Power of Prayer

So many of you heard or read that Ella was so sick and were quick to call and check on us. Thank you for your concern and also for your prayers. Every time I'd talk to someone new over the past few days, I'd tell Ella, "Now Auntie Karen and Calvin are praying for you. Now Miss Amy and Jonathan are praying for you. Now Anika and her family are praying for you. Your teachers just prayed for you with me on the phone..." This is so encouraging and today we've definitely felt uplifted.

At her doctor appointment this morning, we did not get a lot of answers. Not all the lab tests are back yet. We do know this is not a parasite and that her white blood cell count is really high (sign of infection). The doctor also wanted to be safe and give Ella an IV, to "tank her up" and prevent dehydration (which is something Dave and I have been very concerned about). Ella was terrified of the IV needle and did a good amount of screaming, but ended up being very brave and is excited about telling her "I got a drink through my arm!!' story. In the hour that the fluids were being administered, we even saw some color come back to her face.

There's been other glimpses of light today too. For the first time in a while, she actually ate a little bit. She got mad at me when I told her "no" to something. She has been walking around on her own a bit. We've seen her smile and laugh briefly. These things sound small, but we've been living with a totally sleepy, lethargic and unresponsive Ella the past few days. They are signs that she WILL get better. Fever, vomiting, diarrhea and cramping seem better than yesterday too, so we're also happy about the first day of things getting better, not worse.

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God answers prayers! We're seeing this today and thank you all for asking God to heal Ella's sick little body. Her recovery will be a long one, the doctor said it could be a good 7 days until the yucky stomach stuff is done, but I have every reason to believe that the next update will have more good news. :)