Sunday, December 07, 2008

Finally!










These crazy things are actually bats, not moss.  GROSS!!!!
These were the guys right in front of our villa!











Well, after a fast paced, frantically hectic week, I am finally updating!  Just so you know, I HAVE been trying to post this for 3 days.  I think blogger is freaking out due to the large mass of pictures I am trying to upload to this post.  I have SO many pictures,  you are likely to get bored.  We had a WONDERFUL time in Costa Rica.  Truly.  It was the single most restful vacation I have been on since becoming a mother.  We literally had little to do every day but decide, "should I read my book in the hammock by the pool or take a nap?"  So indulgent.  The boys went on many adventures which kept them happy and we girls got to spend hours in the sun reading our books, which kept us happy.
We got there late Friday night and spent all day Saturday playing by the pool.  On Sunday, the boys went white water rafting and rode a zip line through the jungle.  They had a BALL!  Hal, Bobby and Ashley went to the beach on Monday where the boys took surfing lessons. Tuesday, we had a spa come to the villa and we all got pampered.  It was incredible!  I got a body scrub, a massage and a facial.  Wednesday, we went on a boat safari and got to see tons of crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, and birds.  It was so neat to see them all in there natural environment.  We literally took HUNDREDS of pictures.  My Aunt joked with me that we got 3 times the pictures of crocodiles than Abby Kate (she was right).  Thursday was the perfect non-traditional Thanksgiving.   The boys went deep sea fishing and we stayed at the villa and got to see monkeys super close to the villa.  We watched them for an hour play in the trees.  Abby Kate was mesmerized!  She could sound JUST like them and they would call back to her, which delighted her to no end.  We had a delicious Thanksgiving dinner of lobster.  YUMMY!  I cannot say enough great things about the country and the place we stayed!  If you ever are looking for a super special vacation, let me know.  They provided a cook, maid/laundress and a guy to see to your needs.  He made me fresh smoothies all day!  It was SUCH a sweet place and the staff became like family by the end of the week.  Abby Kate would exclaim, "Hola, Maria!" every morning.  So fun!   
But my favorite story of all....(I sent this to many of you reading in an email)
I cannot tell you of the depth of sweetness of this story.  God has showed Himself strong, reminding us that nothing can TOUCH the King of Kings when He releases His blessings.  It all started with us starting and completing the Daniel Fast.  I wrote more about this on my blog so you can read more about it there but it truly was an intense 2 weeks of prayer and healing.  Bobby said to me over and over that he felt it was the beginning of several miracles in our lives.  Our marriage saw sweet healing, both of us saw an increase of self-control and a deepened desire for Christ alone.  We then headed to Costa Rica.  On Tuesday, we all got massages and I told them it was possible I was pregnant (because we have been trying for 6 months) so to take that into account when they did my massage.
  The sweet Costa Rican lady that was doing my body scrub slowly started rubbing the scrub into my tummy and then started speaking quickly in spanish.  There was one lady who spoke english who walked over and confidently said, "She says you're pregnant.  Congratulations!"  They even went as far as to say I could not have a certain kind of facial because, "You are pregnant."  Needless to say, I could not wipe the smile of hope from my face the entire time.  I was not due to start until Thursday so I waited until Thanksgiving morning to take the test.  The line began to show up and I started to sob.  I just sat on the cold tile pouring out my heart to the One who lavishes such sweet blessings upon the undeserving.  
We then returned home Friday night and got to tell Bobby's family.  On 
Saturday morning, my sweet mother-in-love asked me to come back to the bedroom.  She pulled out a package and it was a wooden sign that said "For this child, I have prayed."  She had bought it last week after feeling in her spirit, this was the month!
What incredible shouts of affirmation to these weary hearts.  I will confess the hardest thing has been admitting to God I was too tired to guard my heart.  I completely entrusted Him with it where I know He will keep it safe...no matter what.  I truly can say as dark and has hard as this last year and half has been, I would walk it all again to know Him as I do now.  He has been such a peace supplier, joy giver, pain healer, Redeemer, Friend, Protector, giver of good gifts, abundantly faithful, patient and full of His famous love.  I am so thankful that He has allowed me to experience His love for myself.  

We had an appointment scheduled to see a fertility specialist last Thursday (another fun sign that He is the final authority, creator and healer) but went to my OB instead and we got to see the sweet one, in my uterus!  HUGE blessing due to past ectopic.  We have another appointment next Thursday and we will hopefully see a yolk sac and heartbeat (the last pregnancy we had a gestational sac but not a yolk sac so PLEASE pray for this!) as I will be 6 weeks.
All of this to say, we covet your prayers.  For this precious life to be sustained and born healthy with a tender heart for his/her Savior from birth.  For our hearts, that God would seal them and keep them soft and pliable.  That we would continue to experience His sweet presence and incredible power.  Thank you JESUS!  A precious gift at the most exciting time of the year!

5 comments:

Becki Francy said...

I will continue to pray for you and your family. I know the hesitation you feel in your heart, your blog gave me chills. So excited for you all. Oops gotta go, one of my miracles is screaming!

Cary said...

What a great story, Steph. I will be praying for y'all!

Amber said...

Oh how my heart rejoices with you guys!!! I will be praying and desiring to know every detail. You all are so special to me and this is such a sweet time for your family and I praise God for the glory and love He is shining upon all of you. Steph, I love you dearly and will be praying for you my dear friend!

Anonymous said...

Though you told me this story in person, I am crying again as I read it. I am beyond words happy for your family....congratulations.

Gloria Brown said...

Isn't it amazing how God works in His own time and we always try to rush things? I love you and am praying for you guys! Merry Christmas!

Gloria