Lilly's Auditory Brainstem Response

Lilly's speech is delayed. She has been enrolled in speech therapy through First Steps since we got home from China.  She has made advances, but not nearly enough.  In November, we had tubes put in her ears after her second cleft palate surgery.  She had a great deal of wax and fluid, which is common in children with a cleft palate.  After the tubes were put in we noticed a definite change in Lilly.  She could hear music for the first time.  It was amazing to watch her face light up in church when she noticed that the choir was singing.  She started saying a few new words, but not as many as a typical two year old would say.  We went back to ENT to have hearing tests done.  Usually, infants are tested for hearing problems, but we don't know if Lilly ever was.  It would't have really mattered, but we were starting from scratch.  Both tests came back that she had some hearing loss, but couldn't detect how much or in which ear.  So, they suggested that she have an Auditory Brainstem Response test, which is a sedated test that measures how much sound is getting to the brain.  They found that Lilly has mild to moderate hearing loss in both ears.  With hearing aids she should be able to hear at a normal level.
I was both sad and relieved when the audiologists gave me the news in the conference room.  I was sad that Lilly has to go through more struggles.  I wish things were easier for her.  I was also deeply relieved.  Her hearing loss explains so much about her speech.  I wish I knew how much she is actually hearing.  She is such a smart girl and has learned to adapt so well.  She follows multi-step directions so well, you wouldn't be able to tell she couldn't hear you.  I am excited to see the world open up for her once she can hear.  I am eager to hear her ask for what she wants and tell me how she feels without getting frustrated.  Lilly has taught me so much about endurance.  I know she will thrive with this challenge.
I also believe God will use this to His glory.  One of the nurses stopped to talk to me in the recovery room about adoption and Lilly's story.  I was able to share what a miracle she is and how great God's plan is for her.  She was a little groggy witness.  It's impossible not to see God's handprints all over that child.  As a mom, I want to 'fix' everything and make it 'all better'.  However, I've learned that my way is not always the best way.  I know my children were saved for a purpose and put in our family for a reason and they will do great things.  The obstacles that they must face will give them character and hope (Romans 5:3-5).  Who knows the impact they will make?  My prayer now is that God will equip us to help Lilly and that He will put the right people in place to help her.
So what's next?  In a couple weeks we will take Lilly back to ENT and meet with the pediatric audiologist who works specifically with hearing aids and go from there.  We will be sure to post updates.  Thanks to everyone who has been praying!  We really, really appreciate it!