Aunt Katie's Update

Today's update from Luka's Aunt Katie:

"Today is a "take the good with the bad" day. The good is that Luka continues to produce more urine; he is up to producing about 1/2 of what he should be, but each days he seems to be producing more, so we are thankful for that! Also, the doctors are measuring 2 specific counts in his urine and while both of these counts are much higher than what they should be, they are going down, so we are thankful for that too. Both specialists from Nairobi who are working with Luka said today that they see slight improvements. Praise God!

The bad is that they also found out that HUS has affected Luka's lungs. This explains the low oxygen levels. His lungs are "cloudy" and do have some fluid on them. They have actually taken him off oxygen, unless his level dips below 75, because they want his lungs to keep working and not be dependent on the oxygen machine to reduce the risk of pneumonia setting in. Pray that his lungs clear up quickly and his oxygen level goes back up.

A transfer to another hospital is still not out of the question. Two doctors from the GR-area are trying to set up a medical evacuation for them from Nairobi to GR; if this happens, it would probably be some time next week, at the earliest. However, Josh said that South Africa is still not out of the question either. Please pray for wisdom for Josh and Mandy as they make decisions about Luka's care and as they deal with insurance, paperwork, etc...

Mandy's mom (Mary) and Tim and Angie [Mandy's sister and brother-in-law (also missionaries)] arrived in Soroti. Evidently, Lydia and especially Grace were starting to "lose it", having gone a whole week without their parents and little brother, and a missionary friend from Soroti told Josh and Mandy it was good, for the girls' sakes, that Grandma Beute was there. It is LIKELY that Lydia and Grace will be coming back to Michigan with Mandy's mom next week to stay here for the time-being. Ryan and Rebeka made it to Kenya safely and are with Josh and Mandy, giving them tangible support and encouragement. Pray that Mary and Ryan and Rebeka can be God's hands and feet to Josh and Mandy and the girls over the next several days.

Thank you all again for your prayers and concern and words of support. My dad made the comment "That is why we have people praying for us, because sometimes when we're so 'in the situation' we just simply can't pray, we just don't have the words." That is so true. Thank you for interceding for us. Love, Katie"