The past month has been filled with blessings upon blessings - and, yes, a few trials too. But as in everything, we can see God's hand working things out for the good of those who love him.
*We discovered that we're expecting baby number 2! Although it came as quite a surprise, we are thankful for the blessing of a beautiful and growing family. Michaela's brother or sister will arrive around the 6th of November.
*We found a car! We prayed and thought long and hard about the kind of car we wanted to buy. We ended up buying a '94 Land Rover in excellent condition, but that doesn't look too fancy. We are thankful for the fact that it has room to seat 7, so we have the ability to transport our growing family as well as visitors.
*Josh began taking Quechua classes. Quechua is the ancient language spoken by the Incan empire before the Spanish conquest. It is still widely spoken in areas of Bolvia, including Cochabamba. We are thankful for this opportunity because we feel that it will open doors into sections of Cochabamba that would not be as readily accesible without it.
*I celebrated my 27th birthday. The team made it a special time at one of my favorite restaurants here, complete with cake and presents. Josh also treated me special by taking me to a nice hotel and paying for a massage!
*We had our first visitors from Austin Ave.: Roland and Carol Bowen. Not only was the fellowhship much enjoyed, but it felt like Christmas with the care packages from Austin Ave. and my family.
*Although Josh was very sick with amoebas for about a week (one of the trials we've experienced), we were thankful for the blessing of good medical care at the clinic here. I told Josh I wanted to see the clinic before our baby is born, and he decided to check it out in person!
*We had a team retreat that allowed us to get away from the bustle of the city and the stress of language school. We enjoyed the time to share together and to enjoy one another's company. We are daily thankful for the support that God has provided for us through our team.
*We are still holding worship services in our homes, but our group has grown with a handful of Bolivian brothers and sisters who were previously converted in other locations and are now living in Cochabamba. It is exciting to see our group growing already!
Our Biggest Blessing!
Team Retreat
Julie's B-Day celebration
Thank you God for a Healthy Family
Worship service in our home
Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13
But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.... “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”
Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13
2 comments:
Yeah! Congratulations! That is so exciting!!!
Has anyone thought yet that Baby # 2 might be born on Dad's birthday?! Or, he/she could be a Halloween baby! I'm putting my money on Halloween -- last day of the month and all, seems to be a tradition in our family (Michaela - April 30, Alex - Feb. 28th). We love you guys and are so excited for you, even thought it means you won't be able to come and visit us for awhile.
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