Today we had a follow-up appointment at the University of Michigan with Josiah. The doctors here have been looking at his facial paralysis over the last few months and tracking his progress. His nerves had already started growing back together. We knew that, as we could see his smile coming back. But today we received some great news! They informed us after the testing that his nerves had made significant progress, that there would definitely be no surgery needed and that he would not even have to go through this procedure again (sticking needles in his face to test the nerves).  He was thrilled about that! He still has to come back to Ann Arbor one more time for a hearing test and check up.  And he has at least one  follow-up visit at Mary Free Bed and with the eye doctor, as well as a bit of therapy to complete, but other than those visits, we think he may actually be done seeing doctors for the near future! God has continued to pour his love, grace and mercy on us in regards to Josiah and his health! We are so grateful for all that He has done! We appreciate all the prayers, kind words and notes over the last several months. Please continue to pray for the following specific things:

• Pray that he finishes strong in school. I am so proud of his hard work to get caught up in his work so that he can graduate with his class this year.
• Pray that his strength continues to return. He still has some weakness in his body.
• Pray for him as he contemplates his future. His plans have been put on hold for at least 6 months to a year. That is frustrating to a teen boy who is looking forward to his independence.
• Pray for us that we would be prepared and ready when the time comes for him to get behind the wheel to drive again. That is not something we are quite ready for and probably never will be, but it will come.

There are no words to describe the wonder, awe and humility that we feel at God’s goodness, comfort and providence in our lives. It has been an amazing road that we have walked the last few months. We look forward to seeing what God has next for Josiah and our family!

Ephesians 3:14-19

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”