Jorlene Update from Lila Benitez

(Excerpted from a letter to Sor Laurinda)

The other day Yorlene was watching the school bus drop off kids and she told me she had the desire to be on the bus. She asked if she could go to school. She seems to really want to go. So, I called Dr. Farrell and asked him what he thought and could I be her legal guardian which is the requirement for school. He told me to ask you as you are the one who knows the "intrigues" of life there. Let me know what you think as Dr. Farrell has a son who is a lawyer who could help us if need be. I feel school would be very beneficial to her, both academically and in the social interaction with other kids. Even after the surgery the kids would give her support and encouragement, and I'm sure the school would continue to tutor her probably at home.

Yorlene continues to be adjusting well. I am so happy to see that inner strength that she has and her resolve to see this through. We pray throughout the day as situations come up and I'm so thankful for her love and trust in the Lord. Every night before bed we make a procession into her room (Tanya, Esme, and me) we all kneel by the bed and pray. It's become a nightly tradition.

I spoke with with Dr. Labiak's surgical secretary (Carolyn) yesterday and they're finalizing where she will have her thoracic and lumbar MRI's. They feel in view of the x-ray series she had done here in Sept. that the surgery will be more extensive involving both the anterior and posterior regions. They seem to still be holding on to Nov.13 as her surgery date. So, everything is on track. I also asked about a pediatrician for a check up especially to follow up on the parasites.They will get back to me on that but they said it will probably be a pediatrician from St. Charles to have more centralized care and sharing of information between the medical staff.

Yorlene went to Connecticut with Tanya last week-end to visit with Tanya's Venezuelan cousin (Isa). They took her to a huge aquarium and she loved all the fish. Tanya took her by ferry from Port Jefferson to Bridgeport, a brand new experience for her. She has also been receiving mail from many different people.

All for now, praying that God will give you the peace of God that passes all understanding, and that every person affected by the floods will be cared for and find the provision that is needed. God bless and strengthen you, Sor, for your sacrificial labor of love to the people of Honduras.

Abrazos y carino,
Lila