Elijah Update (Mar 29)

Dear Friends,

Thank you all for praying and sending e-mails to let us know you are praying. We love to hear from you. Judy has even heard from several of her Rift Valley Academy dorm girls. Your e-mails are a source of strength and companionship for us while we are in the hospital. We check for messages in the morning and in the evening before going to bed. Thanks so much.

This morning when we arrived at Elijah's bedside we were delighted to see him sleeping peacefully. He was sucking on his pacifier, the nasal canula had been removed and he was all curled up looking very sweet and comfortable. I believe this is the first restful and healing sleep that he has had since we arrived at Wesley. We are so thankful and praise God for his healing and comforting touch.

I am also very thankful for the doctor we have. He is a great encourager, always willing to talk with us and answer questions. Tonight he will rotate off duty and we will have another doctor for the next week. That is disappointing, but I know he needs his rest too.

Elijah continues to have fluid seeping out of his chest. I had no idea his little body could produce so much fluid especially since he hasn't had any food since Tuesday. It is good that the chest tubes are draining the fluid, but we want his body to stop producing the fluid or at least stop draining it into his chest cavity. Tests are being run on the fluid to see if it is something other than the chyme or chyle. The tubes can't come out until the fluid stops and he can't have food until the drainage stops.

Elijah is receiving some good nutrients - proteins, lipids, vitamins, etc through his IV. He isn't starving, but his stomach is empty and when he wakes up his isn't always happy.

God is good. He is answering prayers: giving Elijah comfort, healing him, giving Judy and I sleep, giving Judy and I peace about Elijah's treatment and level of comfort. God has given us so many prayer warriors all providing great support for us and sending petitions up to God.

I am excited about Elijah's prognosis. He isn't healing as fast as I would like, but I believe he is healing. When Elijah is awake and not feeling the effects of hunger he is alert, responsive, and acts just like a baby should.

Again, thanks for your prayers and don't be afraid to write we always have time to read your e-mails.

Joel, Judy, and Elijah