Some Thoughts and Updates

Well, it has been a while since we’ve put anything of substance in this space. Generally, it happens either when life is a bit hectic or nothing exciting is going on. This time, it’s the former. How can I put into several readable paragraphs the thoughts, events, and happenings of the last little while?

Life is filled to overflowing; daily we are reminded of all of our blessings: a happy and growing marriage; an active child on the way; work for each of us; a cozy, clean apartment; community, friends, and family (near and far) that generously care for us; health and safety in work and travel; the opportunities to do things and go places; constant provision. God is good, and He is faithful.

Rod has been working in landscaping since early spring. For a variety of reasons, it was a difficult decision to leave his old work and start in this field. However, over and again it has proven to be a right decision; he comes home tired, but much happier. Recently, he was promoted to supervisor and with that came several benefits. More than that, though, it is confirming to know that he is noticed and appreciated.

For the summer, I have been working at camps; the days have been long, but for the most part enjoyable. This past Friday was my last day, and I have to admit, I am thoroughly looking forward to a bit of time at home to prepare for our coming addition. I am hoping to start cleaning, organizing, making room and otherwise preparing for our little one in the apartment – we’ll see how it goes with one bedroom for the three of us!

Our summer has been filled to the brim, as summers tend to be. Prenatal classes, traveling here and there for weddings, baptisms, camping, and visits with friends and family have left us tired, and yet contentedly aware of what we are blessed with.

The pregnancy continues to go well. It has been so incredible to be part of the miracle that is life….to be able to feel the baby grow and move, to see, feel, and be part of the changes and developments with the child and myself. I am healthy (I still rode my bike to work everyday), and the baby is active and pushing its limits (there is increasingly less room for the both of us in this space – one of us has to give soon). The idea of its birth, of becoming parents and caring for this child’s life and well-being, is both an exciting and a frightening prospect. My oma recently told us that ‘becoming parents is the best experience of your life.’ They are wise words, from a wise woman. Rod and I are both so excited to meet the Bump. And yet, there are so many thoughts, questions, and emotions that swirl in our heads. What does it mean to care for a child? How can we raise him/her to not only “survive” in terms of caring for its physical needs, but to encourage it to pursue its talents and what it enjoys? How can we raise it to be not only a “good” child, but a moral child, and most importantly, a child that is filled with faith and is faithful? How is someone ever “ready” to become a parent? Our comfort is that we know the Source of wisdom.