We had a sweet prayer time tonight at Crossroads Church, led by Steve Farish, our old pastor, and the elders. Old friends from our “young couples” Sunday School Class back in the mid-90’s came. We marveled as we asked each other where the kids were in college and remembered how they played together as toddlers and preschoolers. It is an incredible privilege to be covered by such prayer. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love on our behalf and so thankful for the body of Christ.
Some specific prayer requests: For a smooth surgery for me with no complications or infections and for quick healing and liver regrowth. For Gay that she would accept my liver well, that there would be no clotting or scar tissue formed that would adversely effect the transplant, and for quick healing and regrowth. Also pray for nothing to postpone or cancel the surgery. If another emergency comes up we will be “bumped” to another day, which would be difficult emotionally on everyone and hard for us since Rick already has a flight home on Friday. Also pray for those in the waiting room. Gay and I figure we have the easy part on Tuesday since we’ll be asleep! But Roger, Rick, and the family and friends in the waiting room will have a long and stressful day.
We will head downtown tomorrow and spend the night at a hotel across the street from the hospital so we can head over there at 6 am. Thanks so much for all your prayers and help and love! ~Sonya
Donna, Michelle, Anne, me, Suzanne, & Tracy
The Beautiful Scott Sisters (and me!)
Now this is snow!
sonyahove 
You’re definitely in my prayers today and this week. Telling all the old CRU alunms in my class to pray too!
love,
me 🙂
We are praying for you all down here in Durham–for all those things you mentioned. And just praying in general that the hand of God would be evident in all that transpires. Hugs to you Sonya and your friend Gay!
Rick and Sonya,
We want you to know that we are praying for you, Gay and her family, the surgery and all that follows…and that the Lord would give you a spirit of hope and peace as He strengthens your faith in this challenging time.
His grace is sufficient and we are trusting that His power will be demonstrated in all of this.
With love and prayers,
Jack and Diane Parker
Sonya,
I have not met you but use to live in Libertyville, friends of Suzanne and Gay and a member of Crossroads Church. I just wanted to let you know that I think you are amazing for moving ahead with the transplant. I know that God opens and closes doors for us with His plan in mind and obviously this door has been opened for you to help out a dear wife, mother and friend. I have been praying for a successful surgery for you both as well as peace of mind for you and Gay and the families!
The Mayers are praying for you all this week… Quick healing and peace and joy for all of you.
I know you don’t want to do this, but I’m so glad you are posting updates!
We have RT during your surgery tomorrow so will be praying then for sure.
from Mom and Dad–have sent out many prayer requests for both of you–many responses. We love you and are so proud of you and thankful for the technology that allows this to happen. Someone in K.C., MO just did a similar thing. Both parties doing great! We love you so much. Rick–call if you need anything. Love.
Man, i just heard…….Count me IN!
Hi Sonya,
Andrew and I have been talking about your decision to help and what a great example of obedience you are to our Savior’s command to love one another and to bear one another’s burdens. We think about how glibly we say to someone “Let me know if I can do anything to help”–when by that we mean to bring them some food, not to give them a body part! We pray that we would all be challenged to love each other sacrificially as Jesus would have us do.
The girls and I were praying for you tonight. They still remember you as the woman who gave them their spiral art kits!
Please know that your friends in the UK are praying for you and will continue to do so in the days ahead!
Love,
Miriam
Whoah! Yes!! For sure we will be praying at the Culwell house! What a blessing for her!
Sonya –
It’s amazing to think that this time tomorrow, part of your body will be living inside Gay — giving her life and sustaining her. However, the rest of us have been benefiting from your selfless donations for decades.
You shared your *heart* with me, twenty years ago when we met. You and Rick met so many needy recipients, all of whom needed help with their hearts, many of whom would have been higher on the transplant list than me. It would have been understandable if you hadn’t any heart-pieces left to give me one. But you did, and it’s been part of me ever since — I still benefit from your wisdom, wit, and example, and I will for the rest of my life.
Praying for a speedy recovery for both of you.
Love, Suzanne for Team Berman
I cried as I read that. I am so thankful that you are my friend. You have been a blessing to me and I know that Suzanne, Gay and their families are so thankful for you. May God truly bless you. Rick I pray that you will feel the comfort of Jesus as you wait. I am so thankful for you tonight. Will be praying all day tomorrow.
Wow – Matt and I will be praying for you, Gay and your families!
Hello my sweet Sonya–
You’ve been on my mind ALL DAY. And you certainly will be tomorrow. I will be praying, praying, praying for you and for Gay. I love you and I AM SO PROUD OF YOU. I wrote a post about you (here’s the link if you want to read it: http://www.impartinggrace.com/2011/02/love-story.html).
I know God will bless your gift, Sonya. I love you!
I am praying and will be tomorrow. You are wrapped and surrounded by His loving arms.
I am praying for you today! Much love and may the Lord bless your faithfulness!
I love you, Sonya! You, Rick, and the kids are in my prayers! I’m also praying for Gay and her family! God is holding you and Gay in His Grip. Your Father loves you both so much!
Much love and prayers,
Rachel Baden
Praying for you all for sure!
Addison and I are praying for you, especially this morning! Thanks for the updates. You and your family are a true inspiration.
Praying Fervantly….