The Vannalee's

I met the Vannalee family one week ago today. I wish I could have met them under different circumstances. Last Sunday morning after the message in the 11:15 service a young lady named Boula Vannalee approached me in tears with her boyfriend Chris. They told me a story that will forever change my life and for the last week has impacted me in a way that nothing else in my life has. I am still amazed at the love, endurance, and strength that I've seen in this amazing little family.

Last Friday night actually early Saturday morning the Vannalee family sat in there home watching a movie together, not knowing that in the next few minutes there lives would forever be changed.

Preceding this night at there home "Sam" or Patthana Vannalee, 19 year old brother had been acting very strange since being brutally assaulted and beaten horribly. The injuries he sustained were noticably located on Sam's head and upper body. Sam's behavior was now extremely random and unpredictable which had his family worried for his health.

While watching the movie together Friday night Lisa Vannalee, 16, left the room and was followed by Sam in the next few moments Sam attacked Lisa with a knife and delivered life changing injuries to his little sister. The rest of the family heard the commotion and went to find Lisa injured and Sam literally out of his mind.

Lisa is now in PICU at UCDavis in critical condition with massive cuts on her face and neck area with injury to her spinal chord. She is slowly regaining feeling in her upper body but still hasn't felt anything in her lower body.

Sam is in the Sacramento County Jail.

There family is staying at the hospital with Lisa and we are praying with Lisa daily and daily her improvement is amazing. She was told she wouldn't be able to feel anything and everyday more feeling comes back. She's communicating well and is getting stronger daily.

Gretchen and I have fallen in love with the Vannalee family and are spending time with them daily as they walk through this life changing circumstance.

I'm asking everyone I know to please pray for God's peace and strength for the Vannalee family. I'm believing for a miracle with Lisa! Will you have faith with me for a great recovery. Lisa is extremely smart young lady who is attending Grant Highschool and has competed in beauty contests. The little I know her has been inspiring as she is in the fight of her life.