I have to praise almighty God, or there is no way out!

My dear friends, I would like to share what has happened to us and our baby girl. 

Last night, after returning to the confinement center , we made a prayer of praise and thanksgiving . Thank God for giving us more time to get along with our beloved baby girl-Ping , we even praised God because He did something regarded difficult by doctors! 

Ping was born few days ago. But what has happened to her is much more complicated than usual babies. She had CPR and even an emergent surgery of the extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) right after birth. So far, we haven’t heard her cry because her heart and lungs don’t work well like other usual babies.  The doctor told us that her chance to survive is not certain. Usually, the patients using ECMO have only one problem organ, heart or lungs. However, Ping has problems with both. It’s an extremely critical time! 

The day before yesterday my wife and I witnessed while the extracorporeal membrane oxygen (ECMO) supply on Ping was reduced , Ping's oxygen concentration in her blood was down to about 50 to 60% ( quite dangerous zone ) . Last morning the medical team was also very careful to explain that I might need to be “ready" because it’s likely Ping may not survive the ECMO removal surgery. "The result of removing ECMO depends on God's will”,  said the medical team. Besides, I was told to complete the residence registration as soon as possible for lots of processes afterwards. .

And last late night, after the ECMO removed , Ping’s blood oxygen concentration could also be maintained around 89 to 90%. Although it’s lower than 99 to 100%, the usual level of ordinary newborns, it’s  still in the safe range. Right after I knew this, the first thought in my mind was : Only God can do this! So I wrote this article for I have to share it! And I also praise almighty God !

After ECMO removed, Ping still needs to be observed for at least 2 days to see if the oxygen concentration can maintain normality. If so,  the ECMO removal would be considered successful. Then there would be two more critical steps to go: “Closing up the sternum" and " pull out the respirator " . If all the three steps can be completed , the next step is to see if there is no after-effects. Firstly, during the use of ECMO, the phenomenon of hemolysis and thrombosis had occurred , and few brain hemorrhage had been found. Ping has been also exposed under the potential radiation effects of the CT scan inject. Not to mention the high uncertainties and risks from the “open heart” surgery. So we declared Ping will become a healthy, safe and happy child in our prayers!

We know Ping’s breath of life is given by God , so we also declared the followings in our prayers as well: His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.No matter how His will would be done, we will follow it. As long as God allows us to be Ping’s parents, even for only one day, we will have that heavenly love and wisdom to take care of her, and let us raise Ping well with the way pleasing Him.

What we are experiencing is not easy and not yet completed, but it’s definitely full of grace. Just to be able to come across a group of very hard and professional medical team is very commendable ! And we thank God for giving us every spiritual elder , whole family, brothers and sisters and friends who continue to pray , to watch, to support  and to be around us, always with the warmest care without pressure (special thanks to CITA sisters' vigorously support and companionship). Because of God and you all, we are enabled to make every major decision with His peace and the unexpected peace in our minds !

When we walk on this way of grace , God let Ping’s parents, who normally rely on themselves, understand the meaning of “relying on prayers”. More often we rely on prayer , then we are able to complete what we are doing peacefully, including the residence registration yesterday’s afternoon (previously, I did this to be part of the preparation if Ping didn't survive the ECMO removal surgery). Human hands can do really little, so it’s better to hold both hands and pray! Lately I have been going through “ rely on prayers in the day , and red bull in the night”. Although I feel physically tired, my heart is at peace ; my eyes with tears , it’s not because of sadness , but from love.

Our pastor said that we are God's chosen , and Ping is a grace , a bless. I do believe this from the bottom of my heart, I believe this is true ! Ping has peace , faith , courage, and His mark of grace and glory! Ping is terrific! And God is even better ! I want to  praise almighty God ! May all the glory to God ! ! !