tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72164282024-03-14T05:51:14.061-04:00The CrosscombesCoz and Joyce Crosscombe are missionaries working under CityNet Ministries in North PhiladelphiaThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-15125610596243827422025-08-02T10:45:00.000-04:002008-01-20T21:54:48.844-05:00Coz and Joyce Crosscombe serve with CityNet in Philadelphia. The primary aim of CityNet is to saturate Philadelphia with neighbourhood based, Gospel centered churches. Coz and Joyce are responsible for forming strategic partnerships between the churches, ministries and individuals with the goal of facilitating ministry together.<br />It is our belief that no one church has all the gifts and resources needed to transform the communities of Philadelphia, or anywhere else, and it is only together that we can carry out the Great Commission.<br />Philadelphia is a city of 1.4 million made up of hundreds of micro communities, each functioning as part of the whole, yet distinct. Each of these communities must be reached by local churches if we are to see transformation happen.<br /><br />Joyce is a Pennsylvania girl, graduate of Eastern University, with stints in South West Philly and the Dominican Republic (both as a school teacher) before landing in North Philadelphia. She has been a pioneer for women coming into the community, worked extensively in children’s ministry, and now focuses on mentoring women.<br /><br />Coz is an Australian, coming to CityNet after time with Young Life, Bethel Temple and Wyoming Ave Baptist where he has ministered with youth and led economic and community development. He is a ministry “maven”, distributing information and making connections throughout the community. <br /><br />Saiyeh, Melanie and Emma are their three amazing daughters, each unique, all with a growing love and understanding of Philadelphia, its poverty and its special place in God’s Kingdom.The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-62385269439731241512007-08-02T10:55:00.000-04:002007-08-02T10:59:38.384-04:00You can access updates on our family and our ministries under the menu in the upper right hand corner.The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-60024524800542144762007-07-23T22:46:00.000-04:002007-08-02T10:46:50.200-04:00Final adoption update<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu_2uzgJxkRorHg_yvpnR1jZcuK64KFDa8IpUB38FwxU3L3XBtsRTSCyHcamF4V41vrjb4kcnzVcMg0mKCC9AoTiVh0P3QBBq0kY4dWvOAHSl8Q6V3ejCHAUeW9HPUFkGmHk7/s1600-h/Copy+of+June+07+719.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5090590846108824354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu_2uzgJxkRorHg_yvpnR1jZcuK64KFDa8IpUB38FwxU3L3XBtsRTSCyHcamF4V41vrjb4kcnzVcMg0mKCC9AoTiVh0P3QBBq0kY4dWvOAHSl8Q6V3ejCHAUeW9HPUFkGmHk7/s320/Copy+of+June+07+719.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Dear Friends and Family,<br /><br />I am hoping this will be our final adoption update for Saiyeh Crosscombe (except of course the book)!!<br />As you may remember the original estimate for fees, around $4,000, ballooned into almost $20,000 once the adoption was challenged. We have, thanks to many of you, been slowly paying this off over the past two years.<br />About two weeks ago we were contacted by our lawyer, after we had requested a reduction in fees. They informed us that they were about to begin charging 18% interest on the remaining balance of $10,000, unless we paid it off immediately. After much prayer we contacted them again and they offered us a 25% reduction if we agreed to pay it off by July 31st. Although this was a very short time frame, it meant at least a 40% reduction (25% plus the interest) so we agreed and began to pray some more.<br />I was supposed to write this letter right after that, and ask you to pray and seek the Lord on our behalf, and to also consider helping contribute to this need. Perhaps my procrastination was a leading from the Lord, though more likely just procrastination. Either way I am excited to tell you that the Lord worked through three sources and that the need has been met in its entirety!!!<br />Of course feel free to send us anything you would like to for our usual support, and thanks to those that already do.<br />In summary, I hope that this will serve the same function for you as it has done for us, being a reminder of how loving and faithful our heavenly Father is. </div>The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-35187030189664586332007-07-13T23:47:00.001-04:002007-07-13T23:49:38.160-04:00The ordination exam results...So for those of you who haven't heard, Coz passed his ordination exam. Yeah!! For those of you who would like to be a part of his Ordination ceremony it will take place this Sunday (July 15) at 6:00 pm at Pilgrim Church (3825 Terrace Street Philadelphia 19128). Refreshments and fellowship will follow the ceremony. It would mean a lot to Coz if you are able to join us! If you are unable to come Sunday night, but would like to stop by during the day, please feel free to do that! We will be around.<br /><br />Thanks for your prayers and support through this!<br />JoyceThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-85537226109316358102007-07-09T10:44:00.000-04:002007-07-09T10:46:57.288-04:00Letter from Bill KrispinDear Friends,<br /><br />I would like to introduce myself to you and to officially welcome Coz and Joyce Crosscombe to our organization, CityNet Ministries. My name is Bill Krispin and I have been involved in ministry in the city of Philadelphia for over 40 years. During this time my service to the Lord has taken many forms including church planter, pastor and seminary founder and President. Mostly I have been a student of the city and a connector of people. I believe that together we can reach the city and that God has blessed the body as a whole with the gifts and resources necessary to do this work. These gifts and resources do not lie with one church alone, but with many who do His work. We must learn to do it together in fulfillment of Paul’s call to the church “one body, many parts, members together” (I Corinthians 12:12-27). With this in mind, CityNet was founded 6 years ago in order to strategically saturate Philadelphia with Christ focused churches, training people to do God’s work and to help people work together. In 6 years we have planted 6 churches and have assisted others in the planting of many more throughout the region. In addition, we have had more than 30 students in our ministry training program and conducted training in many churches. CityNet has 19 official member churches and have a relationship with a couple dozen more. As we have grown, we have struggled to develop ministry within certain sections of the city, especially the Latino community and some of the most economically disadvantaged areas. With this in mind Coz and Joyce were asked to join our team.<br /><br />I first met Coz and Joyce many years ago as they served at Bethel Temple. They were two of the first people to complete CityNet deacons training and have had close ties with a number of our network churches. More than that they have been serving amongst Philadelphia poor for 15 years and are considers veterans of one of the nation’s toughest communities. Coz has a natural ability to understand communities, how they function and how churches work within those communities. He knows our target community in a way few others do and is known and respected by many throughout the area. Coz has been able to form strategic relationships throughout the years between people and churches in his community and those in the Philadelphia region, other parts of PA and especially in Michigan. We believe his ability to strategically form relationships is a huge asset to our organization and ministry in Philadelphia as a whole. <br />Although Joyce has no official position with our organization, we know her and Coz are an integral team and feel blessed to have her wisdom and devotion as a part of our mix. Joyce has been a real pioneer for women ministering in Philadelphia and brings passion to see women mentored in ministry as well to continue her service to women and children in crisis.<br /><br />CityNet is a project funded organization and as such require Coz and Joyce to raise all their own support as they have in the past. CityNet believes those in ministry, like others should be provided for in a comprehensive way. The board set Coz’s salary and housing allowance as a combined total of $ 50,000. Coz and Joyce have never had been provided with medical or retirement benefits and we would like to see that changed. We are asking them to raise an additional $20,000 for benefits and ministry expenses. The total goal of $70,000 is significantly more than they previously raised ($40,000). We are trusting in the Lord that this will be achieved in the next year. If your have been a financial supporter of Coz and Joyce, we would encourage you to continue giving and consider increasing that amount. If you are not a financial supporter, I would like to ask you to pray and seek the Lord to see if He may be leading you in this direction.<br /><br />As excited as we are about Coz and Joyce joining us, we know that it is also a blessing to receive you as a part of our team. We see the part that you have played in their ministry in Philadelphia as one of the things that have made their ministry so fruitful. Coz and Joyce often talk of how involved their supporters have been in their lives and what a blessing you have all been to them.<br /><br />We look forward to our partnership with you, through Coz and Joyce, in order to impact the city of Philadelphia.<br /><br />With gratitude for you and to our great God,<br /><br /><br />Bill Krispin<br />Executive Director<br />CityNet Ministries, Inc.<br /><br /><br />PS. Contributions toward Coz and Joyce’s support should be sent to CityNet Ministries, Inc.; P.O. Box 35189, Philadelphia, PA 19128. Include a note designated support to “Crosscombe support.”The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-68934672621355444462007-07-03T22:02:00.000-04:002007-07-03T22:05:45.284-04:00Coz's OrdinationDear Friends,<br /><br />This letter is to inform you that an ordination council has been called to examine Coz Crosscombe. If the council feels that Coz is called and qualified, they will ordain him.<br /><br />Rev. Luis Centeno (Wyoming Ave Baptist Church) has called the council along with Dr Bill Krispin (CityNet Philadelphia). Also on the council are Rev. Larry Smith, Rev Doug Logan, Rev. Chris McCloskey, Dr Mark Saracino and Rev. Mike Wright. Although Coz is not currently in a traditional pastoral role, CityNet has issued the call, feeling that he performs the pastoral functions of a minister of the Gospel in the community and in the local church and would like to see him ordained to this position by a council of pastors in the area. <br /><br />The ordination examination will be July 12th, beginning with an interview of Joyce (his wife) to examine his character. They will then be interviewed together to examine the calling. Finally, Coz will be examined for his competency and qualification to hold such a position.<br /><br />If the council recommends Coz for ordination, the ordination service will be held at 6 pm on Sunday July 15th, at Pilgrim church (see below for directions) to which you are all invited. <br /><br />We would deeply appreciate your prayers through this process.<br /><br />Pilgrim Church<br /> 3825 Terrace Street, Philadelphia, PA 19128<br /><br /><br />By car: <br />From within Roxborough. We are located just off Ridge Avenue in the lower end of Roxborough, near City Line Avenue. Take Ridge Avenue down the hill toward City Line Avenue. About halfway down the hill you will come to a stop light at Manayunk Avenue. At that light a third street (Dawson Street) branches in a short right turn off of Ridge Avenue. Take Dawson Street one block down the hill to the first street (Terrace). Make a right onto Terrace and you will see the church building immediately on your right. The main parking lot is just past the church building. Parking is also available on the lawn on the near side of the building. Park in either lot, and enter the building through the red door on the parking lot side.<br /><br />From the South.<br />Take the expressway toward Valley Forge to Exit 32 (Kelly Drive, Lincoln Drive). Get off there which will take you across the Schuylkyll River. Stay in the right lane and follow the sign to Ridge Avenue West. As you get onto Ridge stay in the right lane which will almost immediately begin a long climb up a hill. You will want to make the first possible 90 degree left (Terrace Street). Once on Terrace Street go just one block and you will see Pilgrim Church on your right. There will be two open parking lots, one on each side of the church.<br /><br />From the West.<br />Take expressway also to Exit 32 (Kelly Drive, Lincoln Drive). The exit will be on the left side of the expressway Get off there which will take you across the Schuylkyll River. You will need to immediately get over to the right lane and follow the sign to Ridge Avenue West. As you get onto Ridge stay in the right lane which will almost immediately begin a long climb up a hill. You will want to make the first regular 90 degree left turns (Terrace Street). Once on Terrace Street go just one block and you will see Pilgrim Church on your right. There will be two open parking lots, one on each side of the church.From the North. Take Lincoln Drive almost to City Line Avenue. Just before you get to City Line you will see an exit on the right to Ridge Avenue West. Take that. At the Stop sign turn right onto Ridge. As you get onto Ridge stay in the right lane which will almost immediately begin a long climb up a hill. You will want to make the first possible 90 degree left (Terrace Street). Once on Terrace Street go just one block and you will see Pilgrim Church on your right. There will be two open parking lots, one on each side of the church.The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-52727453629038893792007-05-15T23:26:00.000-04:002007-05-18T00:01:42.292-04:00May 2007Dear Friends and Family,<br /><br />Well it has been quite an interesting last 12 months. As most of you know at the end of May last year I crashed my dirt-bike. I wish that I could blame someone else or say that I was involved in “an accident” but it was all my own doing. I spent 3 weeks in hospital and underwent 7 operations. I am now walking without a noticeable limp, though there is still a bit of pain. We expect that it will still be some time before I have all the strength back. Sadly, my riding days are most likely over. <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/crosscombe/502850818/"><img height="366" alt="dirtbike 019" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/215/502850818_4f6372bf87.jpg" width="500" align="left" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In the midst of all this we completed the adoption of Saiyeh. The day her new birth certificate arrived was a day of joy and there is this great peace that we all feel. Saiyeh was quick to make sure that her name change (we added Crosscombe to the end of her name) was made at school. She has always been our eldest daughter but having that piece of paper mean more than any of us imagined. We know that so many of you were petitioning the Lord on our behalf and we are eternally grateful for that. Being laid up for so long gives plenty of time for thinking, praying and seeking the Lord. Those who came and just sat with me meant so much and provided wisdom as Joyce and I began to feel God was calling us into something new. We began to sense that our time at Wyoming Church was coming to a conclusion. There are a few reasons for this, and we welcome any questions you may have, but at the end of the day it came down to believing that we have been called into a new work. We are finishing at Wyoming in the coming weeks and they put on a special lunch for us last month.<br /><br />So, I guess you are wondering what comes next… Well there is a ministry in Philadelphia called CityNet (<a href="http://www.citynetphilly.org/">http://www.citynetphilly.org/</a>) founded by Dr Bill Krispin, considered by most to be the leading expert on Urban Ministry in Philadelphia. Bill and I have been friends for a while and he has been discussing us joining them for the past year. CityNet is a group of about 15 churches in the Philadelphia Metro area who all have a heart to see ministry happening in the city. Along with those 15 there is a broader, less formal network of about 30 churches willing to work together. CityNet has so far focused on church planting and training, having been part of planting or replanting 5 churches. They also run a seminary and training program for church leadership. Bill is a master networker and has been successful at bringing different groups to the table.<br /><br />CityNet has had a vision to see local neighbourhood churches doing community ministry, being networked together, and being resourced. This is where Joyce and I come in. It is taking the things we have been doing for many years and developing it on a larger scale. It has become apparent that I am better at working on a broader project scale, rather than trying to manage things within a single church. God has blessed me to be able to understand communities and systems very quickly and to develop strategies that will work in specific communities.<br /><br /><br />We have designated a section of Philadelphia where we will begin this project, it covers about 1/3 of the city. It is the area that we have been living and working in for the past 15 years and a place we know well. The early stages will involve research and getting to know the churches in the area on a deeper level, along with working with churches outside the target zone to develop resources that can be of value. Longer term it will include helping churches develop a ministry strategy, bringing groups in (something we have been so blessed to do for a long time now), working with interns and prayerfully seeing our communities change. We have a job description for Coz, and Joyce’s is being worked on, as well as some year one goals. Joyce is hoping to begin developing a support structure for women in ministry and the wives of some of the church leaders. If you would like a copy of the goals and job descriptions we would be more than happy to provide those to you.<br /><br />Of course the positions are still support raising ones, another thing we feel God is still calling us to. This part is not possible without you, so we are asking you to please pray and ask God if this is something He is calling you to be part of with us. We are excited and truly believe that God has ordained this, but we know that He may not have called you to this new work. The CityNet board has set a goal of approximately $70,000, quite a jump from ever before. This includes something people call “benefits”, a new term for us (I am joking here. We know what it means; we just have never had it before in ministry). It also includes admin expenses etc. We know that God will always be faithful no matter what we do and so we are excited to see how these needs are met. We do really hope and pray that you will continue to support us in prayer, financially, in service projects and in kind gifts. If you have not supported us before, we think now would be a great time to start, but of course our opinion is a little biased. We will also be hoping to raise project funds on top of this.<br /><br /><br />We also think that this time of transition is a good time for us to do some things we have been thinking about for a while now. Firstly we would like to travel and visit many of you that we don’t get to see on a regular basis and do some support raising. We have always struggled in asking people to financially give, but the truth is that if you feel that God is calling us to CityNet, and you to partner, then we should be celebrating this event. Secondly, we would also like to spend some time in Australia. We have talked about this so often that I think people are getting a bit tired of hearing it. So, perhaps this is the part of the letter that you just switch off and skip to the end. For those who haven’t heard this enough, keep on reading. Obviously Australia holds a very special place in our hearts. To most of you it is just known as the most beautiful place on the planet and you hope to be blessed enough to have a holiday there (at least that is what you should be thinking). Others who have had the pleasure of coming to one of our Australia day parties should know a lot more about the country (yes, there will be another one coming very soon. For us, it is a place of joy and sorrow. It is my home where I grew up, where God called me to be His own and where almost all of my family lives. It is a place of great need for the Gospel to go forth. Although there has been a surge in people going to the mega-churches, the numbers seem to indicate that they are mostly people leaving one church for another. It is estimated that about 5% of the population is evangelical Christian. I read a report this week that in the last 5 years the Bible has fallen from 5th to 20th as “the most influential book”. It is in the top 5 of most urbanised countries, a strange thing for me as a country boy. In all of this there are many people living for the Lord. In particular is a group of Young Life staff and volunteers who have been sacrificing for the Gospel, working in the schools and in the communities to share the Hope we have in Christ. It is to this group that we feel a deep sense of responsibility.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqM7eJBWkbUsphHNjdrxkpD_bBGHDaQH4M4cOUtMSmKv5xb7bbV0e_m08KA2YOcA0GIeCrimQQwTzIVab_51NN_84WQWCC_p0LaCK9V3PhCFM2nWrnCu6s-wJR78HTVS-fonX/s1600-h/Oz+april+07+236.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5065744238004251714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqM7eJBWkbUsphHNjdrxkpD_bBGHDaQH4M4cOUtMSmKv5xb7bbV0e_m08KA2YOcA0GIeCrimQQwTzIVab_51NN_84WQWCC_p0LaCK9V3PhCFM2nWrnCu6s-wJR78HTVS-fonX/s320/Oz+april+07+236.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These are the people that started me in ministry, and never let me forget that my “2 year stint in America” is about 13 years over its limit. In my home town of Armidale there has been a great work going on amongst the Koori (aboriginal) kids and about 30 are now attending church on a regular basis. These young leaders really need some training and resources. The Koori culture has an affinity to the urban American culture, good and bad, and the community statistics could be those of our own Philadelphian neighbourhood. We are praying about taking a<br />bit of time in this transition to spend in Armidale training and equipping the leaders in their work. As you have read this, you may ask why we are not just going there to live if there is this need, why we are committing to CityNet and Philadelphia. Well, it is because of God. For reasons that only He seems to know, it would appear that He wants us in Philadelphia. Trust me that I have tried very hard to talk Him into sending us back to Australia long term, but He just won’t seem to budge on this one. I do think though that in His Grace He is allowing us a short time there. There are still many details to be worked out, such as the girls missing some school, but we think the timing is perfect with us transitioning into CityNet. Of course all of this also will allow all of you to come down to Australia. It will be a time of testing for you, to see if all those who have said “I always wanted to go to Australia” will now actually do it. And who knows, perhaps some of you will stay there, feeling God’s call to a lost people. No matter what, we are excited.<br /><br />So, for those of you who skipped through, let me now highlight…<br /><br />· We are leaving Wyoming Church<br />· We are starting with CityNet<br />· Our hope is to see neighbourhood churches doing ministry in their communities<br />· We still need all of your support, and a bit more<br />· We will be travelling around a bit to visit and raise the additional support<br />· We hope to spend a few months in Australia, training and equipping leadership<br /><br />Shortly you should be receiving a letter from CityNets’s Executive Director and Board, telling you what amazing people we are and why they want us (at least I hope that is what it says).<br />New Information<br /><br />Financial support information for tax deductible gifts- Checks should be written out to CityNet, designated for the Crosscombes, and mailed to:<br /><br />City Net Ministries<br />P.O. Box 35189<br />Philadelphia, PA 19128<br /><br />This all seems a lot, so please call or email with your questions, requests for information or to get booking details for your trip to visit us (you can visit us in Philly too, which would be almost as exciting as in Australia and certainly a lot cheaper for you).<br /><br />It is in His Grace that we write this to you,<br /><br />Coz, (on behalf of Joyce, Saiyeh, Melanie and Emma,<br />and our good friend Shana who is now living with us)The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1168459595635385662007-01-10T15:02:00.000-05:002007-01-10T15:06:35.636-05:00Place to view photosIf you are looking for the photos, I goofed and changed my template and messed things up. For now if you want to view my photos you can go to this address <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/crosscombe/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/crosscombe/</a>The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1167695451232763772007-01-01T16:39:00.000-05:002007-01-01T18:50:51.253-05:00Adoption PartyI figured it was time I shared with those who couldn't be at Saiyeh's adoption celebration. We were so pleased with how it all turned out. What made the party so special was all the friends and family who were able to celebrate with us. Saiyeh was thrilled with how many people came to celebrate with her. Saiyeh and I organized a small program. She played and sang "We are Australian" and "Through it all" She wrote her own words for the second verse..<br /><br />"Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord<br />For giving me a family, who loves me very much<br />He is good, He is good<br />For answering the prayers of my heart"<br /><br />I put together a slide show and then Melanie shared what Saiyeh meant to her and if anyone else wanted to share something about Saiyeh. She did this in Spanish and then translated to English. Virgy and Nabo each shared about how God blended the Crosscombe and Rosario family. This whole thing has not been easy for Nabo, but she remained firm in her decision because she knew it was what God wanted for Saiyeh. It is an example and demonstration of Nabo's love for Saiyeh! It was very moving and many people were blessed by what they shared. Saiyeh also had three of her teachers who came and said beautiful things about her. Saiyeh was so blessed and encouraged by everything that was said about her, she was bursting to say thanks at the end.<br /><br />It was a great day! I would like to one day post a video clip of the day for those of you who couldn't make it. Until I can figure out how to do that, here are a few photos...<br /><br /><p><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/320/827933/December%2006%20043.jpg" border="0" /></p><p></p><p> Virgy and Nabo <br /><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/1600/987866/December%2006%20037.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/320/254900/December%2006%20037.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p></p><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/1600/791398/December%2006%20047.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/320/403797/December%2006%20047.jpg" border="0" /></a><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/320/327153/December%2006%20051.jpg" border="0" />The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1167687343777465772007-01-01T16:30:00.000-05:002007-01-01T16:39:23.546-05:00<span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</strong></span><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/1600/992507/December%2006%20196.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/3884/433/320/807444/December%2006%20196.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></strong>The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1163991817320057552006-11-19T21:57:00.000-05:002006-11-19T22:08:01.366-05:00November 2006 newsletterDear Friends and Family,<br /><br /><br />Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down the other can help him up.<br /><br />This verse was read at our wedding. I have read it at others wedding. I often have come back to it as a foundation to marriage. At no time have I seen it clearer than during the past 6 months.<br /><br />As most of you know, on May 30th I broke my leg in a moto-cross accident. It did not seem like a big deal until I was strapped down in the helicopter being transferred from a small hospital to Hershey trauma center. Over the next 3 weeks in hospital I had 4 operations on the leg. They tell me that the breaks happened in one of the worst places possible (tibial plateau). With it all came compartment syndrome, which was why I had to be airlifted and then unfortunately some blood clots. I have been back in hospital a few times since, once for a manipulation to break up the scar tissue and give me m<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3884/433/1600/adoption%20001.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 222px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px" height="320" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3884/433/320/adoption%20001.jpg" width="208" border="0" /></a>ore range of motion, then just recently to have a filter removed that catches any clots. They tell me I reached the point where the filter is more dangerous than the clots that I still have. Long term is still a bit unknown. I have a great physical therapy team that is very aggressive in helping me regain motion and strength. Probably the big question you are all asking is “will you be able to ride again” (if you are not asking this question, but assume that I would not be that foolish, Joyce will be pleased.)<br /><br />In the midst of all this we finalized the adoption of Saiyeh!! We have a party scheduled for December 2nd at 2pm, to which you are all invited. Saiyeh has been so excited about everything being over. I was talking to her about her latest school report card, which showed a few areas she needs to work on. I asked her how she felt about it, and she said “well Daddy, it did have my new name on it, so that is really great”. That piece of her identity means far more than I imagined. We are so grateful to God for answering our prayers, rejoice with us!<br /><br />Joyce has been carrying a heavy load both running the household and in ministry. She continues to pour into women at the church and in the community. She was recently elected head of the parent’s association where Saiyeh and Melanie go to school, quite an honor as it is a bilingual school, recognized as one of the top schools in the city. She will once again be organizing the Christmas Toy Sale as an outreach into the community. I do not know how she manages with all she has along with the girls and me stuck at home (I really am like having another child in the house).<br /><br />We have been so blessed with not only prayers and encouraging calls and letters, but with many people coming over to help out. Our great friends in Hershey took care of the girls and Joyce on the frequent stays there. A friend comes over and takes care of our yard; others have been helping with the upkeep of the house and provided meals. Others have taken care of the girls to give Joyce a break. Also Joyce’s family and my mother have done so much for us during these times.<br /><br />As for me I have slowly been involving myself in the ministry. I have been attending some meetings and helping work through ministry issues. I have been resuming my role on the board of a local health clinic, especially in the area of their development of a new site. I find that I can function quite well in small bursts, though I am easily drained. I spend 3 or more hours a day on physical therapy and then some time after each session recovering. I also have resumed my seminary class which is the most difficult for me, though my good friends in the class do take care of me.<br /><br />People often ask me what God is teaching me through this, or what I have learned. I have learnt what an amazing person Joyce is and how selfless she is and that our children are a blessing. I have learnt some valuable lessons about friendship, real friendship, and what that means to us. I have learnt about community and especially about humility. It has been so hard accepting people doing things for me that I once could do for myself. I think that perhaps I am becoming a little more patient and a little gentler with those around me. I have also been reminded that God is God. By that I mean that I often cannot figure Him out, but that doesn’t mean He can’t figure me out, or that He doesn’t care. I do not know if there was a greater purpose in this accident or if it was just part of living in a fallen world, but I do know that God misses no opportunity to teach us, and I hope that I am learning His lessons.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Coz for Joyce, Saiyeh, Melanie and Emma<br /><br /><br />Prayer requests and needs:<br /><ul><li>Healing for Coz's leg and that the blood clots will dissolve and not be an ongoing problem</li><li>Strength and patience for Joyce as she continues to carry the extra load</li><li>We owe around $11,000 for Saiyeh's adoption fees, quite overwhelming, but not impossible for God</li><li>We need a new roof as we had multiple leaks into our house after this last rain</li><li>God's continued guidence as we serve him<br /></li></ul>The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1163301735604293582006-11-11T22:21:00.000-05:002006-11-11T22:22:15.633-05:00Adoption Completed!!ALL DONE....<br /><br />After everything, the final court appearance seemed anti-climatic. The judge looked over the papers we had to submit and said "okay". The judge was 87 years old, or something like that. He talked to Saiyeh for a bit. We will be issued an adoption document and a new birth certificate. We added our last name, so it is now Saiyeh Korinn Rosario Crosscombe. It meant a lot to Saiyeh to add our last name, much more than we realised. We received a call from the school on Monday saying that she was now signing her name Crosscombe. It caused a few problems, being that she was in the middle of her standardised tests. She was most emphatic to her teacher that this was now her name and that was that.<br /><br />Thank you all so much for travelling this difficult path with us and for all the support and prayers. Although I would never have chosen this way, I would not trade it in. I think when you have to fight for some things, you perhaps better understand their value. Saiyeh is of course priceless, her life having been bought by our Lord at a cost we cannot comprehend. She knows she now has a place of permanence on this earth, and hopefully she will understand beyond that, where are true home resides.<br /><br />We are going to have<br /><strong><em>Saiyeh's adoption celebration at<br />Wyoming Ave Baptist Church on Saturday,<br />December 2nd at 2:00 pm.</em></strong> <br />Everyone is invited to celebrate with us. <br />If you could let me know if you are coming that would be great. If you still want to include a letter, prayer, picture to Saiyeh for her book that I am making there is still time.<br /><br />Lastly, a bit of news on Coz... Please pray for him on Monday, as he is going to have the filter which has been protecting his lungs from clots removed. He has had it in the maximum amount of time so it needs to come out. I believe the doctor will be keeping him on blood thinner for another month and then check to see if the clots are still there. Please pray that they dissolve and will not be an ongoing problem.The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1162859321709058512006-11-06T19:27:00.000-05:002006-11-06T19:28:41.723-05:00October UpdateIt has been awhile since we have given an update. Here is a quick summary.... Coz's bones have now fully healed. He will live with the plates, pins and screws they put in his leg. He has full extension (straight) and about 100 degrees of flexion (bending) under pain from the physical therapists. He can now walk with a cane and support full weight on the leg for short periods. They are still anticipating 7 or 8 months more rehab.<br /><br />On the down side some more clots were discovered in the leg when they went to remove the filter he has protecting his lungs. A second attempt was made to remove the filter this week but his blood is still not at a safe level. Both times he has been prepped for surgery and was being wheeled into the operating room when they decided not to proceed. They will monitor his blood levels over the next week or so and make a third attempt, which will hopefully be successful. <br />Please feel free to email or call for more details.<br /><br />Also the final court date is set for the 27th of October where the adoption of Saiyeh should be finalized. All the paperwork is now in and it should be a simple hearing. After this is all finished we will schedule a date for a celebration.<br /><br />Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for our family!The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1157251673535643042006-09-02T22:46:00.000-04:002006-09-10T15:51:16.086-04:00Good News!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3884/433/1600/Julia"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3884/433/320/Julia%27s%2040th%20032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dear Friends and Family,<br /><br />We were notified today (Aug 31st) that no appeal was lodged in the adoption case. We have now officially won the case to terminate custody for all known and unknown<br />biological parents. All that is left is the formality of appointing us as<br />adoptive parents which should happen at an October court date. To say the<br />least we are super excited. We told Saiyeh this afternoon and she is so full of joy- she still hasn't fallen asleep!<br /><br />We will be having a party to celebrate after the October date. In the mean<br />time we would like Saiyeh, and the other girls, to see God at work in this,<br />through His people. We are asking for people would like, to send a sentence or two that<br />you may have prayed, a special verse, a song, a memory or other thoughts that you may just want<br />to share with Saiyeh. You have played an important part in this journey with us.<br />This could be via email or on paper through the mail. We would also love a photo of you to go with it (email attachment is fine). We will put it all in a book for her. She may never have met you,<br />or may not remember who you are (though she has an amazing memory for<br />people) but she will know your love, and God's faithfulness. This has been<br />a very long journey, as you well know, and we are glad that it is coming to<br />a conclusion.<br /><br />You will be notified later about the party!<br /><br />Rejoicing in God's faithfulness,<br />Coz and JoyceThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1155560919771970302006-08-14T09:03:00.000-04:002006-08-14T09:08:39.796-04:00Post hospital visit updateDear Friends and Family,<br /><br />First of all I am sorry that I have not been very good at returning phone <br />calls and some emails from you. Joyce asked if I would write the latest <br />update about my leg.<br /><br />On the 8th of August I went back into Hershey Medical Center for a <br />"manipulation". Under a full epidural (but wide awake) my leg was bent from <br />45 degrees to 110 degrees. This was accompanied by a loud tearing noise, <br />the scar tissue ripping. Not a sound I would like to hear again. I spent 3 <br />days in the hospital where they monitored my pain and progress.<br /><br />I wish I could say things have really improved since then, but it is hard to <br />say. I am in more pain than prior to going in, especially through the <br />night. I am on a machine called a CPM (I call it "the rack") which bends my <br />leg. I am strapped into it 3 times a day, 2 hours each time, followed by an <br />hour of other stuff, for a total of 9 hours a day. I am to begin outpatient <br />therapy on top of this 3 times a week, so I will be doing 10 to 12 hours a <br />day for the next few weeks at least.<br /><br />I got quite depressed when I came out of hospital as my leg didn't seem to <br />be moving much more than before, the pain was greater, and it was hard <br />for me to see where this was all going. I was probably as down and as angry <br />as I can ever remember being. Thankfully God sent some good people who just <br />came and sat with me over the past 2 days, encouraging me to press on. <br />Thank you so much for that, my friends.<br /><br />I realise the seriousness of all of this, and that if I cannot get enough <br />movement over the coming weeks, before the scar tissue grows back again, I <br />will have trouble walking again. The girls and Joyce have been great at <br />helping me, and have unfortunately had to bear the brunt of my frustration <br />at all this.<br /><br />If you are in the area, please feel free to drop around anytime. I am, so <br />to speak, a captive audience. Joyce could also use some encouragement and <br />some time away from me (please don't edit this part out, Joyce).<br />Thanks again everyone for caring so much and loving us so much.<br />CozThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1155509237720072062006-08-13T16:47:00.000-04:002006-08-13T19:15:39.996-04:00GraduationI was looking through my photos and realized that I never posted any from the end of school. I was puzzled and then remembered our life at that time and it all made sense. So a proud mommy wanted to share the highlights of the end of the school year. Daddy was unable to go, but we captured it all on video.<br /><br />Saiyeh got several awards and read a poem that she wrote in front of the audience. She did such a good job.<br /><br /><em>El Verano<br /><br />Verano, Verano,<br />Tiene flores y mas.<br /><br />Verano, Verano,<br />El manzana crece<br />manzanas rojas.</em><br /><br />Saiyeh also won 1st place in an art contest! So very proud!<br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/crosscombe/213586882/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/28/213586882_7a4b624b04_m.jpg" width="240" height="159" alt="June 06 007" /></a><br /><br />Melanie had a wonderful 1st year of school. I think her teacher's comments on her report cards sums it all up<em>..."Melanie my brillant kindergarten student. She made me proud from the very first day I met her. Sometimes I would forget she was only 5 years old. She is so blessed by the Lord, and we were all blessed in the classroom with her prescence. She is now a bilingual student, that can speak, read and write in Spanish. She also acheieved every math and science standard for Kinder. Melanie Crosscombe you will stay in my heart forever. Love, Maestra"</em><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/crosscombe/213586978/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/84/213586978_567f1f1646_m.jpg" width="240" height="159" alt="June 06 015" /></a><br /><br />We have been blessed by such good teachers and are very proud of our girls!The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1154487478761573092006-08-01T18:42:00.000-04:002006-08-01T22:57:58.853-04:00The judge's ruling!Today we received a call from our lawyer. The judge has finally made a <br />decision. He ruled in our favour, terminating all parental rights, known <br />and unknown. Our first reaction was to both cry. We have waited so long <br />for this, it seemed like a dream. Then came the fine print. The other side <br />has 30 days to appeal the case. According to our lawyer an appeal is a <br />waste of time, as they would now have to prove that the judge was grossly <br />wrong in his ruling and our lawyer sees no possiblity of them getting <br />anywhere with it. He has heard though that they may be appealing. He <br />believes this is probably because they don't have to pay their court <br />appointed lawyer (whilst we go on paying $300 an hour).<br /><br />What this all means is that if they do appeal it may be another year or more <br />before this is all settled. Another year for our little girl, and us, to <br />make things finally legal. Our elation has been tempered by this, and we <br />will be praying and waiting over these next 30 days. I hope that our next <br />update is to tell you that no appeal was lodged and to invite you to the <br />party.<br /><br />Hanging firm,<br />Coz and JoyceThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1154024180033025982006-07-27T14:06:00.000-04:002006-07-27T14:16:20.050-04:00Another updateDear friends and family,<br /><br />We just arrived from Hershey after seeing the surgeon on Wednesday. The bone is healing well, as is the graft. The leg is getting stronger and the extension is good. Unfortunately the flexion (bending) was not. The surgeon had given Coz the <br />goal of 90 degrees by the visit. Coz reached 85 degrees on Monday and was <br />confident that the surgeon would accept that. He didn't. The surgeon feels <br />as though it just isn't moving well enough, and for Coz to have a real <br />chance of using his leg properly in the future a manual manipulation is the <br />best thing to do.<br />Coz is now scheduled to go back into Hershey Medical Center on August 8th for <br />3-4 days. The hope is that this will move the progress along and Coz will <br />get most of the movement back in his leg. After 4 weeks of 3 hour workouts <br />each day, very painful workouts, Coz is pretty depressed that he will be <br />back in hospital. He did ask the surgeon if he could take the next 2 weeks <br />off working out, seeing as they would be doing the manipulation, but he <br />didn't get that either. Visitors are welcome at the house. If you are unable to visit, phone calls and presents will lift his spirits as well. Coz is very goal driven and is really struggling at what he sees is failure.<br /><br />Just to keep things interesting, our car was broken into last week. They <br />stole only pennies but cost us $160 for a new window. Then while in Hershey <br />someone broke into our apartment, which is attached to our main house. It <br />happened in the middle of the day. Our house was unlocked, the back door <br />open, but they didn't come into it. Could be our new puppy scared them <br />away. She does have a deep bark. <br /><br />Thanks for your continued prayers and we will continue to keep you posted.<br /><br />JoyceThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1152703459383611262006-07-12T07:22:00.000-04:002006-07-12T07:24:19.400-04:00UpdatesDear Friends and Family,<br /><br />We have some updates for you.<br /><br />Firstly we received copies of what are basically closing arguments from the <br />adoption case. There was some hold up with the court transcripts, so <br />instead of being filed in May, they were files last week. Our lawyer expects <br />a ruling from the Judge within a few weeks, though it could be months as he <br />has no set time in which to rule. if anyone is interested we can send out a <br />copy to you. There are about 14 total pages (3 from their lawyer, 11 from <br />ours. Perhaps this is why our latest bill was $10,000 for the hearing and <br />this document).<br /><br />Secondly, Coz's healing is coming along okay. He spends about 3 hours a day <br />working the leg. It is getting stronger and the wounds are healing. The <br />graft site is still a mess. The surgeon gave Coz until the 26th July to <br />reach 90 degrees of flexion (bending) in the knee. It is currently at 65 <br />degrees and gaining a degree a day. If it does not reach 90 degrees they <br />want to put him back in hospital and move the knee for him. This will mean <br />an OR visit followed by 3 or 4 days of an epidural. They move the knee to <br />break up all the new scar tissue. The extension is good and the ankle is <br />debatable. If the ankle does not reach its goal it could mean making some <br />small cuts in the tendons. He is beginning to do some work and getting <br />tired of sitting around the house. Visitors are welcome, especially if they <br />want to come and do some therapy with him. He needs the encouragement!<br /><br />The girls are all well and thanks so much to everyone who has been helping <br />out. It means a lot to have help with the meals, the girls and work at the house. A <br />group of students from Maryland has been helping do some stuff at the house this week. <br />Coz is struggling with having to sit and watch them work.<br /><br />And to answer the ultimate question, "Will Coz ever ride again?" His bikes <br />and the girls bikes all went up for sale this week. He is holding onto the <br />hope that this is just a good financial move as he couldn't ride for a year, <br />and the girls would have outgrown their bikes by then, but the reality is <br />that this is probably the end of his riding days. He has ridden since he <br />was 5 years old, owned 15 different bikes over the years and it has been his <br />joy and stress relief over the years. I think he will really struggle with <br />this but I will be much happier, and I know that is what ultimately makes <br />him happy. He welcomes any advice as he struggles to think of a new hobby.<br /><br />Again, call and visit anytime.<br /><br />Joyce, for the familyThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1151805247070252702006-07-01T20:50:00.000-04:002006-07-01T22:01:21.216-04:00Coz's recoveryMany people have been asking how we are all coping. It has been very difficult, but God is giving us the strength. Coz and I went to Hershey last Tuesday and Wednesday for a follow up with his doctor. He also had all his staples taken out. Everything looked good except the doctor was not pleased with how far Coz could bend his knee. We must go to Hershey in 4 weeks and if Coz can't bend his knee 90 degrees then they will admit him and do another procedure to break up all the scar tissue. Please pray that Coz will be able to accomplish this so he won't have to stay in the hospital again. Coz exercises three times a day and it is very painful for him. He is bending his knee at 45 degrees now and his therapist is skeptical that he will be able to accomplish the 90 degrees. We are asking God for His healing hand in all of this. Thanks for praying with us in this! The girls have been good nurses for their Daddy and Emma keeps showering him with kisses and hugs.<br /><br />If anyone is interested in seeing photos of Coz's leg, let me know. I won't generally post them as some people cannot "stomach" how it looks.The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1150941366383746842006-06-21T21:55:00.000-04:002006-06-21T21:56:06.410-04:00Coz is Home!Hello,<br /><br />I just wanted everyone to know that Coz came home yesterday. He is still adjusting to being home. His Mum has had the girls to give us a couple of days to settle back into the house. The day before discharge the doctor wanted to do an ultrasound over his leg to check for blood clots. Unfortunately, they found one in a small vein at the bottom of his leg. Please pray that no complications arise from this. He is still in a lot of pain, but is getting around the house alright. Thanks for your continued prayers! You will be hearing from his personally when he is feeling better.<br /><br />JoyceThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1150569118394056292006-06-17T14:30:00.000-04:002006-06-17T14:33:03.676-04:00Still not homeDear Friends and Family,<br /><br />Well, by now you must think we are all together again at home. After <br />writing the last update, I returned to the hospital only to find a new plan <br />was in the works for Coz. It was suggested by the physical therepist and <br />the doctor agreed that Coz enter into the rehab program at the hospital. So <br />this afternoon he was discharged from the hospital and wheeled in his bed <br />down the hallway into the rehab department. He will be receiving therepy <br />there for at the most, 5 days. That is what our insurance covers us for. <br />The girls visited their Daddy today after not seeing him for a week. They <br />drew pictures to decorate his new room. We are spending the night in <br />Hershey, stopping to see him again in the morning and then heading back to <br />Philly.<br /><br />Today we spent some time reading and talking about Psalm 73. We are so <br />thankful for God's Word and His presence in our lives. We are humbled for <br />God to consider us worthy to endure so many trials and hold fast to vs 26, <br />"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of our heart and <br />our portion forever."<br /><br />Please pray that Coz will remain encouraged to persevere through the pain so <br />he can regain the strength and use of his leg. I told the girls that Daddy <br />walked yesterday with a walker. Saiyeh said, "Well I guess we will have to <br />dye Daddy's hair gray if he has to use a walker"! That sure made us laugh!<br /><br />Thanks so much for caring for us. We are very blessed!<br /><br />Joyce, for the rest of the family<br /><br />I forgot to give Coz's new information:<br /><br />Hershey Medical Center<br />David Crosscombe Room 3174<br />500 University Drive<br />Hershey, PA 17033<br /><br />Phone number- 717-531-7514<br /><br />Also many of you have asked what Coz needs or would like. I think the <br />easiest answer would be gift certificates and then I can get him what he <br />would like to keep him occupied over the next few months or online <br />certificates and he can do the shopping.<br /><br />Thanks!The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1150568998755390492006-06-17T14:29:00.000-04:002006-06-17T14:29:58.766-04:00coz updateDear Friends and Faimly, <br /> <br />Well, Coz is still in the hospital as of Wednesday morning. He had the vaccum pup taken off the skin graft yesterday so he is no longer attached to any drainage systems. He also stood up for the first time and sat in a recliner for a couple hours. He needs to be on a CPM machine which helps bend his knee slowly. He started bending it at 25 degrees and is up to 70 degrees. He stays on this machine for 2 hours, three times a day. Then he needs to extend his leg flat for an hour, this is the most painful for him. Today they will get him out of bed twice and try to have him walk. His leg is all fixed up and healing well, the doctor will order for discharge when he feels that Coz is safe to get himself around. This whole time in hospital has been a day by day experience so we will see how it goes today. Hopefully he can come home tomorrow. The girls are still with my mom and sister. When Coz is discharged they will then stay with Coz's mum for a couple days to give Coz and I time to get situated back at home. I have to figure out how to get the girls from Hershey to King of Prussia, if anyone is willing to help with transportation please let me know. We think it would be a little too stressful for us all to travel back to Philly together. We are extremely grateful for all your prayers, emails, phone calls and cards. Thanks so much and I will continue to keep you posted. <br /> <br />JoyceThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1149954468957823102006-06-10T11:25:00.000-04:002006-06-10T11:48:43.103-04:00Post surgery updateOn Friday morning the girls and I traveled back to Hershey. Saiyeh and I were talking about Coz. I told her, "Isn't it so special that hundreds of people are praying for Daddy?" Saiyeh said, "What do you mean, special?" "I think it is magnificent!!"<br /><br />It is magnificent! Thank you so much. Coz had surgery yesterday. The surgeon was very pleased with the results and said the x-ray's were spectactular. We actually got to see them and all the plates and screws in his leg. It was amazing to see the results. They also did a skin graft to close the other incision on his calf. On Tuesday they are going to take off the vac system on the skin graft and then start physical therapy. He will also get a machine on his bed to get his knee moving. They are now saying that he will be discharged on Thursday, at the earliest. Last night he was in a tremendous amount of pain and still is!! They are going to change his meds tonight and hopefully that will help. Please continue to pray for his pain and that he won't develop any infection or blood clots. <br /><br />Thank for all your encouragement and prayers. I will continue to keep you posted.<br /><br />JoyceThe Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7216428.post-1149691272105281442006-06-07T09:20:00.000-04:002006-06-07T10:41:12.126-04:00update on CozI have come home again for two days as the girls finish school. They get out on Thursday and public school on the 20th. I am so glad they finish early because it makes life a little less hectic. Coz had surgery on Tuesday morning and it went well. They were able to stitch and staple the inner incision on his calf and change the dressing on the other side. If the swelling goes down enough by Friday (9th)he will have another surgery. They will do a skin graft to close the other incision and put plates and screws in the knee joint area to fix the bone fractures. They told Coz that he will have his worst pain after the surgery and into the next day. Then it should begin to decrease. He will not be able to put pressure on the leg for 12 weeks and will have at least 6 months of rehab. He will be given a range of motion machine for his bed so he will be able to keep his knee active. It is crucial to begin this right away so that he will have proper use of that leg. Long term concerns that the surgeon told us was stiffness and arthritis. Coz's spirits have been good, morphine maybe? I told Coz it was because he has hundreds of people praying for him! We are once again blessed by the love, concern and encouragement from our friends and family! Thank you so much!The Crosscombeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15306656402136547101noreply@blogger.com