Baby Journey Update

I haven't written about this in awhile...and there are some changes in our journey.  The last thing I shared was that if I'm not pregnant by the beginning of next year, we would start the process of adoption.  Well...that's still true...mostly.....

Each time we went to the specialist, they gave me a list of tests to get done.  Simple tests...mostly drawing blood.  Yes...so simple, yet SO DIFFICULT!  The difficult part is getting insurance to approve it.  The other difficult part is getting the specialist to refer me to someone in my medical group.  I know...it doesn't seem like rocket science, but apparently it is!

So...last time we were there, they told us that basically our only option was IVF, which we decided right away isn't an option for us.  So we asked...what about Steve??  Everything ok with him??...more tests...more dealing with insurance and medical groups...more stress....more questioning God...more frustration & disappointment.

For one of Steve's tests, he had to get a referral from our primary care doc....whom we LOVE!  He was actually excited to go see her & hang out...that's what she does with patients, it's awesome.  She started asking him questions...taking notes...researching...even called us a few days later with some potential answers.  Seriously....SHE called us...not her nurse or front desk lady.  Finally...some encouragement.  We felt important, our issue felt significant...she was legitimately trying to help.  I'm so thankful...and hopeful...and grateful for my husband....

For those of you who don't know, Steve has several herniated disks in his neck and back.  He sees a pain management specialist to help with the constant pain.  Just in case the shots he gets once a month have anything to do with affecting our fertility, he's stopped getting them and gets something else that doesn't even come close to touching the pain.  He never complains about the pain though, in fact, he's been amazing.  I keep telling him that if it's too much to bear, get the regular shot and we'll figure something else out.  He's so determined...I can wait to see how God honors his steadfastness and determination.

We know God is still in control and each day we rely on Him to guide and direct our steps.  I never thought it would be at least 3 years and 2 months of trying to have another baby, but I'm thankful for this journey.  I hope we never have to go through it again.  My heart hurts for those who've also gone down this road.  But I know God has greater plans for us than we could ever even imagine.  Just can't wait to see what those plans are!   

just thinkin...

I was reading in my Jesus Calling devotional a few days ago and it's just stickin' with me..."relax in my healing, holy Presence.  Be still while I transform your heart and mind. Let go of cares and worries, so that you can receive My Peace.  Cease striving, and know that I am God....It is through knowing me intimately that you become like Me.  This requires spending time alone with Me.  Let go, relax, be still, and know that I am God.

Through the trials of this year...actually the last 3 years...I feel like I am FINALLY learning to completely let go, relax, and kinda be still.  Why is the "be still" part so hard??  I am seeing how completely in control of my life the Lord is...so I am trusting and slowly surrendering my all to Him so He can complete His perfect will and plan in my life. 

I am so thankful for all I've been through...I never want to go through a lot of this again...but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I am so thankful for my amazing husband.  He's gone through many trials in the last few years but through it all has remained steady, strong, faithful, and steadfast.  His faith has been unwavering, he's been my rock.  I couldn't have come out this strong without him.

Please keep praying for us.  We're still in the waiting game with the baby.  BUT...I have so much more peace than I had even 3 weeks ago.  I know it is because so many of you are praying.  Please continue to pray that I can "let go of cares and worries" and receive the perfect Peace in Christ alone.

Ethia-opy

Ethia-opy is what Claire was calling Ethiopia this morning. :)  For those of you who know my family, you know Ethiopia has become a big part of our lives.  We sponsor a little girl there through Compassion International, and for those of you who know my Dad, you know he's there almost as much as he's in the USA!  We call it his home away from home.  Anyway, he's there right now with e3 Partners, who he and my Mom serve with, and he just sent the most incredible update email of the ministry that's going on there...thought I'd post it for those of you who might be interested...

Unbelievable day!  We visited in 4 different homes today with people who had all been trained last April to find out how they've done since then.  We were all overwhelmed with how faithful they've been in sharing the gospel, leading people to Christ, starting new churches and going to more communities to find a person of peace for the purpose of starting "2nd generation" churches.

me, Dad, Pastor (can't remember his name), Mom, & Katie in Ethiopia in 2007.

Home #1:  A young Orthodox Priest was led to Christ by a born again Orthodox Priest privately witnessing to him in Orthodox Bible School.  He's now leading church in his home and has started planting 2 more churches in unreached areas.  And...he's ALWAYS smiling...Jesus radiates from him!

Home #2:  A woman's husband went to prison, got saved came home and led his family to Christ.  Since then they've started a church in their home and have planted another in a different part of their larger town.

typical Ethiopian mud hut

Home #3:  An Ethiopian evangelist who had never led a church took our training and went home to start a multiplying church.  Soon he'd led nearly 20 to Christ, gathered them together for worship and instruction and trained them to go to other villages and follow his example.  10 other areas are targeted and have young Christian evangelists working hard to begin new churches.

this mom was SO pregnant, I'm sure she birthed the child right there in the field, as there weren't any clinics around.

Home #4:  In a village 1/2 hour drive from town a farmer who was saved, came to our training and while walking home heard the Lord speak to him to plant churches in his village of 2,500.  He wasn't sure how, but trusted God to lead him.  Not many days later he heard a loud commotion in a neighboring hut.  He went and found many people gathered around a woman who was demon possessed and close to death.  She'd tried everything for help...Orthodox Priests, witch doctor...but nothing helped.  He proclaimed to all who had gathered that only Jesus could deliver the woman.  He prayed and, not surprisingly, she was delivered and several came to faith in Christ. Since then, others have been miraculously healed, delivered from demonic possession and become followers of Christ.  A group of over 30 meet regularly...a "Mega Church" for this area!  And he now has several other villages that are targeted for new churches.

What a day!  We all are exhausted from praise and thanksgiving!

Katie & her translator helping someone get reading glasses at the eye clinic.

We don't always extend our trips to include "checking up" on churches that have been previously planted, but it sure was exciting to see how God continues the work of building His Church after we help start the process.  To Him alone belongs the Glory!!!

I love that my Dad has such a heart for missions!  Please pray for him and the team...God is moving in Ethia-opy!!