Update

Apparently I am just one of those women who do not do well with pregnancy.  I spent last Thursday evening at the women's hospital receiving IV fluids and medications because I had not kept ANYTHING down for over 24 hours.  Those fluids and intravenous meds rescued me from what felt like the brink of death...  It has been difficult. And discouraging.

However, my doctors are trying different medications that are available now to try to control it.  Right now I still swing between extreme nausea and being knocked out cold.  It is so disheartening.  But then I remind myself....at least I'm not throwing up....   True...  Yet is is still so hard to feel so badly.

Brad has been amazing with the girls and taking care of our household while I am incapacitated.  

Still no word on mine or the girls visas.  I'm just trying to stay alive here!  :)  As soon as those Visas get granted however we will be thrust into motion...

Please continue to pray for me.  That God will grant healing, grace, and peace.  

And pray that we can get everything done as it needs to be done.

--------

As I've struggled with this "new" dimension to our transition....of course I've questioned God....

Why now?  Couldn't the timing have been better?  Couldn't I NOT be sick?  ......

But God has comforted me with "His plans are bigger than ours....His ways are better..."

He has a plan that there be another child in this generation that will rise up and serve Him...

It's not just about US today....but it is about each generation having voices and children to rise up and make a difference.  

Apparently this child is part of that plan. 

Praying I can get past this sickness quickly...so that I can look forward with hope and encouragement!

November Prayer Update

Brad's Visa has been issued and Glenda and the girls' visas should soon follow.  We are neck deep in preparations for our move, packing, and language study.

First of all....we have a little bit of unexpected news to share with you all.  These 4 pictures represent our life this month:

What???

Are you kidding me??

Seriously??

Now??

All questions that we have asked God this month - I assure you!  But yes, we have been to the doctor and he has confirmed that come June 2012 - there will be a baby in our house.  We are still slightly shell-shocked - as this was not part of our plan!  However we do TRUST God with every detail of our lives...and that His plan is often much larger and more detailed than ours.

How you can pray for us this month:

1.  NUMBER ONE:  Please pray for Glenda's health.  The reason we have never had any other children (other than adoption) is b/c the first pregnancy was the perfect example of DISASTER!!  Glenda was sick 24 hours a day for the first 4 months.  She threw up so much that she busted all the blood vessels in her eyes!  It was a treacherous time.  So- PLEASE join with us in prayer that she will be well this time.  Pray for God's grace to be extended to her during this time of the first trimester - when we are packing, moving, flying to Spain, finding a new home, unpacking, and starting language school!  Whew!  That alone is monumental!  Add in this new "surprise" - and it can be overwhelming!

When our prayer team prays - it is amazing the strength and encouragement that we feel.  I KNOW that we will begin to feel the effects of these prayers TODAY as you join with us for this need.

2.  Pray that we can get everything packed efficiently and that the things we need will all fit into our container to be shipped here in a few weeks.

3.  Pray even NOW that God will prepare the way and help us to find the perfect home to live in for these next 3 years.  God specializes in the details - and we are believing that He will open up the right house, at the right time, and for the right price....and that we will be perfectly content with the house he provides us with.

4.  Pray now that God will help us to find a vehicle quickly that will meet our family's needs and be a bargain!

5.  Pray that God will encourage us and strengthen us as we face so much transition ahead of us.  Pray for peace and direction.

6.  Pray for Macy.  She has been in a new school every year and is about to start yet another one when we move to Spain.  We are still seeing some learning gaps this year and she has really been struggling with 3rd grade.  Pray that God will give her mind understanding...and that she can overcome what she has missed - and EXCEL as a student.  Pray that she will LOVE learning and be a quick learner.

7.  Pray for the people's whose lives will be touched by the international media we work on during the next 3 years.  Pray that God will go before us and prepare their hearts...and that they will be forever changed.

8.  CLOSE TO OUR HEART:  One of the other families that are working at IMM need special prayer. Michael and Dawn Marie Helin are a vital part of everything we do at IMM.  They are raising 4 amazing teenagers, are home for itineration, and Dawn Marie has just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Prayer team, will you join us in praying for PERFECT healing for Dawn? For these people who have given their lives to missions?  Pray for strength, peace, and health as she enters into chemo.  Thank you so much.