Wednesday, January 23, 2008

A different kind of home.....

Greetings! I apologize for the delay....we are currently in Vancouver and it has been pretty busy!

As Tim shared in previous posts, we were given an opportunity to come back to Vancouver for Tim's best friend's wedding, to visit family, and to spend some time updating and planning with Impact Nations for the water filtration ministry.....

But we also got to announce something VERY special....Tim and I are expecting! Yup, it's true...after many years of praying, trusting and believing God for a miracle, He has provided just that! We are floored by His faithfulness and awed by His grace. Our little one is due sometime in September, we think.....not sure how far along I am....we are thinking anywhere from 7-10 weeks, but we'll let you know when we find out! For now I am just rolling with the everyday changes in my body.....and not fitting into my pants! ARGH!

We told both sets of parents....all reacted with tears and shouts of joy....made it more real for us. And then we had a wonderful opportunity to share it with our church family here during worship. Most of the church knows the difficulty we have had in this area, so the shouts and cries of joy were so encouraging. We also had an opportunity to share pictures, testimonies, and stories about the Philippines and how faithful God has been to us there as well as to the people we have encountered. Tim preached on stepping out of his comfort zone and into the special covering of Jesus....He makes us do strange things sometimes, but uses those strange things to teach, encourage, and bless us while glorifying Himself! He's so cool!

As Tim begins to teach people how to make water filters in the Philippines, access to clean water for all of Mindanao is becoming more and more likely rather than just a hope. He is anxious to get as many people started on building the filters as possible. They are so simple, cheap and effective and the connections he is making are fantastic! People are getting excited and are wanting to get started! This is encouraging as he will be quite busy when the baby comes in September. :)

We also had a wonderful encouragement from our directors at Mercy! They understand our history and the amazing miracle of this pregnancy, so they have been extremely accommodating and helpful in altering my schedule to help with time off before and after the baby arrives. We are planning to have the baby in the Philippines so that we can continue serving the people we have so grown to love. God has been faithful thus far, so we are earnestly seeking Him for daily direction as we enter this new season! It is amazing how the very fact that I am pregnant opens the door to minister to the women that come into the clinic in a whole new way! Many of the women cannot fathom being "infertile" and then God miraculously healing them....it opens the door to ask them what miracle they are praying for or needing....God delivers and shows Himself. Cool.

As for now, everyday is full of meetings, visits and coffee dates....decaf for me. And we are eagerly looking forward to time in Oregon with my family and a time of rest before we get back to work in the Phils in February.

Thank you again for all your prayers and encouragements! No doubt they have been working! We feel like the Lord is taking good care of us and revealing more of Himself to us daily. Some days are crazy hard, but there is always grace. I will have Tim post next time....Be blessed!

15 comments:

Rebecca Lynn said...

WOOHOO! Tears and shouts of joy.

Anonymous said...

How very exciting! We are thrilled for you. I remember our little conversations and the suspicions I had. We will pray that things will go well for you and babykins. Dorothy

Anonymous said...

Hello Tim & Bethany, been following your journey in the Philippines but just had to say hi and congrats when I read that a bundle of joy is coming your way. Congrats to you both. Wish you the best and hope you guys have an amazing time in Vancouver.

Anonymous said...

Even though we just spent the day with you yesterday, and already knew your news, we love reading your blog! You are both very good writers and you have so much to give. Thanks for being faithful.

Sylvia

heather said...

oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I have the hugest grin on my face! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! God is SO good. Praise Jesus! I can't wait to see you!

Anonymous said...

Oh awesome! You don't me, but I've commented here before and I have been following your blog. It was wonderful to hear the news of your sweet little blessing on the way. Praying that all goes well in your pregnancy.
Blessings!
-Bethany

Anonymous said...

We enjoyed our dinner with you so much the other night and still are so excited that baby #1 is on it's way! Thanks for making time for us in your busy schedule. I hope we get a chance to see you or talk to you again before you leave. We are so blessed by your faithfulness and passion for Christ! Be blessed as you continue to visit with friends and family, we will be praying for all three of you!!
Don't worry about your pants Bethany they'll be there for you after baby arrives and I highly recommend skirts (when you return to the Philippines of course!) as they are way more comfy for various expanding body parts!!
Love Nicole

Anonymous said...

I'm still pretty positive it's twins... :) I was right about being preggo wasn't I? Love you and miss you lots.. hurry up and come home!!
-Jenn

Anonymous said...

yippee again; from the Singapore Airport. Love you! Mum and Dad

Unknown said...

Congrats!!! SOOOO very happy for the both of you! Enjoy your time in Vancouver!

Anonymous said...

Only 5 days left! Drive carefully.
MOM

~TK ~ said...

Yeah for babies!!!

Unknown said...

Wow. Deep congratulations to you both. Tim, I remember your frustration over this when we connected a year ago during my stop-over in Vancouver. I very happy for you both, that is such wonderful news! My prayers will be with you over the coming weeks and months. Take care you two.

Kris

Peter Davis said...

Congratulations, Tim and Bethany! We look forward to hopefully meeting you this summer if the Lord provides for us to move to Davao. We love reading your blog!

Praise God on your pregnancy!

Sarah and Pete Davis

jenna and brianna konkle said...

seriously...seriously, Bethany...
such news deserves 14 million comments! it has been such a blessing in my own life to hear what you've been through and had to learn upon arriving at this new place of thrill and excitement! we've been praying for you, and will continue to do so...
and alTHOUGH studying at your sweet apartment is such a nice change from the oc, COME HOME TO US SOON! we all miss your infectious laughter, loving smile, and warming conversation.
with love from the phils