Can you sign Italy?

Just in case you are wondering, the sign for Italy is to make an "I" sign with your pinky finger and to do the sign of the cross on your forehead. Italy usually conjures up images of the Vatican, the Colisseum, vineyards, and pasta. For us, though, Italy means one thing: the chance for Anna to hear. As I mentioned in a previous post, we sent Anna's medical records off for a second opinion. We sent them to House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles, renowned for their expertise in ear conditions. Shortly after we mailed the records, we learned that House had received FDA approval to perform Auditory Brainstem Implants on children (they have been done on adults in the U.S. for years). On Thursday night, January 31, 2013, we received a call from the doctor at House. He said that Anna could not be in their clinical trial because it cut off at age 60 months. Anna was 64 months old. However, the doctor explained that he believed Anna would still be a viable candidate for ABI and said he would forward the information to the doctor/hospital in Italy. The very next day, we heard from the doctor in Italy. They offered to add Anna to their February surgery schedule. Only...the expense! But God is gracious, and through the incredible generosity of His people - some friends and family, some complete strangers- we have the means to make the trip to Italy and for the initial payment on Anna's surgery. In light of the miraculous things taking place, our family decided to say YES. So, on February 14, part of our family will be winging our way to Italy, while the rest of our family stays home. It has always been our hope and prayer that God would move in a supernatural way to heal Anna. An ABI would not have been our first choice - or even our second or third. However, it is Anna's only chance to possibly hear. We believe that only God can give hearing, but we also believe He can choose to work through doctors, science and technology. With hearing comes speech, literacy, and the opportunity to interact more independently in a hearing world. No matter what, Anna will sign. Anna will learn about being Deaf. Anna will thrive. Anna will learn. This choice is simply about giving Anna options and opportunities. As we have learned from the scripture, God choose the weak and foolish things of the world to confound the wise. We also see in the scripture that God sometimes allows affliction so that His glory would be revealed. We are praying that, through Anna, God will continue to draw people to Himself. We will keep the blog updated as we travel. Please keep us all in your prayers. Amy