Praise the Lord - All is well!

Thank the Lord my MRI results came back good, and thank the Lord for the trial. Before I got the results both of my parents told me at different times that the situation has caused them to have more peace about me going to Egypt. They trusted the Lord for good results and have been more at ease knowing what could happen to me. This is hard for me to explain, but I guess what they were saying is that they would rather me be in Egypt and healthy than me be here with them and have MS or another crippling disease. I am thankful that they have been a support to me and my family and have never tried to discourage me from doing the Lord's will. Please pray for them as well as for us.

David and I are working to get things done for our departure. However, it seems the more we do, the longer the list gets of things that need to be done. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. I am glad that our God is greater. He is greater than all we have to do, whatever we go through, whatever the world or the devil throws in our face. He is so much greater than us. I am so thankful to have a husband to remind me of this. I am so thankful to have a husband who leads and challenges me to follow and trust the Lord more each day.

Experiencing God's Strength

What a week! In the last week we have been to 8 doctor appointments. Sandy went six days in a row for her jaundice; Joshua went for an ear infection and trouble with his lungs (breathing treatments again for 2 weeks), and I went in for an MRI for some problems I have been having. In many ways, the last week and a half have been really tough. My hormones have been off, from having a baby, causing me to be more emotional as well. The thought of leaving my home and family has been difficult. I don't know how I am going to handle the packing and the move, but I know I will get through it by God's grace. Through it all the Lord Jesus has drawn me closer to Himself. He has shown me in many ways how He will provide, not just monetarily or materialistically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. It is so great to have a living and loving God who hears our prayers and provides all our needs, and usually our wants and desires as well. He is Wonderful.

I can't say all of this without bragging on my husband as well. David is so good to me and is such a good father to our children. He has been so patient, kind, and even understanding. When dealing with my health and other issues, I often find myself thinking that WE can handle it. I do not feel alone in life. I love him more and more everyday!

Our Newest Arrival!

Yesterday, God blessed us with a beautiful baby girl-Sandra Elisabeth. She is named after my aunt, whom showed great faith, even through the toughest of times when facing her last months of life on this earth. During great pain and suffering, she continually loved the Lord and never question Him or her salvation. Through her testimony, I realized my need for the Savior and soon after I was saved. Thank You Lord!

Sandy weighed 8.8 lbs at birth and was 20.75 in. long. She was very bruised yesterday due to a tough delivery. However, now she is doing very well, except for a little jaundice. Hopefully, we will be able to go home tomorrow, even if we have to take a light. We miss Joshua and are anxious to have the whole family together. We are blessed!!

Prayer

The Lord has been working in my heart and stretching my faith in many areas. I am so thankful. I was reading a book tonight and the author mentioned that the greatest gift we could receive as missionaries is prayer. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those across the country that are praying for me and my family. Only God knows how much of a difference it makes, but the Lord has delivered my family and me from things as we have been on the road, and I know it is because of those praying for us. I am trying to increase my prayer life to pray more for my friends and pastors' families and other missionaries. Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray as we get closer to leaving for the mission field (and extending our family:).

Aug. update

It's been a while! Well, we made it home and have traveled quite extensively. So much has happened. Joshua ended up having pneumonia and has gotten better. He is now 11 months and I believe he will start walking any day. We have also found out that he is going to be a big brother! The baby is due in the end of March! I am excited, but I am kinda breaking a rule of mine and wishing away the next few weeks. I am sick and praying that I will be over it by the end of my first trimester. With Joshua, I was sick for 7 long months. Well, we are headed to tenn now, and then w. vir., then to ga. Thanks for your prayers. The Lord truly has been blessing us!

Sunday we went to two churches and David was able to preach at both. They were both really good. It was great to see some believers here in this city. About 85-90% of the women here wear veils; 10% of those wear all black. It's so sad to see people in such a dead religion, working so hard, but still on their way to hell.

Although so many women veil, I have not felt uncomfortable or threatened. Although everyone is nice, women are viewed differently here. The husband/wife relationship is different too. Almost as if they are not suppose to be together and enjoy each others company in public. Some do, but that's the exception rather than the rule.

Joshua is still sick. He has had a fever off and on for five days. He has had some diarrhea, not eating very much solids, and really bad allergies. We got him an antibiotic, but he gets sick after taking them. The liquid is a different texture, maybe that's what is causing it. I have heard things from people here about the doctors. You have to be very careful about where to go. I am going to take him when we get home if he is still sick. He is not dehydrated. He drinks plenty of fluids and has enough wet diapers. Please pray for him. It is hard for us to see him so sick.

We have one more day here and then we will be heading home. I have enjoyed my time here. We have got a lot accomplished and have a much better view of how to prepare and what to expect. I have comfort in knowing where I will be coming, what it is like, a general idea of where I will live, the hours of language school, how I will shop, what I can buy, and probably who will keep Joshua while I am in language school. I will never be able to tell you how much comfort this gives me. The Lord Jesus has really been good to us. He has provided for our needs and given us peace in our hearts, most importantly, He has saved us from an eternity in hell and promised us a future in heaven with Him. Sadly, most of the world don't have this, and they do want it, their works prove it.

Day 3

Day 3-Not a Charm

Joshua woke up with a 102 degree fever this morning. I don’t really know if he has a virus or if it could be teething or what. Once we got the fever down, he was happy and played a lot of the day, but it kept going back up. We went and bought souvenirs this morning and then spent the day with Sam and his family at their house. They were very sweet and generous. After the meal, I tried to help clean up. I thought I knew how to wash dishes until I tried to wash the dishes of a huge meal for seven people in one very small sink.