Melissa - a miracle in the making.

"But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show my power in you and that My name may be declared in all the earth" (Exodus 9:16)
 

Surely, the Lord has a purpose for my precious daughter. I know that He didn't call her to the mission field so the enemy could strike her down. He called her so that His name could be exalted above all names. He called her so that He could show Himself mighty in her life. He called her that she might be strengthened in His love and made a purposeful and passionate woman of God.

He is taking her through the fire, but walking beside her. He is taking her through the rivers that won't overflow her. He is holding her, guiding her, carrying her and comforting her. She will emerge from this trial stronger and more passionate. She will emerge more confident and more caring. She will emerge renewed and restored.

Thank you precious Father, for the miracles you have performed in her life so far. Thank you for what you are doing in her life right now. Thank you for what You will do in her precious life in the future. You will raise her up and You will receive all the glory that You so richly deserve.

Melissa got her first dose of Artesunate last night around 8 PM. She had no adverse reaction. This was the first of 4 doses she will receive of this IV push medicine and then she will start on an oral medication for 3 days (not sure of the name yet). They got the results of her blood work from last night back and her platelets are down to 11,000. Of course, I had a look of pure panic on my face, but Dr. P assured me that he wasn't worried. He told me NOT to worry. He told me if he was worried, that he would tell me. He said that she would not begin to make more platelets until her liver begins to heal. He did say her billirubin was down to a 10, so that is a GOOD thing. Melissa also says that she doesn't feel as much pressure under her ribcage so maybe that is an indicator that the swelling in her liver and spleen is down.

The nurse came to the ICU waiting room to get me at 6:30 this morning. Melissa had quickly spiked a fever of 105 and they were putting her on the electric water cooling blanket. It took an hour to bring her fever down to 104.5. Another hour and a half to get it to 103.3. It finally came down to 101.2 about 10:45 am and they turned it off. Within 5 minutes, it was back up to 101.5 and they had to turn it back on. It was several hours before it came down to under 100 and so far it hasn't gone back up. She had her first temperature under 99 around 8 PM! Praise the Lord! He is mighty and awesome.

God has shown me so many times these last few days just how wonderful He is. He has shown me just how mighty and powerful He is. He has shown me that He will never leave me. Never forsake me. Never take His hand of love off of me.

He has carried me. He has covered me. He has shown me that Melissa is His baby. Melissa is His creation. As much love and care He showed when He formed her, He shows just as much love and care now as He takes care of her.

We are still just playing the waiting game. The doctors aren't sure when we can expect to begin seeing improvement in her numbers. This is uncharted territory for all involved. If I stop and think about it too much, I can really get myself worked up and then the tears just come. I have to remind myself that God is in control. He already knows the outcome. He already knows what tomorrow holds. I don't have to worry about any of it, because He has it taken care of. All I have to do is trust Him.

She received dose #3 around 8 PM tonight and will get the 4th and final dose of Artesunate at  8PM tomorrow night. They are drawing blood every 6 hours checking her levels. I am just anxiously awaiting the good news of her increased platelets and her decreased billirubin. I am believing God that it will happen soon. I am holding on to His Word. I am holding on to Him.

 Please continue to pray! I appreciate each one of you more than you can ever imagine. Melissa says thank you for praying! We love you all so much.

In His Grip, Beth

(Her temperature was 104 at 8:30 am)

Ashlie came to visit and brought Bryton....

And little Sawyer...