I wanted to update all of you on the progress in the effort to get Tison to Alaska for the medical help being offered to him. Tison is burned over 40% of his body and has suffered a lot following the kerosene spill accident. He is so brave and has been living with his disabilities.
The amazing Liz Wood, surgical nurse and unstoppable advocate, has been the coordinator of the medical effort to treat his injures. She has been successful in finding the medical team to help him and always wildly optimistic. Dr. Greg and Susan Johnson and their son, Andrew, will be his family while he is here for the year. They will give him lots of love and welcome him to American life. The support team is in place and we are ready for Tison to come.
The team in Indonesia has performed miracles of logistics and coordination. Peter Scarborough and Hendra have never given up and have put countless hours in travel and knocking on door after door. The U.S. Embassy gave Tison an appointment for December 22. That was a long time to wait. It would put a burden on Tison’s family. His father has to go to the Embassy and authorize his travel to the U.S. Yesterday I got a note from Indonesia that said—Tison’s father wants to go back to his home. He would come back for the Embassy appointment. This presented a huge challenge. Peter asked his father to stay until next week to see if the appointment can be earlier. Today we got a note that Senator Murkowski and her staff have advocated for an earlier appointment and it was granted. The new appointment is now on November 24. This is one day following Tison’s 10th birthday. This will be a great birthday gift for Tison.
Tison is in the city of Manado. He has never seen some of the more modern fixtures we take for granted. He went to his first mall. He was fascinated by the escalator—he road it up and down. It was like an amusement park. Imagine what he will think of snow.
Thanks for your prayers. It is fun watching miracles.
