Blogging Behind

Well, after 4 months who knows where to start. We are feeling more at home in Brazil than we have since we got here. I remember reading that missionaries have to really be in a place for 3 years before they know how it will be. As this is our third year here I see how true that really is. Just now do I feel as if we are getting used to some things, and figuring out other cultural things, and realizing that other things will never change, we just have to get used to them. The last months have been good, but we are glad to have some things behind us..... such as the process of getting a drivers' liscense, and the months of nightime feedings. Joel is sleeping through the night better than he ever has, praise God. Who knew that I needed sleep SO much. We are looking for a car, and I believe that when God opens that door, it will be a weight lifted off of us. Waiting for the bus and counting on public transportation with a baby (and all of his belongings that come with us in the baby bag) is not as easy as it was when it was just Jude and I, not to mention that there are some places, relatively close by car, that we can't get to because the bus doesn't go there, or we would have to take 2 buses and walk a long ways just to get somewhere 15 minutes away or less by car. Side note- the bus is a $1.10 each way, so that adds up and I am always amazed that the bus is so much in a place where the majority of the people make so little. So, that is in God's hands, and for the mean time, we are thankful that Niteroi has a great bus system and that we have friends who don't get tired of giving us rides. Praise God! As always, we enjoy seeing how Joel is growing up, and here are some pics of him at 7+ months, the more recent ones are still on the camera. He is almost 9 months! More to come later. Joel loves bath time, and I love playing with his Alfalfa hair, which sadly I just got the courage to cut off, now he looks like a little boy. Picture time with Mommy....

Back In Brasil

We had two new bathrooms installed at the Project while we were on Christmas break.

We also had 6 new sinks put in for the kids to be able to use to wash their hands and brush their teeth.

Here's Big Boy enjoying his walker that we brought back with us from the States.

Bia is one of Jane's former students that she has been discipling. She stayed over one night and she and Joel had a blast together.

We've been back in Brasil about three weeks now and already so much has happened. I have started full time as director at the Project and there is ALOT to be done. Jane has been taking care of Joel at home and will go back to teaching English classes at the Project twice a week here in the next couple of weeks.

Bath Time!

While we were back in Texas, bath time turned out to be one of the most anticipated events of the day. This is Jane's mom and sister, Michelle, taking turns cleaning up Big Boy.

Texas Trip 2

My sister Ginny with her new baby girl Kendal.

Jane's Aunt Nancy and sister Julie with Joel.

My aunt, uncle, cousins and grandmother came in from Louisiana.

My sister has the cutest kids doesn't she?

Date Night! Our first night out without Joel!

Texas Trip 1

Cousins!

Checking out the Sports page with RP.

Great Grandma

Hangin with Mama on Christmas day

Chattin' it up with Papa

Our trip to Texas was just what we needed...time to relax, time with family and friends, and the chance to show off our little (ok, not so little) Joel.

Pics of my boys!

God's Provision

I have been wanting to post for some time now just how amazing God has been in his provision for us with the coming of Joel. We have heard how much a baby costs, and about all the extra things that you need to buy, etc. As we were preparing for Joel to arrive, we bought the major stuff, the crib, the stroller, etc, and then almost as if a rain shower from heaven, God has provided everything. We bought Joel a dresser with 5 drawers and some shelves..... all I can say is that his dresser is filled with clothes, blankets, cloth diapers, sheets, shoes, and hats, none of which we purchased... I am being serious, we did not have to buy anything!!! I have thought so many times..... huh, I have not bought even one outfit for my son, and he is clothed like a king. This can only be the Lord. All praise, honor, and glory be to Him, and Him alone. He has used many of you, to bless us in this way, for that we thank you! We have received care packages in the mail with clothes and gifts, that have been SUCH a blessing. I mean, who doesn't like getting packages in the mail! The Soul Cafe team that came brought gifts from friends and family, and delivered our stroller among other things... my mom came and brought gifts from our sweet family and she and Jude's mom came up with lots of great gifts (from the Grandpas also) and hand-me-downs from friends. It must be ingrained in the word "Grandma/Grandpa" to provide and bless right from the start... Friends and folks we consider family here in Brazil have showered us with gifts and hand-me-downs so much so that I am in awe. There is no other explanation but the Lord. My prayer is that you may be encouraged and led to praise God with us in this. He deserves sooo much more praise than we give Him. Revelation 7:10-12 "And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!""