The Surprise Came This Morning...Chai is Here!!!

Keva woke up this morning feeling fine. She had breakfast and was settling in for another long day of sitting in bed. She began to experience extreme discomfort in her stomach when touched and her fever began to rise...a sure sign of infection. The doctor checked her out and said she wanted to begin to induce labor. We were given a time table of 6 hours and told that we would try to deliver vaginally first. If Chai couldn't take the contractions because of his pre-maturity, we would change to a C-section.

Then it all began to happen fast. Keva's pain and fever escalated quickly. The 6 hours turned to immediate birth by C section. They wheeled Keva away from me at about 10:30 and told me I could come down in about 20 minutes after they had her prepped. The risk of infection already had my mind thinking about what it might be like to lose my wife and youngest son. There I was, helpless in a cold hospital room, dressed in scrubs. I picked up my Bible and read Romans 8 over and over, specifically v. 28-39. I was reminded of the supremacy of Christ and his love. I remembered the ultimate overcoming love of a Father. I remembered by adoption as a son. I remembered the suffering that is in the world through sin and the character that suffering produces. I remembered the cross and the glory that is given to those who trust and love God in Christ. I could breathe again. I prayed these verses for Keva, Chai, and myself and was prepared to walk humbly with God through this whole thing.

The nurse came into the room and told me it was time. I wiped the tears away quickly. We passed the room with the doctors and nurses that were waiting for Chai. There were about 6-8 of them on the ready for the delivery. It was comforting to see them...all focused on the task at hand, the survival of my son. We walked next door to the OR where Keva was and I sat at her head while the doctors went to work. As I quoted Romans 8:28 to her, the Anesthesiologist who was right next to me overheard and said, "Yes, that's right. All things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose." A reassuring word indeed from a brother in Christ. Just as they pulled Chai out, I was able to stand and look at him for about 5 seconds. He looked bigger than I expected and was wriggling around like crazy. He looked active.....ALIVE! As big tears welled up in my eyes, I described to Keva what I saw. They quickly rushed Chai next door to the awaiting doctors to get feeding and breathing tubes and Keva and I rejoiced.

I am still waiting to see Chai as they finish his prep and settling in the incubator in ICU.

Thank you all for your encouraging notes, texts, tweets, and FB messages. It is so comforting to know you are praying. Chai was born just as our church family was gathered for worship. All of the Summit Church was able to pray together for him and Keva. Thank you, Lord for working through the prayers of your people!

Please continue to pray for Chai's health and Keva's recovery during these crucial first hours and days. I will update after I see Chai this afternoon.

Trev