Update...at last!!! :)

Finally another opportunity to update here :) I do wish I was able to keep everyone better updated, and Lord willing, we will be getting internet access at our home here next week. But in the mean time, Daniel, the children, and I thank each and everyone of you who keep "checking in on us", encourage us through your sweet comments/emails, through sharing verses from God's Word, and most importantly, through your prayers. We hope that while you've patiently awaited an update, that you haven't worried, but just brought us before our loving Heavenly Father who cares for us so much.
While I cannot say I haven't had times of doubt, discouragement, or worry myself, I can say that without fail, the Lord has encouraged and strengthened my heart over and over again as I read His Word. At times, I truly feel just as Psalmist said in chapter 42...as a deer panting for water, I long after the Lord...to just rest in Him and trust in His love and care.

I'm so thankful to report that our little baby has made it another week hitting what the doctors here tell us is a very important week...24 weeks!! And we continue to pray for many more days and weeks that he will be able to stay safe inside mommy. I'm continuing to bleed, but again, no "major" bleeding this week, and we just thank the Lord as we know He is answering our prayers and the prayers of so many.

Another wonderful answer to prayer...we have found a place to call home while we await this little guys arrival. A couple in our home church offered us a home amazingly affordable. It is close to town/the hospital, is partially furnished (just perfect for our temporary situation...it has a couch, love seat, chairs, table, 2 beds, a dresser, washer/dryer, fridge, and TONS of closet/cupboard space), and we just are so thankful for a place to settle in here. It's so comfortable and we thank the Lord each day for providing this need for us through the kindness of this couple.

We moved and got settled in on Monday (January 5th) and it's been so good to write up and post a chore chart, basic daily schedule, and once again spend our mornings/early afternoons homeschooling. Not only do I feel so much better and accomplish so much more each day when we are organized, but the children are truly happier (and better behaved :) ) too. They enjoy working on their school work and helping around the home and then have so much fun during their free time each day. The weather has been so beautiful this week, and there is a little park 1 block from our home which has been so much fun for everyone. We have visited there most every afternoon and while I sit on the bench holding Eliseo, the children can play on the playground equipment, shoot baskets, dig in the sand, or (their favorite) explore the little creek that runs there.

Thursday (the 8th) morning, at 5 am we said goodbye to Daddy as he got on an airplane to head back home to Mexico for a few days. He's there to spend time with all the people in our church, encourage Brother Macario who has been holding services in Daniel's absence, pay our bills, preach in the village of Jesus Maria, hold services Sunday, and pass out the remaining shoeboxes. He'll fly back Tuesday night (the 13th) and then Lord willing, return again the beginning of February. We appreciate your prayers for him as he travels, that the Lord will keep him safe and bless his time/work there, and protect the children, new little one, and I in Daddy's absence.
When I called to talk with Daniel today, he was out visiting some of the ladies from our church and he passed them his phone so they could talk with me too. Oh how I miss them! Pray that the Lord will especially encourage them in their Christian walk while we are not there ourselves.

I have some pictures I can't wait to share, and some of your questions I look forward to answering once we get a connection at home here (hopefully by Wednesday). I'll answer emails then too (if you are already waiting for a reply, thank you for your patience!) :). Many have asked us for an address where we can receive mail here in the state. I will post one on the top righthand side bar.

Oh....and we are narrowing down a name for this precious little baby boy....we'll let you know soon so you can pray for him by a name other than "Justin Other" :) Because this little guy is certainly not just another baby...He's already been prayed for so much, loved by so many, and the Lord has used him to again bring us closer to Him. Oh, I can't wait to meet him and for you all to "meet" him too!