Quadrigêmeos Update

I'm long overdue to post an update on Manoel, Eliana, and their precious quadruplets. But better late than never, right?

Eric called and spoke with Manoel on December 20. We were saddened to learn that Eliana, Manoel, and the three boys were actually at the hospital. The boys had all came down with pneumonia. Some cousins were staying at the house with the baby girl and 5 older children, but Mom, Dad, and the three boys had been at a hospital a couple hours away for several days. The boys all started out in intensive care, but, when we spoke to them, they were all improving and in a regular room. They hoped to be home before Christmas.

We informed Manoel that we would be leaving Brasil on the following day, but we were going to deposit the money that had been donated to them into their account: R$850 (US$475)! He was very appreciative of the money and asked that we please pass along a big thank you to everyone who gave. He said that his family would pray that God may bestow His blessings upon each of you.

Since returning to the US, I have thought often of this family and wondered how they were doing. I debated calling them on more than one occasion. Then two weeks ago, I received an email from Manoel's sister - with pictures!

I asked permission to share them here and she told me to go ahead. What big, healthy babies! How they've grown in just two months!

To remind you, here they are in mid-November:

And now (these pictures were taken mid-January):

Ana Raquel

Natanael




Miguel

And my little buddy, Ezequiel! Look at that grin!

(On a personal note, oh-my-gosh these pictures make me want babies. Lots and lots more babies. Although one at a time would be fine. hehehe)

Manoel and Eliana have such a sweet family, and they really touched my heart. A big thank you to everyone who contributed. The generosity you showed was so awesome and getting notifications from Paypal each time a deposit was made really warmed my heart. Your donations equaled more than two months salary for them, and I know it will be a big help. They really have their work cut out for them as the quadruplets grow, and I'm certain they would appreciate a continued interest in your thoughts and prayers.

The world isn't nearly as ugly and bad as it sometimes seems. There are lots of good people out there (all over the globe) . . . I think sometimes we need reminded of that.