Verse 10 - "In bitterness of soul, Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord." If Hannah had thought that God cannot help her, she would have stopped pleading with God. Despite her disappointments year after year, Hannah continued praying to the Lord. This showed how hardcore her faith in God is. There is no doubt in her mind that God can grant her a child, it is only whether God is willing or not. Verse 11 - "O Lord Almighty, if you will look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget me but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life…." Hannah understood the meaning of procreation. To bring forth future generations of godly servants who will serve God wholeheartedly. On top of that, she took a further step by promising to dedicate her son's life wholly to God's work. That is not just a noble act. It should be the basis for Christians to bear children and to bring up their children in God-fearing manner. While Hannah's example is drastic, we as future Christian parents should know that having children is not a personal desire alone. Bringing up children to be godly servants of God is our calling as parents, and in this respect, many Christians fail. We need to have the right mindset to be godly parents for our future children and to equip ourselves to raise them and instill in them the ways of God. I believed that many parents face problems with their children's behaviours, health, poor conduct or poor results in schools, etc,because they failed to dedicate their children to God. They did not ask God to mould their children and claim these young lives for God. They are raising their children with a selfish mentality of being great doctors or lawyers, instead of pastors, missionaries or evangelists. Verses 27, 28 - "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him." 28 "So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life, he will be given over to the Lord." When the time came, Hannah lived up to her end of the bargain. She brought young Samuel, as young as one-year old, to the temple to live there forever to learn to serve. While this may be an extreme example, it shows how important it is for us to honour our promises to God. I continue to claim this verse 1 Samuel 1:28 for my daughter Elizabeth and I trust that God will be pleased with her. I hold onto my faith that my God is a faithful, loving God and will heal our daughter, so that she can be a great servant of God and a great testimony of God's faithfulness.
Simon

Discovery of Digeorge's Syndrome

Dear friends, Thank you for your kind and encouraging words and prayers for our baby. Your encouragements and prayers have kept our faith strong. I do not wish to burden you with constant email requests and prayers. This will be the last email from us to update you before we tell you of good things from God. Yesterday, our situation just got worse. Lizzie's condition is the worst you can expect. The result of the amnio-fluid analysis showed that in addition to the multiple heart defects, Lizzie has DiGeorge's Syndrome, which is a form of chromosome deficiency resulting in retardation, deformation, thyroid and immune system deficiency. With the new findings, the gyne suggested that we reconsider our options for this pregnancy. We were beyond devastation... when God turned away from His children. Yesterday night, we struggled to bring ourselves to the Touch Jesus He Heals! healing meeting at Living Hope Methodist Church. When we sang praises to God, we cried. It is not easy to worship Him. We worship Him nonetheless.
I was reminded of several things yesterday:
1. The amnio fluid was extracted from Elaine's womb on the 26 April,before we went on our knees in prayer. I only asked for your prayers on the 2 May. We have been praying every day for our baby and have appropriated God's healing for her. Our God will heal His children,and His timing is perfect.
2. Our God is greater than any heart defects and deficiencies. While we submit to the opinions of experts, we hold on dearly to God's promise that we, as His children, can ask anything in His name, and He will give us the desires of our heart.
3. Jesus has removed all condemnation from His people at the cross. God's children and His children's children shall not be condemned by diseases, sickness and defects. We are fearfully and wonderfully made so that we can serve our God and glorify His name. We want to claim this for our baby, so that she can grow healthily as a servantof God.
4. The worst to happen to our baby has happened. From now on, Lizzie is relying on the grace of our living God for the restoration of her body. She will be His testimony to us.

We sincerely thank you for your kind prayers over our baby. That is all we need from you to move the Hand of God.
Whatever the outcome, glory be to God.
Simon & Elaine

Discovery of Taussig Bing Anomaly

Dear friends, as some of you may know and some don't, Elaine is now 5 months pregnant with our baby girl, Elizabeth. It has been a wonderful and amazing 5 months for us as first-time parents, observing God's hands at work. Before Elaine was pregnant, we have been praying for God to give us a child so that we can raise the future generation of kingdom citizens. We prayed every day for her, that she will be a child who will glorify God. This joy was taken away last week through a dramatic turn of events which I want to tell you because we believe that God wants this to be a testimony to many people. I am not sending this to you so that you can sympathize with us or comfort us, but that you will pray for little Lizzie and tell this to others. God wants the life of others changed, and if it takes our child's life to do this, we will accept it. Last Tuesday (25 April), we went to NUH for a scheduled scan of the baby. Everything about Lizzie, her head, her hands, her legs, are perfectly formed. The gynae told me to expect a tall girl because she has long legs. Half way thru' the scan, the gynea detected a gap in Lizzie's heart. We were sent for another scan on the same day and it is confirmed that there is a hole in her heart. We were devastated. On Wednesday, we were sent to a NUH specialist for further scanning to see if there are other defects. It turned out that the hole is the smallest problem. Lizzie is diagnosed with Fallot's tetralogy, which is a group of 4 major defects of the heart. With that, our hearts were crushed. On Friday, we sought a second opinion from a pediatric cardiologist. He is recommended by NUH as well as a church friend. He scanned Elaine's tummy for more than 1 hr and said it is worse than he thought. Lizzie does not have Fallot's. The defect is rarer than Fallot's and more tricky to treat. Besides the gap in her heart, the main artery leading from the lungs to her heart is underdeveloped and not leading to the right place in her heart. Effectively, she will not be able to breathe the moment she arrives in this world. Lizzie's chances of survival to term is good, but there will be at least one open heart surgery within the first week of her birth to temporarily fix the problem. When she is 3 or 4, there will be a major open heart surgery to close the hole and put a tube to direct the blood flow from her lungs to her heart. The mortality rate of each surgery range from 5% to 40%. Naturally, we are crushed to receive bad news almost every day about our baby. We felt hopeless and abandoned by God. After much reflections and prayers over the weekend, we are more at peace with what's been happening. We want to trust our God to heal Lizzie and restore her heart before she is born. We trust our God to bless His people and so we know Lizzie will be born a healthy baby, formed in the image of God. We trust that she will not need to undergo surgeries because God will heal her. We covet for your prayers for our baby girl. We also asked that you tell your friends about Lizzie, even your non-believing friends. We believe that God wants this to be a testimony for Him. Please tell as many pple as you know. It will be with great joy in future when I send you the news that Lizzie is healed. We thank you for your prayers for our baby girl and be a part of this testimony. Not only do we know that our baby is prayed for, we feel so comforted that we have you to support us in our times of need.
God is good, all the time.
God bless,Simon