Welcome! Nuestra Casa Es Su Casa ...Our house is your house

A glimpse into the life of Daniel and Jaynee Lockwood and their 12 precious blessings. Thank you for visiting; we pray that what we share here may always bring glory to our wonderful God and Saviour. May you praise the Lord with us for the great things He has done and continues to do as we serve Him sharing the gospel here in the little town of Cuidad Insurgentes, BCS Mexico. He alone is good and faithful!

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Pregnancy Update and Other Happenings :)

Daniel and I and our children thank you all so much for your prayers for us and our little baby boy. We've spent much time praying ourselves, asking the Lord for wisdom as we make some important decisions. We know the Lord will lead us in His time as we seek to do as He wills and it is so comforting to rest in His precious promises.
I thought I'd first give you all an update on the pregnancy and answer some questions we've been asked. I am 19 weeks along today and while I'm still having some bleeding, I've been taking my vitamins/iron and am feeling good for which I am very thankful. The doctor has given me, at this point, the "okay" to be up a little bit provided I do no housework, lifting, or a lot of walking. I am thankful as this allows me to sit in the dining room or living room as I teach the children each day, or sit outside and visit with our neighbors. Every night before I go to sleep and every morning when I first wake up, our little baby boy is quite active, and I just love every little kick (since he's small still, they don't hurt yet :) ).
We appreciate those of you who have encouraged us in saying that the placenta can move and are praying to that end. We too have asked the Lord if it be His will, that He would take away the problem as well. But due to the fact that I have had 2 big bleeds so early in the pregnancy (normally, bleeding with placenta previa doesn't happen until the end of the 2nd or beginning of the 3rd trimester), we were led to go to the hospital in La Paz and there found out what the problem is. Daniel feels the Lord was gracious in allowing us to know this early so we can seek His direction and have time to plan accordingly. It is true that many if not most placenta previas do move; the placenta doesn't actually move, but as the uterus grows, the placenta goes with it and tends to migrate over to where it should be. But with complete placent previa, especially the position of the one I have, it is very, very rare for it to move at all. So while we do know the Lord can do anything, we also want to "take care of mommy and baby" and so with the knowledge we have, we are asking for the Lord's direction.
What we do know is that if the condition stays as it is, I really need to be by a hospital that can care for me and little guy, at the latest, by 28 weeks...possibly sooner. I will put on complete bed rest around that time as well. Since the hospital here isn't prepared to give blood or care for a preemie, our options would be to either have the baby in the capitol city here or go back to our home town (Redding, CA). We are leaning toward going to the USA as we don't really know anybody in La Paz (the capitol), would have to find a place to rent ect... While in the states, we have family/friends/our church who are always such a blessing and encouragement and we would most likely need help with at least child care at some point...since we have a few children ;). But we just want to do what the Lord wants and He's always so faithful as we seek Him to guide us accordingly.
We received a few comments that we chose not to publish as they were quite sad and unkind. But I thought I'd address a couple of concerns:
*Placenta previa can show up in any pregnancy...whether you've had 0, 1, 3 or 19 children. While those who have had c-sections do tend to have more previas than those who haven't, there is a very wide variety of ladies who have had this. The doctor told me that just because you have had one pregnancy with a previa doesn't mean you will have another.

*We are thankful that this is the first high risk pregnancy I have ever had. While I had a complication during labor once with Susannah, my pregnancies have always been very easy (so to speak :) ). While the hospital here in our town is nothing like a USA hospital, we know the Lord has wanted us to have our last 3 babies here. I am very thankful that they have been able to deliver those children and for the Lord's gracious hand in caring for us.

*We've had some people tell us things as sad as we should terminate the pregnancy (kill our son) due to the risks. You know, the wonderful thing is, that even when the Lord allows difficult things into our lives, or even if things happen that are sad or we would never want, God is still God and the truth is still the truth. And while I want to be here to be a helpmeet to Daniel and mommy to our Timothy, Elijah, Rebekah, Benjamin, Abigail, Isaiah, Josiah, Noah, Susannah, Nehemiah, Eliseo, and new baby boy more than anyone else does, I know God loves me, I'm in his hand, and nothing can happen without Him allowing it. So all that being saved, please just pray for the Lord to direct us in the days ahead and of course, for mommy/baby's safety. _______________________________

Well, there is more happening in our little neck of the woods than just a pregnancy. :) My husbands brother, Jonathan, came down last week bringing Daniel a little pick up truck that a man gave us for use in the ministry here. Daniel is so very excited because he goes so many places by himself without the whole family and if he isn't walking, he has to drive the van which likes to drink a lot of gas! We are so very grateful to have this truck!
It's been a blessing to spend time with Uncle Jonathan who many of our children did not know that well. We have lived in Mexico for almost 5 years and Jonathan was in the Navy for 5 years, so even when we made it "home" to visit, we didn't see him.
He's been a tremendous help around here with the many never-ending projects, and it is especially helpful for Daniel to have another man around. There are some things that the children and I just can't do :) The other day, Uncle Jonathan, Daddy and the boys took an afternoon trip to the ocean and Uncle Jonathan speared us a big fish for supper! Our older boys have now been spending some of their free time working on making themselves a spear gun . :)___________________

SHOEBOX WEEK!!!!!
I think last count, we have received over 230 boxes! And some more have still come in this week! And don't worry, even if a box comes in "late" we will make sure to get it into the hands of a little boy or girl here once we receive it.
Thank you so much for your labor of love in putting these gifts together and your generosity in giving the postage as well to send them. I pray you will all be blessed just as much as the sweet boys and girls into whose hands we will soon place these boxes.
We want to also thank those of you who sent some special treats for our family. We were so very surprised and brightened our day. I am again and again reminded how the Lord cares about even the smallest things. We had been without baby wipes for several days last week. They were out of stock here in our little store, so we just made due. :) Then, in the middle of the week, we got a box of shoeboxes with a few extras for our family~ included was a package of diaper wipes...which lasted until our little store got some more in stock! :)
Yesterday, Daniel made his weekly visit out to the village of Jesus Maria to preach and as there are 3 children who have been coming out to each meeting with their parents, we brought 3 shoeboxes with us for them! Somebody sent their shoebox items inside of backpacks. One of the boys, Israel, travels from his little home in the middle of the desert out to the village each week to go to school. He stays with a family in the village and goes home on the weekends. Daniel has been picking up Israel's dad and mom on his way into the village each week as they want to hear the preaching too. How special it is to see Israel's face lite up each time we drive into the village with his parents. Daniel thought we should bring one of the backpack "shoeboxes" out for Isreal as he has to travel and doesn't have anything to carry his things in other than a plastic grocery bag. He was so happy. His friend that also comes to the meetings got a little train whistle and Timothy said that he ran off to play and you could hear him blowing his whistle for an hour. The little girl, Julisa, got a box with 2 little baby dolls in it and she wouldn't let them go. :)

This Friday, we go out to deliver the majority of the boxes. Daniel wants to go to the poorest area of our town and deliver them house to house. He also wants to use this as an opportunity to make contact with a new village or two. We are praying about which ones to go to. And then finally, we are having a big children's Christmas service Sunday morning and we will be giving out a box to each child who comes. If we have any left over after that, we won't have any trouble finding a home for them too :) So look forward to some pictures soon of some very special boys and girls who will be so very blessed to receive what may be their only gift this Christmas. And please, most of all, please pray for the children who receive them, that they may one day receive the greatest gift of all~ Jesus Christ!



When your sisters get you ready for bed, you just may end up with a night cap :)
Uncle Jonathan speared a fish!
Taking the shoeboxes from our bedroom and loading them into the trailer. Our bedroom now looks so empty!

Isaiah is always a very cheerful helper!



Loading them up to be given to many new homes this Friday! :)







22 comments:

  1. Oh Jaynee , so glad to hear from you on your blog, God is amazing and sorry you had to read some not so nice comments.

    You are a wise and wonderful family , whatever Gods will is , it will bless you.

    How exciting about the shoeboxes.

    Take Care

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  2. Thank you so much for being so honest and sharing your story of the real life goings on of missionaries! I love your unabashed sharing of the word of God. It is so neat to see your faith and seeing how God provides! Still praying for you and your family in FL!

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  3. God bless you and your family for all the good work you do.
    I am from the Netherlands and just found your blog. It is wonderful to read the true and honest accounts of what is happening with you and your lovely big family.

    God bless you and your precious baby you are carrying.

    Hugs from Marian from the Netherlands

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  4. I am thankful for the update. I am glad to hear that you are looking into all your options. Coming back to the USA sounds like the way I would lean also if I was in your situation. I am sure God will give you peace in your decision. It sounds like he has given you alot of wisdom already : )
    I can't believe people would say such horrible things to you on your blog. They should be ashamed of themselves.

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  5. Always praying for you and baby, praying for your mission. God ha blessed your family abundtly and continues to do so everyday, how great is our GOD each and every day!!!!
    I love those adorable night caps the girls have on!!!
    Take care of yourself and baby, good luck with the shoebox's giveout's.
    Praying for Daneil's presence in Jesus Maria to be a positive and fruitful.

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  6. Jaynee,
    Thanks so much for the update. The Lord is so good! What a blessing once again to see your happy children.
    Love,
    Janice in NH

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  7. Jaynee, sooo glad to see a new post from you. we've been praying for you and I was getting a bit concerned since you had not posted. we continue to lift you all up in prayer -- and we know that God continues to bless you and He is in control. Oh how He loves the Lockwood family!

    Take good care and continue to seek ... I know you will. We will continue to pray for you and the decisions you have to make.

    can't wait to see pictures from passing out the shoe boxes!

    Susan

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  8. Jaynee~ I'm always so glad to read your updates and share them with the children. We've been gathering together at night and praying for you. Gladys has taken it upon herself to pray for you and "justin" :-) Soo many decisions, so much to consider~ Isn't it wonderful that we can ask God who knows all and can direct us~ What a story you'll have to tell your litlte guy when he's older :-)

    Hugs~ Cinnamon

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  9. Bless you Jaynee,

    As a fellow Christian I can empathize with you. I don't understand how people can be so mean and cruel, especially in the times we are going through hardships. May the Lord see you all through this and I hope their hearts would be softened as they see you react with grace :) . One question, what is the purpose of a night cap and how do they stay on all night? Just wondered. I think they look so sweet and old fashioned and remind me of Laura Ingles, but thought they were for keeping your head warm at night. Since you don't live in a cold zone, I figure I must be wrong and there is another purpose. Thanks!

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  10. Blessings to you all, Lockwood family!!! I enjoyed your post, you have a way of pleasing and trusting God in all things. Keep it up!!!
    Sorry for the sad or discouraging news, we need to pray for those who say things like that.
    Wanted to send this to you so you can be encouraged taht we are keeping you in our prayers. Your family is such a blessing!!!
    Heidi Carrico, IN

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  11. Oh Jaynee, thank you for the update! You remain in our prayers. We are also praying for those who have left uncharitable comments on your blog. My the Lord guide them into his full Truth. And again, thank you for standing up for LIFE!

    And, wow, Jonathan and Daniel look alike!

    In Him,
    Katie in Maryland

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  12. So glad to see the update! We will continue praying for all of you. I will be praying especially for peace of mind for mom and dad, and for clear answers from our heavenly Father.

    Merry Christmas,
    Amy in Georgia

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  13. We know that you guys seek God's will and so we know you will do what is right when it comes to your little on and the placenta situation!! You are definitely in my prayers!!

    It is SO sweet to hear of the 3 children who have already gotten their boxes!! How lucky you are to see their faces when they get them!! I can't wait to see pictures!

    Okay, I have to ask. Did you make the girls' pj's and night caps? Do they wear them a lot for bed? I LOVE THEM!!

    Take care!
    Tonia from MN

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  14. Thank you for updating your blog and giving us a glimpse into your lives. We try to read missionary stories each day, and it is SO neat to read about the day to day life of missionaries in real time!!

    It's a privilege to come alongside you in prayer for your wee one. I don't want to influence your decision, but I would probably lean toward heading for your relatives and friends in the US, where you can be certain of such a great support network. Of course, every option will have its pro's and con's, so I'll just pray that God will make His will clear to you!

    I can't wait to hear more about how the boxes bless so many people!

    Grace and peace,
    The Wilsons in VA

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  15. Thank you for the update! I will keep praying for you. You are so strong and such an inspiration. So sorry for the negative things you have heard. Keep your eyes on the Lord!

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  16. Jaynee- thank you for the update. I check regularly to see how you and the baby are doing. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Wish I was close by and could help.

    Susan

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  17. I linked to your blog off of Nathan and Trica's (CFHusband) but I've never commented before. Today I feel compeled to! I'm 22 weeks pregnant and really feel for you as you're going through these pregnancy complications. Please take care and don't give the people sending negative messages to you another thought. I'll pray that they hear God speaking to their hearts some day soon! God Bless you, your husband, and your children (who always look so happy in every picture!).

    ~Nicole in Maryland
    www.ubah.com/T2232

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  18. Jaynee, I just love you and your family so much for the good work you are doing in the Lord's name!

    I am praying fervently for your health and for your family and will pray for the little children who receive the boxes.

    You are such a blessing to me!
    Connie

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  19. Thanks for your update, glad to hear you and baby are doing well today! I will continue to pray for you and yours....

    Blessings,
    Renee

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  20. I will be praying for a miracle and for wisdom for you. The whole shoebox ministry is wonderful. What a blessing you are to your people!

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  21. wow, you have had a lot going on! I am sorry for the hurtful comments you've gotten.
    : (

    Praying for you in TN!
    much love, jen

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  22. You have such a great story to tell and you are such a great example. That one picture with the night caps reminds me of Little House on the Prairie. God bless you and your health! We only have four kids so far. We're hoping for another one this year.

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