Baby Harrington Update/Prayer

We went for our first ultrasound on Tuesday night. After signing up and waiting in a hot room with many other pregnant ladies, we finally caught a glimpse of our precious one. The doctor spoke English well, and we felt very comfortable asking him specific questions about the baby's growth and development. We saw the four chambers of the heart, the heart beating strong and fast, a complete spinal cord, and even urine in the bladder. He said the baby is measuring around 19 weeks. We loved seeing the little one moving his/her limbs. We did not find out a gender, because the baby was being modest.

Everything was great, until the doctor spoke the words, "Ms. Amber, there is something I am concerned about." He went to a view of the baby's brain. The doctor continued to explain to us that he was concerned about a dark area he saw on the brain. During the course of the discussion, he told us the baby may have "fluid on the brain" or hydrocephalus. This condition is caused when the body's cerebral spinal fluid cannot flow outside of the brain due to blockage.  The fluid builds on the brain and may cause damage.

We left the doctor's office with a mix of emotions-so grateful we could see a baby but crushed because something may be wrong and there's nothing we can do. Friends, it has been a difficult past few days. We are trusting in the Lord's goodness and love for His children to provide peace. We wrote to our midwife and explained to her everything that had happened. Her recommendation is to go to Singapore for a follow up ultrasound that can give more clear answers. We are now waiting on a second opinion from a doctor who serves here. Of course it is possible there was a mistake in the reading of the ultrasound. God makes no mistakes in His special designs of creation. Please pray that if there is fluid on the baby's brain that it would decrease, that the blockage would open up and the fluid would flow properly. Pray for peace that we would take necessary steps to ensure the best care and provision for both mother and baby. Regardless of the outcome, Baby Harrington will be loved by a Creator that has fearfully, wonderfully, and creatively made him/her. He/She will be loved by a mom and dad who have waited for God's timing to provide an addition to their family. They will be loved by you, who have partnered with us on this journey through joyful times and difficult times.

Unexpected expenses can be difficult to talk about, but we feel like this is something that we should bring to you as prayer partners. Would you pray that God would provide financially for any expenses that may be needed for a quick trip to Singapore? Would you consider giving gifts to Wycliffe on our behalf to cover these expenses? If you are willing to give towards this trip please send gifts to:  

Wycliffe Bible Translators
P.O. Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862-8200

Include a note attached: “For Josh and Amber Harrington #214391”
You can also give online: www.wycliffe.org/Partnership.aspx?mid=124E53

Thank you for your love, prayers, and encouraging words during this challenging time.