Kyle Turns "5"

Happy 5th Birthday to Kyle!!!!

Since we're in the middle of Penns Creek Camp, we decided just to have a little birthday celebration with family in the cafeteria after service tonight. But come to think of it, it's kind of fitting! Five years and one night ago, my water broke while eating in the cafeteria after service. It was slightly embarrassing, but ultimately exciting, as we knew our firstborn would soon be making his appearance. And sure enough, he did! July 30th, 2005 @ 5:29 p.m., 8 lbs. 2oz. and 20" long. We're so thankful that God chose to bless us with Kyle!

We love you, buddy, and can't wait to see what all God has planned for you!

(Continue reading previous birthday posts...)

Playing "Catch-Up"

So, I guess it's no secret that I'm terribly behind on this blog. Now the only problem that remains is catching up on the past two months...

We've been enjoying the addition of Baby Parker in our lives! He just turned three months old and is starting to give us a glimpse of his personality. He has slept through the night since he was 2-3 days old, he likes to smile as long as his belly is full :-) and he prefers to stick two or three of his fingers in his mouth instead of using a pacifier. He's a very good baby, and we all (including his big brothers) love him very much!

10 weeks

Too cute @ 3 months!

As far as ministry related items...

1) We have held 13 deputation services already and have quite a few scheduled for this fall. We've enjoyed seeing familiar faces and making new acquaintances and sharing how the Lord has been helping in Southern Mexico.

2) We have also been doing a lot of "fill-in" work while here at home (Central PA).

: : Michael helped train the instrumental group from Penn View the last few weeks of May due to the injury of Mr. Lucas Shrout's daughter.: : Our home church (New Columbia GMC) had a cancellation for their VBS, so we "filled-in." Thanks to Michael's family, we had props, songs, verses, and ideas all ready to go! We had excellent attendance with an average of 90-100 kids nightly. Our theme was "Set Free" and Michael did a wonderful job doing all the up front stuff. Since I'm not an "up front" kind of person, I played the piano and did the "behind the scenes" work.


: : We ended the VBS on a Friday night, and then started singing at Mt. of Blessings Camp Meeting on Saturday...(yep, due to a few cancellations!) Although it was physically tiring, our souls were refreshed sitting under the ministry of Bro. Leonard Sankey and Bro. Rick Maloyed. We are so thankful for the presence of the Lord meeting with us at camp.

After camp meeting, we decided the kids (and ourselves) could use a small break from the norm, so we headed to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. It was SUPER HOT that day, but we all had a fun time anyway.

Neither Parker nor the alpaca were too impressed with this photo op. :-)

Well, that pretty much brings us up-to-date. We are looking forward to being able to attend Penns Creek Camp Meeting starting a week from today. After that, we have a family vacation planned, and then we start into our fall deputation schedule in late August.

And hopefully, I'll try to keep this poor blog a little more updated.......!

Baby Pictures

Baby Parker is a little over a week old now. He is a very good baby and sleeps through the night already! Mommy and Daddy love him to pieces and I think his big brothers do too!!!!! Here are a few of my favorite pics of the little guy.

1 day old

4 days old

6 days old
Parker enjoying some "quality time" with his big brothers!

Baby Mason Has Arrived!

Baby Update

I was so happy to have finally received a package in the mail today! It contained a beautiful baby quilt my Mom made. I'm not really into the traditional baby colors, so this quilt makes me very happy. My Mom thinks it's a little wild - but I love it!

Well, since our little guy hasn't made his appearance yet, my doctor is going to induce me. I go in to the hospital tonight at midnight, and we will start this grand process! Hopefully, tomorrow we will finally get to meet Mason Baby #3...we're all VERY excited (especially this pregnant mama)! More updates (and pictures) should follow throughout this week.

Mama-to-be @ 40 weeks, 2 days
(this picture is especially for my sister) :>)

Our First Baptismal Service

The Sunday before we left Mexico (March 14th), we were privileged to have a baptismal service where 5 believers were baptized! We took a large group of people from Tapachula, and drove up into the mountains picking up others from Faja de Oro and Santo Domingo.

God's presence was with us throughout the day as we had a short service, then listened to the testimonies of how God had changed the lives of those who were being baptized.

The scenery was beautiful...

A look from above.
There were approximately 50 people in attendance.
Some of the children during the service.

Michael along with the 5 baptismal candidates.
Arturo.
He was originally saved at H.I.M.'s West Palm Beach church in FL, but now is able to be a testimony and witness to his family in Mexico.
Mario Antonio is only 12 years old...but God has changed his life!
In other news...

We have safely arrived in Texas and are awaiting the birth of our baby.

During our absence in Mexico, we will be having several different individuals/families fill in for us while we are in the States for our baby's birth and also for deputation. Right before we left, we were privileged to welcome Jonathan and Renee Springer and their family to our home. They will be filling in for us until June 1st. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers!

A Special Service

Two Sundays ago (Feb. 28th), we were blessed to have special services here in Tapachula, Mexico. Our people from our church in Motozintla (2-1/2 hrs. away), from Santo Domingo and Faja de oro, and also from here in Tapachula gathered together. We had about 70 people total packed in our little "church"! Michael preached a good message in the morning, and our pastor from Motozintla preached in the afternoon. Even though it was scorching hot that day, God's presence could be felt and we had a wonderful time worshiping the Lord together!

Below are some picture highlights from the day.

Riding to church.
We loaded up our vehicle and a pickup truck with people.
The Sunday morning crowd.
The ladies serving up some rice, chicken, and mole...Yum!
Some young boys enjoying their lunch.
This little guy is so cute...just had to take a picture of him!
Pastor Javier preaching in the afternoon.