Full Circle

We left Jakarta to return to the US on Oct 18, 2006. God’s grace strengthened us through the long journey with 3 little ones. We were embraced with much love by friends during our 2-day layover in LA. Since then, we have been living with Jay’s parents in Ohio. It is amazing how they have so graciously and lovingly taken care of us in every way. We are deeply grateful. Thank you for all the sacrifices and labors of love you have made in order to accommodate and love us, Grandma and Grandpa. God is using you to touch us and teach us some invaluable lessons during this significant season of transition in our lives. Not to mention Lucy is learning tons of practical home-cooking lessons from Grandma.


Miracle of Life



We were blessed with another miracle of life 4 months ago. Kezia Faith's vitals at birth were approx. 8 lbs and 50 cm. Kezi loves to coo and giggle nowadays. She is so precious and we have really been enjoying her. Some of the challenges we have had to go through with Kezi are: pretty serious cradle cap (now almost clear) and "severe" eczema. A few days ago, Lucy tried feeding Kezi rice cereal (with a little amount of formula added) for the first time. Kezi had an allergic reaction almost immediately: swollen lips, ears, and legs and rashes that started from her neck all the way down to her legs. She was puffy, and continuously gagged on some mucous stuff. Grandma later said that she looked like a sumo baby. We took her to the ER, and she was fine after being administered some benadryl. We were informed that the allergic reaction was most probably due to the formula. Not the rice cereal. We will try again with just the rice cereal and breastmilk this week. We thank God for His protection over Kezi. Many prayer warriors from Perrysburg Alliance Church where Grandma and Grandpa are a part and where we have been attending prayed for Kezi that night. Thank you.


What's Next?

The past few months have been a period of adjustments: having a third child, living with all the special people in Grandma and Grandpa's household, and job searching. It has been a process of learning and discernment with regards to where God is leading us next. Since leaving Jakarta, we have felt that California might be the best fit for us due to its multicultural element. We thank God that we have never been without any job leads so far. It seems like God is leading us to become a part of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church. Jay is currently candidating with Livingstone Church (a C&MA church) in Hacienda Height, CA. Jay has had the opportunity to meet and talk with the founding pastor two times about the possibility of working together. The first time happened before we left for Indonesia. The second time happened (unexpectedly) during the time Jay flew out to CA to candidate with a church in Thousand Oaks. Since we need to obtain licensing with the C&MA District Office, as well as candidating with Livingstone Church, the process is taking time. As of now, it looks like we will be able to complete all processes and paperwork by the end of February 2007. Only God knows. It is our part to trust and delight in God while we wait. We are hopeful and feel really excited about Livingstone Church. Jay is excited about possibly working together with the pastor since he has deep respect for him as a spiritual leader. By the way, this is a Chinese Church. If this is the church community that God has for us, Jay will be working to build the English speaking ministry starting with approx. 25 English speaking youth, alongside the founding pastor who is leading the Chinese speaking ministry. Thank you to all of you who have so faithfully prayed for us and encouraged us along our job-hunting journey. God bless you multiple times over for blessing us.


Bundles of Joy




Sammy and Livi are growing up fast and changing by the day. They have really been enjoying Grandma and Grandpa and uncle Stephen. As much as we look forward to having a job and get settled in our own place again, we will really miss being with Grandma and Grandpa when we leave Ohio.

Sammy is now 4. He is a big ball of energy and such a fun boy. He loves to learn and is showing interests in reading, writing and maths. His favorite toys are all sorts of military airplanes. Just a month ago, Sammy prayed with Lucy to receive Jesus into his heart. It was a precious moment.
Livi turns 3 next month (Feb 25). She loves to sing, do puzzles, watch Dora the Explorer, and go to Children Church. She is having fun being a big sister to Kezi.




Gratefulness

It is a difficult lesson to learn but like Veggietales sings it in Madam Blueberry, “A Happy Heart is A Grateful Heart.” We believe God wants to teach us to be grateful whatever the circumstance and not to complain and grumble. As for Jay and Lucy right now, they are in the “waiting place” page of the book, “Oh the Places You'll Go” by Dr. Seuss. And being with Grandma and Grandpa while in the “waiting place” makes all the different. Thank you, God. Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa. Thank you, friends.


Prayer Requests

1. Candidating with the C&MA and Livingstone Church, Hacienda Height, CA
2. Healing for Kezia’s eczema
3. Protection from food allergies for Kezia (we don’t know what she has yet, but her doctor
suggested that Lucy should try eliminating dairy product from her diet for now)
4. Attitude of thankfulness while in the "waiting place"
5. Not to miss the lesson God has for us during this season of transition
6. Wisdom and strength in parenting
7. Growing closer in our walk with God and with each other