Alvin Update! We still need to pay for the flight!

Alvin is doing so well! I am so happy to share this update with you. A friend of Alvin's adoptive family wrote the following update and continued plea for financial donations, and gave me permission to share it along with these new pictures of Alvin.

This update reveals how Alvin's doctors learned some things about him that were not clear before. It also explains the details of how Alvin was able to make it to the states when the flight was not yet completely paid for.

"Alvin livid in Liberia, Africa. There he has a mother and five siblings who loved him. At the age of eleven Alvin's life changed forever. Left paralyzed weeks after a car accident, doctors there unknowingly misdiagnosed the cause of his paralysis, treating him for tuberculosis. As time went on Alvin laid in a hospital bed and complications arose placing him near death. Doctors gave up hope on him. The only thing his mother knew she could do was to give him up and pray that he would be adopted by a family who could get him the lifesaving care he needed. The mother's dream came true when Stephanie and David Dodd adopted him.

In order to get him here safely an air ambulance had to be hired at a cost of $98,750. The amount was unobtainable for the family. They started to raise the funds but realized Alvin would die before they could get the full amount. They agreed to take a $20,000 deposit which they borrowed, and give the full payment of $78,780 within 90 days .

Since that time Alvin has undergone five surgeries and received excellent medical care at Greenville Memorial Hospital. His health continues to improve and he is now safe at his house with the rest of his new family.

The family still faces the challenge of raising the money to pay for the air ambulance by November 6, 2009. By spreading the word about Alvin's story we all hope to attain the financial goal. If you can help in any way please send money to the address below. Thank you so much for the support."

(Alvin at home for his 14th birthday. Here he is with his brother, who was also adopted from Liberia).

Right now the AOH Paypal link is down (due to the website redesign project) so you will have to donate by sending cash or a check.

Alvin Dodd

119 Cherrywood Trail

Greer, SC 29650

Thank you for the part you may have already played in bringing Alvin home. Please continue to spread the word about this great need. Continue to pray and donate again, if you are able to. Remember, even the small amounts add up fast.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin in America

Now that Alvin is in America and safe with his new family, we will not be able to update the blog frequently like we were when he was in Liberia. But I will share any info I do come across. I know personally I really love to hear how the adopted kids are doing, and whenever possible, I have visited them in the states. Alvin's story is not finished yet and as I do receive updates I will be sure to post those here.

Alvin was able call Patty the other day and he just couldn't believe how clean the hospital was.

"Grandma, you wouldn't believe how clean it is!"

"Yes, I know, it is very clean."

"No, it's CLEAN."

Patty has been in many, many hospitals in her day, so she does know how clean an American hospital is, especially in comparison to a Liberian hospital! Alvin was also thrilled to have a TV in his room and enthralled by the wonder of a remote control.

Recently Alvin's adoptive mother shared that Alvin is in OK spirits but is missing his birth family and Patty. Alvin's new family is also hoping that he might be able to be moved to their home while he heals and waits for his reconstructive surgeries.

So now we know a little more specifically how to pray.

Alvin is a 13 year old so obviously completely remembers his life before he was adopted. He has a wonderful story to tell, and being adopted is his dream come true, but he will of course take some time to grieve the loss of his previous life. Please pray for a quick healing of his heart and that he will bond smoothly with his new family. Concerning his health, I can imagine the idea of a seemingly endless hospital stay is not very appealing to anyone right now. Also, the best way for Alvin to get to know his new parents and siblings is to be in a home setting (and it is much more interesting spending your days at home, as versus a hospital room). So pray with us that it would work for for Alvin to be at home while he gains more strength and waits for the doctors to make a decision on how to address his multiple open wounds.

Thanks again for following Alvin's story and to those of you who have prayed and donated financially. I know they still need money to be coming in towards the flight, so donate if you are able to. I will be sure to update the blog when all the money needed has come in.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin's Miracle

Two blind men were sitting by the roadside,

and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted,

"Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet,

but they shouted all the louder,

"Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

Jesus stopped and called them.

"What do you want me to do for you?" he asked.

"Lord," they answered, "we want our sight."

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes.

Immediately they received their sight and followed him.

(Matthew 20:30-34)

When Jesus came to earth as God made man, his purpose was to die on the cross for sinners - every human being that has ever lived. The sacrifice of a perfect person was the only acceptable offering for a righteous God. Because of Christ's suffering everyone who confesses their sin and accepts Jesus as their personal Savior can be saved from eternal damnation and look forward to an eternity with God in Heaven.

In Jesus' first recorded sermon he said

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

(Luke 4:18-19)

Christ accomplished so much during his time on earth (before he died on the cross, then was raised back to life, and soon after ascended back to Heaven). Miracles were a major part of his ministry.

The purposes of Christ's miracles were twofold. "First, they revealed the sovereignty, power, and glory of God and of His Son. Second, they revealed mankind's desperate need. His healings expose the devastation caused by sin, as well as God's power and will to repair such sin-wrought desolation and wretchedness." Another way to look at the first purpose is that "miracles are the testimony of God as to the nature and person of Jesus Christ." Miracles confirmed that Jesus was who he said he was.

While Jesus is not walking the earth in visible, human form today, he is every bit as much present and involved in our lives as he was with the individuals he healed in the Bible.

When a 13-year-old boy from Liberia, West Africa, lay dying in a tuberculosis sanitarium, it seemed this child had been forgotten. When his bed sores had eaten away his flesh to the point that he bones and internal organs were visible, he could no longer walk, use the bathroom, roll over, or simply lay in a comfortable position, Alvin's future seemed hopeless, and death just around the corner.

On one of Patty's first visits to Alvin she thought he would die within a few days. Alvin asked Patty to sleep near him in the sanitarium (on the floor beside the bed) so that if Jesus came, when he saw a white person, He would be inclined to stop and see Alvin. Patty explained to Alvin that Jesus showed no preference for black or white skin, and then led Alvin through the plan of salvation, so that if Alvin were to pass away in the night, Jesus would indeed bring him home with Him to Heaven. Alvin accepted Jesus as his Savior that night and Patty slept on the hard cement floor beside him.

Alvin and his birth mom had been praying a long time for some way that Alvin's life could be spared. Some way for him to live the future he dreamed of and recover from his constant suffering. Through the ministry of Patty Anglin with Acres of Hope, Water of Life, various missionaries on the ground in Liberia, and a loving Christian family in America, the present day hands of Christ reached out to Alvin to save his precious life and bring him to a place where he can receive the most physical recovery possible on earth. Through this, along with financial donations, and the prayers of thousands of people, God has worked a modern day miracle in the life of a little child who thought he had been forgotten. Who thought Jesus only came to white people. Who thought his dreams to see life and a future in America would never come true.

Christ is still alive and well today, working in the lives of the great and the very, very small. I hope Alvin's story has convinced you that Jesus Christ is who he says he is, and he has great, great love and compassion for the physically suffering and spiritually lost.

As I stood watching Alvin's plane taxi toward the runway last night I realized I had just experienced one of those "once in a lifetime" days that you never, ever forget. Sometimes I just can't believe I am so blessed to be a part of what God is doing in the hearts and lives of people here in Africa.

Here is Alvin's departure day in picture:

The flight ended up coming in late so Alvin left the country at about 5:50 PM (Wednesday, the 12th of August). It was raining most of the afternoon.

Unfortunately Patty was not able to actually come to the airport to see Alvin off as she had previously scheduled a really important meeting for Wednesday. This is the Alvin/Patty good bye picture. I love this one!

Leaving ELWA hospital.

Boarding the AOH ambulance.

He was very excited!

Roland from Water of Life saying his good byes.

Roland will see Alvin again soon since they

are (now) both from Greenville SC.

Alvin crying as the time approaches to

say good bye to his birth mother and siblings.

There it is!

Buster/Greg from AOH meeting the pilot and crew.

The pediatric nurse meeting Alvin and David, and discussing details.

The paramedic meeting Alvin.

Alvin's least favorite part.

Time to board!

One last smile for the camera before saying good bye.

The Jet ICU team was incredible and I know Alvin was in great hands.

This was Alvin's miracle.

Please remember to pray for Alvin's physical healing. He has a long road ahead of him. Also, continue to contribute to the flight fund, if you are able.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

In One Month

Almost exactly one month ago a desperately ill 13 year old boy asked Patty Anglin if she could help him.

Almost exactly one month ago Patty thought Alvin would die and prepared him to meet Jesus.

Almost exactly one month ago Patty cried in my living room for a precious little boy she didn't know if she could do anything to help.

Yesterday Alvin's dream came true when through Patty's tireless efforts combined with the partnering of many other individuals and organizations, and most importantly, a wonderful adoptive family, Alvin flew home to America.

This picture was taken by Patty almost one month ago.

And I took this one yesterday, as Alvin laid in the bed on the air ambulance right before he left.

Alvin's story is a true testimony of what can happen when the Body of Christ comes together in obedience to the Bible's many commands of caring for the suffering, the needy, and the orphaned. And while Alvin's life has been saved (provided he recovers in America), we are also changed by our obedience.

The internet was down last night and I am working on writing up a long post of Alvin's departure day, but I wanted to share this with you as soon as I could.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin's Flight Home

The emergency medical flight is scheduled to come in at 2:45 this afternoon and should be leaving with Alvin approximately one hour later, after refueling. We are all so excited that Alvin is finally going home! This is truly a modern day miracle. Alvin leaving Liberia is the end of the beginning of Alvin's story.

I will be going to the airport with the Alvin in the AOH ambulance and plan to share all about the day (with pictures, of course) later this evening. God is so good and I am humbled to be a part of this amazing story.

Please remember to pray for Alvin on this last, though major, part of his journey home. He will be in the very best of hands on the air ambulance, but flight can be hard on the body and Alvin's health is very precarious. Also pray for wisdom and alertness for the flight crew, and strength for Alvin's biological mom as she says good bye. Only one other person is allowed to travel with the patient, so that will be Alvin's adoptive dad.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

We Have The Visa!!!!

Praise the Lord we have Alvin's visa IN HAND as of just a few minutes ago! It was processed yesterday and Acres of Hope just picked it up. This means Alvin is free to leave the country and enter America! The air ambulance service has been notified and hopefully Alvin will be able to fly out tomorrow!!! I am really hoping I can be there to see Alvin off and of course take pictures that I can share with all of you who have become a part of Alvin's amazing story.

GOD IS GOOD!!!

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin's Visa

(This post was prepared for Friday night but due to no internet (again), it is late. My apologies.)

On the list of things to do today was to pick up Alvin's visa medical report, and then head on over to the embassy to process Alvin's United States visa. Well, as Patty was at the hospital picking up the report, the embassy called and said to head over as fast as they could as they would process Alvin's paperwork in 20 minutes (the embassy is about 20 minutes from this hospital, with zero traffic). Since this case is an emergency, and Alvin's paperwork represents Alvin the person, Patty felt this would be a time to use the AOH ambulance. So they were able to speed through traffic, park right in front of the embassy, and jump out. Only to be told sorry, they changed their minds and would process Alvin's paperwork on Monday instead. Patty reminded them that this was an emergency, but still they said it would have to be Monday. Oh well...at least they will be processing it at all (considering the nationwide moratorium on adoptions).

At this point we are hoping for Alvin to fly out on Tuesday, as it simply can't happen any sooner than that. The good news is we only have one more thing to do (acquire the visa) before Alvin will be cleared to travel to the US.

Again I ask that you would keep all these things in your prayers:

-Alvin's continued health

-That they would receive the visa on Monday as promised

-That the flight would arrive and leave as scheduled

-That the funds for the flight would come in

Thanks again for following Alvin's story. One day when this little boy, who thought he was forgotten, learns of all those who were fighting to get him home, he will realized how valued he is by God and us, His children.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Quick Flight Update

Sorry there was no update last night. The internet was down (this is Africa, after all).

I just wanted to quickly update you on the emergency medical flight situation and hopefully later today I will have a more substantial post.

The flight plans are now final, only the plans have changed again. But this is good news since now the cost is only (only...wow) $79,000. Continue to share Alvin's needs with your friends and family and get the word out that Alvin is worth it!

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Flight Update! The Good And The Bad

We have an emergency medical flight secured!! This is the good news. The bad news is the cost is $140,000. Unfortunately the other flight situation we were pursuing for much less is not going to work out. So get the word out! We need to raise much, much more than we had anticipated. If you are able to donate even $5 it will make a difference.

Alvin's adoptive dad, along with Patty (and possibly some other AOH staff) will be flying home with him on the emergency medical flight.

Paperwork is being processed and we are hoping to have Alvin out of here on Saturday. Alvin is hanging in there but as I mentioned before; he could take a turn for the worse at any moment. But we are trusting that God will spare Alvin and that he will be able to make it to his new family and the care he needs in the US. We are trusting that the staggering amount of $140,000 raised will be a great testimony of the Body of Christ coming together to save one of God's precious children. We are trusting that Alvin will grow to be a great testimony of God's goodness to the least of these, the seemingly forgotten. Don't loose your opportunity to become a part of this amazing story! Click here to donate now (specify "Alvin's Flight").

ALVIN IS WORTH IT!!!

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin and His New Dad

Today Alvin's adoptive dad spent the whole day at the hospital with his new son. I was able to drop by after my Bible study and visit. Alvin is of course so excited that he is here. He had his dad's camera hanging around his neck and he was taking pictures. Very cute.

When you see this beautiful little boy sitting in his wheelchair, covered with a blanket, it is easy to forget what is underneath and what Alvin has to sit on. Thankfully Alvin said the chest pain is going away. Remember to keep Alvin's health in your prayers as any day he could take a turn for the worse. We are so close to getting him home!

We are moving as fast as we can to get Alvin out of here, but it still feels as if it isn't fast enough. This is Africa so things are moving at an "Africa" pace. We are still waiting on the Ministry of Health to process Alvin's paperwork before it is then transfered to the next step (Ministry of Justice) and then the next...We are very grateful for Mr. Gebro, the acting Minister of Health, and his assistant Lydia, for focusing on Alvin's case last weekend and this week. Patty continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health on behalf of Alvin and our other special needs kids, like Secret.

As far as the flight is concerned, there is still much that needs to be done. As is common, all the money needs to be given up front before the flight can arrive. This is an area you can focus on now while AOH works out all the other details. If you will note on the right side of the blog I have added a fundraising thermometer so you can monitor the funds as they come in. I will update that as often as I am able to. You can also click on Alvin's picture to easily donate towards his flight and his in country medical expenses.

I will soon be sharing about some of our other special needs kids, including two that are available for adoption, and another story about Acres of Hope's medical outreach ministry. Stay tuned for those stories along with the Alvin updates.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Quick Alvin Update

Alvin's adoptive father made it safely into the country! He has already been able to visit Alvin. Alvin was very happy to see him, but a little nervous at the same time. Alvin's birth mom prayed over the occasion and Alvin sang his new dad an entire African praise song! Isn't that so precious?!?!?!

Please continue to keep this whole situation in your prayers. Every aspect of this process involves many steps:

-We are still awaiting confirmation for the less expensive flight.

-Tomorrow the processing begins for the adoption and that needs to go fast and smoothly.

-Alvin needs to remain strong physically.

-We need to raise a lot of money for the flight. Please donate towards this cause by clicking here, if you are able.

I do have a lot of faith that all of this will work out in time for Alvin to make it safely to the US, especially since the hardest part has been accomplished (getting the adoption approved), but everyone needs to continue to pray for Alvin and every aspect of getting him home.

-Melodie (AoH Volunteer)

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective!"

"Therefore confess your sins to each other

and pray for each other so that you may be healed.

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

James 5:16

It is with extreme gratitude to God that I share today that Alvin's adoption has been granted! Patty's persistence with the Ministry of Health has payed off. The acting Minister of Health wrote a letter to the President and the Minister of Justice, asking special permission for Alvin to be adopted. We are so grateful for Mr. Gebro's willingness to address the President on this issue. We received word that the President was brought to tears after hearing about Alvin and looking at the pictures.

Alvin's adoptive dad will be arriving in Liberia tomorrow night. We look forward to the beginning of next week being a very busy time processing the adoption, visa, and moving Alvin out of the country!

We want to thank those who have been researching medical flight options for us. At first we were pretty discouraged when the quote for medevac was coming in at over $100,000. The next idea was down to $80,000...which was better. But are delighted that we have found a medical flight that would be willing to come in for $25,000! (IF the UN can write a letter saying that the airport is safe for private planes to land in.)

So in addition to praying for Alvin's health, please pray that the finalization of Alvin's adoption will go smoothly and fast, that the plane will be able to land in Liberia's airport, and that we would be able to raise the $25,000 for the flight cost.

Please donate whatever you can spare towards Alvin's emergency medical flight. Through PayPal you can do that right away. Just click here.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, do you SEE what our God can do through the power of prayer!?

GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Send up those prayers!

I just got off the phone with Patty and she had a VERY positive meeting with the acting Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Nothing is for sure yet, so we need a lot of prayers going up that those with the power to do so will grant Alvin permission to go!

Alvin is still experiencing chest pains. Our goal is to have him out of here on Wednesday. Please, please, PLEASE pray this happens!

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

Alvin and Secret

Alvin is hanging in there...though he is still experiencing chest pain. Please continue to pray that he will get over this infection and be able to sleep in the night (that is when he is in the most pain). Thankfully he has been eating well and appeared to be in good spirits when I visited him today.

(Look at that face... I can't imagine suffering what he is going through!)

Unfortunately there were no major breakthroughs today. Alvin is miraculously hanging in there and AOH keeps plugging away at everything that needs to be done for him to be adopted.

Alvin was thrilled today to see his passport! It is a tangible step in the right direction for this 13 year old. I was able to visit Alvin today and read him a few chapters of a book I gave him the other day (actually a children's book my mom has written about Liberia). He seems to be enjoying the story and is very happy for visits from those he knows.

Patty will be meeting with Lydia from the Ministry of Health tomorrow concerning Alvin.

In this fight for Alvin we are not forgetting about Secret, one of our abandoned special needs babies that was placed with us by the Ministry of Health. Secret has hydrocephalus, a very serious medical condition that will lead to his death without medical intervention that is not available in Liberia. Secret is also running out of time. He has an adoptive family waiting to bring him home. Despite the nationwide moratorium on adoption, we hope the government will have compassion on Alvin and Secret, and any others like them, before it is too late.

Please remember our fund set up for Alvin to assist with the many expenses involved in this process and his care. Also we still have not been able to find a good flight option. Please continue to keep all these things in your prayers.

-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)

"I want to live. Help me live."

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)