1+1=3 We are having a baby!!!

November.
December.

The leaves begin to change colors, the air begins to chill.
The world becomes crisp and cool beneath the sun.

God can teach you so much if your heart is open.

Like how to be a teacher when you don’t even think you can keep going yourself; He shows us how to pour into others. And how to listen when the rest of the world is chaotic; His voice is always steady and sure.

God has entrusted us with a beautiful surprise. We are going to be parents. I am almost 11 weeks pregnant and our “sweet pea” is the size of a lime. I am learning how to harbor life and vitality and the incredible joy that comes when you find out that you are a mother. Chris is full of wisdom and his eyes dance at the thought of being a father. Life is a precious gift and this new life is His gift to us.

This hasn’t made us doubt our decision to move to Peru. We believe it was God’s decision and His hand in our lives is still leading us toward missions.
We will live in South America soon, and maybe our baby will grow up with a pet monkey or two. ;o)

God knew that we would have a baby there when he called us to move there. We have compete trust in Him and in His plans for our life and for our family. It is another step of faith that He is asking us to take, and it is a beautiful feeling to surrender my heart once more into His hands. We are so safe in His hands.

So many things have happened in a month.
We heard our baby’s heart beat for the first time. It was the most beautiful sound.
We traveled to Canada and stayed with some sweet friends who taught us so much about community and hospitality.
We celebrated Thanksgiving by breaking bread and giving thanks for all of the beautiful blessings that God has given us.
We bought our plane tickets to Peru and set a definite date. We are leaving on January 18th!
Our friends in Peru offered to let us stay in their church when we get there and while we look for an apartment; God is always providing for us through the body of Christ.

During the past month, we have learned so much about community and hospitality and providing for one another in love. We have learned how beautiful and sacred a task it is to be God’s hands and feet, taking His love and provision into our community.

Chris and I at Niagara Falls (and sweet pea)

This has been such an incredible journey and we haven’t even left the United States yet. From the moment that God spoke to me 3 summers ago and told me to volunteer in Peru after college to the moment that God put such a strong love for Peru in Chris’ heart, this has been His plan. From our wedding day to the day we found out that we were going to be starting a family, and every moment in between, God has been with us. He has been the author of the story, the director of our steps, and in every moment, He has given us such an overwhelming peace. We know that His plans for us are sure and true and we know that He will never let us down. I remember when I couldn’t speak any Spanish and I felt like God was calling me to learn the language and how vast and enormous that task seemed. And now today, two years later, I am just one week away from walking across the stage with a degree in Spanish. God has taught me every word and encouraged me so much along the way. I remember when I had no idea how the money would be raised or what we would even be doing in Peru, but God has already provided more than half of our goal and He has given us a wonderful Church family to work with when we get there.

His plans have always proven to be so beautiful and so perfect, and this life is so sweet because of His presence here with us.

Don’t forget to count the ways that God loves you during the Christmas season. This time of year is full of special treasures from the Father.

Here are a few of mine~
-Sweet baby heart beats on the monitor
-Family gathered around Grandma’s table for Thanksgiving lunch
-Bright orange leaves on the ground
-The snow falling at Niagara Falls
-Warm scarves
-Going to see Christmas lights with good friends
-Worship services and voices singing out
-His word and the realness of Jesus that touches my heart