The Trip Part 2

Well it has been some time since the return of my husband and daughter from their trip to Nigeria.  Life lately has been at full speed and has hardly provided me a chance to update you on the rest of the trip.  Barnabas and Amara took a domestic flight to the village.  They made it safely which is huge since the track record for aviation safety is not so great in Nigeria.  Amara got to meet her cousins, aunts, uncles and most importantly her grandmother.  This reunion was bittersweet as the hugs from Amara brought joy, but the ones from Barnabas brought the tears.  Amara brought much joy to everyone as she loudly sang with her cousins teaching them all the "Frozen" songs. She played and played and played.  She ate the native food more often than the food I packed for her in the suitcase.  She fit right in.  Barnabas had the opportunity to bond with his family, to follow up on his late brother Jude's children and wife (Chinyere), to work on updating some maintenance on the water well system, to pass out all of the donations that you all gave, and to support the family during this time of loss.  God was faithful.  He allowed the family to have that sweet time together to grieve, love, and heal from so much heartache as they have lost two family members in the last few years.  As their time together wrapped up, Barnabas made sure to bring Amara home looking a little more African.  She definitely got a tan but her hair was too cute for words.  She was a real trooper and traveled like a pro.

As a mommy, I read the Nigerian news every night while they were away.  The news was very daunting. Gods hand of protection surely was upon my family.  Nigeria is currently suffering from major terrorists attacks which heated up just about the same time as this trip.  We made some decisions as to which city to fly into and which mode of transportation they would take from the city to the village.  We considered one option that would have placed Barnabas and Amara directly in the path of the first major event which was a suicide bomber at a bus station in Abuja.  This blast killed over 70 people.  I thank God for his intervention from putting my family near that situation.  Our hearts ache for the girls who have been kidnapped and for the families that are suffering.  When we spent a year living in Nigeria we lived in the northern region and have friends who have been directly impacted by this terror.  We ask you to pray for the safety of the people of Nigeria and that God would protect our family there.  The future is uncertain but we are committed to loving the people and doing all that we are called to do.  I am so thankful my husband and daughter made it home safe and sound and am so thankful that God did great things.  Enjoy a few pictures below.  I will do a separate post on the funeral.

Barnabas and his Mama enjoying a good laugh

Amara and Grandma taking selfies :)

Barnabas' Uncle...he was excited to get a pic!

Family and friends came to greet the family as they paid their respects for Rose

This is where Amara slept.  

Amara and her cousins while in church

Barnabas' Mom, Aunt, Sister, and Uncle

Cousins

Look at Olanna's eyes...so happy to see her daddy

They made it!!

sisters reunited

What a team!

The Trip Part 1

Hey all, just a quick update to let you all know that Barnabas and Amara did in fact go home to see "Grandma."  I have been a little hush hush about location and specifics just for security reasons.  I want to make sure my loved ones return safely to me so I will keep specifics to myself and to private conversations.  But I did want you all to know that Amara is doing great!  She has had an obsession with Grandma for the last few months and has wanted to meet her.  With all of the heartache the family has been through we sensed that taking her would bring a little sunshine to their hearts.  Amara has never traveled on an airplane or even seen Grandma other than through pictures on my facebook.  We were so curious how she was going to adjust to the different culture and climate but Barnabas reports that Amara is doing amazingly well.  We had a few setbacks with her such as the bumpy taxi rides that she has had to endure which ended in a not so nice way of "the BIGGEST throw up ever!!!" according to Barnabas.  She was probably carsick and hot. She also had to take some malaria meds and that also did not agree with her tummy which ended in another episode of throwing up.  We decided to let her enjoy her time there so for now she is unmedicated.  She has lots of bug spray on which will hopefully prevent her from getting any bug bites. They got to spend some time in the city before heading to the village.  There Amara got acquainted with her Auntie and her cousins.  They had birthday cake for one of her cousins birthdays.  Barnabas said if I open a bakery there I would be a millionaire because the cakes there do no justice. Hmm food for thought lol!  After a few days they took a risky domestic flight to the village.  I didn't really sleep much that night as I was tracking their every move.  They arrived safely and are enjoying their time with the family.  Barnabas said that Amara truly, really loves Grandma.  She is smitten with love for her.  How special is that?!  God is so gracious to bring that kind of love into a 3 year olds heart.  I love that!  Amara also has wanted to dig right into the culture asking for local fare of FuFu which is what daddy always makes for the kids and they eat together sitting on the floor where daddy hand feeds them (stew with semolina dough balls kinda like cream of wheat in a mashed potato consistency).  You will have to try it sometime.  Did I mention to you that Grandma doesn't speak English?  Yep and that doesn't even phase Amara.  Again so cool!  Well friends continue to keep them in your prayers.  Pray for protection against malaria mosquitoes, pray for health and wellness, pray for Gods presence to be so evident among them that through this sadness His light will shine among them.

Keep checking back for more updates.

From the Homefront!
Amanda

Oh and one more thing...Daddy said that this time with Amara has been so special.  He said, "I'm falling in love with her all over again!"   Yep, brings me to tears!

Ready to go!

Sisters Hugging Goodbye

Daddy taking Nnenna in to school before leaving.  She was Star Student for the week and brought her modeling pictures in to share with the class.

Mommas love!

On the Plane!

Daddy said she couldn't get enough water!

Cousin time in the city!

Birthday Cake

Just hanging out

Auntie is so cool.  She even jump ropes!

All tuckered out!

Nice bathtub in the hotel!  In the village it will be bucket baths!

Hi Everyone!

Whoa!!! KFC!!! First chain food found in country! You bet they bought a bucket of it!

You all are AWESOME!!!!

Wow!  What an amazing day today has been!  Over and over I am reminded of how important it is to be the body of Christ.  Maybe you are reading this and don't know Jesus.  I want to testify that He is Alive!  It is through experiencing His faithfulness and goodness that I know that He loves us and cares for us even in the midst of our sorrows.

Over the past few months we have been sharing openly our story, Rose's story.  We have asked you for help, for prayers, for support, for advice, for encouragement etc... You all have been utterly amazing!  It is one of the hardest things to do to be on the side of "asking."  It is much more fun to be the "giver!" God has shown us through this experience that this is not about us.  It is not about my feelings, not about my pride, not about my image, not about me in any way.  After getting over that, my husband and I have put ourselves and Rose's story out there. We opened it up so that you could also be a part of the story... and that.you.are!!!!

I have been overjoyed with tears as so many of you have been doing so much for us and more importantly for the children and families in Nigeria.  I am really capturing a picture of what the body of Christ really is and what it ought to be.  No gift is too small.  Some have been the hands that have given, some have been the feet that have literally taken our passports to the Embassy for visas, or walked the stores to find bookbags, some have been the mouth of encouragement, advise, prayer, some have been the mind of wisdom, some have been the heart of love...each gift that you have given and role that you have played has been exactly what it needed to be!  They are all important so for that we say thank you!!!!

God is working!  Rose's body has been released from the hospital and will be prepared for her funeral.  This is a huge answer to prayer as the hospital had Grace upon Rose and our family and has kindly worked with us to remedy her HUGE hospital bill.  God is Alive!

We have also been working on another project looking for a hearing aid for a 5 year old little girl (my niece).  It was a far fetched request to find one in the matter of days but God did it.  We were able to get in touch with an amazing doctor that was recommended by many of you and He graciously donated one which will be picked up tomorrow morning.  I am so thrilled that for the first time this little girl will have a shot at being able to hear and talk and progress in her life. I am also so excited for my sister in law (the mommy) to be graced with this gift. What a gift. Can you imagine how blessed she is going to be that she will now be able to help her little girl. Amazing, just amazing ! This is HUGE!!!! Thank you!  God is surely Alive!

We have asked for donations of bookbags, clothing, school supplies etc....and in the matter of a few days we have more than enough!  Thank you!!! What a blessing it is going to be to give these to the people back home and see how the small things that we have access to on a daily basis will bless their heart and will be useful and helpful to them in so many ways!  Thank you!  God has provided and is truly Alive!

Just a few of the donations that have been given this past week.

Your monetary gifts have also made so many things possible.  We have seen so many of you take part in investing in what we are a part of.  If we were millionaires we would do it ourselves, but God has decided that it is best to allow others to join us in His work!  We appreciate and value you so much.  No gift is too small.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving.  This is what I call IMPACT giving!  It has eternal rewards! Thank you!  God is soooo Alive!

We hope you join us for this ride and see what else God has in store.  We are His mobilizers being obedient to do all that He has asked us to do.  We cannot do it without the rest of the body!  Thank you so much, we truly love and appreciate EACH and EVERY ONE of YOU!!!!

Late Jude's wife and Children. Your gifts have kept food on their table,clothes on their backs, and an education to give them hope for a future!

If you would like to join us in what we do please subscribe to our blog for updates.  If you would like to give towards any of our causes such as Jude's Children's Education, Maintaining the Water Well, or Helping Rose's Children with Education and basic needs please consider giving a donation that is tax deductible. 100% of it goes to these causes!


1. Checks made payable to: "Jacob's Well Foundation" 
(You can attach a sticky note with the name Agwuocha on it to designate your donation) 
Mail checks to:  

Jacob's Well Foundation                         
177 Hausman Road                            
Lenhartsville, PA 19534     

2. Wire Money Transfer 
To wire money into the Jacob's Well account; Account Number:  8033254249 Routing Number: 031207607 Account Holder: Jacob's Well Foundation Bank Name: PNC NA Bank Address: 431 County Road 513, Califon, NJ 07830 

3. Click on the donate button at the top of our blog to give directly through paypal to Jacobs Well Foundation.  The account is set up for just our causes so your donations will go directly towards what we do.

This is Love

Over the past few weeks many of you have been pouring out your love and support to our family during our time of loss.  We want to thank each and every one of you for your cards in the mail, your texts with words of prayer and encouragement, your offers of a meal, your sweet hugs, and your donations towards Rose and towards helping my husband travel to go be with his family.  

This is Love!

Gods love for us is greater than what we can always understand.  Many times when we go through the valley it is hard to see and feel Gods love.  It is easy to doubt His existence and question why...why God?  Especially when it seems that life often deals crappy cards over and over again.  For those of you who are in the valley, we understand.  It is important in our faith journey to be able to grieve, to question, to feel but we have learned that Gods love is what sees us through, it is what sustains us and is what we know to never fail.  We choose to hold onto Him through this valley and to glorify Him in and through it.

This is Love!

As my husband prepares to travel to be with his family he desires to be close to his mom.  She has suffered great loss of two of her children in the past 5 years and her husband in the last 15 years.  As a mother I cannot even conceive the pain she feels.  My worst nightmare and one that some of you have had to endure would be the loss of your child.  When Barnabas calls home he asks for his mother.  She will tell Barnabas to call her often just so she knows he is near.  She longs for her children.  She longs for him to be near.

This is Love!

Many of you have asked what you can do or how you can help.  As we continue to "Restore Rose" we continue to seek Gods plan and what is next in her story.  The hospital will not release her body until her medical bill is paid.  This has proved to be quite a challenge which we are working through and with currently.  We are hoping the hospital will work with us to help discount her bill.  Please pray for favor and provision.  Barnabas is planning to travel home in the near future. If you are in a position to help we are looking at three projects that are on the table.

1. Raising funds for Rose's medical bill.  

2. Getting Barnabas home and to be able to help with funeral expenses

3. Little gifts or candies for the children.  (I was thinking maybe Easter basket style gifts since Easter is right around the corner)

If you would like to help out financially you can do so by either donating through the donate button which is tax deductible.  Your donations go to Jacobs Well Foundation which is a non profit organization that has been amazing to work with.  They do not take any cut of your donations and give 100% of it towards our projects.  If you prefer not to give online you can mail or wire directly to Jacobs Well. (info at the bottom of this post)

If you are interested in donating for the children you can mail or drop off items to my house.  Please email me at amandaagwuocha@gmail.com for more information.

We covet your prayers most of all and thank you for your support.  

This is Love! 

Barnabas and his Mother

Ma adorning me with her gifts of 3 necklaces

We love her so

This is the first time I had met her.  This is Love!

You can make a donation in these ways: 
1. Checks made payable to: "Jacob's Well Foundation" 
(You can attach a sticky note with the name Agwuocha on it to designate your donation) 
Mail checks to:  
Jacob's Well Foundation                         
177 Hausman Road                            
Lenhartsville, PA 19534     

2. Wire Money Transfer 
To wire money into the Jacob's Well account; Account Number:  8033254249 Routing Number: 031207607 Account Holder: Jacob's Well Foundation Bank Name: PNC NA Bank Address: 431 County Road 513, Califon, NJ 07830 

 

Trying to Make Sense of it All

Beautiful Rose!

So last week we got an update on Rose.  It was basically the same news we had been receiving time after time.  Her breathing and her blood pressure were not regulating.  Each and every day that Rose was in the ICU we were hopeful that she would turn a corner.  Rose had been saying that she was hungry and tired.  We asked the Doctors about her hunger and if they were feeding her.  Apparently her bowels were not functioning properly so they had to take care of that before putting more food into her.  Being here in the States and recently visiting a very close friend of the family in the ICU I know just how fortunate we are to have the health care we have.  People complain and complain and complain about stupid health care here...just be thankful people.  Be thankful for all that you have.  People around the world are seriously suffering without any options.

 It breaks my heart...really breaks my heart to share with you that Rose turned a corner.  Just not the corner we had hoped for.  Rose suffered and fought for her life but is no longer with us today.  My heart breaks and aches and questions so many things.  Just a few years ago we lost my husbands Brother due to an abscessed tooth and now we lose his sister.  This also could have been avoidable had she had access to better health care years ago. The pain that the family has endured these past few years has been unbearable.  Rose leaves behind a husband, who just recently lost his mother whom he has not yet buried, as well as two beautiful boys.  I love those boys as if they were my own and so very badly wish I could just hold them in my arms.

Rose after her surgery with her husband who has been by her
side through her entire stay at the hospital.

We so very much want to thank each and every one of you who have been a part of this journey.  You fought hard with us.  You made it possible with God to do all that we could have possibly done for her.  Thank you!  To have people around us to love and support us and the family means more than you know.  You have made a difference!

Where do we go from here?
Since Rose was in the ICU her medical bills sky rocketed. The original projection came into reality of almost triple the original cost.  Please pray they release her body even if we cannot pay the whole balance.  How can one even fathom being the husband having to deal with all of this.  This family has struggled so much for so many years, if only the hospital could have a little compassion.

Barnabas of course would like to go home to be with his family during this time.  He is in the process of looking into the logistics of that with work.  He really needs to be there to be with his mother who is mourning greatly.

Please friends just keep us all in your prayers.

All our love to you!

Amanda
and the Agwuocha family

This was Rose a few days after surgery

This is Rose last week

* if you would like to make a donation towards any expenses please note the donate button at the top of the page.  all donations will go to Jacobs Well and is tax deductible and will 100% go towards the family.

God Didn't Do This For Nothing!

Wow!
These last few weeks have been such a whirlwind. For the first time in months my siblings where all in town which allowed us to spend amazing quality time together. During that time my younger brother and his wife had an amazingly sweet little boy, Brayden Joseph. We spent much of last week tending to their needs and making sure that as first time parents they would be cared for.  I also got to meet for the first time my sisters second baby boy, Ian.  He is such a sweetie and I miss his cuddles already.  My oldest brother and his wife were back in the States for a short but sweet time as well.  We all spent day after day with one another soaking in each and every second we could knowing that it would be a while when we would have this time together again.  Among all of these wonderful events lies the ache within mine and my husbands heart for Rose.  Rose has been going through so much that we can barely keep up.  We have held off with updates just because so much is still wavering.  Rose has been in and out of ICU for the last week.  She has been having difficulty breathing.  She underwent minor surgery to put in a breathing tube.  She then was taken out of ICU a few days ago just to be put right back in.  The cost is tremendous for every day she is in.  Being so far away has also been a challenge.  We have been in touch with the doctors and are trying to get through some red tape with getting a written report of her condition and prognosis.  The biopsy results do not look favorable as well.  We do not yet have this in writing and are trying to be sensitive to the process but that also weighs heavy on our hearts.  My husband put out a post on Facebook the other day about the need to increase prayer and fasting on Rose's behalf.  We believe that Rose's story is much more than someone who is sick and needs help but a story of God's love, faithfulness, provision, and healing.   God surely does write straight with crooked lines because at the moment there are many ups and downs.  We have to rest in Him that He is in control but yet sometimes it is so hard to do that.  Please continue to pray for Rose and for our family.  Pray for better communication with the doctors and family members.  Pray for my husband as the pressure and stress of all of this has also taken a toll on him.  Pray for God to guide us, direct us, and lead us to all that we can do to help Rose.  We really need a miracle.  Thank you so much for your love and support!

Love,
The Agwuochas!

My mom, Mimi, with all of her grandchildren this past week!

We Heard from the Doctor!!!!

This morning, Barnabas was able to speak with the doctor.  The first clip is part of the conversation with the doctor.  It is hard to understand much of what is being said but if you wish...take a listen for yourself.


The second clip is that of Barnabas recapping what the doctor said.

We are so happy to have been able to finally have this conversation.  As noted, Rose's tumer was much like a sac. It was imbedded within the chord of her spine.  This is the very reason why they were not able to remove all of it.  Thankfully they suspect that it was non cancerous, which they will confirm after the biopsy comes back. The doctor said she still has some mobility in her arm left and had they gone into the chord she surely would not have been able to retain any function.  One hopeful comment that was made that stood out strongly was that the chord can sometimes recover even though there was extensive damage. Would you commit yourself to praying specifically for this to happen?  The doctor said that Rose is recovering well and has already begun physical therapy.  It is going to be a long road ahead.  Prayer, the Healing Power of Jesus Christ, all of your love and support and Rose's hard work are what will bring Rose to Restoration.  This story is not over yet!

All our Love,
The Agwuocha's

Rose Recovering

Hard to believe it has been almost a week since Rose has had her surgery.  She is looking pretty good considering all she has been through.  Here are a few picture of her and the hospital that have been taken recently.  We are posting these on the blog and not on Facebook because of the nature of the pictures and for respect for Rose.  We thank you for your constant love, support and prayers.

Rose is at the Hospital

* As of Thursday 1/30/2014 Rose has been in surgery since before 6:30 this morning.  It is currently 1:30pm.  I just called home and they have reported that she is still in surgery.  Keep the prayers coming.

 Since writing this post the latest update is that the surgery has been scheduled for this coming Thursday!

The day has finally come and Rose has made her way with her husband to the hospital.  Today (Monday) she has gone through some final examinations and is getting prepped for surgery to happen tomorrow (Tuesday 1/28/2014).  This surgery is very invasive and delicate as it involves her spine.  The doctors will need to drain the fluid from her spine..which is a lot as well as remove the tumor as best as possible.  This tumor has been growing now for 8+ years so there is no telling what they are going to have to deal with. 

I am not sure how long she will be there or how long mail takes to get there but if you would like to send her cards, the address above is where to send them.

Rev Fr Charles Agwuocha

Bishop's House,

Ahiara Diocese Mbaise

P.O.Box 205

Ogbe Ahiara.

Imo State, Nigeria.

 Here is a glimse of what their post operative rooms look like.

Their website states : 

Inpatient Facilities

Memfys Hospital has a 3-bed 

neuro-intensive care unit 

and 21 inpatient beds arranged 

as 1-bed private rooms and 

shared 2-bed rooms. All rooms 

are airconditioned and have 

their own ensuite facilities.

Our rooms are well equipped

 with all the facilities neccessary

 for constant patient monitoring 

during every stage of post-operative recovery.

Would you please be in prayer with us!

Pray for Rose to have the
 physical strength to endure this
 major surgery.

Pray that the doctors hands
are guided by the Great Physician.

Pray for quick response to
any complications.

Pray for the husband and
children as they support
Rose through this surgery.

Pray that God would be in control.

Pray for unity of the doctors
and nurses that they would
 be in one accord on their
decision making process
while in surgery that the
would work together as
 a unified team.

These are some of the highlighted requests.  We thank you for your love and support to our family during this time and for making this possible!!!! You all ROCK!!!!

Love to you all!!!

The Agwuocha's

(please share and spread the word! we need prayer warriors to be committed to praying with us)