After applications and interviews, we were extended two offers (here and University of Georgia). Again we prayed and deliberated and felt that Tech would be the best place for us. Since then, we have had that answer confirmed in many ways, but also challenged in other ways (mainly with regard to Nicole's needs). There have been many times when getting things set up for her medically seemed to be and uphill battle. At those times, it was hard not to question some of the impressions we felt about moving here.
However, today we learned once again that the Lord continues to lead us to where we need to be. We met with an orthopedic surgeon to assess Nicole's knees and feet. As some of you may know, we deeply trust and respect the doctor who operated on Nicole's feet in Utah (Dr. Stotts). When we left Utah, he suggested that we perform a more cutting edge, less invasive, procedure on Nicole's knees. This procedure was developed at Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake, and Dr. Stotts said we might have difficulty finding a surgeon who believed in this procedure.
As it turns out, the surgeon we met with today is a friend of Dr. Stotts, and considers himself a "disciple" of this new procedure. He has already performed it on many kids about Nicole's age, some of whom also have dwarfism. He also has a lot of experience with club feet and will be able to perform some key follow up procedures on her feet. Even more importantly, we both felt very comfortable with his approach and trust his recommendations.
I know that even after our prayers are confirmed, we can experience trials which may tempt us to cast away the confidence we have in the decisions we make. I'm thankful that we have been blessed to have the strength to get past those trials and have our testimonies strengthened as a result.
Oh, and here are some pictures of us painting our pumpkins:
