Here is an update on Josiah as of Monday, December 20, at 5 PM:

They took it a little easy on his walking today because he has been complaining about his right hip hurting.  This is a common occurrence, as it is his good leg and is overcompensating for his weak leg.

Here are some of the highlights from the day:

• Josiah rested as well as he has since arriving here at Mary Free Bed. He woke up this morning ready to go and even got himself dressed and cleaned up without any help from the Occupational Therapist.
• In fact, she had to reorganize his session because he had already finished getting ready for the day.  She was very impressed with him taking the initiative to prepare for the day.
• His math skills seem to be rock solid.  He plans on being back and making drinks at Starbucks the day he gets out of here.  I had to tell him that it might take a bit longer than that, but he could make me drinks at home if he was that eager to make them.
• As much as he eats, he lost another 2 pounds since he arrived here.  This boy has no fat on him to begin with!  He thinks it is funny that he can eat like he does without any consequences.  I told him that will change with age.  He just laughed.
• He seems to have made it his personal goal to make everyone he runs into laugh.  He is doing a good job of that.
• Some of you may have noticed that he has posted a time or two on facebook.  He is not on it very often as of yet, so he still loves getting emails.  If you would like to send him one, he would be thrilled to get it.  He looks for them every time we come back into the room. You can send Josiah and email by going here and following the directions.

Oh, and he upgraded to walking with a cane today!  Check out this video!

Here are some specific requests to remember for us:

• Pray that the nerve test gets done soon.  We are praying for no surgery, but we want the end result to be full recovery for the right side of his face.
• His left side is improving greatly, but continue to pray that the strength increases daily and that he feels like it is.  He likes to see the improvement each day!
• Pray for the details to be worked out for our family this week pertaining to Christmas.  We would like to stay here at the Inn as it would be much more convenient and comfortable.
• Pray for Jennifer as she deals with the daily ins and outs of being at home and dealing with kids, bills, the phone calls and details that need to be handled regarding Josiah.  She is a strong woman, but I do not want her to get worn out.
• Lastly, pray for us to be able to make known the fact that people matter to God while we are up here.  Each and every day we try to share His love and grace with those that are up here.  We have met many Christ followers as well (both here in person and online) and have been blessed to know they are praying for us.

Psalm 126:3 “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”