Here is an update on Josiah as of Wednesday, December 22^nd at 5:00 PM:

Today’s schedule was just a tad different for Josiah as he was taken to his ENOG test for the nerves on the right side of his face.  He continues to improve physically each and every day and he gets his strength back.  He also continues to improve in his ability to do the tasks that his speech therapist assigns to him. His ability to hold attention has really improved over the last 2 days.

Here are some highlights from the day:

• Josiah was again up and ready to go early today.  In fact, he has been ready early the last three days, so the occupational therapist asked us to wait for her tomorrow so she can asses how he is doing getting himself ready in the morning.
• There is a building here called the Wege center.  I will not say any more than that, but Josiah has really wanted to go visit that building as he gets a kick out of the name.  His occupational therapist took him there this morning.
• He is writing with his left hand now and is doing remarkably well.  In fact, it is probably neater writing than his right hand.  (He normally writes with his left hand)
• Today was the first time that we have been out of the hospital in over a week.  We had to go by “vanbulance” to another hospital for his ENOG test.  The good news is that test is over!  It was painful for him.
• He is transferring himself between bed and wheelchair and walking so good with his cane.  Great improvement!
• I am sitting here typing this and looking at him.  I cannot believe that three weeks ago today was the accident and we did not even know if he would survive.  He looks SO good now!  The glaze in his eyes is almost gone!

Here are some specific requests for you to remember if you would:

• Pray with us that the results of his test will be that there is no surgery needed and that the nerve will come back on its own with time.
• Continue to pray for his left side, that it will strengthen greatly each day.
• Pray for the family as they travel here tomorrow.  We are really looking forward to having us all together for several days!
• Pray that he remains emotionally strong.  The news that he would be here probably around a month was not what he wanted to hear.  He knows it is for his best, but is still wanting to be home and back to school.
• Pray for us to be God’s vessels to show love and compassion on people up here.  There are so many sad stories, but these stories are full of hope and opportunity to show Christ.

Psalm 52:9 “For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.”