A Blessed Time

I can hardly believe a month has passed since my last post, when I was getting ready to head home. I am now back in Kapsowar (after a very long 3 day trip home with many delays and missed flights) and have been back at the hospital for a week.
What a blessed homecoming it was! My mom, sister April, and new nephew Carson picked me up at the airport. It was so great for them to be the first people I saw when I got off the plane (though it would have been nice if Bethany, my other sister, and Dad could have been there too). It was a wonderful reunion and so exciting to finally get to see Carson, who is just about the cutest baby ever :)

Me with Carson at the Evansville airport

I spent the first week and a half in Evansville with my family (minus Bethany who was in the midst of preparing for finals and working in Indianapolis). It was a very restful time of hanging out, catching up on all the foods I miss while in Kenya (I made it to every place on my list) and spending as much time as possible with little Carson. I was so proud to see April coming into her own as a mother. She is doing a really good job and I know that she loves Carson very much. He is such a good baby and hardly ever fusses. He's pretty cute as well!

April with Carson after a bath - his least favorite activity

Sleeping beauty in his favorite spot

Getting ready for his first trip to church

Taking a nap with Poncho, the family dog

While I was at home, my mom had arranged for a special baby dedication service just for our family. Our home church does dedications once a year, on Mother's Day, which I wouldn't be there for. So, Pastor Dave graciously agreed to hold a special ceremony so I could be there. It was a really special time and great to be able to be there to hear April dedicate Carson to the Lord. I also prayed over both of them that God would be with them as he grows.

At the end of my time in Evansville, 2 of my mom's brothers, my aunt, my grandpa and 2 cousins came to visit. It was a good time together and good to be able to see some of my extended family without having to do too much traveling.


The last half of my time home was split between Indianapolis with my sister Bethany (among other things, see future post) and Ft. Wayne with my best friend Amanda and her family. It was great seeing Bethany and I was just sorry I couldn't have seen more of her. I am so proud of her and all she is doing. She just finished up her sophomore year of college at IUPUI, majoring in political science with aspirations of law school. She had a very busy year - including recovering from major surgery while barely missing any classes - and managed to get nearly straight A's. She also works quite a bit as a server at Buca di Beppo's (go visit her if you're in downtown Indy). We had a good time, though, doing our usual things - going out to eat and going to see movies. I am really praying that at some point she can come stay with me here.

Bethany and I (an older picture)

I am so blessed to have my family and to see God's blessings in their lives. When we first learned of April's pregnancy, we were devastated. It seemed hard to see how it could be a blessing. Now that we have Carson, a bundle of joy, I can see that God can work in any situation. He is already bringing my family closer together and I think he is helping his mom grow up. Please continue to pray for April - for wisdom and direction. Another praise is that my dad recently got a new job. He had been selling cars, a tough business right now, and was not very happy. He starts his new job in a week and is very thankful for it. Praise God for His provisions and His blessings! Saying goodbye was very hard, especially knowing that Carson will be walking by the time I return home. However, in the days of Video Skype, I'm hoping that he will still know who I am :)