LOTS of prayer requests...

Today is a pretty good day. We made it through this week with no major catastrophes, (kind of a record for Fridays here) and, in the Lord's hands, we just keep on pushing.

My doc. came in this morning with good news, and maybe some not so good news. My protein levels have gone done from a 10 to a 4 since last week (very good thing), and my monitoring and ultrasounds, for the most part look really good. However, the fluid levels surrounding the baby seem to be decreasing every other day. (They know this from the ulrasounds.) Dr. Thorp said this is not something to be overly concerned about, but it does mean we may not make it to 33 weeks. We are still staying positive, and are expecting to make it to our original goal. We will know more about it Monday, and the doc. even said that the levels could be back up Monday. I thought he was joking, but the nurse told me that it's definitely possible, and they have seen it happen before. She also assured me that SEVERAL different factors play in to whether it's time to deliver or not, and it just depends on what they feel will be best for me and the baby at the time. So we will see...

One of my main prayer requests since I have been here is concerning abnormal ultrasounds. Previously, I had two other different areas that were irregular, and, through much prayer, each area has been corrected. I believe in the Lord, and I believe He is able to perform mighty miracles, so we are just praying in the direction that He will correct this problem just as He has several other complications so far. He is so mighty...

Also, my bp was kind of all over the map yesterday. Though my high ones were not extremely high (like 165 or 170-they like to keep it between 140 and 150 for me) I only really had one GOOD reading yesterday. They are not happy about that, and are continuing to limit visitors, AND I actually have had a couple lately that are way too low for me. Thursday I had one that was like 93/68. The Dr. said that is too low for me because the baby is used to much higher pressures, and actually needs those to keep thriving. They were hoping to have me more steady and stable by now, so please pray for that as well.

My spirits have been pretty good lately, and Dr. Thorp told me Thursday that he believed that was a huge reason I haven't delivered. Of course, that made me very happy, and I am trying hard to keep it up for our little girl. Every day she is growing and growing, and she becomes even more real to me, as I feel her wiggle and move lots and lots. I am just am lifting her up to the Father every day, and I ask that he gives me a little more time to keep her growing and growing before she arrives.

Please pray for my sweet mother who has not left Pensacola since I have been here. She won't. She is here with me many nights (or at her aunt's house who conveniently lives about 10 mins. away:), and every day. She is extremely tired and taxed (though she would never say it), and pray for strength and rest for her. Also, pray for her and my Daddy financially. He is busting it 5 days a week from 3:30 in the morning, and spending his weekends here. They have many unexpected expenses from hotel rooms to gas and food. (My mother buys me 3 meals a day so I won't have to eat cafeteria food, plus lots of other little things. For example, she bought me some Halloween streamers to decorate my room so I would feel more at home...greatest mother EVER.)

Pray that my Daddy and Jason would get rest as well. They both go to work so early, and I know my Daddy is lonely without my mother. And Jason spends almost EVERY night here with me. Then he goes home and has to wash clothes, care for our dogs...Again, we couldn't do it without lots of help, but DO please pray for my wonderful family. They are a huge reason I can keep going.

Please pray for my allergies. I have always had really sensitive skin and about 3 days ago, I started itching and clawing like crazy. My Dr. has ruled out the meds (thank you, Jesus), but other than that it is REALLY hard to track down what is causing it. They got me special sheets, but they are not sure WHAT could be the cause, from the laundry detergent to the towels. I am red and super itchy so pray that we could find the source of that.

Despite each of these minor details, I am aware more and more every day of the Lord's presence and His goodness. In a way, I feel kind of lucky to have this kind of extra time to focus on Him, and draw even closer to my precious friends and family. Also, until you experience something like this, you can NEVER understand the amazing love and generosity that people have deep inside. We have been blown away.

Again, thank you all for everything. I can't wait to one day tell Ella how much she was loved on and prayed for even before she was here. Until next time...just keep praying.

Thank You

Well, here I am. Sacred Heart Hospital. I wound up here in a whirl-wind of events, and it seems as though these people have saved my life, as well as given us hope for our daughter. I am praying to the merciful Lord above that Ella can hang in there with her mom for a couple more weeks. Jason brought me my computer, as he knows how I love to blog. I have come to realize he is the sweetest husband ever. I am immensely blessed to have friends and family like you. You have overwhelmed me with your love and kindness, and words can NEVER express how much you all have touched me and my family. You never think you will be the one this kind of stuff happens to, but our Savior provides strength and comfort every day. The verse from Lamentations has been a resounding source of hope, you know the one that promises His mercies are new every morning. He has already been so good to us, and I am hopeful for our bright future. I think He has big plans for our little girl, and He is helping me push through each day. I am having trouble breathing, and I am very weak. Still, God is good all the time. Thank you again for all that you have done. Hope to keep you posted with more good news...

For everything there is a season...

And now's the time for football. You know what that means for me...plenty of time to blog! Yes, computer's still broken. But REALLY long days and nights at Lori's are not fruitless for me!

What could be a better time to blog? Fall is here as well, and it is my the beginnig of my favorite time of the year. The air is fresh and the wind is full of promise. At least that's the way I always feel. There's so many fun things to do and see, and I love the colors, smells, and opportunities that are present from now until the end of December. The cooler weather is always a plus, especially this year when it seems that cooling off is not a possibility for me. Blame it on the hormones, huh?

The pregnancy is going well, thanks to lots of prayers. We've had a couple of scary little incidents, the latest being rising blood pressure and the scare of possible toxemia. The Lord has provided His ever-present protection, and for now, we seem to be on the safe side.

Ella Charles is the name we have chosen for our sweet girl. (Jason gave in to her middle name, explaining to Lori that he was okay with "Charles" because we just wouldn't teach her her middle name...my sweet J...what can I say about him?) We have so much to be thankful for, and catching up on everyone's blog tonight reaffirms those thoughts. Thanks for the reminders on faith and God's goodness. That's something I should focus on more often, and I feel like I would have a much more peaceful life. I am always borrowing trouble from tomorrow, though His Living Word reminds me that He has better things for me! Yet another thing I should focus on...

We have a lot to do to our house before Ella gets here (her nursery is currently full of baseball cards and hunting gear...), and we are running low on time! I am getting anxious, but I know it will work out. I am blessed with a great man who wants the best for his daughter and his wife, and I know he will somehow work it out in between hunting and football!

BY THE WAY, before I forget, there are a couple of you I could not catch up with (Lori G, Tina...)and I would like to. Let me know how.

ALSO, TO ALL OF YOU "FACEBOOKERS"...
I am extremely happy that you found yet another way to connect with the rest of the world, but PLEASE don't forget about blogging. That is the only way I can keep up with everyone, and I admit, I'm not even good at that! I keep hearing how I need to get on facebook myself, but with no consistent internet access, I say what's really the point? Just one more thing I would have to spend hours catching up on!

I hope to become a regular again in the blogging world, but we shall see! As long as there's a game. Until next time...

It's a...

GIRL! Many of you probably already know, but J and I went to my wonderful Dr. last Wednesday, and what we found when we were there was our sweet little girl looking right up at us through the ultrasound. Obviously, she turned and we were able to CLEARLY see she was a she! I am still amazed by the Lord's greatness, and I still can't believe He has blessed us with a child. Her first name is decided (Ella), but we are still working on her middle name. I want it to be Charles after both of her grandfathers, but my husband...not so much. We are all working on him, though, and I have a feeling he will come around. I am halfway there! I was 20 weeks yesterday. I am praying that the last half will be as healthy and wonderful as the first! Thanks for all your prayers. Please keep it up!

Pregnancy Update

Hey, it's Lori. Some friends have been asking to see how much Carrie has grown with her pregnancy. I took a picture of her tummy when we went to the beach today so I'm hijacking her blog to show you guys:)

Pretty cute, right? I'm pretty sure that she's around 13 or 14 weeks. She's supposed to find out if it's a boy or girl in August. I guess I'll have to keep you guys updated:)

I'm also adding this picture of her and Jason just b/c I think it's really good.

God's Amazing Grace -Ecuador part 1

I am back from yet another amazing mission trip. I am humbled by the many opportunities I have had this week to pray for people and just worship the Father. It only takes a glance to recognize the Lord's powerful love when you are in a beautiful land like Ecuador. The week started off pretty rocky. As most of you know, I am pregnant and have felt miraculously healthy...until the Friday that we leave for our trip. On the plane, I began to feel REALLY sick, and I developed a headache. Then, as Satan would have it, our luggage did not arrive in Ecuador when we did. I was exhausted and extremely discouraged. I really felt like I had made a huge mistake. Had it not been for my sweet sisters from Hopewell watching out for me (and even insisting on carrying my backpack!), I really do not know how I could have made it. (I love you girls!)



Friday night we stayed at this hotel when we arrived in Quito. I was so sick I don't remember much about it except the bathroom floor flooded every time we flushed the toilet...




Saturday morning I woke up optimistic, but soon found more of the same...extreme nausea and overwhelming feelings of regret and fear. (Again one of the many attacks of the enemy.) After a LONG 4 hour taxi ride through the mountains, (which surprisingly included the soundtrack of Bon Jovi, Def Leopard, and even a little "Carrie" by Europe) we finally arrived at our final destination, Riobamba. I began to feel a little better, and decided to go to an English speaking Bible study, where anyone interested in learning the English language could attend, and at the same time be presented the gospel through studying the Bible. I ALMOST didn't go, but the Lord gave me the strength and motivation to participate. What a blessing I received! It just so happened that there were the same amount of Ecuadorians as there were Americans. So we were split into pairs and were to discuss some particular Bible verses. My partner was Victor. We not only talked about our verses, but he began to ask me all manner of things about Christianity. He was a young believer, and I was inspired by how curious he was. We talked about Catholicism and how it varied from our beliefs, baptism, even tithing! I can only say the Holy Spirit guided my words, and we had a very special experience. Victor, I hope you are reading this, and know I am committed to continue to pray for you, and your walk with our Savior.



(Victor)



Sunday morning I woke up completely different. Though the previous days had been (mostly) filled with sickness and discouragement, I was overcome by His grace and comfort. He put a song in my heart, and the moment my eyes opened that morning, I began to sing it over and over. "I lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from, my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." As you can see from the picture above, if Ecuador is anything, it is many mountains and hills. It was as if He was saying, "Look around you. I brought you to this amazing place for a reason. Trust me. I will take care of you." Sunday marked the dawn of a new day. Still no luggage, but no more sickness. Thank you Jesus.



(the girls, Sharon, Misty, me, Meredith, from the top of our beautiful hotel)

After a delicious breakfast and some fresh squeezed pineapple juice, we left to meet at the church. Our plans for the day included driving up the mountain to a natural, warm spring to witness the baptism. Again, I have never seen such beauty, and have never felt closer to God through nature. Here are some pics. of places we passed on the way to the baptism...

We arrived at the springs, and, well, you can see for yourself...

(Misty and Sharon)

Here is Bro. Johnny Maust, the missionary we worked with, sharing the message of the importance of salvation and baptism. Alex, (the guy in the red sweatshirt) is also a fairly new believer, and is good friends with my pal, Victor.

This is Maria, a new sister in Christ. (Ring the bells of heaven.) She is joined by Bro. Johnny and the local pastor of the mission church. We later had a chance to hear (though we couldn't understand) this sweet pastor who is so on fire for the Lord. He has had a tragedy in his family recently. His daughter's husband (who was 28) died from his heart malfunctioning while he was lifting weights. His wife (the pastor's daughter) is 5 months pregnant, and does not have a job. Before the baptism, the pastor spoke about his son-in-law's death, only to remind his congregation that the we never know when it will be our time.

More pics of the way down...

Sunday night we went to my favorite place to eat in Ecuador. Juan and his wife (the owners) are also Christians, and have recently experienced a myriad of discouraging events as well. They are really sweet people, and make the best lasagna I have ever had. Ever.

Sunday winds down with ice cream...

...and phone calls home. What an awesome day!

This is the amazing view of the city (Riobamba) from our window in our hotel room.

This is our beautiful hotel, "Rincon Alemon." If you are ever in Ecuador, this is the place to stay!

Monday we visited the town of Guano. We stopped to pray over the whole city first thing that morning. Though the town is breathtaking, it is full of darkness and spiritual warfare. There are lots of addictions and strongholds there, including idolatry and witchcraft. A long time ago, they even used to sacrifice virgins in the natural pools there. As you can imagine, praying for these people was spiritually and emotionally draining.

It is so different there, and in Ecuador in general. I remember last year when we were in Guano, Bro. Johnny told me that there are people that stand on the corner with goats, and people line up to buy a glass of milk. Yep. They milk the goat, sell it by the glassful, and then the next person in line gets the next glass of milk. (Same glass and all, you know...)

(headed down into Guano)

Ecuador is where most of the world's roses that are sold come from. Can't you see why? They have the most beautiful plants there!

This precious little girl is holding a card that my sweet kids in my class (Discipleship Training) made. They wanted to let the people in Ecuador know that Jesus loves them.

This is at a school in Guano. Though the principal is not a Christian, he always welcomes Christian teams and visitors. We loved visiting the school and playing with the kids.

This is Anita. I met her last year, and when I thought of Ecuador, I thought of her. She is one of the very few Christians in Guano, and she has lost many friends and family members because
of her faith. Her daddy would even hit her in the face and beat her so she would be too embarassed to go to church. But that did not stop her. Her dedication humbles and amazes me. When I think about what these people go through for their Lord, I am convicted. I have every opportunity and freedom available and sometimes I don't even pick up my Bible... Anita has just married a non-believer and the Mausts fear that he is just like her father. I am praying that the Lord will perform miracles, and that she will influence him, not the other way around.

the "square"

This is one of their means of public transportation!

more Guano

This is one of my highlights of the whole week. This little boy's name is Nay. He has severe Cerebral Palsey. He is 14 years old. That is his grandmother holding him, and his mother (Maria Lana) reaching across to touch his cheek. You can see he is a special little boy. His mother is not married, and she just had another little baby girl. (That in itself is a miracle. The health care in Ecuador(from what I understand) is not the greatest. A couple of weeks before she had the baby, she began leaking fluid. However, her doctor told her is was urine. When the baby was born, there was NO amniotic fluid left.) Maria Lana said she wanted to have a healthy baby who could love her back. When we went to visit, Sharon felt led to sing Jesus loves me to Nay. We all gathered around him (even though he can't see, and they are not sure how well he can hear), and sang (through many tears) Jesus loves me to that precious child. His mother began to cry. She thanked us and told us that she feels like nobody loves her son. It was one of the greatest experiences of my entire life! (Thank you , Sharon, for being obedient...look what we would have missed!) I know people say you can stay home and pray, and they are right...you can. I also know that some people are not able to go on a mission trip, nor does the Lord call everyone to go. But if he calls you, I challenge you to go. Your life will never be the same.

Well, I have lots more pics and stories, but I have barely been able to finish this! We have had VBS this week, and I came home from Ecuador sick. Since I can't take anything, I am getting worse and worse, but maybe things will be looking up soon. A bit of good news; I went to see Dr. Butler this week (yes, love him...) , and he said everything is great. Blood work is fine, blood pressure is fine, and I have only gained 3 pounds! (I was a little nervous about the last one.) I am 11 weeks today, and am still in awe that the Lord has given us this amzing surprise. I will post more on Ecuador soon. (I hope.)

I AM PREGNANT!!!!!

Can you believe it? We absolutely can not! To understand how awesome our Lord is (though the fact that I'm pregnant is evidence enough), I have to start back in August of 2006. Lori and Ben had just found out they were expecting (another miracle, as they anticipated a little trouble.) I remember being so excited for them. I loved watching Lori change and grow, and of course when Baby Jack was finally here...well you know the rest. I fell in love with him instantly. Jason and I began to talk about trying to have a baby. Well, I vividly remember praying together and asking the Lord to bless us with a child, but in His timing. The days passed then weeks...Next, we found out that my best friend, Tara was pregnant with Sweet Piper. Of course we were thrilled, and we couldn't wait for it to be our turn. After a minor surgery and several trips to the doctor,though, we discovered I have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. So there it was...a valid reason we would have an extremely hard time starting a family. Jason and I just continued to pray and (TRIED) to be patient.

The beginning of this year was different for me. I started the year off really inspired and fired up for Jesus. For some reason, I felt like this would be the year of change for me and my family. And (as you may remember), Jeremiah 29:11 had been written across my heart since January 1. But, a couple of months ago, Jason and I began to throw around the idea of maybe taking steps toward fertility by this summer if I wasn't pregnant by then. To be quite honest, I did not have a peace about that, but let's face it, 29 is upon me! I have been really discouraged, and felt my spirit was breaking over the past couple of months. I began to wonder if we would ever have a child. Jason recently told me that he had accepted that it might just be me and him, and that he felt a peace about that. I am thankful for such a sweet and wonderful husband.

Two weeks ago, I went to a women's conference in Pensacola. I didn't even want to go, but Lori talked me into it, and I'm so glad she did. The conference was about being real. I had such a powerful experience! The Lord gave me a new perspective about so many things! All of the speakers were wonderful, but one in particular really touched my heart. She spoke on the story of the woman at the well in a fresh and different way. She talked about how that woman would have missed out on Jesus had she assumed that He was like all the other men in her life. One of her points was that just because something turned out one way before, that doesn't mean that the same thing will happen next time. She said, "Remember... THIS does not mean THAT." Wow. It was like God was saying, "Remember who I am...stop doubting Me; My mercies are new every morning." I began to pour out my soul to the Lord. As many of the speakers told stories of being mothers, I just cried out to the Lord. I realized it was time to be real with Him. All weekend, I prayed about Jason and I having a baby, and serving our Savior as a family. I came back refreshed and touched by Jesus. That Sunday afternoon, I was feeling a little different (and extremely tired), so I decided to take a pregnancy test. It was negative. But, I was determined not to be upset, and I just felt a peace come over me. That night in church, we talked about the highlights of our weekend at the conference. I said "One of the main things that God spoke to me this weekend was to stop underestimating Him because He is full of wonder and surprises."

So, I am still pumped up all week from my mountaintop experience, and Thursday morning, as I'm getting ready for work, I just happen to glance over in our garbage can at the pregnancy test that I took on Sunday, and what do I see? Two lines. Positive. (Remember, it was negative on Sunday!) So, I think, well that's weird, and I take another one. Positive. I am freaking out at this point. I rush to Lori's (at 7:00 in the morning), and I'm like, "Do you see this? Is this right?" Of course, she does and I race to work with a million thoughts in my mind. As soon as my doctor's office opens, I am on the phone asking them to squeeze me in. I hurry over, take a test. Positive. I go to Dr. Well's office, and he estimates that I am maybe 5 weeks or so, and that I'm due in January 2010! Well, I go back to work (floating, I think, or at least that's how I feel) and tell them I'm leaving for the day because I have to go to Brewton Alabama to find my precious husband, who I must say could have been knocked down by a feather upon the arrival of our happy news! Then I told my Daddy (who works with Jason), and he simply replied, "It's about time" but then when I told him our due date he said "That's next year!" Well, yeah, Daddy it doesn't happen overnight. (Uncle Jack, Lori's daddy who ALSO works at TR Miller later told me that Daddy called him over to his department, bursting at the seams with pride right after I left!) I raced home to tell my mother who proceeded to jump up and down and scream, and of course, Jason's parents were equally as elated. And there you have it...I'M PREGNANT!

Since our announcement, I have had so many special friends and family members tell me how much they were praying for us. A BIG THANK YOU! The Lord answers prayers, as I have always known, but this is just His latest bit of love and grace for our family. I truly feel that He honored our trust, patience, and obedience. As hard as it was, it was worth it. I GIVE HIM ALL THE GLORY. The Bible says He is the giver of all good gifts, and this would have to be the best one J and I could ever receive as a family.

Please continue to pray for our health. So far, I have been REALLY tired, but not sick at all. I would love for that to continue. Also, I am scheduled to go on a mission trip to Ecuador in June for the purpose of prayer walking. I feel that our Father called me to go, and He knew I would be pregnant all the time! I trust Him, and unless my doctor says I can't go, plans are unchanged. Please be in prayer for our health and safety for me and the baby, as well as our whole team, and that we would accomplish all we are supposed to. Pray for Jason and I, as well as my family. We have lots of changes to make (my mother is desperately trying to quit smoking) and we need supernatural strength, power, and wisdom.

I will end for now (I know you are all thinking you would wish I would write more...) My first ultrasound and meeting with my new doctor (he had better be as good as you say he is, Lori and Tara) is next Wednesday in Dothan. I look forward to posting more about the little Fore soon...:)