Time sure passes us fast, it seems that it’s faster and faster each year.
2019 is already on its way to being half finished, and there is still so much to come.
Charles Rafael joined our family in September, a lot later than we expected.
Thank you to all who were praying for his birth, God’s hand in the situation was very evident.
Labor just wasn’t starting on its own, and after waiting until almost 42 weeks, the doctor decided it was neccisary to induce labor. We wanted to wait longer, let it happen on its own, but we could see that the doctor had legitimate concern for the baby’s health.
No complications with the labor and birth, but we were surprised to see what had caused the doctor concern. The umbilical cord had two huge knots in it! Charles was our smallest baby at 7 pounds, despite being 3 weeks late. But he has had no health problems, and has had NO problem gaining back any lost weight. We have a chunky little boy who loves to eat.
After he was born, time has literally sped past us so fast it’s hard to believe it’s already April.
Our second son will be celebrating his 3rd birthday this year, the Bible college and pastors college is in full swing, and our daughter starts first grade next week.
Jumping back to the beginning of the year, Eder’s pastor and his wife from the home church, were able to visit in February. It was great to see them, since we haven’t been back in 2 years, and great to finally be able to show them the island we live and minister on. They came with willing hearts and lots of love, and got to share and teach at the church up in Nago where we served for 4 years, and here in Ginowan. They enjoyed the trip (especially the food, but who doesn’t), and also greatly encouraged us.
We know we don’t serve the Lord to hear the praises from people, or to even see the fruit. But it sure strengthens and lifts up our hearts when we are allowed to. They could see the work God was doing here, and that He wasn’t done using us in it. It is so great to know that those we love back home are behind us in support and prayer for us. We really can feel everyone’s prayers over us and our family.
Some things we are looking forward to and preparing for this year:
-In May, my (Amanda) mom and younger brother will be visiting for a few weeks. First time for the kids to meet their uncle, and for my mom to meet Charlie.
-Eder will be applying for permanent residency (can only be applied for after living here for over 10 years). That opens up new doors for us visa-wise.
It also gives us different options for housing.
-Along with that, our contract on our aprtment ends this summer. We are hoping and praying to be able to get into a house. We are definitely outgrowing this apartment! We aren’t sure of all the logistics yet, but having our residency change should open the doors for getting a house.
That leads right into prayer requests that we have:
-Elena starting school (her to grasp the language, safety, good teachers)
-Our language abilities (There is a lot of parent involvement with the school, and it will all be in Japanese. A new season for growth, just pray that God would open up our understanding as we study and learn).
-New family schedule: a good change, but that we would all be diligent and adjust.
-Eder’s visa: that we would get approved for permanent residency!
-A house, however God wants to provide it.
-Opportunities to connect with our neighbors. Elena might be in the same class as our neighbors son, hoping we could get to know the parents better. We also often talk to the little bachan in the house next to our building. She comes over and says hi, gives us extra veggies and fruits sometimes.
Psalm 37:3-5
“Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.”
