And My Soul Knows It Very Well

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and emotion. What started as a simple 36 week check-up with my doctor ended a few days later with the emergency c-section of our daughter, Abigail. With the exciting news of a safe delivery also came the news that she had a congenital condition of her hips, knees and feet (multiple dislocations and club foot). I didn't know a person's emotions could have such a wide range in such a short amount of time.

Abby had to stay in an isolette incubator for the first 24 hours, so I wasn't able to hold her, or even see her outside of the pictures Keith took for me. She was so beautiful in my eyes! I was so fiercely protective of her and I prayed that everyone else would see past how different her legs and feet looked and see just how beautiful she was. I struggled with guilt thinking that because of my uterus she was born this way. I struggled with fear that my baby girl would never walk. I struggled with selfishness- why did I have to have an infant that would require so much extra care? A lot of sin and a lot of tears. A lot of crying to Dad with nothing other than the groans of my heart as there were just no words to describe the pain and heartache as well as the deep joy and excitement of our precious baby girl.

At some point I was able to move past the physical and emotional pain I was in and sit down to really be with my Daddy and be filled with what was true. He reminded me that Abigail was fearfully and wonderfully made. She was not hidden from Him when He was knitting her together in my womb. I knew that the way He made Abigail was for a hope and a future, not to harm her. That no one had sinned or done anything wrong for her to be born this way- she was made to bring glory to the Father and display His works. (Ps. 139, Jer. 29:11, John 9:3)

Do I still struggle with fears and uncertainties about what the future will bring? Of course. I struggle with the flesh daily and wish that I didn't. But His word gives me hope and I trust in who He is. The world may tell me one thing, but what I know in my heart is this: the Father loves Abigail more than I ever could and I entrust her to His care all of her days.

Cheesecake Brownies

Just wanted to share a really easy way to spruce up a box of brownie mix. I made these this afternoon and they are quite scrumptious...

Combine:

• 8 oz cream cheese


• 1/3 cup sugar


• 1 egg

Prepare brownie mix as directed on box. Pour into 8x8 or 9x9 pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture on top of brownie batter. Use a knife to make a swirl pattern. Bake brownies as directed on box.

Delicious!!

Ultrasound Update

The results are that Abigail is healthy and right on track. I see the doctor in a few days, so I will know more then. She is still breech with her head up in my rib cage, so we are hoping that she will be motivated to turn around and soon!

Something I Have Never Had To Do Before

I have never had to look at my watch (figuratively speaking, as I don't own a watch) and decided if it is OK for me to take a drink of something in public. Or how about this one: I have never had to sneak off and hide in the bathroom to take a drink of my soda (I did that yesterday afternoon). That's right. Here in Sharjah it is against the law to eat or drink in public before sundown as it is the holy month of Ramadan. At a mall we were in the first day of Ramadan a man was arrested for smoking a cigarette. You can buy food at grocery stores and the like, though all restaurants and food courts, etc. are all closed until right before sundown.

Now, being pregnant I am exempt from fasting, but I really don't want to be "that lady" out in public. So, until mid-September, I will eat and drink out of the public eye. Please continue to lift up those celebrating Ramadan, that during this time their hearts would be turned towards Chr!st. That they would have dreams and visions that would lead them to truth. That Keith and I would be open to all opportunities to share the hope we have in Je$u$.

Thank you for your prayers!

A Little Update on Life in the UAE

Well, we have been here in Sharjah for about 4 weeks, part of which was spent at a company retreat, which included time to praise Dad and be in His Word. It was wonderfully refreshing and such a blessing to be around like-minded folks working in our country.

Due to some political issues in our country, Keith was unable to go back as planned, so he has been able to stay here with Benjamin and I. It has been difficult for him as there is a lot of work to be done that needs his attention, but Benjamin and I have been so blessed to have him around. We have been to see doctors, gone on walks, been sick, gotten better eaten multiple times at Chili's and even gone to an aquarium. And of course, we have been to several malls. :o)

A few days ago, the Musl!m world ushered in Ramadan. We have already seen the physical changes around the city as food courts and restaurants are closed during the day. We ask that Dad would use this time to speak to the hearts of the many Musl!ms in this city and around the world.

Keith will be going back in country in a few days and will be there until September 15. Please be lifting our family up as we are apart! Ask Dad that strength would be given to me as I take care of Benjamin while in the last stages of pregnancy. Ask for Keith that Dad would keep him safe and to work hard and deepen relationships while back in country. Ask for continued health during this pregnancy.

Thank you all for investing in our lives, it means more than you know!

Tears of the Saints

"Then [Jesus] said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.'" (Matthew 9:37-38)

32 Weeks

Well, we are definitely in the home stretch! A few pics of the growing belly and for fun I added a picture of my belly bump about the same time with Benjamin. Abigail is growing and kicking and we bought our first outfit for her the other day, which was a lot of fun. We can't wait (well, at least 5 more weeks we can) to meet our sweet baby girl!

33 weeks with Benjamin