Tiffany Joiner Update:

Everywhere I travel the first question people usually ask is, "how is Tiffany"? I have tried not to overload you with reports but it has been awhile now and many are continuing to ask. I thought I would write an update as a blog entry this week.

First, some who may not know(I still find a few who aren't aware), my daughter Tiffany fell from her balcony at her apartment in Dubai in December of 2008. The fall shattered a vertebrae in her back, damaging her spinal cord and leaving her with a diagnosis of paraplegia. The official definition of paraplegia is "paralysis characterized by motor or sensory loss in the lower limbs and trunk." Although much healing has taken place, she is left with some paralysis from the waist down. Since then she has gone through several months of rehab in Dubai, California and most recently Spain. In December she developed an infection in the toes on one foot that became so serious that amputation was a possibility. That meant she had to stop all therapy and go to bed taking strong antibiotics for about 6 weeks. While the infection was treated successfully, the result was a loss of mobility that had been gained during the 6 weeks of bed rest. Not only did she lose mobility, her feet and toes became twisted. She was once again forced to return to the wheelchair.

She underwent surgery on both feet on May 19 in Miami to cut and extend the Achilles tendons on both feet to allow them to once again stand flat on the floor. They also performed a "flap" procedure on the right foot to force the foot to turn back inward to a forward facing direction. The toes on the right foot were also turning outward and pins were inserted to correct that as well. Today she returned to the surgeon. The bandages were removed, stitches removed and her right foot was put in a cast and her left in a hard boot. The cast will be on for 4 weeks after which therapy will resume. The situation has been difficult at every turn but now she faces having to start all over again with therapy in order to get back where she was a year ago.

Tiffany's attitude has been extraordinary! I am very proud of how she has handled this ordeal. As a matter of prayer, please continue to pray for great grace upon her life. Pray for healing to flow to the feet. Of course, we need a creative miracle for the spinal cord. Spinal cords don't heal or mend themselves as other parts of the body so that is why I say "a creative miracle".

All of you have been "family" to us in every way through this last year and a half. God has been so faithful to meet every need and beyond. Thank you. His grace is sufficient.