Butterfly's Surgery Day 1

Please keep praying. Butterfly had her IV and NG tube inserted about two hours ago. She hates the NG tube and the liters and liters of Golytely that the NG tube is sending into her stomach, but she seems to be clearing quicker than expected and she has been relatively calm for the last hour.
Answered Prayers So Far:
VCU was ready for us when we arrived (we weren't sure because as of 10 p.m. Sunday night, we were told Butterfly wasn't in their computers).
Butterfly woke up this morning joyful.
The hospital is much nicer that we had anticipated.
We have a private room.
We have had wonderful interactions with all the nurses, doctors and staff.
Steady Man and I can both spend the night.
We have WiFi.
The first hour during and after the insertion of the NG tube and IV were very difficult for Butterfly, but God in his goodness has calmed her and she is much more comfortable.
The hospital chaplain came and prayed with us.
She may be able to have the NG tube removed for the night if her bowel clears completely (and it is looking very possible). Please pray for this as it would give her a much better night's sleep.

Tomorrow's surgery will start at 7:30 a.m. and should last about eight hours (longer than we thought).
Right now, Butterfly is saying she doesn't want visitors because she is embarrassed by her tubes. She'll have even more tubes post surgery, so we'll have to let you know if she feels differently at some point.

We feel your prayers every moment. Please, please, keep storming the gates of heaven for Butterfly!

Blessings,
Amy and Steady Man

Butterfly's First Friend

Butterfly's first friend.

Thankful for My Friend

Today we said goodbye to very dear friends of ours here in Richmond. They are moving to a wonderful opportunity in Missouri. We love every member of this sweet family, but I want to tell you today about D. I can't explain why, but the first time I heard this friend's name (before I even met her), I felt certain I would like her and that I would want to be her friend. And that happened. The friendship was gradual. We led a spelling club together, shared meals together and discussed books. We watched one another's kids, carpooled and laughed. Later we shared some of our deepest struggles and God's loving response to our hurts. This friend I love for many reasons. She is truly gentle, kind and encouraging to everyone she meets. These are qualities I wish to have more of in my own life. She parents wisely, she entrusts her children with God's riches and the return has been abundant. She is willing to see Jesus in the fullness of his love and compassion and she seeks to love others as He loves us. She is ridiculously smart and humble. She is strong and joyfully lets her husband lead. She is full of faith and she is real. I love you D (and your precious family too)!