Familia Marcum, Operation Ecuador: April 2007

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

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Eliana Joy and Hannah Lynn

We had the Custers over for brunch the other day and it was fun to see that Hannah and Eliana have reached the age where they're actually noticing each other. I can't wait to see the friendship that they develop through the years.

Bath Time at a New Level

Bath time has reached a new level for the Marcum family - because Eliana is now sitting up in her little tub, which makes it much easier to bath both of them at the same time (not to mention making it a lot more fun for both Eliana and Michaela).

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Easter Sunday

Sooo... We're putting together our spring team newsletter, and I volunteered to write the article on our Easter Sunday, which we used kind of as an opportunity for a "friends day" - i.e. invite a lot of people to come and celebrate the resurrection with us (being as in Latin American, Good Friday and the crucifixion often times takes the front seat).

Thing is - I wasn't exactly what you would call "present" for most of the morning. Sundays are hard as it is with 2 kids under the age of 2 - for the most part I feel that if I can even understand the basic theme of the sermon, I'm doing well. I feel accomplished just keeping Eliana fed and happy (and if she takes a nap - I've scored!), and Michaela entertained and quiet.

But this Sunday was even crazier! On the way to church, Michaela threw up all over herself in the car. So we got to church and had to change her clothes and wash her down (not to mention prepare the Lord's Supper as it's our responsibility this month and prep a special activity we were doing with the kids in Sunday school in honor of Easter.) Michaela seemed fine, so we decided to stay. Service started - 2 or three trips to the bathroom - nurse and walk Eliana to sleep - sermon starts and I take the kids under 3 to the back room to play so parents can listen - another trip to the bathroom - and Michaela throws up again - this time all over me! I'm dripping vomit in the bathroom, wondering what to do - and remember I have a kanga (Kenyan wrap skirt that I sometimes use as a blanket) in the diaper bag. So I strip down, put on the kanga, pack up the kids and head for home - leaving right after Josh finishes preaching (of which I've heard not a word!)

We get home, get Michaela and I bathed and dressed - a little something to eat and drink - and she throws up a 3rd time - all over the couch. Another bath - and then nap time - so mommy can regain her sanity.

Needless to say - I'm not sure what I'm going to write in our team newsletter. Josh and I were laughing about it - and at the risk of sounding sacriligeous - I could say the 3 throw ups represented the 3 days in the grave which then resulted in a "rising". Enough said! I guess I'll just have to get someone else's input on Easter Sunday.

Two Peas in a Pod

Milestones

Seems like the months are flying by! I can't believe the milestones that the girls are passing and just thought I'd share some pictures of the latest ones. As I was putting Eliana to sleep the other night, I was a little sad at how quickly they are both growing - and so thankful that God has filled our lives with their lovely souls.