This email about our little son Gilead is long overdue. We apologize.
We have been so blessed in the past few months that we didn’t know where to begin or end…
Today we send these photos – yes many photos – to each one who has inquired about Gilead’s health before and after his neurosurgery in February.
JD and Karen Crooks cared for us like their own children during this time. We will never forget the tender moments we shared together.
Gilead is doing great! Jesus has heard your petitions for our baby. We thank you for your prayers and gifts.
Love, Harry and Echo
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| Getting ready to leave Eswatini and travel to Oklahoma are Harry & Echo and their youngest of six children. |
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| Hosanna kisses her baby brother the morning of departure. |
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| Michaele and Harry give blood for Gilead before surgery. |
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| It’s surgery day for Gilead. His parents have peace that passes understanding, bathed in the prayers of others. |
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| Echo holds her baby before surgery. |
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| Harry and Echo hold their six-month old baby just before surgery. |
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| The operation is over! Now’s he’s in recovery room. |
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| Gilead’s incision extends from ear to ear, but so did God’s mercy in sending the right doctors and medical personnel. |
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| Harry comforts his youngest son in intensive care. |
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| One day after surgery, in intensive care, Gilead has smiles for his dad and mom. |
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| Gilead greets his neurosurgeons. |
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| Two days after surgery, Gilead is all smiles. |
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| Gilead, with mom and dad, attends church three days after surgery. |
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| Bethany First Church of the Nazarene prays over Gilead shortly after the delicate surgery. |
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| Long-time TLC Volunteer Carol Jahn cuddles Gilead. |
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| Four days after major surgery, Gilead spreads joy. |
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| Gilead received new eyeglasses from his neuro ophthalmologist. |
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| Tabitha Baptist Church congregation gathers to pray for Gilead. |
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| Prayer warriors, new God-sent friends just for this season, delight in Gilead’s recovery. |
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| Pastor’s wife celebrates Gilead’s successful surgery. |
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| Gilead and his parents spend two week recovery time with JD & Karen Crooks in Oklahoma City. |
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| Karen Crooks holds the miracle baby. |
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| JD & Gilead meet eye to eye. |
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| Eswatini homecoming so sweet for the VanderWal family. |
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| Big brother Luke couldn’t wait for Gilead to get home. He’s here! |
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| Gilead and his dad are back in Eswatini, back with The Luke Commission team. |
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| Gilead returns to the field, a favorite once again of Liswati children. |
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| Amid Liswati kids at TLC outreach, Gilead is the center of attention. |
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| It’s an outreach day, and Gilead is there. |
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| Upon his return to Eswatini, Gilead attends his parent’s Liswati citizenship interviews. |
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| The Luke Commission staff praises God after Gilead arrives home. |
