Shaarda's Story - It's God's Story! Life & Ministry in the village of Obule, Uganda. 1 Thess. 2:8
Arrived Jan. 14, 2009 at 3am
Weight 8lbs 15oz and 20in long
Mandy & baby are doing very well. It was a quick two hour labor and delivery. We praise God for the safe birth of our son! Luka is the name for Luke in the Bible in both Nigeria and Uganda. Paul is Josh’s father’s name. Lydia and Grace are very excited about their new baby brother. Thanks for all your prayers. We will keep you posted on Luka.
that puts on retreats for missionaries each year free of charge. They just want to bless us. Did they ever! We enjoyed great food, wonderful people, the Mediterranean Sea, and seeing a new part of the world. It was neat to see where Paul ship wrecked too. We are so thankful for a fun, restful retreat. The traveling however is a lot of work. There is no way around it, it is just along time in an airplane (and airport, and car...).
ave a place of our own. It provides so much stability for us.
school at Hudsonville Christian. She is in Kindergarten and is doing well. She has had a hard time adjusting to the early mornings. (If she took the bus she would have to be ready by 6:50am! Thankfully Daddy takes her at 7:30 in the morning.) Lydia would much rather sleep till 9am. We have also realized she is ahead of the game. The class is doing sounds of letters and she can already read some words. They are counting and she can add and subtract. So I am very impressed with home schooling and Lydia too. But she is behind on zipping zippers and putting on shoes. She has only lived in Africa and worn sandals. Oh, I almost forgot. Lydia first bus ride was a good story. She didn't know where to get off (she doesn't know her house) and no one told her to get off so she ended up riding the whole route. The bus driver saw Lydia sitting there at the end, and we had called by then, so she went back and dropped Lydia off -- at the second stop. Lydia didn't even notice. She just said the other kids had a short ride and she had a long ride. 
ve nice new clothes to wear. Everyone asked about me, the baby, and when we are due. I am thankful for time here to be pregnant. It is special.
Christmas lights. I tried to take it all in. We had a great Christmas. Two days before Christmas I saw the doctor and was very surprised that I was already dilated and was told not to go any further than an hour away anymore. Doctor said it could be any day or two weeks. Wow, that changes plans. So for the first time we would not be in McBain for Christmas Day. Christmas Eve was had so much snow that we had to have the party at my sister’s house instead of Dad and Mom’s because they weren’t plowed out yet. We had a great night with lots of food. The adults did white elephant gifts this year and that brought a lot of laughter. Lydia was SO excited and t
hankful for her presents. Christmas Day we had a wonderful lunch at my parents and in the evening the Shaarda family came to our house to celebrate. We had so much fun. It was a whole weekend of family, games, and food. (No more food please!) I truly am thankful for my many blessings – all because of Jesus.
I was speaking or when she escaped and when up to Josh when he was preaching – who’s kid is that anyways. How embarrassing.) Josh has done an amazing job preaching and has preached at most of the churches. He has a gift. Josh has also visited 51 of our supporters to thank them. We are more than touched by all the support and prayers and love we have received. Their generosity has blessed us beyond words. It is so good to come home and share with them and reconnect. Thank you everyone!
