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.

Drumroll please.......it's a BOY!

On Wednesday I had an ultrasound. We were able to find out that we are having a boy! We are so excited! It's still kind of hard to believe that we are finally going to have a baby, but it's becoming more and more real. The baby has been kicking and punching up a storm the last two weeks. It felt kind of weird at first, but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. It's a constant reminder of the gift that God has given us. Sorry, I don't have an updated ultrasound picture to post. Maybe next time!

Our First Glimpse of the Baby

BIG NEWS!!!

The most exciting thing in our lives right now is that last month we found out that I am pregnant! After 11 years of marriage, a miscarriage three years ago, and many closed doors to our attempts to adopt, I really didn't think that we would ever have any children. Imagine my surprise when I took the pregnancy test and it was positive! As excited as I was, it was a reserved excitement. After all, last time things didn't work out. I knew that that was a real possibility again. I've been overly precautious to do nothing strenuous, get plenty of rest, and follow the doctor's orders. Yesterday, I went to the doctor. The examination went well and we heard a heartbeat!!! Praise the Lord!!! (Last time, the first doctor appointment was when we found out that the baby was no longer alice.) I was so relieved! I will have an ultrasound on Thursday. I can't wait! My due date is my birthday, June 3rd. I will be 38!

Catching Up

One of the reasons that it has been so long since I last posted is that things have been extra busy. We were unexpectedly able to go back to the States for a month. What a blessing it was to see friends and family! It was also very refreshing! I really enjoyed the church services...no straining to keep up with Portuguese! While we were in Madison, we were able to attend the Revival meetings with Bro. Freeman. Great!

Now we are back in Brazil and things have changed a little. Bro. Bob Nichols Sr. and his family have returned from furlough. They took care of the work in Corrego Fundo while we were in the States. They will continue to work out there for now. We have begun working with Weber and Nita over in Arcos. We are excited about this opportunity.

Decorating the Church in Corrego Fundo

The building we rented is small. It is one big room with a bathroom in the corner. Those of you that know me, know that decorating is not really my thing. I didn't do a lot. I put some pictures on the wall, made a tablecloth for the table and made curtains to divide the room. The curtains and the pictures also help absorb some of the echo that results from having high ceilings! Here are a few pictures of the improvements.