I am unsure how to start this post. So many people do not take the time to read anymore. I don’t know really how to put into words what my heart wants to say. I will try…

Happy 24th birthday Kumi. I so love you sweet, beautiful, friend and sister in Christ. I am sorry you are struggling with the AVM brain condition and that today, on your birthday, you are in the hospital in ICU in need of a serious miracle healing. I believe God wants to completely heal you and that the prayers of many have been heard. I believe, but I need God to help me with my unbelief (Mark 9:24). I must walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

I know that God loves you more than I do, more than your parents do and more than anyone does. I don’t understand why it’s taking so long for you to have the complete healing that you need. Your continued strong faith is amazing and inspiring. Your parents faith right now is such an example to me too. But today, I miss your giggles and bubbly spirit.

I remember riding in the car with you after we ate pizza. You were telling me that your birthday was coming up and that you would love to have an American birthday cake. It was silly trying to scroll through all the pictures of cakes in order to decide what kind of cake you would want. Chocolate cake with white icing, strawberry cake with strawberry icing, yellow cake with chocolate icing, etc. Your preference for yellow cake with white icing was one that I remembered today. I know you are unable to enjoy it as much as you might outside of the hospital, but I especially wanted you to have it today. You won’t believe what happened on my way to the hospital to visit and deliver the cake to you. I had to hit my brakes quickly because of the cars that were in front of me who for some reason slammed on their brakes. The quick stop caused your cake to fly off the seat, hit the side door and flip upside down then land on the floor board. Fortunately I did not try to chase it and have a wreck. I couldn’t reach the cake but could see it upside down in the cake container. (I can envision you laughing with me on this one.) As I drove, I said a quick prayer. Dear Jesus, my heart so wants Kumi to have this birthday cake. Please make it be okay. I had to drive for a few minutes before I could pull over and tend to the cake. When I flipped the cake back over I was sure I would see a very messed up cake with icing everywhere and the written “happy birthday Kumi” an absolute cake disaster. But the cake was perfect. Wow! This was such a little prayer answer and probably dumb prayer. It still strengthened my faith.

When I came into your room this morning, my heart was prepared to pray for you again. It was so sweet to see that your friends stayed the night and were awake with you. Over the past few months, I have seen how many peoples lives you have touched for the greater. People love you. I prayed again with you today. The doctors and surgeons are not talking very hopeful nor are they promising a successful surgery. As a matter fact, it doesn’t seem they feel it is best to have surgery at all. Part of me is happy about that because I don’t want you to have to go through the pain of the very difficult 12-15 hour brain surgery. The other part of me, I am sure like your family and friends, is a bit scared and frustrated that the current medical situation for you has gotten more complicated. I want you to know that everyone seems to be doing the very best that they can under the very serious AVM brain condition that you are dealing with. The medical team says that the part of your brain that is being affected is vital for you to sustain life as you know it. The surgery is just too risky.

I am hopeful that the medical neuro professionals can continue thinking outside of the box for ways that they can help you that or not so invasive. For now, they are desperately trying to manage your pain and get you stronger for possible future procedures that we hope will help. I am believing in a serious miracle for you Kumi. Just maybe God called off the surgery because He has something better coming! I am trusting Him who is within you and right beside you.

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Friends, Kumi’s current medical condition is serious. Her family needs our prayers “believing” for her miracle. Kumi and her mother are unable to work which brings an additional burden on the family because of little finances and medical bills. Kumi did not previously qualify for insurance. Her hospital case manager has determined she is not eligible for other types of benefits. Brain surgery is extremely expensive. Kumi’s medical condition (AVM) is life threatening.

Asha’s Refuge serves many refugee clients who face a variety of challenges. We are unable to always share the details of every story trying to give privacy to our clients. We are asking for your financial support to help us continue to provide services and the critical needs to help this family and others who are currently in need. If you have a heart to help us help others through any amount of a financial contribution, please donate today through our PayPal link.

Asha’s Refuge is a 501(c)(3) organization. Your financial contribution is tax-deductible. We are happy to send you a tax receipt.

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Update for Kumi 4/23/2018: Over the weekend the bleeding in Kumi’s brain slowed and then today stopped. Thank you Jesus! The plan is to continue to stabilize her and after a few weeks possibly try alternative less invasive methods to shrink the AVM such as radiology. Kumi will be monitored closely and continues to need our prayers. We see God working through this family and appreciate your believing in her full recovery and healing miracle.

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To read the original story about Kumi which her family allowed us a while back to share, please visit the following link: https://cultureofrefuge.org/2017/05/07/kumi-congo/