God's miracles!

We have had so many God stories this year! From His grace to His provision to His presence that brings us peace, God has truly shown himself faithful in our lives. Our latest stories are answered prayers that have taken months of seeking Him to see the results, but His timing is always perfect.

First of all, last week God provided us a house to live in for the remainder of our stay here. In reality we didn't make enough money to be in what we felt like was a safe neighborhood for our kids and then someone from the church offered for us to housesit for them and trade work around the property for rent! It is a huge blessing!

Then, remember our stories about Natalie being able to do ballet last winter as an answer to her prayer! Well, she is still loving it and we are happy to report that now her and Isabelle are both on a 75%-100% scholarship for ballet/gymnastics!

For the past few months Natalie has been excelling in school. We have enjoyed homeschooling, but she is a total extrovert. She thrives around people, loves to perform and loves meeting new friends. We began to pray about putting her in a classroom, but the public schools wouldn't test her into first grade because of her age. Not only has God provided her a 50% off missionary discount, but a good friend has pledged to pay the remainder of Natalie's tuition for her to go to a private Christian school near to where we live! We even have someone to carpool with! We know that she will have a great year!

God is AMAZING! We have seen so many miracles in the last few years, but he never ceases to amaze us! Thank you all for your prayer and help! You have given your time, (to help us move) and finances (sometimes our support check comes in the mail and we have no idea who has sent the extra money) and your faithful friendship. You are all amazing too!

Summer 09

Right after we got back from Montana we went to a family reunion in eastern Washington. It was a great time to see relatives and reconnect. (The pics are from my Uncle Bill's mini horse farm.) We took Gabe straight to the airport so he could go to the Philippines for the summer. He was hoping to lead an outreach team from the school, but that didn't work out, so he went to begin building our house. Because of the weather, a motorcycle accident and many other "road blocks" he was unable to begin work. This time was good for him to draw up the official building plans, encourage the church, spend time with his family, and meet with our YWAM leadership there. Everything is settling into place and looks promising for our return there. They are all getting as excited as we are for our coming back. Unfortunately Gabe did not take any pictures... (guys!) so I'll have to add a youtube link of some video from his trip later. Thanks for all of you who prayed for him during this time!

Community development

Right after having our beatiful baby boy last April, we packed up and drove to Montana to help staff the Foundations of Community Development school with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). It was great to hear all of the teachings again and to see how of lot of the behind the scenes work is done. Gabe was also able to have one on one discipleship time with the director of the school to prepare him for leading in the Philippines about a year and a half from now. Overall the school went well. At first the students were all quiet and some of us wondered what they were taking away from each lecture, but in the end, especially during the debriefing interviews and discussion it was evident that all of them have learned a lot and have truly enjoyed the school. They will all be mighty workers for God in their communities all over the world.

A beautiful tradition

In the Philippines each child has many godparents- people that can watch out for them as the grow up and speak into their lives. We have extended this tradition to our friends and family here in the States as well by asking them to be a part of our children's lives as godparents. Just before we left Montana we had an informal dedication where his "Ninongs" and "Ninangs" from there could pray for him. Here are some pictures of Gabriel Judah with some of his godparents.

A Late Introduction

Wow, the last few months have just flown by. We would like you all to meet our little Gabriel Judah! He was born on April 6th and was 8 1/2 pounds. He brings so much joy to our family and the girls just love him! He is a good baby and even sucks his thumb like his big sisters. We drove over to Montana with him to go to YWAM when he was just 10 days old, so he's already had his share of adventures. He's snuggly an super cute and we are so happy to have him!