Seventh Smith

Praying Friends,

We give God glory for his Shalom of peace and assurance over this

critical day. Our dear baby girl made it through surgery and we stand

in awe, amazed at His goodness and presence in such a tough time. We

have seen the body of Christ gather around us supporting, praying and

loving us in sacrificial, generous ways! Indeed, our cup is full and

overflowing!!

We both got to hold Evangeline from 6:00 until 7:30 this morning when

they came to wheel her into surgery. Statistics can be good for a

surgery, but that doesn't matter when it is your baby going under the

knife. It was an emotional moment to kiss her goodbye knowing that

her tiny heart would be stopped for an hour and expected to take over

a new function before we saw her again.

We were so grateful for our parents and a dear friend from our church

who spent the day with us helping pass the time. The hospital has a

paging system and sent us general messages hourly through the surgery

updating us as to how it was going. The doctor asked to meet us at

1:30. What a relief to hear the words that the surgery was complete

without any unforeseen complications. An hour later, they let us into

the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit to be reunited with her.

She's looking rough, but never more beautiful!!

The next several days remain "critical" as they try to stabilize her

and as she reacts coming off of the anesthesia. Please continue to pray.