...And We're Back

Dear All,

Daniel had a much better day Friday. He showed some energy that hasn't been there since he was shot in the stomach in Ecuador. It warmed our hearts to see him respond to his friends who called him from Alaska in the afternoon. He smiled as he listened. He chuckled some. It was very encouraging. Still tired and with pneumonia but going the right direction. Thank you Lord.

Other good notes. Daniel is on full liquids today instead of clear liquids. He only took a few spoonfuls of the soup and about two bites of pudding at lunch and dinner but that is a start to getting his system working. Something that is necessary for him to be released from the hospital. And he kept it all down -- which didn't happen yesterday with clear liquids. Only two IVs now. Got 20 staples out of incision from his surgery so now he has steri strips. Etc. Etc. So good signs.

Aunt Sara made it through the night with Daniel just fine -- especially considering she is my older sister! Sara Ann is on tonight. So the young blood is back. Jonathan is in a wedding this weekend and then has to return to Lubbock. But Aunt Sara is a school teacher so she has nothing to do with her life in the summer time (just kidding -- it is a labor of love!) Daniel said she did "great" so she is in the rotation. But hopefully Daniel won't be in the hospital too much longer. God's timing is perfect since Aunt Sara couldn't get here till now and Jonathan has to leave now.

We are thinking Daniel will be released this week sometime. But we patiently wait upon the Lord and know He has a plan. Do we patiently wait every minute? Oh course not. We each live in this earthly tent. But overall we do. And are very grateful just to have our son alive. And to see him walk. And to see a smile. This is his 14th day in the hospital -- in the US. The month of July 2007 is a blur (he was wounded about 2am July 2). But we are grateful there is a July 2007 to have him with us.

Daniel says visitors are fine now. He even says it with a little energy (that warms a parent's heart). Of course we know many of you are visiting us in your hearts and with your prayers. And with cards. And with your love and concern in general. Through that the Lord sustains us and we are very grateful to each of you. The Lord has certainly blessed us with the love of many. So keep those prayers going. That is obviously the thing we need the most.

Thank you for loving us -- even if you barely know us. May God richly bless you today. May He hold you close in His heart and may YOU feel it. We pray for each of you and the difficulties you are going through --- at this very moment. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Love,

Eddie, Marilyn, Daniel, Sara Ann, Jonathan - and Aunt Sara