And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
Alisa Joy waited to be born 10 days after her due date, but when she came she came so quickly that we had an unplanned home birth with our midwife attending. It ended up being a very good experience for us as a family, as there were no complications, and it was a peaceful environment. Our midwife was also able to provide all of the after care for both Alisa and I and while we were all a bit tired the next three weeks everything was looking good as we adjusted to being a new family. In these first few weeks we already noted that Alisa was a content and calm baby and her pediatrician noted this as well.
Things began to change when Alisa was 3.5 weeks old. She had spit up very little in those first few weeks and then suddenly started to multiple times per day. Our midwife came on a few days later and checked everything and said she seemed to be doing well and that it was likely that she had bad reflux. We had a regular pediatrician appointment scheduled for the next day and heard the same thing. However, it seemed to become worse as the week wore on and at the beginning of the next week she began showing signs of dehydration. We decided to take her to the hospital Monday night to have her checked, and she was admitted since she was becoming dehydrated and had lost some weight. On Tuesday morning she was given an ultrasound and diagnosed with pyloric stenosis, at thickening at the bottom of the stomach, which required surgery to correct. We learned from Christian’s mom that his dad also had had this as a baby. The surgery went well and she and I stayed in the hospital for her recovery until we were released Friday morning. God was gracious to us through this time and provided excellent staff at the hospital. I was given a room with her during this time and it was just the night after her surgery when we were apart, while they monitored her in the NICU. Since her surgery she has not had any issues and has gone back to being a baby who rarely spits up. She continues to be a happy child, and we love watching her coo, sing, and laugh with us.
Becky - I have been busy caring for Alisa over these past few months. Life is very different with an infant in the house but she brings great joy as well. I have also had the opportunity to get to connect with more of the moms in our community. My parents came to Europe for six weeks in the fall. Christian also was able to take some time off while they were here, which gave us some wonderful family time.
Starting this week, I will talk with my supervisor and the HR department at BFA about what next year may look like. I am planning to continue serving at the school, but on a part-time basis, while Alisa is young. Christian and I would appreciate your prayers as we discuss how much I should work and in which role. For this year of Home Ministry Assignment, we have bought plane tickets to come to the States for April and May. Christian will be able to take parental leave during this time to join Alisa and I. We are looking forward to spending a couple of weeks in the Sedona/Phoenix area, Redding, and Chula Vista/San Diego area.
Christian is serving as the mission’s team captain at our local church, which has made a connection with a church in the Ukraine. He hopes to go with a small team from our church to take supplies, such as first aid, hygiene products, and warm clothes and blankets, to them in January. (Some of you had previously asked about ways to support efforts in the Ukraine, if you are interested in this, please feel free to email me, and I can give you more details on how you can help.)
Prayer Requests…
Praise the Lord for his provision and protection of our family over the summer, especially of little Alisa.
Praise the Lord for providing a two bedroom apartment in building, which we were able to move into in September.
Please pray for wisdom as we plan how I will return to serving at BFA in the 2023-2024 school year.
Please pray for wisdom in planning our trip to the States.
Please pray for safety for the group headed to the Ukraine in January.
Please pray for safety and a good time as my sister, Mikaela, joins us for Christmas.
Blessings,
Becky
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