Handsome Boy

I can hardly believe it, but our Evan David is 4 months old already!

He's growing strong and is so much fun these days. He loves to talk and coo at us, observe his sister, giggle when tickled and show us his cute smile many times throughout the day.

He absolutely LOVES to be held, so when the day comes to be with grandparents, he'll be in heaven. :)

We love our boy and feel SO blessed!

What Goes Around...

Yes, it's true. When I was a small child, I went through a phase of calling my parents by their names. Not "Mommy" and "Daddy", but "Dennis" and "Donna". My mom said that I wasn't disrespectful, and it soon passed.

I'll keep that in mind, since my 20 month old has now found that I not only answer to "Mommy" but to "Aimee" as well! I think that she feels so grown up when she uses my adult name, because she gets a little smirk on her face when calling me.

I'll have to admit that it's pretty cute. She makes me smile everyday...what will it be next?

Thankful for Prayer

As I grieve for my many friends that are experiencing difficulty at this time in their life, I am so thankful for the avenue of prayer.

I am thankful that I have a God who hears me, takes on the burdens that I feel, intercedes on behalf of friends and family, and wants me to take my troubles to Him on a daily basis.

It's too much for me to process right now...our friends whose little one has leukemia, Cascade College closing down, a fellow "Bristol Babe"-pregnant and on bed rest-trying to keep the little one inside, and friends leaving a Ugandan ministry due to corruption and sin within the program.

When I opened my e-mail the night before we were leaving for Kampala, all of these things hit me at once and I felt a heaviness come over me. I couldn't respond to anything, because I didn't have words to say. I felt as if a truck had hit me square in the face and I was down for the count.

That night, I simply closed my laptop and prayed.

I prayed for comfort and healing of sweet Caitlin, for her parents and siblings, I prayed for staff, administration, students, alumni, and the board of Cascade College as they make transitions in their lives with the devastating news of their college closing down, I prayed for my friend Kelly & her baby Rilyn--that God would protect both of them, keep Rilyn strong, healthy, and in Kelly's womb until the time is right. I also prayed for Chris & Kami and the situation with the Children's Home in Kampala; that God would take sin away, protect the children, and give Chris & Kami wisdom as to which steps to take next.

As I fell asleep that night, I was sad, depressed, and confused, yet at the same time, hopeful. Hopeful, because I believe in a God that hears the prayers of His people and is faithful in caring for His flock. Hopeful, because I know that I can't fix it, but HE CAN. Hopeful, because when Satan attacks, GOD remains more powerful!

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of prayer. Thank you for comforting, healing, protecting, guarding, and guiding loved ones that are dealing with intense trials at this time. Thank you for your faithfulness to love us, hear us, and watch over us. In Jesus Powerful Name, Amen.

She's One Year Old!! (and mommy is late on posting)

Happy Birthday to Anaiah who turned a year old on September 3rd!!!!

Daddy and I love you, Sweet Girl!!

My Big Girl

Isn't she cute?

I just love her so much and wanted to share her precious face!

Thoughts of Home

I've never thought about "home" as much as I do now that I live in Uganda.

It dawned on me this morning, as I was praising Jesus with Fort Portal church, that every Sunday I envision Caldwell church...where my parents are sitting, how they would love to hold Anaiah during church, how I would love to sit next to them and hear their voices...I can see my Grandmas, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends. I haven't worshiped with Caldwell very much in the past few years, but I can picture it so clearly.

I was reminded that Caldwell church was hosting the PMC (Partnership for Missional Church) this weekend when I talked with my mom on the phone last Friday. It made me wish I could be there to see so many family and friends!!

For all of you who were able to attend the BBQ at my Grandma's house--I know that you must have enjoyed yourselves. I have spent many hours in that backyard, creating memories that are quite dear to me; it's a GREAT yard, especially for eating with family & friends! I can just imagine everyone visiting- moving from one circle of friends to another, meeting new faces, and eating lots of good food!

For those of you who were there--YOU ARE SO LUCKY!!! Oh, and I hope that Idaho was all you hoped it would be. :)

Beans, Beans, the Magical Fruit

It's true--I have a lot of gas due to pregnancy, but that's not what this post is about! :)

Every time I sit at my table to go through the monotonous task of sorting the beans, I can only think about how I miss going to the store and picking out a can of refried beans. I dream of simply opening the can, dumping them in the pan, and BAM--within minutes, they are ready to go! (It's good for all you back in the States to know what will make me happy when we come! Don't worry about taking me to movies or the mall, just a grocery store where I can pick out some canned food to make for an easy dinner!)

Tonight it was nice to have power during my bean sorting fun. I had both lights to see and music to listen to, in order to pass the time more quickly. Luckily, I'm only making enough for Andrew and me, so I didn't have to do the whole bag.

I am excited for our dinner tomorrow--the tortilla making (done by our house worker) and bean preparation, although time consuming, make for a delicious meal!!