Well, Arla has the full-on stomach flu.  Harold has not been feeling well this week.  Evan, Arla and Harold’s grandson, has had the stomach flu this week and spent a couple days at home under the care of his mommy. And Mary Ann is sure she and Harold have been battling the same bug in a less severe form than Evan and Arla have.

It seems that many families are battling the stomach bug.  Remember, to wash, wash, wash your hands.  These viruses can live on soooo many surfaces.  Use hand sanitizer when you have been in an area where you touch public surfaces and do not have ready access to soap and water.  Public surfaces….bathrooms, door knobs, pens in banks and sign-in areas, grocery cart handles, office phones, counter tops, and on and on.  Have your children wash their hands before eating.  Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes….these are places where the viruses and bacteria that are on your hands enter your body.

Arla has also been dealing with yet another UTI.  This led to the decision to remove her bladder catheter which was really not medically necessary but rather a matter of convenience.  Long-term indwelling catheter use leads to increases bladder infections and UTIs.  Because of this, Arla has been on many antibiotics, and this is not good either.

Pray for healing and comfort to all involved.  Pray that God will move in Arla’s life to show us His purpose and desire.  Pray that we may hear Him.  Pray for Harold’s strength and peace.  Thank you, God, for the miracles you have done in the lives of all those who have been touched by Arla and her struggle.  Your love is great and unwavering.