Here is an update on Josiah as of Tuesday, December 21^st at 4:30 PM:

Josiah has risen early each morning and been anxious to get ready to go for the day.  I am glad for that, as it beats trying to motivate him each morning with some type of bribe for the day!  We have made some great strides so far this week and I am excited to see what we will have accomplished by weeks end!

Here are some highlights for the day:

• I had his team meeting this morning.  This is a meeting with all of those therapists and doctors that are working with him.  They go over his progress and evaluate where he needs improvement and more work.  They are also responsible for saying how long he will be here.  As of now, they are saying it will be a month.
• He was walking with his cane again today, and doing quite well.  He wants to take it everywhere we go now, as he feels so strong using it.  He is not quite to that point, but he is determined to get there soon!
• He really enjoyed getting back on facebook for a bit last night.  He is amazed, and thankful, for all of the kind words and prayers offered on his behalf.  He wants everyone to know he is doing well, but still needs the prayers as rehab is very hard.
• I am amazed at the improvements each day in what he is able to do.  It literally is like night and day with some things (like tying his shoes).  It is just incredible how much healing the body can do over night.

If you would, remember these specific requests for us:

• Pray for the upcoming nerve test on his face.  It looks like the test will be tomorrow at a hospital just up the street.  It will allow us to get a better understanding of how he is healing.  We are praying for complete recovery without surgery.
• Pray for his spirits.  He is doing so well, but he also gets very upset about missing so much back home.  He misses his friends greatly, and wants to be doing what every normal senior in high school is doing.  Pray that he remains strong and confident about his healing.
• Pray for safety for the family as we travel a bit over the next couple of weeks for the holidays.  We are spending them up here in Grand Rapids together, which will be very nice.  I am excited to have us all in one place for a change!  Details are still being worked out for where we are staying, so I guess you can pray for that too!
• Pray that we can help make a difference in someone’s life as we try to bring the hope and love that only Christ can give to people that are hurting.

Psalm 145:21 “My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.”