Alvin is still experiencing chest pain (most likely an infection). He had trouble sleeping again last night due to this new problem that developed a few days ago.
It seems that with each step we make forward, Alvin makes a step backwards in his health. Acres of Hope is making progress but the government of Liberia is going to have to move fast if Alvin is going to make it to the US on time.
Last night Patty met with Honorable Gaye, who is the Chairman of the Health and Social Welfare Committee in the House of Representatives. They discussed Alvin's situation, then went together to visit the boy at the hospital. Though it is great that Honorable Gaye has expressed concern, there is still a lot that needs to happen before Alvin has completed the necessary steps to make it to his new family in the states. We are praying Honorable Gaye uses all the influence he has, especially considering Alvin and Honorable Gaye are from the same village.
I personally have been very impressed with all Alvin's mother has done to save her son's life. Alvin and his mother are the ones who asked Acres of Hope to advocate for them before the government. Alvin has called officials himself, begging them to do what is in their power to get him the help he needs. When Alvin met Honorable Gaye last night he bravely told him "I want to live. Help me live." Can you imagine fighting for your own life like that? And at 13!
Our organization has continued to be in contact with the appropriate government offices and officials. Some good news is we now have his passport! Roland with Water of Life and Alvin's mother were able to get the passport today in record timing! We are so grateful to have Roland around, specifically today by driving Alvin's mother around. Alvin's mother is actively taking part in this process in the hopes that Alvin will finally make it to America. She knows the only possible way to save her sons life is care outside of the country, specifically life long medical care in the United States.
An independent journalist has also been following Alvin's case and is writing a story about the sadness of losing a little special needs boy named Matthew, in the hopes that Alvin's case won't be a repeat of this tragedy.
We have been looking into emergency flights for Alvin and so far what we have found is shockingly and impossibly expensive. Keep praying that we will find a feasible option for Alvin's flight, for when he is granted the approval to go.
Again remember to pray for Alvin's health, the approval that Alvin still needs to receive before adoption, and that we would find a safe and speedy way to get Alvin to his family in America.
-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)
