Armonia Update

Dear friends,

There is good news regarding Josias. While the doctors still do not have a definitive diagnosis, Josias is much better. The lesion discovered in his lung is closing. It originally was observed as the size of an apple, but had shrunk to about half that size as of 5 days ago and to about a quarter of its original size as of today. He is no longer battling spiking fevers. It appears that the strong antibiotic he has been taking is having the desired effect. They have ruled out a number of causes including cancer. All of the test results are not yet in (and could take up to 60 days). It is possible that the lesion was caused by tuberculosis in the past, but so far this is an unproven theory that the doctors have not confirmed.

The doctors do believe that he will be well enough to attend school within a couple of weeks. However, the university has said that because he is now so far behind, they will not readmit him for the current year. The good news is that they will allow him to defer his acceptance until next year and guarantee his admission. The bad news is that they will not refund his tuition already paid for this year, nor credit it to next year's tuition. (That's a loss of about $1800). Please continue to pray for Josias' recovery and direction for pursuing his university education.

Please also pray for Pilar. She has been battling severe headaches and fever. There was some concern that because she had spent so much time with Josias in the hospital, perhaps she had been infected with whatever he has. However, it is now believed to be a rather severe sinus infection. Unfortunately the medicine prescribed for her had such a devastating effect on her stomach that she could not continue to take it. Many tests have been run and others are continuing to be run. (In fact, when I spoke with Saul today, he was in the doctor's office with Pilar). Please pray for Pilar as well as Saul who is taking care of her.

Financially, these events are also challenging for the Cruz family. Please pray for this aspect and consider if you can be a part of the solution.

Greg