Here is an update on Josiah as of Monday, December 13, 2010 at 5:15 PM.

Kind of a light day today since it was a travel day.  We left this morning at about 11:30 after a full morning.  He was able to actually get a real shower and put on some real clothes.  He loved this very much.  He had been asking for a shower for many days now.  And the kid is still eating like food will run out tomorrow!

Here are some of the highlights from the day:

• He had a hearing test this morning.  His right eardrum burst in the accident, and they were concerned that he had no hearing at all in that ear.  I am glad to report that he is able to hear out of that ear!  He has a little bit of hearing loss right now, but the Dr. thinks that the hearing will come back after some time
• He was very nervous about the ambulance ride to Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. He did not want to be in the vehicle at all, let alone on the bad roads.
• He totally loves his new hospital and room.  He is very excited about being here and getting better.  When I walked in the place, I had this overwhelming sense that this is exactly where he belongs. I believe it was God reassuring me that things were going to be fine.
• I found out that there is a coffee maker right down the hall from our new room.  That may not seem to big a deal to you, but for me… well, it is a BIG deal!
• You can send Josiah and email by going here and following the directions.  I know he would love hear from you all!

Here are some specific and very important things to remember in prayer for Josiah and our family:

• He starts an intense rehab schedule tomorrow.  Please pray that he responds well to this new schedule. He seems to really be looking forward to it!
• His confusion and irritation have been very little the last few days.  Pray that he is able to remain like this, even when he starts rehab.
• Michigan Medicaid is his health coverage. With my job loss at the beginning of the year also came the loss of my insurance.  When we got here, the first thing we did is see if they qualified, and they did.  They are giving us issues right now, so please pray that it gets sorted quickly and completely.  This is obviously not as important as his life, but the financial concerns do weigh on me.  Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids gave us some very encouraging news today.  We are not getting the cart before the horse, but we may find out tomorrow how this will all be handled.
• The doctors are still looking at the right side of his face that is not totally doing everything quite right; like raising eyebrows and such. They are leaning towards as a pinched nerve, which will heal as the swelling in his face/head goes down.  Please pray that there will be healing in that area of his face.
• Pray for our family as we are apart.  Jennifer will visit as she can, but she needs to be at home most of the time for the kids. Pray that the kids will be understanding at this time.
• Pray for Jennifer and I to have patience.  We know God is in control, we count on that, but we want to see him healed!  Also, pray for strength, endurance and the ability to rest as fatigue is a great enemy right now.
• Pray that God’s Kingdom work will be accomplished through is during this time.  God know exactly where we are headed and what the outcome will be.  We count on that!

Ps 59:16-17

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. You are my strength, I sing praise to you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely.”