The theme for today is anticipation.

It feels like Zach has been sealed up in a chamber up to this point. This morning when we arrived, the nurse’s first words to us were: “He’s no longer in isolation; there’s no need to gown and mask up.”

This gave us a sense of relief and anticipation. Just to see an open door. To feel more air. A more refreshing start to our day. But alas, it turns out isolation is more for us than for Zach. He’s still fighting. He’s still resting. He’s still trying to wake. We’re still waiting. We’re still expecting. We’re still anticipating.

In the Bible, anticipation is not dreaded expectation. It’s not based on feelings, but on action and preparation. Noah anticipated a flood. He prepared. He acted in faith. Nehemiah anticipated opposition to building the wall of Jerusalem. He prepared. He acted in faith. Jesus anticipated suffering and pain. He prepared. He acted in faith.

Anticipation is God’s work. It’s driven by the Spirit of God. Anticipation is faith expression, faith in motion, and faith in desperation. It’s exciting. It’s excruciating. It’s exhausting.

By God’s grace, we will prepare. We will act in faith. We’ll look to Him, listen to Him, and long for Him. Without isolation. With expectation. With anticipation.

Today’s Updates:

Zach was taken off isolation today! He’s no longer contagious for strep or the flu, so we get to sit with him without any gowns, gloves or masks! This is a huge positive, as now we can touch him with our hands instead of gloves, and Megan can give him forehead kisses! Although Zach is still sleeping, it helps us feel more connected to him.

Zach tested positive for another bacterial infection (not contagious), so he’s receiving another antibiotic in addition to the one for strep. The doctors believe this new infection is why Zach’s heart rate has continued to be so high.

They made some adjustments to Zach’s ventilator overnight, but he’s still receiving minimal levels of support. We’re glad that Zach is doing most of the breathing on his own, and we hope and pray for the day that he won’t need a ventilator to breathe anymore!

Overall, Zach had a pretty slow day today. He kept his eyes closed for most of the day, and he tolerated a small decrease in his pain medication. There are no updates for his hands and feet, please continue to pray for healing. We’re glad Zach looks comfortable and that he is getting the rest he needs.

“But as for me, I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7)