Update from Michael - January 19, 2009

Dear Friends:

Thank you for prayer and support. The benefit concert in Mariners Church, “Help Me Help Yu,” had a huge turnout, with the majority of those attending being teens. Many of those in attendance were undoubtedly not church-goers and had probably never attended a concert in a church building … particularly one as spectacular as the Mariners Church Student Center. The Student Center offers two indoor basketball courts, two game rooms, two auditoriums and a large reception area. Outside there is a food island surrounded by a stream and water falls along with a cool skate park.

Melissa had lots of fun and was quite busy greeting visitors and having her photo taken with everyone. Tina and Taneen, two high schoolers, organized this event with a zero dollar budget. Amazingly, they were able to accomplish their mission.

The Orange County Register newspaper published a big column about the event on Sunday, January 11, and the Irvine World news published a cover story on it on Wednesday, January 14. Many young people who attended are hoping Tina will put on a second concert!

This evening (1/19), Mom came back and asked Melissa if she had had any visitors during the day. Surprisingly, and for the first time, Melissa remembered all of her visitors’ names (without help)! This is the first time since this all began that she has been able to recall a current event all by herself and this is a very positive sign that her memory is improving.

Tomorrow (1/20) will be first day for the home-hospital teacher to come and teach Melissa at home. Melissa has already made herself flash cards to help her with her spelling. Today, she told Mom that it is still very hard for her to spell. This is her first major challenge before going back to school. Please pray for her to maintain a good, positive attitude toward overcoming these and future obstacles.

Prayer Requests:
1. Melissa has 3 times per week out-patient therapy.
2. Melissa has 2 times per week acupuncture therapy.
3. Melissa start home-hospital teaching program.
4. Melissa can resume going back to school in February.

God Bless and happy Lunar year!

In Love,
Michael