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.

Summer Favorites

Here's my summer favorites:

1. Swimming - don't get to do it much, but enjoy it when I can
2. Grilling out - nothing tastes better than grilled meat...any kind
3. Blue skies - I just love them!
4. VBS - my favorite event back home
5. Michigan sweet corn - when I get the chance to have some, it's the best in the world!

Who to tag? I don't know! If you read this and haven't already been tagged by someone, consider yourself tagged! (Can I do that?)

Exciting Days

The last couple of days have been very exciting for us. Last month we rented a building and started holding services in Corrego Fundo, a small town just south of Formiga. We had a couple of visitors for the first few services, but nobody coming regularly. Tim has been going out with Bruno to make visits 2-3 times a week. Yesterday, they were able to lead a 78 year old woman to the Lord. This morning they led her 72 year old brother to the Lord. This afternoon they led another man to the Lord. Praise the Lord! Also, this afternoon Lili and I were able to witness to a lady and her teenage daughter. They are very interested, but a little confused. Please pray that God will continue to bless as we try to reach the people of Corrego Fundo.

Our New Puppy, Inka

On Friday we went to pick up our new puppy. Her name is Inka. She is too cute. In typical puppy fashion, she is into everything! She thinks she owns the place already! She is a lot of fun to play with and has quite a personality! She seems pretty smart. She loves her tennis ball. She doesn't like it when we walk away from her, but she doesn't whine very long. She thinks she should be able to go wherever we go. Hopefully, she'll become a great guard dog.