A "New" Life in Cambodia

Hello Everyone,

Kristy and I are on our second, small, fall break of the year, and are REALLY enjoying the rest and time together. We were not able to go to the luxurious hotel like last time, but so far the break has been fantastic! We have watched several movies and have gone out to eat often. Some of our friends and us have begun calling it a "stay-cation"!

Kristy enjoying our celebration breakfast! She looks so happy!

As many of you have maybe already learned, there is a reason why Kristy looks so happy in this picture! As the title of this post says, we have found a "new" life in Cambodia. In fact, by the time you read this post, that "new" life is going to be 9 weeks old!

We would like all of our friends and loved ones to know that KRISTY IS PREGNANT! YEA!!!!!

We found out about five weeks ago, but have keep it low key, because we really didn't know what to do! I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off, trying to make sure all the daily chores get done, while Kristy is feeling nauseous almost all day everyday!

However, we did find time to go to the doctor during this vacation and were blessed with a ton of information. WE EVEN GOT TO HEAR THE BABY'S HEARTBEAT! IT WAS INCREDIBLE! Here is a picture of our prenatal baby!

He/She is about the size of a kidney bean! (And no, its not because I am so short!)

As you can probably tell, Kristy and I are REALLY excited. We feel absolutely blessed (and sometime scared out of our minds) by God to be able to be parents soon. Although I have absolutely no clue as to what to do, Kristy helps me out! She is already a great mom, while I am the frantic crazy dad!

Here is a shot for all the moms! Kristy's tummy at 9 weeks. (So beautiful!)

With all this news, we have been trying to plan for the future. We have doctors appointments in Cambodia every month until Kristy's 5th month. At her 5th month (End of January) we will be flying to Bangkok, Thailand to have a very important ultrasound that detects possible problems. After that appointment, Kristy will wait until March 10th before she returns to the U.S., while I stay in Cambodia. (I know... it will be rough) She will stay with her mom and dad in Grand Junction, until I arrive in the States on around April 14th. We plan to have the baby in Grand Junction! That is the tentative plan for now... but we are still listening to what God wants!

We will be staying in the U.S. for a little bit, but we feel that living in the States is not what God has called us to do right now. However, with that said we are trusting in God to guide us in the direction He wants us to go!

PRAYER CONCERNS:

- Kristy and the baby's health and development

- Gideon's mental health (especially in March - April) Also, that God teaches me how to be a stronger Christian leader for my family!

- Help focus on our mission here until we have to go

- God will clearly show us His plans for us

- Kristy's Teaching Assistant is going through some rough issues...

- This holiday is a Buddhist celebration of the spirits. PLEASE PRAYER FOR CAMBODIA!

- Cambodian Christians who have to go back to their buddhist families who expect them to participate in buddhist ceremonies or rituals

- Our students who have to deal with being the only Christian in their family.

- Amongst our busy lives, I can still get my Masters done!

PRAYER REJOICES:

- Kristy is pregnant!

- God continues to provide for our needs through friends and family.

- God's love is sooooo apparent!

- Our staff community is really gelling together, which we thought might be difficult with so much staff changes

- Our students bring A LOT of joy to our lives

- It has been moderately cool lately

- Our new apartment really feels "homey"

- Loving families that are sooo encouraging

Blessings to all!