Update received November 6, 2003

Dear Family and Friends:

In the weeks and months leading up to July 17, 2001--Nathanael's first implant surgery--Dan and I had often discussed the old proverb, "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord." (Proverbs 21:31)

That proverb reminded us often that, in spite of all of our preparations, and our employing the hands of the finest surgeons, the success of Nathanael's implant depended entirely on our Heavenly Father. It is that knowledge that has brought us through these past 27 ½ months.

We may never know why we have been given this path to walk--but we have always known that God has allowed it all. He says, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways……" (Isaiah 55:8) We have learned that the path does not have to make sense to us. We just have to trust that God always has a plan, and His plan is always best.

I am writing now, in follow-up to the letter from October 1, which explained the course of events leading up to the surgery scheduled for November 4, 2003, to replace Nathanael's original cochlear implant.

A couple of days before Nathanael's second implant surgery, Dan's Aunt Kaye reminded us of some verses from Psalms 25:4-5. The morning of November 4, before we headed over to the hospital, we stopped to pray for God's hand on our lives that day. Dan took a moment to read, "Shew me Thy ways, O Lord; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me: for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day." (Psalms 25:4-5)

Just after 12:30 in the afternoon that day, Nathanael was pulled away to surgery in a big red wagon, padded within with fresh, white blankets. He was grinning a silly grin because he'd been given some "I don't care" medicine. Mom (and probably Dad too) had a big lump in her throat. That big lump must have held tears, because a few overflowed from my eyes.

A little more than three hours later, the surgeon came out bearing two x-rays. He held them up for us to see. The daylight through the window showed us the comparison between the original implant, and the one he had just inserted. This time, there was no bending over at the tip of the strand of electrodes. Instead, it curled its way beautifully into Nathanael's fragile little cochlea.

We could only imagine the immense satisfaction the surgeon must have felt in telling us that the surgery had been a success. Our hearts were at once overflowing with joy that God's plan for this day had been to give us this desire of our heart.

We cannot tell you how many prayers have been answered along the way. Our path each day in Chapel Hill seemed to be prepared ahead for us. God sent us helpful, encouraging care givers at the hospital, who were so good with Nathanael. We felt at peace to see God's hand at work each step of the way.

We must stress to you that God loves to hear from His children. He wants us to ask when we have a need. Whether His answer is "Yes", "No", or "Wait", in His goodness, He never fails to answer. And He loves it when we pay attention to His answers!

So will you join us in thanking Him for His goodness every day of our lives, and especially for this good news for Nathanael?

If you passed our prayer requests from October 1, along to anyone else, would you also share with them the answers we have shared here?

Thank you to the dozens of you who have been in touch with encouraging words. We knew you were praying. Your care for us is overwhelming. You are yet more of God's blessing in our lives.

We are looking ahead now. There are no magic fixes for Nathanael to learn to listen and speak. He and we must work very hard. As the Marsceau family-Dan, Priscilla, Nicolas and Nathanael-come to mind, would you continue to keep us in your prayers? We thank you in advance for that. It is the greatest gift you could give.

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say on the Lord." (Psalms 27:13-14)

Thank you again. We love you all.

Priscilla (for the Marsceau crew)

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