What's in a name?

One of the big decisions that every prospective parent has to make is what to name this bundle of joy. I, for one, had started a list of names that I would like when I was 20 years old. My desire has always been that the first name was from the Bible. I had hoped it would make the decision process easier when the time to choose a name came along. My husband, on the other hand, had not really thought about this in advance. After all, we had been married for 11 years before I got pregnant with this little guy! Initially, he stalled, saying why talk about it until we know whether it's a girl or boy. At the end of January we found out it's a boy. Now the real dilema. Choosing a name for your firstborn son is a big deal. After all, it's the name he'll have for the rest of his life! My husband was reminding me of this every time I asked if he had decided on something or if he was even leaning toward something. We considered family names and Bible names and goofy names. After much deliberation, he finally settled on a name.

We are looking forward to meeting Joshua Samuel in 11 weeks. Tim liked the name Joshua and that from the Bible, he was a strong leader that served the Lord. For many years, I had thought if I ever got pregnant and it was a boy that it would only be appropriate to name him Samuel.

Sometimes It's Hard to Be Away From Home

I love living in Brazil. I know that this is where God wants us. I really haven't had any problems with culture shock. I still have a lot to learn about the language and culture. I haven't lived near my family for 15 years. I have grown accustomed to missing out on birthdays, holidays, the births of nieces/nephews, and family get-togethers. (Not saying that I like it!)

Today, Tim and I took some friends to the airport in Belo Horizonte, about 4 hours away. While we there, we ran a couple of errands, Tim treated me to TGIFridays for lunch, then we did some shopping. We found a few things that we needed at a good price. Then I got to have Burger King for supper. I had had my American food fix and would be good to go for quite a while! I was feeling rather spoiled!

We finally made it home about 11:15 pm, discovering that my parents were trying to get in touch with us. A couple minutes later the phone rang. My mom informed me that my sister's husband had died unexpectedly. Shock! My sister is 36 and has three kids (ages 7, 4, and almost 2). This is definitely one of those times that it is hard to be away from home and family. I want to be there for her and the kids, yet it is not possible for me to go there. All I can do is tell her that I'm praying for her and the kids. I know that the next few months will be very difficult for them. Just as she has to trust God to help her through this time, I have to remember that God has me here in Brazil and trust that He can and will take care of my sister and her children.