Family...

I am so thankful for the family of Christ........

It's definitely not easy being 6 1/2 hours from my family and 2 1/2 from Jer's family, but the Lord has always surrounded us with a family here in Pensacola. We have developed so many deep friendships within our church and in our community. The Lord has truly given us grandparent figures, parent figures and sibling figures who love on us even when we are so, so far from our own family. We are truly blessed!

One incident that happened this week was just a reminder from the Lord that He will continue to use the precious body of Christ to surround us and love on us as we continue to serve Him in the ministry He has for us here in Pensacola.

So...........as Bella and I were finishing up our walk on Thursday morning - Mr. Dale called to check on us. Now, Mr. Dale and his sweet family have truly been such a blessing to our little family of three. They have prayed fervently for our ministry as well as for the pregnancy and birth of Isabella. I remember when I found out that the blood clotting disorders were the cause of my two miscarriages - Mrs. Karen - his wife - went straight to Walgreens and pretty much bought out Walgreens of baby Aspirin! (which was the medical answer to my miscarriages!)

Anyways, Mr. Dale just wanted to tell me he was praying for us and wanted to know how little Isabella was doing. =) Well, later that afternoon while Isabella was napping - there was a knock on the door. It was Mr. Dale and Mrs. Karen.......and in their hands was a sweet gift for little Isabella. Let me just add that they have bought WAY too many and I mean WAY WAY to many adorable gifts for little Bella. Well, they insisted that I open the little gift that was so carefully wrapped in pink tissue paper. When I opened the package, I found a gorgeous hand embroidered pink little dress for Bella boo! Mr. Dale said, "I just saw the dress when I was out doing a job and wanted to buy it for Isabella." A lump welled up in my throat as I knew that this was the Lord wrapping His arms around us and showing us that He loves us........just a little reminder that even when your family lives so far away - that when you are in center of the Lord's will walking obediently - He will provide all you need! Love and friendship that is truly family.......

So, here are a few pictures of little Isabella in the sweet dress!

Mr. Dale asked me what her full name was.......I didn't think anything of it at the time! But, later when he delivered the sweet gift, he said, "Oh, you'll have to look at her bloomers - I just had them monogrammed for her."

Just a quick little photo shoot before heading to church! So a quick nursery update.....Isabella did great for 45 min. - then I fed her - then she did good for another 30 min. - then I gave her kisses - then she did great for another 45 min. - then I picked her up to go home! It's definitely a transition for little Isabella! But, with patience and perseverance I'm sure she will adjust to being away from her mamma and daddy soon! =)