Yesterday my sister and brother-in-law hosted a celebration party for Masen at a local park in Grand Rapids. What a great time to see the kids play and praise the Lord for his goodness! A few weeks post-surgery, and almost a week post-activation, we have much to reflect on:

I LOVE how God answers the prayers and concerns that might seem insignificant to us:
*Masen had hoped someone would bring her a balloon – she had a whole roomful!
*She was very worried and upset that they had to shave some of her hair. After some “tweaking” by the girls at Belladona hair salon, you can’t even tell she had the surgery!

Many other answered prayers and unexpected blessings:
*When her implant first failed, we had expected that it would be late October or November before the surgery could be scheduled, and then expected a 6-8 week healing time after that. The surgery was scheduled for late September and it was turned on this past Tuesday! (Oct. 14th)
*A day or two after surgery, Masen told her neighborhood friend, “It didn’t even hurt!” Even the memory of pain is gone!
*Masen’s friends have been such a blessing – many of the girls have been trying to learn and use sign. I loved watching them sign with her at the park yesterday!
*Last week was a rough one for the Krampe family – activation did not go as smoothly as we expected. Many tears, much frustration, and discouragement. After checking with the audiologist and surgeon, they thought things looked ok. The surgeon determined that it was set on too high of a volume setting. [it was obviously hurting Masen, but she didn't tell them it was too loud - a testimony to how much she wanted to hear!] They turned it down, and she is doing much better! Last night she was playing with a “build a bear” that my mom had taken her to make a few weeks ago – for the first time she seemed to hear and respond to the “giggle” it makes when squeezed. Small (but BIG) blessings!!

I’m sure there are more praises to come. He is good!