Today I went to church with all the children except Isaac and Judah, and Michael stayed home with our oldest and youngest sons. Even though Isaac was nauseous first thing this morning, he was able to eat some breakfast and then fall asleep for the rest of the morning.

At church, almost everyone I walked past stopped to inquire about Isaac. The word had gotten around that Isaac’s hand had been nearly severed, so I had to correct that bit of information, and assure people that it was only his thumb that was so badly wounded. (He cut through the knuckle of his thumb…the knuckle closer to the end.) Everyone was eager to ask how Isaac was doing and to tell me how much they had been praying for him.

When we got home from church, Isaac woke up and was ready for a little something to eat. Not too long after that we had to lecture Isaac for how he was acting toward Miguel, and then lecture him again for his attitude toward us. That was my first clue that Isaac is starting to feel better. He hasn’t had the energy up to this point to do anything obnoxious.

This afternoon we had all the children go to their beds for quiet time, and we laid down for a nap. Turns out, Michael and I were the only ones to sleep (oh, Baby Lilly slept, too), while the children stayed wide awake in their beds. Even Isaac was not able to fall asleep! So again, another sign that he’s starting to feel better.

This evening Isaac is wandering around the house, his bandaged hand held up to keep his thumb higher than his heart. He seems restless and bored, which is actually encouraging. Instead of just laying around like a zombie, he’s actually looking for something to do.

One final note: Isaac’s pain seems to be getting more manageable, so that’s the biggest relief of all. I think we’ll start spreading out his doses of medication a little bit at a time as soon as he thinks he is ready for that.

Thank you for all of your prayers and offers of help. We are so grateful.

Update: 10:30 pm.

We are getting tucked into bed, but I wanted to give you one more update before I turn out the light.

Isaac is definitely noticing a decrease in the pain, but he is struggling still with nausea. Fortunately he is able to keep his pain pill and antibiotic down for a couple hours before he is sick, so we feel like he’s getting the benefit of the medication.

Now we are looking ahead to this next week and trying to figure out how we should attack the work at the Monroe house. Our whole plan has been put into a tailspin, so now we need to plan a new course. As you think of us, please pray that we’ll feel a sense of direction from God on how to proceed.

So now, I will turn out the light. Sleep tight!