Happy Easter!

We celebrate this Easter Sunday for the good news that all who believe have received since the day of Jesus' Resurrection so many years ago. We hold steadfast in faith to the promise of everlasting life spoken by Jesus before he ascended into heaven where he sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. We are also celebrating specifically this Easter Sunday for the love and support we have received and for the number of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are actively interceding with our Lord and Savior on our behalf during this trying time. Thank you!!

Today has been an encouraging yet challenging day for Elena. She had a pretty good nights' rest last night given the number of trips to the potty and vitals checks. She did wake up in pain at around 1:40am saying that her right side hurt again. She was given morphine for the pain and was able to rest comfortably most of the morning. At times she was resting a little too comfortably and her pulse-ox rate began to drop. She was put on a low stream of oxygen while she sleeps but holds her own while she is up and active. Please pray for the fluid in Elena's lungs to dissipate and for her breathing to remain strong.

The challenges of the day came about when we found out that Elena tested positive for an intestinal bacteria called Clostridium difficile. She actually tested positive for a toxin of this naturally occurring bacteria that is produced in some people when they take antibiotics or have an infection and is now taking two different antibiotics for its treatment. Because of the contagious nature of this bacteria, Elena has been isolated in her room for the foreseeable future. She is also not able to eat or drink anything by mouth until the infection in her stomach has healed. Try telling a ten year old girl that she has to stay in her room with nothing to eat or drink and see what kind of reaction you get. Elena has actually been handling everything like a trooper! She just wants to be better! That is what we want as well. We ask for prayers that all of the medicine Elena is taking will heal her body completely and that she will feel the comforting hand of God in her life as she waits.

In Him,
The Tates

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved..." Mark 16:16

P.S. Good things do come to those who wait. As I am writing this update, Elena's nurse Jen brought her a cup decorated with Easter designs and filled with ice chips! Thanks Ms. Jen!