6 weeks down, 12 to go!

It is amazing to see these kids together again, the last time was 4 months ago!! Avin was praying especially hard that she would be discharged from the hospital by the time they arrived, we are so thankful she finished with her IV antibiotics just 2 days before! 

We were just at BC Children's Hospital to see the Infectious Disease doctors; they went over Avin's new MRI, blood work, and explained to us what the next few months will look like. Although there was a definite improvement to the infection and swelling around Avin's spine it is still there so she will now be on oral antibiotics, originally this was to be for 6 weeks but they have increased it to 12 weeks. Unfortunately Av had an allergic reaction after 5 weeks on her first medication and had to switch, this new one doesn't make her feel very well, but we're hoping that will get better in time. She will continue to have blood work done and has another X-ray and appointment with both the Orthopaedic Surgeon and Infectious Disease in January, we are very hopeful she can return to Uganda after that! 

We are very thankful for the progress that has been seen already, Avin was a bit sad to hear she is only allowed to walk or swim for the next few months, as far as physical activity goes. She's starting to feel better and was hoping to enjoy a few winter activities, she understands the reasoning but we don't blame her for being disappointed. 

Thank you for your continued prayers for Avin; for complete healing, to start feeling better on these prescribed antibiotics, and that she keeps a positive attitude while continuing to rest and recover! 

Although being in the hospital for 6 weeks was not without challenging moments we are just so thankful for the treatment Avin received and the excellent care by all the nurses and doctors at both Surrey Memorial Hospital and BC Children's Hospital, they really made all three of us feel at home in our little hospital room.  

We have been so proud of how Avin has handled these last few months, always relying on Jesus when she's scared or worried and never questioning why this has happened to her but instead wondering what amazing things He has planned for her life because of it. 

We are also so thankful for all of the support we have received, the visits and gifts have been so appreciated! We missed taking a few photos but we have felt so loved by all of you pictured above and everyone who has visited with us or sent encouraging messages from near and far.