Dareen Willis-Oliver here.  I am Caden Drew Bollinger's "prayer angel": I have been keeping him (as well as his family) in constant prayer ever since he was burned back in October of 2009.

I finally have some good news to report about this little boy who had been horribly burned over 80% of his body: he is out of the hospital after being in there for over a year; he got out back in November of last yaer.  He is continuing to recover from his latest surgeries; it will be a long time before he is truly well.  It is still nice, however, to know he is back home with his family, which is where he belongs.

Caden's next series of surgeries will be in June, but for now, other than therapies and constant checkups, he is doing fine.  He's in some pain, but nothing, nothing to the extent he had when he was in the hospital.  Every day, the pain from his surgeries grow less and he's starting to eat and laugh again.  He's also talking, which is a huge answer to prayer; it shows that his brain isn't as damaged as was originally thought.

I e-mail his family every week, and they keep me informed as to how he is faring.  To hear all this good news as of late is such a blessing!  He's suffered needlessly for far too long!

His younger sisters, Eagan and Ashlynn, have been adjusting to "the new Caden", but they are starting to realize that underneath all the scars, wounds, bandages, and ongoing disability, Caden is still their brother.  They hate to see him in so much pain or suffering; they wish that they could take his scars away.

My church has been very suportive to this young boy's family.  They've been in constant prayer vigil over him and his family, and they've provided free pastoral counseling, money, and food, as well as clothes, shoes, and other necessities.  I am proud to be a member of such a loving, giving church family!

Speaking of church, we are having an addition put on the building because our church family's growth has exploded in numbers.  We are also thinking of holding more services and expanding the parking lot, so we can have room for more cars or visitors/people.  The pastors are coping with all the new growth as best as they can, but at times, it isn't easy!

As for myself, my home is all fixed up from the floods we had last year.  I stayed at the home of my friend while my house got repaired.  It looks better than ever!  I just hope and pray we don't have a repeat of last year's flooding; once was more than enough!!

Well, I have to go.  Today is prayer day at the church; I'm one of the prayer warriors.  We have prayer at 11:30, a little under an hour from now.  And this Sunday is Palm Sunday.  Make it a point to attend church; you won't be sorry!  I know I'm not!  And please, please go on Easter/Resurrection Sunday!  We have a special Easter program/message, and I'd hate for y'all to miss out on some dynamic music, worship, and preaching!  Take care and God bless; I will write again soon with another Caden update!  Hopefully the good news will continue!

~In His Service,

~Caden's "prayer angel", Dareen.  :)

~To be continued.~