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For better or worse, it's going to happen

Well, folks, we did it -- we raised enough money for Musa's surgery. Unbelievable! THANK YOU! I really didn't think this would be possible, let alone happen so quickly. (We even have a small "just in case" amount set aside.)

Ruth has half the money in hand, and the remainder will be wired to her by Tuesday. Musa's first surgery is scheduled for Friday morning, 7 a.m.

And of course now that the frenzy of fundraising has settled a bit, I'm actually thinking rationally, and I'm feeling all sorts of nervous about this -- please let it be the answer, please let us be helping more than harming. The child has been through five surgeries already, and anyone who's had an appendix removed or a C-section knows that abdominal surgery is no picnic. Before he goes home, he will have two more surgeries. That makes seven, all told. In just 11 years of life! Oh my goodness. (Again, I can't help but think there's a bigger plan for this child, to have already overcome such tremendous odds.)

Korle Bu Hospital is the biggest in Ghana, a teaching hospital associated with the University of Ghana, so I'm confident that he's getting the best care available, at least in West Africa. I'm just praying now that these doctors are solid, that they know what they're dealing with, that there will be no surprises or complications, that he will heal well -- and grow up strong.

Please keep Musa and his mother, Ruth, in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow and throughout the coming weeks. And I thank you again for your generosity and kindness.

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