And just like that, it's almost the end of 2023 - can you believe it?! God has been so good and faithful this year!
Just a few days after sending out our previous newsletter, Paul started to act funny and wasn't really eating any food; he was sleeping more, with an on-and-off, low-grade fever. After a few days of trying our own interventions, I took him to a local emergency room in hopes to get answers. I thought we'd be in and out in a few hours, with antibiotics and hope in hand, but things did not pan out that way. Instead, an IV was placed, x-rays were taken, blood was drawn for multiple tests, and nebulization was attempted. Paul and I were then placed in an isolation room awaiting the results of his Covid test; we were not allowed to have any visitors until those results came back. Paul was diagnosed and treated for pneumonia - he thankfully healed quickly and we were able to leave the hospital the next night. Seeing your child sick and in pain is one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through, but we're thankful for our community who surrounded us in prayer and our God who cares for the big and little things.
October was a whirlwind of go go go for Caleb as he traveled back to the States for his brother's wedding and then immediately got on another flight to Thailand for the ACSC Soccer Tournament. It was great for him to see lots of family and friends at the wedding, some of whom he hadn't seen in over 7 years! Although the time was short, it was well spent and deeply cherished. God gave Caleb energy for each day of the tournament, despite the quick turnaround to Thailand. The team didn't necessarily get the results they were looking for, but the boys played and fought through sickness and injuries, showing the love of Christ to the other teams and coaches.
Paul and I are thankful to have Caleb back, with more time to spend together now that the soccer season is finished. The week following Caleb's return, we found out that Baby #2 is a GIRL and we could not be more excited to have her join our family in a few months! We're not entirely sure Paul understands that there will be a new baby come March, but he has gotten pretty good at saying "sissy," so we'll take that for now.
In our previous newsletter, I shared that I had started learning Filipino Sign Language (FSL) through our church. I graduated from the basic course at the end of October and started interpreting slow songs at church the very next week! God is so good and kind in allowing me this opportunity to serve Him and the incredible Deaf community. I will be interpreting again this upcoming Sunday!
We wanted to take some time in this update to launch our new monthly and one-time expenses. We are hoping to raise an additional $500/month with the addition of Baby #2 and $10,000 for one-time expenses. Part of these one-time expenses are for the cost of labor and delivery as well as plane tickets for us to return to the States this summer for a 6-month furlough. There are further explanations and breakdowns in the photos below; we'd love to answer any questions you may have, as well! Please be praying about potentially contributing to either or both of these - we will be praying right alongside you. We really appreciate your prayers and support these past 3 years and eagerly look forward to seeing many of you on our furlough!
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