A note from our friend, Scott Gorrill

A note from Scott:

It is hard to believe that it has been over a week since the surgery. In my mind I thought I would be back to normal by this time. I am not so much discouraged with the progress, as I am discouraged that I set these expectations that have not been met in the time frame I had in mind. I am learning to “down-shift” a little and allow my body time to heal. In light of this I am very thankful that the Lord has allowed me to recover so well in just a week, and even more thankful how the Lord has answered our prayers with Hudson, beyond all our expectations.

Some of you may not know my connection to Donny and Kristi, so here is a little background. I first met Kristi as a Jr. High student at Grace Church of Dupage, where her dad was pastor. We both spent time together throughout high school in the church and at school. Donny moved to the Chicagoland area to attend Wheaton College. I got to know him as one of my youth leaders there at Grace. He was always on the go, but never too busy to invest in the lives of the students in the ministry. He loved and cared for me as both a H.S. student and a young college student. I spent countless nights at Wheaton College just spending time with him. He was, and still is, a man who’s desire is to please the Lord. Once they got married, their plans took them away from Chicago to Michigan. We lost touch, but that did not change my love and respect for him as a brother in Christ.

Following their move back to Chicago and Hudson’s birth, we connected through their email updates. We began praying for their family and were eager to see how the Lord was going to work. Our faith was constantly encouraged as we read their honest struggles through this heart-wrenching process. I knew that I wanted to do something to help but that was difficult from so far away. In the fall, of 2007, when Richard was processing through the transplant, I began to wonder, “What does it take to be a donor?” But since Richard was in line to donate, it went no further. With the news that Richard would not be able to donate, I contacted the transplant unit at UW. As I looked at my daughter, who at the time was 8 months old, I thought, “I wonder if there are people in my life who would be willing to do this for her.” I decided then that, if the Lord would see fit for me to match Hudson, that I wanted to be able to give a little piece of me (that I can live without anyway), so that he might be able to live a more full life and especially one that walks in the footsteps of his father as a Man of God. Although every day since surgery has not been enjoyable, it gives me great joy to know that the Lord chose to use me and my family in this way.

Thank you for your prayers and support. We are the body of Christ, working together for the good of the Body. You have all played a vital part, just not out in front for everyone to see. May He receive all the praise for the wonderful things He has done!! I am eager to see how the Lord will continue to grow me and my family as we reflect on His Goodness to us.