SURPRISE!!!

THAT'S RIGHT......I AM PREGNANT! It was very much a surprise to us both, but we are so excited!!! I am six weeks pregnant and I am due May 27th. We spent all weekend talking and getting advice. After much thought and conversation, Dan and I have decided to come back to the States to have the baby. There are many reasons why we have decided this. The first being that I have always wanted my mom to deliver my babies. I really cannot trust anyone else! The second is that we cannot have the baby in Lilongwe. There really isn't anything (machinery) here to take care of the baby if something goes wrong. Since that is the case, our three options were 1) go to South Africa in April, wait for baby to be born, and come back to Lilongwe in August. 2)Go to Blantyre three weeks before baby is due and have baby there. 3) Go to the states in April, have baby and come back in August.

The first two options are great as far as medical care, etc. The problem is that we didn't want to be away from our community here in Lilongwe. It felt very scary to me that we would be sitting around in either South Africa or Blantyre, alone and waiting for the baby to come. Although I am worried about traveling sooooo much while I am pregnant, we really think it is the right thing to do, to have the baby in Tennessee. We feel it is most important to have a strong support group as well as family near by. So, we are coming back in April to have the baby at my parents house in the hills, then will spend 2 months there recovering and then will return to Africa for the next school year in August. We have talked about the possibility of stopping through Seattle while in the States, so we will keep you updated.


Those of you who know me well know that I LOVE macaroni and cheese! I actually brought 2 boxes with me to Malawi, one for each birthday that I will have here. Once I found out that I will be going home in April, I decided to enjoy a box! Who wouldn't?


I need to brag for a minute. My husband is the GREATEST!!! He got me flowers because I am his lovely wife. Just to let you know, we are doing well.

We know that this is obviously the Lord's plan for us, and we are so thrilled to begin our family! Of course, there are many things to be praying for. Please pray for the following:

1) strength for me as I continue to teach, and feel not so good.
2) finances-we do not have ANY money for the plane tickets, and must purchase them soon. Pray that God will provide, as we know He can.
3) that God will prepare Dan and I for parenthood.
4) for me to be gracious and kind to Dan, even when I am feeling emotional, fat, hungry, tired, etc. :)
5) Pray for the baby (we are calling it "littlest) that it will continue to grow into a healthy baby.


Thank you so much for your support and prayers. The Lord has truly blessed us through you. God bless.