Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July everyone! We hope you are celebrating with us in mind. I have been really missing home today; there is just something about celebrating the 4th of July with (American) family and friends, BBQing, Fireworks and American Flags. This may seem kind of silly because I haven’t actually celebrated a 4th of July in the States since my junior year in high school, never the less, I still really miss it - I don’t know if you would call that nostalgia or patriotism. Whatever it is, it’s all good. David and I went out for dinner to celebrate in our own special/different way. We had a great time.

Thanks everyone for your e-mails and encouragement. It is such a blessing, especially on the days when we really miss home. So, please keep them coming!

General Conversation

Well, we have been in PNG for 3 weeks and life here is starting to settle down. David and I thought the move would be “no big deal”, but have been surprised at how challenging it has actually been. Nevertheless, we do love it here and know we are in the right place at the right time, but, when you are in limbo; unpacking and wanting to move forward in what God has, it can be hard. I think now more than ever, David and I are realizing how important it is to remain in the word, and in relationship with each other. When your safety nets are removed it is so easy to become discontented and frustrated. So, please keep us in your prayers.

Tre's News

Tre is doing really well and growing at a steady pace. I am approximately 26 weeks as of July 3rd, so things seem to be moving along quickly. For those of you who are wondering, yes, my belly is growing! It seems like its changing on a daily biases; It’s been incredible. The other day I was hit with the reality that there is a living being inside me. It was an amazing moment. Tre is an active little boy, moving constantly and kicking just as often. It almost feels like he is going to come out running, or something! It’s so crazy… but we love it! I am doing well, just adjusting to the bump that has formed, and realizing my range of motion just isn’t what it used to be. Other than that, my energy level is good and I am loving this stage of pregnancy. Can’t believe we only have 3 more months until Tre is with us!

As for the practical side of things, we have put together Tre’s cradle and started to get his room together (see pictures attached). Which has been heaps of fun. We have also set up our doctor and arranged for Tre to be delivered at the private hospital here in Moresby. It’s been good to get that sorted and to get acquainted with the hospital. It helped take some of the nerves away. Our doctor is a lovely man, and was Liz’s doctor with both David and Katherine. We also began our parenting classes!!! Yeah!! They were a scream! Last Saturday was our first session. Instead of starting at the beginning, and walking your way through, from beginning to end. We were tossed into week 4- The Labor and Delivery Class… As you can imagine, all we could do was laugh, as we watched video after video of mom’s delivering their babies. We just pray that some of the classes aren’t as intense. We shall see. :)

Prayer for Bob Browne

Many of you know, and were able to meet our friends Bob Browne, and his wife, Segi, last Christmas when they visited Montrose. Before we left the States we received news that Bob discovered a softball size mass on his neck. At the time, all we knew was that he had to have surgery to remove the mass and they were not sure if it was cancer. Of course we began praying. After that one phone call, we heard nothing. Once arriving in Moresby, they stopped by for a visit. Bob had (literally) just got out of the hospital and was doing well. They updated us with his progress and said, the doctors had sent the mass in for testing, but had heard nothing. About a week ago the results came back positive for cancer. Even harder to hear was that it was a rare type of cancer. Of course, the doctors wanted to take Bob back into surgery to remove the smaller masses that remained. Bob went into surgery last week, and once again the masses were sent in for testing. The doctors believe it is cancer and are hoping they were able to remove it all. I just felt that I was to send out this call for prayer. Bob and Segi have played such huge roles in leading PNG spiritually and have stood with us in prayer, many times. Please pray, not only for healing, but also for the family and for financial provision. Bob has been able to do his cartoons, but that is it. So, things are tight. We have had the privilege to see them often, and as they would have it they are moving forward and not letting the enemy take any ground. But I know it’s hard for them, for Segi and their son David. So, please keep them in your prayers and we will keep you updated.