Joshua has had a tough time this week. Since his anti-seizure medications were decreased, his headaches have returned due to more seizure activity. We have had to supplement his medications with IV Ativan at least once a day. He has also been hallucinating more, but is still hanging in there. His courage and strength have been unbelievable. I truly believe the Lord has been with him every step of the way. Cindy has been totally incredible with Josh. She cares for all his needs during the day when I'm at work and night and probably does more with oral and IV medications and detailed care for his illeostomy than many registered nurses. Our physical therapist gave her an outstanding compliment. He can't believe what she does. Cindy never complains and just does what she needs to for him with a happy attitude.
Joshua requires an enormous amount of care 24/7; however, even as difficult as it is, we are truly blessed to have him here with us still. The toughest part is the knowledge we have of how he used to be and how he is now, but we are thankful for those years he was healthy and know that some day he will have a perfect body and be well again.

Hello again!

All is well in Zion! Hows everyone doing? Im doing great! I
sent aaron a letter for his birthday, sorry its late. I sent
a cool card for him i made today- i just got some pics
developed and sent a few. Thanks for the package! And for
the other one! I havent gotten it yet. I cant wait to leave
next week! I've made a lot of progress on the 2nd lesson and
i guess i just learn the other 3 in the field. I went to the
temple again today which was awesome! I also heard they take
us to the Orlando temple every six months!
Elle wrote me once and i wrote her back. Sounds fun when she
comes up there! Elder Adkins wrote Elle too. haha. I hang out
with him a lot. He found out everyones sisters name and age.
He likes to joke a lot and have fun.
Anyways, I got a calling card to call from the airport. My
layover is from 12:49pm to 2:35pm Eastern time. Thats 2 hours
ahead so hopefully ill be able to call at about 11:00am your
time. 
I've been lifting weights and jogging a little for gym time.
We only get an hour 4 days a week and every other min of
everyday has something going on. I was able to jog 3/4 of
a mile at a pretty good pace yesterday! except my hip is
pretty sore. lol. Today we took a two hour nap! And someone
gave us a nerf basketball hoop so we played that today.
I think my p-day in Florida is on mondays. Also in my letter
is a bill for a Hepatitus A shot. They said i should do it
right away cause most people havent gotten theirs till now.
I wrote you about it my first week but you didnt say if i
got it so hopefully i havent had it twice. Times up! Hope
everyone's week is great!

Love,
Elder Carty

Steve went to a hospital conference in Great Falls, MT this week. It was windy and -2 degrees over there.
Aaron and Caleb are excited to go skiing at Lookout Pass tomorrow.
We have recently decreased Joshua's anti-seizure medications since the Dr. thinks they are causing liver problems. He has been awake a little more and very tearful. Tonight he is up on the couch in the living room.

Letter from Joseph:

How is everyone? Things are great here! Did you get my first letter? My companions name is Elder Scott. Our district has 8 members and we all hang out together and have a great time! This is my first p-day and im waiting for my laundry to finish. Can you send me a light jacket for p-day. Send my blue and green soccer one and another t-shirt, and delicious treats...
I have already had a lot of really cool spiritual experiences. We went to the temple this morning which was really cool. You guys planned your next temple trip? Elder Scott and I have made awesome progress on the first lesson. We were able to teach a 40 min lesson without notes after 3 days. Its awesome how the spirit has guided us through each lesson and what to say. Words and thoughts just start coming to me when I teach. We have taught the lesson about 15-20 times in a week! In the referral center where we call and confirm B.O.M. and DVD orders I was able to teach a 54 year old man from kentucky the first lesson over the phone. He seemed really interested and wants the missionaries to come over next week. He committed to reading 3 Nephi 11 and Moroni 10:3-5 and said he would pray about it. It was awesome! I also had a cool experience teaching where I felt the spirit stronger than I ever have. My teachers are awesome and we have a lot of fun in class! I have woken up by 6:15 every morning!!!
Tell aaron and caleb that i miss them and wish i could take them skiing! And tell dad that each ski pass = one less letter. jk. Rachel hows school and the boyfriend treating you? Elder Adkins here says he'll date you. Tell josh i miss him and wish he could be here serving with me. I got a letter from Elle today as well. She said she and alayna might come visit. I only have 30 min. each week to write emails and there's 3 min left... we're only supposed to write today so you'll hear from me next week unless i write a letter tonight. Hope everyone has a great week! Theres a lot more i could say but im out of time due to Elder Adkins distractions. He's a funny fellow!
Love,
Elder Carty