Please keep praying ... surgery is still on!

Assuming I stay qualified through three more blood tests this week, the transplant surgery is still scheduled to begin this Saturday, December 2nd, at about 7:00 a.m. As Saturday approaches, we will post a more detailed schedule of the day's events so that you can pray specifically throughout the day.

Two surgeons will be involved: the first one to remove one of my kidneys, the second one to transplant the kidney into Nate. I met my surgeon yesterday. While waiting in his office, I noticed that Dr. Chamberlin had graduated from BYU. During our discussion, I said, "I assume you are a man of faith, so I want you to know that hundreds of people have been praying for us, and will be on their knees this Saturday, praying specifically for you."

He immediately held out his hands toward me and said, "Tim, I have studied a long time, and have performed hundreds of these operations, but I am just the instrument. I, too, will be on my knees early Saturday morning before coming in to see you."

As we continued to discuss the specifics of my surgery and post-operative care, I grew more and more confident of his ability, attitude and character. He also spoke very highly of Nate's surgeon, the hospital's transplant director, Dr. Ruzics. In fact, every specialist that I have seen during the past six months, have all given extremely high praise to the work of this doctor.

Finally, Nate and I have been warned to "lay low and stay healthy" this week. We will keep you posted as the week progresses. Thanks for praying!

~ Tim