In the ER...in Virginia

But first - an answered prayer: We got our suction machine! It's already been such a useful tool to minimize Kaleb's aspiration of mucus, spit, and vomit. Thank you for praying!

We're currently on our way with all our kids and a whole bunch of medical supplies to visit family in Evansville and Louisville for the next two weeks. We got into our midway stop at my sister's house in Arlington, VA at 1am last night after a verrrry extended and eventful drive down from Boston, complete with an emergency roadside potty break that turned into a much-needed, refreshing jaunt in a stream.

Then Kaleb was up most of the few remaining hours this morning fussing and feverish. This morning his temp was up to 104.3, so we called his medical team at Boston Children's and they advised we take him to the ER. I'm currently here at Inova Children's with Kaleb. He's had all the necessary tests done (chest xray, ekg, blood, urine, viral panel) to try to determine the cause of his ongoing fever (which he's had off and on since the beginning of June) and to assess his overall health. So far, the tests have come back clear, except for his blood work, which shows an elevated white blood cell count. This means he has some kind of infection and they're just trying to determine where it's coming from.

The team here is helpful and efficient. They've talked with one of Kaleb's cardiologists at Boston Children's regarding his heart condition and history. As I've been writing this the doctor came in and informed me that his white blood cell count is significantly high, which is indicative of a bacterial infection. Given his complex condition they think it would be wise to admit him so they can watch him closely. Hopefully with the IV antibiotics he will improve and we can have him back with us and be on our way.

Would you pray for us?

• Pray that Kaleb's current condition is made clear, that he is kept free from any additional sickness here at the hospital, and that his stay in the hospital is brief (in our experience kaleb has never been admitted for a short amount of time).

• My prayer going into this was that this hospital would have something Kaleb needs. Would you pray that they are able to discover helpful things about his current condition? Care for him has been increasingly challenging as his sickness has persisted and some form of relief would be such a gift right now. I guess that is looking right now like at least one full night of sleep and extended time with my sister and her family.

• Pray for strength of heart, peace, wisdom, and joyful perseverance in the midst of all these uncertainties. We are exhausted. And each hospital admittance revives a familiar ache over what should not be.

• Pray for our eyes and hearts to be looking for opportunities to bless and glorify God along this unexpected detour. That we would thank the Lord that these unexpected circumstances come to us from His loving and wise heart.

  “All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimony.”

  Psalm 25:10