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...:)

Easter

Easter is one of my very favorite times of the year for many reasons. I have many sweet memories of waking up super early to see what the Easter Bunny brought. (My parents SPOILED me...) I always had baskets full of fun treats. A couple of times my birthday fell on Easter and those days were super special for me. I loved to get dressed up and go to church, then have a big, yummy lunch with all of my family. Those are memories that I will never forget.

Of course, Easter has a greater meaning that I have always been aware of, but it seems to me that as I get older and strive to grow closer to my Savior, Easter's message speaks to me in greater and greater volumes. I am very guilty of taking advantage of the cross, and somehow forgetting the significance of Christ's blood. Friday afternoon Jim Walker played something on the radio that moved me to tears. I was reminded of what my Jesus did for me. I urge you to listen to the clip. Click on this website http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzto6khRp7w Please view this link...it speaks for itself. I PROMISE you won't be sorry. Happy Easter. May the love of Christ and what He did for us overwhelm you this special weekend.

"comes in like a lamb, goes out like a lion" (or vice versa)

That's what my mother has always said. March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Though we had some snow in the beginning, it's official...spring has sprung. This is one of my very favorite times of the year. I know we have had some horrific weather lately, and I am very thankful that we made it through with no losses, (as we DO live in a mobile home...) I am also thankful that we know the One who controls the storms. I love to look out behind my house over the big, green field and see the dark, heavy clouds as they roll in. There is usually lots of white, little tails of cotton (rabbits), and several baby deer playing or snacking close to the edge of the woods. I love to feel the cool breeze, and watch as the earth begins to drink the fat drops of water that the Lord provides. We actually have plans to move onto Brooklyn Road in the near future, and I told Jason that is one thing I will miss the most...the amazing view. I literally feel like I am looking straight into Heaven.

Of course, the thunder and lightning (or TORNADOES!!!) that usually follows the rain is not something that I enjoy; my "babies" are even worse. I woke up Thursday night to the sound of knocking on our bedroom door. As I moved my little "Happy" dog from my forehead, (he had snuck up and laid on my pillow...) I sat up, startled. There I found my cat sitting at the door, reaching under the crack with her paw trying to pull the door open! They say that after a while, animals begin to take on the characteristics of their owners, and all of mine are NUTSO just like their daddy! (Just kidding. I mean they really are nuts, but Jason's not...)

Well, big things are ahead for my family this month. Next weekend, is our beloved annual family reunion. It seems that the crowd gets less and less each year, which is kind of sad to me. My mother told me that before Lori and I were born, the family reunion used to be at my parents house (which my Daddy was born and raised in). My Daddy has 13 brothers and sisters! I can not imagine what a mess that was! Needless to say, our reunion will be cut short because some friends of ours are getting married (YAY BEN AND BRIDGETTE), and I will be serving at their reception. The next weekend, Ben will be home, which means lots of moving in! Also, the egg hunt at church, and EASTER! I love Easter because, like Bro. Barry says, without Easter, there is no message. I am so guilty of making light of the significance of the cross without even realizing it. I love that I have the chance to really focus on the awesomeness of Jesus' death and resurrection! And to remember He did it for me! Jack and his Aunt Dee Dee (ME) have a birthday on the 15th (tax day, I know, I know), and the following weekend (the 18th) is his birthday party, which I am also super excited about. (I will let Lori post about that.) It is also my Daddy's birthday, and our husbands are excited as well because the A-day game is the 18th and "televised this year, can you believe it?" (Blah, blah.) The last weekend of the month, me and some other ladies are going to Pensacola for a women's conference. I am anticipating this opportunity, and am yearning to strengthen relationships with my friends and my Jesus. Uncle Jay Jay (Jason) has a birthday the 29th of this month, and the next thing you know, April is gone!

By the way, thank you to each of you who have encouraged me through your kind words, and your prayers. This time of transition has been much more bearable thanks to you! I don't feel like where I am now is what the Lord has for me long term, but I 'm so thankful for new experiences, and for a job to help pay the bills! I just feel like something big is yet to come! We'll see...

THANKS TO JILL...

Jason and I (and you) have been praying for the Lord's guidance and direction in our lives for the past month. Though we have been confused and discouraged at times, we were always sure that our Father had great things ahead. (His word says so, remember? Jeremiah 29:11...) Jason and I feel that His desire for us is to become debt free and financially stable, which is extremely hard to do without an income! MY greatest desire is to have a child, and be able to stay home with him (or her). The Lord has different plans, (for now; only He knows what is to come) and he knows what is best!

I guess I should start from the beginning. Some of you may know Jill Elmore. She is a brilliant nurse practitioner, who I had the opportunity to work with for almost a year and a half. (She is actually one of the main things I miss about my former job!) The first time I met Jill I thought no one could REALLY be that nice, but she is! She is one of the kindest, most sincere people I have ever met in my life. She helped me so much. She was always so patient and so caring, and we became close friends. When the spa closed, Jill fought for my job, and she is one reason I was able to stay as long as I did. She always encouraged me and stood beside me through everything, and I thank God for her and what she means to me. The day I lost my job, as I was leaving, Jill told me she would help me any way she could. An hour later, she lost her job too.

Do you know what she has been doing? Looking for a job. For me. NOT her. (She is pregnant, YAY, and is planning to wait until the baby is born...)

I received a call from Jill a couple of weeks ago, and she was talking with her friend, Stacey, who was interested in meeting with me regarding future employment. I had an interview Tuesday, and started my new job Wednesday. Jones Veterinary Hospital. How excited am I! I LOVE animals, and am really looking forward to this new phase in my life! I will be working reception mostly, and, though training has been a little difficult and challenging so far, I feel like this is an incredible opportunity, and I am so blessed to be there.

When Dr. Jones and his wife Stacey interviewed me, they told me they were looking forward to working with me. They told me I came highly recommended. Guess who. That's right, Jill.

So, Jill, if you are reading this, thank you. Thank you for everything. I can never, ever tell you how much you mean to me. You have always been on my team, and you encouraged me and supported me at times when I needed someone the most. Though we may not see each other for a while, you will not be forgotten. I am only a call away. I love you. Phillipians 1:3 "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

P.S. Thanks so much to all of you who have been praying for me and my family. I am honored to call you friends.

P. S. S. My mother hasn't smoked in 4 days! Please keep praying, as He hears our prayers and knows our needs. Something that has been on my mind EVERY day lately..."His strength is made perfect in our weakness..."

Waiting

Still waiting...

Here it is. A month has gone by and still no job. I am still waiting patiently, and only this very morning did it strike that maybe I have been asking the wrong question. Maybe not, "What do you have for me in the future, Lord?", but maybe "What do you have for me to do today?" As hard as it is, I am still seeking Him, and I still have faith. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us, and His Word says He loves to give His children good gifts. In our Monday night Bible study, we are learning about God's love and His faithfulness. I am choosing to live by faith, not feelings.

"Experiencing God" (another small group study that our amazing pastor led) taught me many important lessons that I am able to lean on during the times of confusion and silence. One, was to "focus on the cross, not the circumstances." Also during the study, the story of the potter and the clay was discussed. You know what I'm talking about...the story in the Bible where we (Christians) are referred to as clay and our precious Savior is the Potter who holds us in His hands, molding us and forming us according to what pleases Him. But I never thought about a very important point in that story. In order for the Potter to make the clay into ANYTHING, the clay must remain in His hands. So that is my aim. I am trying diligently (and of course failing at times) to remain in His hands.

As some of you know, Jason and my Daddy (A.K.A. Uncle Tractor) just got back from Honduras. They went to build a church, and I was so wishing to be there with them! However, it gave my mother and I a chance to spend some (overdue) time together for some bonding and R & R. We had planned to go to Tennessee to see my aunt, but she had pneumonia. So, we headed to Destin. What an awesome time we had! Usually when I go to the beach, my days are planned and packed with fun events. This time, my mother and I had a beachfront room, and we spent our time lying in the bed with the door open, listening to the waves crash, and reading or napping the whole time. We got up only to eat, and not even every time for that! We even ordered room service a couple of times. The trip was just what we both needed! I love the beach so much, and as I looked out over the beautiful vastness of the ocean, I could not even grasp how anyone refuses to believe in God. How sad that they are missing out!

Well, enough for now. I hope to catch up on everyone's blog soon. Please keep praying for me and my family. My mother has been sick for a while, and she is having a hard time getting better. She is also trying to quit smoking. Please pray for strength, encouragement, and victory for her, and for her to lean on the Lord. His strength is made perfect in our weakness.