Thursday, June 14, 2007

HOME!!!!!

::Psalm 20.1-8::
May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May He send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May He remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah

May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed;
He answers him from His holy heaven
with the saving power of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.


June 14, 2007 will forever be remembered in our hearts. It is a day filled with a mix of emotion; a day where months of prayer were answered with a loving "yes". To say the day has been surreal would fail to do it justice. It marks the triumphant close of a chapter & wets the pen to scribe the next. On June 14th, Isaac came home!!! After 110 days at UNC Hospital, we packed our belongings & our beloved into the car, & as a family - all three - traveled home.


To think back on all our sweet boy has come through - so many nights where we thought we'd say "goodbye", times of unexplainable deterioration & recovery - and to see him now sleeping peacefully in his own bed, the experience is indescribable. Our miracle boy has been touched by God's mighty hand time & again. We could not have asked for more from the amazing team at UNC's PICU. Isaac & our family as a whole received tremendous care & compasssion from their staff, making each day more than just a visit with our son, but a time with friends as well. We were so touched by their send off, decorating Isaac's door with streamers & letters to us. It brought tears to our eyes to see the unit celebrating with such sincerity over our sweet boy. Thank you, PICU team, for all you've done for our family & for countless others across the state. We will certainly miss you all, though we're thrilled to not be seeing you for a little while. :)


Almighty God has brought us through quite a valley, faithful in every moment. How great is our God, who answers us when we call, who provides strength & peace when we have nothing left, & who turns our mourning into joyous dancing. Only God could take the sufferings of a newborn baby to unite so many people across the globe in prayer & draw us closer to Him. Only God could take such a road & fill it with new friends & new believers. Only God could have done the unexplainable things that have occured in our lives. To see where Isaac has come from & where he is now, we have nothing but humble, awestruck gratitude to Him who does immeasurably more than anything we could ask or think.


Our hearts overflow with gratitude to you all who have held our arms up through this journey. We long for the day when Isaac understands the floods of prayers offered on his behalf for so many months by those who had never met him, of those who fasted & spent sleepless nights beseeching God to intervene & spare his life. Countless times, we would pull up your words of encouragement in his hospital room & through them, find the refreshment needed to take the next step forward. We know not how to thank you enough!


Coming home is a huge transition for Isaac & our family as a whole. While stable, Isaac remains fragile & thus certain precautions are necessary to enable him to thrive at home. We know so many of you are eager to meet him & we will begin to slowly have visitors once he grows stronger. Until that time, we ask for no surprise visitors to our home. For those interested in how to help out with our homecoming, please contact Karen Dawkins as she is coordinating meals for us. (kadawkins@gmail.com)

Again, thank you all for your support & prayers. What a joy to have our sweet Isaac home at last!!!

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hallelujah!!! God is so good! We celebrate with you the many triumphs brought about by our loving Father. The three of you are precious.
Love,
The Honeycutt Family

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD!!!! I am crying tears of overwhelming joy here!!!!! I am so incredibly happy for you all!!!! I have followed your journey the past few months and your strength and never ending faith has humbled me. You have showed me what true love and faith is all about. God bless you all!

Anonymous said...

Praise the LORD! Words cannot express how thrilled I am for you three. The Lord has blessed you in an amazing way, and I cannot WAIT to watch the rest of His amazing story for your family unfold! Please let me know if there is ever anything I can do...

Love you all!

Lindsay

Anonymous said...

Praise God, so glad you are home and looking forward to meeting all 3 of you!
Laura Smith

Anonymous said...

Jordan and Patience,

I sit and cry tears of joy for you as I read the wonderful news that Issac is home. I was hoping that no blogs meant he was on his way home. God is faithful! I will continue to lift you up in prayer.

Please keep blogging. Even though you don't know me I feel like I know you all.

Love,
Jessica

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the journey home as a family! I am one of the "strangers" that was invited to this blog by a member of your church whom I have also never met. I have been deeply touched by your faith. I have wept hard and prayed hard for your son and your family, as if you are my family. My own faith has grown stronger through your journey. Thank you so much for witnessing to me and countless others during this time of trial. What a cross you've had to bear, but know that you do not bear it alone. I am rejoicing in your homecoming and in God's wonderful works! I look forward to hearing of his continued blessings in your lives.

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! It brought tears of joy to my eyes to read that Isaac has come home. I can't wait to meet Isaac!

Your faith through this whole process has strengthen mine. I continue to pray for your family as you go through this time of transition.

Thank you for blogging and keeping everyone up to date. I can't wait to share this wonderful news with my co-workers!

Love in Christ,
Taneha

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!!!!!!! My whole office is so happy for the three of you. I have kept them all informed about Issac and we have been faithfully following his progress. I will be contacting Karen at church to see what you need.

Pete, Ali, Charlie and Rosie said...

'To God be the glory, Great things he has done!!'

Patience and Jordan - there are no words to express how thrilled and delighted we are to see you all safe at home. The road has definitely been long and bumpy, but how great to reach the end of one difficult journey, and to start another wonderful one!
Your little boy has touched many, many hearts across the world - Charlie (HLHS) continues to ask about 'Baby Isaac with a heart like mine'!
We will continue to watch for your blog updates with great interest, and you will remain in our thoughts and prayers as you enjoy your precious family time at home. May Isaac continue to thrive, and grow stronger every day.
With our love, and continued prayers,
Alison, Pete and Charlie xxx
http://charlieturner.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

It took some time to read this latest update thru the tears that kept blurring vision. We are so awestruck by this incredible journey, and so grateful to you for sharing it with us. We praise and thank God for Isaac's continued road to recovery! Most parents don't get to be so proud of their babies so soon. But your little Isaac has already changed people all over the world on Christ's behalf. You must be beaming!!

keep us updated, and keep sending pictures! to see him at home, in his bed, with his name on the wall, where is has been waiting for him all these months, just melts our soul.

God bless,
the Papworths

Anonymous said...

I absolutely LOVE the picture of Patience holding Isaac in his room by his crib. I remember seeing the first picture of his room with no one in it and it was so sad, yet hopeful. It's amazing to see what the Lord has done!! God bless!

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! We will continue to rejoyce with you and pray for the Lord's hand on little Isaac's body. It is by HIS hand that little Isaac has been strengthened and it is by HIS hand he will grow into an amazing Man of God sharing how the Lord is working!

Anonymous said...

YAHOO!!! I first heard of little Isaac through Jackie Parks, and I have been captivated since. I opened it up today and can't stop smiling!! I am so happy to see him looking around in his crib, such a blessing!

Anonymous said...

I thank-God for you three. To think of the faith you two have is tremendous to think of the strength isaac has is overwhelming, But to think.... of our Loving Almighty God and all he does for us leaves me breathless. I Love you all three and your still in my prayers.

Praise God for all his answered prayers.

Christal

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!!! We know He is good whatever the outcome in any given situation, but I am so happy that His answer to your family was "Yes!" Thank you for keeping Christ at the center of your struggle. You honored Him. May He give you many more occasions to share what He has done in your lives so that others may encounter our great God!
Brenda Mattson
CrossWorld

Anonymous said...

How wonderful that Issac is home with you! Continue to treasure every moment.

Praise the Lord.

Blessings,

Valerie Samuels
Matthews, NC

Anonymous said...

As I read, through blurred vision, I couldn't help but repeat "Thank you God, thank you God". We will continue to keep your family in our prayers as you enter into this new chapter of your lives. We pray that Isaac continues to thrive and grow stronger with each passing day. Welcome home Leino family.

Love,
Steven & Kristina

Anonymous said...

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Rom. 12:15

It is so good to finally be able to rejoice with you! We read this blog with tears in our eyes. We love you so much, and are so happy that Isaac has finally come home. We will continue to pray that he grows stronger and without any more complications, and that you two, Jordan and Patience will be able to find a little rest at home, all together with your precious new family. We can't wait to see you!
Love,
Kim & Brian, Becky, Sarah, Ian & Travis

Anonymous said...

Praise God for His wonderful work!!!! Welcome home sweet Isaac!

Anonymous said...

God not only answered your prayers, he brought people to hime through this. He also not only helped Issac, but blessed you two for being so obedient and having hope,faith, and trust in him. We are so excited to hear he is home. We love you guys. :)
delea.

Amy said...

All those stars with the red white and blue were a perfect decoration to come home on Flag Day :)

My heart is rejoicing! I could not find a better way for Jordan to spend Father's Day than at HOME WITH HIS BOY!

We will continue to bathe you all in prayer as the battle continues.

Let the real fun begin :)

Unknown said...

Patience!!! This is such exciting news. So, I know you're just getting home and settled, but whenever you and Jordan feel up for visitors, I'd LOVE to come and meet dear Isaac. My Bible study guys and I have been praying for him.

No pressure, take your time, but whenever you three could use some company, I'd REALLY love to visit you on a weekend.

Let me know!

PRAISE THE LORD!

Thomas Wear

Anonymous said...

Like so many commentors to this latest blog entry-I am smiling through tears of joy for all of you!!! What an awesome Father's Day present for Jordan! God has proven yet agian that through our faith and obediance ANYTHING is possible!! I can't wait to see what God has in store for all of you-I am sure it will be a spectacular witness for Christ's love! God bless-enjoy the peace and quiet of home!!! We love you!

Yaw family

Anonymous said...

We have been waiting so long to hear of this great news! Your courage and strength is so amazing and I don't know how any of you made it through such a trying time...I don't know that I could have been so strong. I pray for continued good news as little Issac grows and gets stronger.
What a miracle he is and what an inspiration the two of you are - so wise beyond your years....
Congrats and enjoy your first weekend at HOME!

Anonymous said...

That is awesome, praise God! I'm so happy to see the pictures of him in his crib at home. I especially love the one of him staring wonderously at his crib mobile - how sweet! Congratulations and we will continue to pray for his increasing good health!

Gina Witcher / Runnermom4 said...

We are doing cartwheels at our house today (and we did move the furniture for that) and singing praises to our God(and you think I just do that on stage). I cannot even put words on this page what it was to turn on computer and see the wall hanging of baby Isaac's name on the wall with Baby Isaac underneath it... I am speechless.

You guys are so awesome and God is... well, God is...!!

We would love to come and see Isaac someday, but I'm sure the lines will be long for months to see him, so for now we will be happy to see pictures of him on the net.

Lots of Love & Prayers,
Gina & family

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD! He leaves us all speachless with His undying love. "..We're going to dance, dance, dance in the freedom we know.. 'cause the freedom we know is going to last forever!"

Figueras Life said...

YAY!!!!! i'm texting mike & the boys with the great news! june 14th very special day, now not just for the figs (it's mitch's b-day), but also for the leino's! WOOT-WOOT!!!

:-) jane

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys!! I am soo excited for you guys!! I cant wait till we finally get to see him!! I have been waiting for this day since February! I love you guys soo much!
Have fun with your new baby boy.

Gina Witcher / Runnermom4 said...

Oh, I almost forgot... HAPPY FATHER'S DAY JORDAN!!! Boy, God really went all out on your Father's day gift. :-)

Anonymous said...

We knew he would make it. What a warrior. We are just beyond being sooo excited for you all. Can't wait to meet him in due time, and to see you Patience. It's been so long. :) Yeah!!! xoxox-Julie Stephenson

Anonymous said...

PRAISE THE LORD!!!
What an awesome God we have!!! There have been hundreds and maybe thousands of people all over the world who have been praying for the day you got to take your sweet Baby Isaac home! God is so good!!!
Thank you Patience and Jordan for sharing your journey with all of us. You have been such an inspiration to all of us who have followed that journey with you. We have cried with you and rejoiced with you, but most of all, prayed with you!
We will continue to pray for the 3 of you as your journey continues. We know it will be awhile before Isaac can meet his C3 family, but please keep us updated and continue to post those adorable pictures of your precious little miracle!!
God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord!!!! I have been also following your journey as I had a friend that went through something quite the same as what your family is going through. I admire your faithfullness and your power to keep on going. May God bless you!! I am so happy for you all.

By the way, the little man looks just like his Daddy:-)!!! He is adorable!!!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful miracle. I have anxiously waiting since the last blog to hear when the big day would be. My entire family sends their love and excitement for the Leino family 3. Continue to stay strong and we will continue our prayers. What a wonderful Father's Day present for Jordan and belated Mother's Day for you.
Love,
Angela Clinard and family

Anonymous said...

Praise God! We are so excited for you both. Our God is so amazing. Know that your family has been such an encouragement to so many. To watch/hear all that you've been through & your unwavering love for our Savior has been a faith builder.

I love reading your blog every time it's updated. Know that you guys are always on our minds & in our prayers. In fact, you have become the topic of many of mine & Nate's conversations, if not daily.

We love you & hope you enjoy being at home as a family!

Nate & Katie Tyler (& Micah)

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Hig goodness endures forever! What encouraging news. Even though I don't know your family personally I feel as though I do through all the blogs and prayers - Keep the prayer requests coming as you transition into this new season. AMEN AND AMEN to Psalm 20:1-8!

Anonymous said...

PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!!!!!I am rejoicing with you at such a happy day! I have prayed for this day~ and will continue to pray that each day gets better and better. I'm so happy for you guys!
Thanks for all the updates!
Your family is blessed!
Michelle Estrada

Anonymous said...

Praise our God. I am crying tears of joy for you. Yesterday, I saw a beam of light towards the heavens. I had a feeling it was a huge day for Isaac. Everytime I see these beams of lights, I know it means something huge. Most of the time it meant something bad, but this was the most beautiful rays of lights. I knew it was good news. I see this today. Praise our God.

Anonymous said...

We are so excited that sweet Isaac is home. He is so precious, I bet you can't stop kissing those incredible cheeks!! Thanks for continuing to allow others to share your journey. I expect to find it on bookstore shelves someday.

Anonymous said...

It has been such an amazing journey as we have all watched, read, prayed and agonized with you, but to see this miracle now is such a fantastic fulfillment of all of those prayers. Our God is truly wonderful and we are all so thankful and rejoice with you at being able to bring your baby boy home. I pray that God continues to bless you all as the journey stretches on and you learn over time the plans that He has for you all. Terry Strouss and family.

Anonymous said...

Praise be our our faithful and loving God!! What a blessing it has been to follow your journey. What a privelege it has been to pray for you all. What JOY it is to see these pictures and know that he is home at last!
Blessings to your beautiful family,
Julie Jenney
(friend of grandpa Roddy)

Unknown said...

I am praising the Lord with you! Wow, what a remarkable day for your family.

Just in time for Father's Day. Happy Father's Day Jordan!! I know you will be celebrating.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I have tears of joy for you just thinking of how it must feel to finally have that little miracle at home.
Through God, all things are possible. What a testament your son is to that.

Anonymous said...

Our God is AWESOME!!!

Not only does He continue to answer prayers, but He continues to amaze us each and every day! Patience & Jordon, the journey of being parents and a family begins ... and what an exciting journey it will be! You all were given a sweet boy from God and the rest of us were given a real life story of faith, even when it wasn't clear what would happen from one minute to the next.

Isaac, what a privilage it is to be the son of your mother and father, Patience & Jordon. What an extrodinary soldier you are for Christ at such a young age. Wow, God has BIG plans for you! :)

I want you all to know that I love each of you very much and will continue to lift you guys up in prayer. I can't wait for Braxton to meet his friend Isaac. Before you know it, we won't be able to keep up with them! Eventhough it is Father's Day on Sunday, I think you guys should celebrate, your 1st Family Day!

Please let me know how I can help you guys! Congratulations and Welcome Home! :)

Phillipians 4:13 - I can do ALL things through Christ who's strength is in me.

Love,

Karen, Eric & Braxton

Adam and Natalie said...

YAAAAYYYYY! We are SO excited for this momentous occasion! We are praising God with you.

Love
Adam, Nat and Greta

Health is Hip said...

my heart just skipped a beat. i am one of the people who you have never met but have been fervently praying and following your story. i am so proud of issac. he's such a strong baby. here's to many magical moments with issac. GOD BLESS!!!

The Atkinson 6 said...

Welcome Home Isaac!

We will continue to lift you up in prayer!

Anonymous said...

Praise God!!!!!!! I check your blog every day to see how he is! I'm crying right now, I'm so happy for you guys!

Anonymous said...

Awesome!!!!!! nothing but the goodness of God and His faithfulness. May the blessings of God overtake you, and may peace fill your home, and the presence of a very real God be tangible as you lay down.

Anonymous said...

Patience,
I am not sure how to begin except to give praise and honor to the ONE that has answered ALL our prayers and shown us all who HE is ....He is GOD ALMIGHTY! THE GREAT "I AM". PRAISE HIS NAME!!!!!!!
He is faithful ...He is AMAZING. I will never sing "How Great is our God" and "Great is Thy Faithfulness" without thinking of Isaac, you and Jordan.
May God continue to pour out His blessings on you three.
I love you,
BB

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD AND TO HIM BE THE GLORY! Hope I don't make too many mistakes thru the tears. God has been so good to so many people and blessed you three in such wonderful ways. Congratulations honey on finally being at home. We continue to pray for all three of you and look in awe at the work that has been done for Christ thru your journey. We look forward to seeing this precious one when he is stronger and ready for visitors. If we can do anything for you, please let us know.

I will get your book ready for you as soon as I can.

We Love you and admire you so much.

Jim & Carol Canady

Kristen said...

Ohhh, I had chills reading that and seeing Isaac in his bed at home! Praise the Lord!!!

Unknown said...

Praise Jesus...I cannot wait for you to experience the joys of motherhood in your home! We love you...

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home, Little Isaac. Joy overwhelms me and I am so thrilled to see your sweet face looking serenely out of your own crib, inspecting the wonderful home that our Lord has sent you into. Blessings to you and your sweet parents, for the love that they show to you and more importantly, the love and glory they give to God for all that He is doing through you.

The Freeman Family
Alabama

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU JESUS !!!

rejoicing with you,
Farmington, New Mexico

Anonymous said...

what an incredible answer to prayer... so happy for your family :)

Anonymous said...

i am one of those strangers to you, i have followed your jouney, an prayed for this day for you all. i have tears of joy after reading your blog this morning. those are tears of joy for the homecoming of your son. happy fathers day jordon(what a gift you were given). the pictures were great to see, at home finally. hallelujah!!!!!!from diane in canada

Anonymous said...

What a blessing to be in your own home with that beautiful baby. May the Lord have mercy and ever lasting love for your family.

Anonymous said...

Another "stranger" following your story. Praise God for all His blessings! My tears of joy are many and filled with thanksgiving, relief, praise and hope. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Annapolis, MD

Nikki said...

Our God is an awesome God !!! I am so happy for all 3 of you. I have been reading your blogs since your third trimester and have been amazed at how God has used you to bring glory to his kingdom. I know I say it all the time, but I can't wait to seen what God has planed for Isaac. You all have been a great testiment to the power and gpeace that knowing Christ brings. Welcome home. I love you and God bless, Nikki

Anonymous said...

Happy Father's Day Jordan!

Anonymous said...

Praise God! I've been waiting anxiously for this post to be written. Here it is! Thanks the Lord! He is faithful!! Welcome home Isaac!

Hanna

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you guys.!!

Unknown said...

I am so happy for your family. Quite a while back you had posted a picture of Isaac's finished nursery, with an empty bed just waiting for Isaac. At the time, I just prayed that Isaac would be able to sleep in the room that you had prepared for him. To see the picture of that same bed, now with baby Isaac inside is so amazing!

We're praying for you still.

Love,
Meghan Fitzgerald

Anonymous said...

God is so good!! It is a joy to know that Isaac is at home with you. We continue to pray for his recovery and for your strength as you care for him at home.
What a great Father's day gift for Jordan. It blesses and strengthens our hearts to see your sweet boy in his crib, at last.
Jay and Barbara Perkins