Lydi had her first sleep over this past Saturday night. It was so much fun. Her sweet friend, Bethany Teague came over to spend the night. Since our apartment is the casa de chaos right now, we are letting Lydi sleep in her tent at night. She thinks this is the coolest thing, so for the night she gave up her tent and let Bethy sleep there while she slept on a mattress on the floor right beside the tent. It was so cute, after they went to bed I could hear them in there talking and giggling. I remember those days. I can't believe my little girl is old enough to have a sleep over!!!
Bethany is 8 years old, and has become one of Lydia's favorite people here in Puerto Rico. She is going to be terribly missed by our whole family, but especially our little girl. This was a special treat for Lydia! She thought she was such a big girl; she even told me that she didn't want to sleep with her pacy, because she didn't need it anymore! (some of you might be thinking... she is too old to still be sleeping with a pacy, but if you've kept up with our lives over the past 2 1/2 years, you should understand why I haven't taken it away!)
So, here are some pics of our FUN night. The next morning, we went to Krispy Kreme, and of course they loved it. We had a lot of fun, I think I might have had more fun than the girls did!
I've also attached some random pics just for fun... I didn't want the little man to feel too left out.
I realized that after we posted this detailed version of what God has next for us, that we forgot to mention to our faithful readers that we are expecting number 3 sometime mid-February. I am sure that those of you who read this already know, but I felt like we were kind of cheating baby Parmer, by not announcing the news on our blog. We don't have a good ultrasound pic, but soon after we get back to the States we should be able to get one. Anyway, just wanted to add that our family will be adding yet another wonderful little blessing. I remember a while back when one of my dear friends wrote on her blog about some of the responses she had when people found out she was having number three, and let me say that I echo everything she said!
I have been overwhelmed knowing that we are having number 3 just four years into marriage and seven moves under our belts, but I have to really remind myself of what God's Word says about children. They ARE a BLESSING!!! There is no other way to look at this pregnancy. Yes, it will be tough having 3 three and under, but God never promised that he would call us to things that are easy. My children are a joy (most of the time), and I am thankful that God has chosen to bless us with one more!
Muchos Cambios…You may remember seeing these words three years ago as our family set out to begin a new journey living and ministering on the Isla de Encanto—the Island of Enchantment known as Puerto Rico. We left the States to work in Puerto Rico with MTI. We hoped that God would do many things in and through us, and that is exactly what has happened. God has taught us so much about ministering to people of other cultures, lifestyles, and languages. He has continued to shape our heart and desire to reach the nations for Him.
There are many changes happening now three years later both in our family and also with the work in Puerto Rico. Our vision however, has only grown stronger as God has given us clear direction in how He wants to use us to build His Kingdom.
The program in Puerto Rico has been successful in training missionaries and sending them out to continue their ministry in different parts of the world. The seminary classes and hands on ministry experience has shaped everyone that has played a role in what God has begun in Puerto Rico. There will be a small team continuing to plant a church in Puerto Rico and also continuing to develop the training programs that have begun here. However, we feel that God is calling us into a new and exciting opportunity to reach the nations.
We left the States sure that we would be moving to China after our time in Puerto Rico was finished. Here we are 3 years later still convinced of the need to reach the Asian nations, but we have learned more about a very effective way for us to reach these people. After much prayer and thought, we are currently pursuing work with International Students in the States. We were in the States for a while this summer to investigate possible opportunities. We feel even more passionate now, after our training in Puerto Rico, to reach the nations that are living in our own backyards. So, we began pursuing a new position state-side. We were hopeful that we would have very clear direction by the end of the summer, and that’s exactly what God has done. We have returned to Puerto Rico to pack up our things and say “good – bye” to those that have enriched our lives over the past 3 years. We are very thankful for the work God has had for us in the past, but we are also very grateful for the opportunity that is now in our future.
After packing up here we will be returning to Wedowee, AL on Sept. 1st. We will spend the month of September preparing to move to Montgomery, AL. We will begin working with International Exchange Organization (IXO). This organization is committed to building relationships through business and educational exchanges in China. www.IXOonline.org
One of the many things we have learned from our experience here in Puerto Rico is that Ben is a “hybrid” of sorts. Which means that he enjoys administrative tasks and projects, but does not thrive being behind a desk from 8-5. He wants to be involved in the lives of people as well as use his administrative gifts. This job will allow him to do both administrative projects as well as International Student Ministry. It is very exciting!!! I (Nikki) am looking forward to really investigating ministry with international students because our home will be a prime place for ministry which will allow us to use our gifts as a couple to reach the nations. We will also be involved in short-term trips and teams going to China. Ben has this saying that seems to describe this new opportunity perfectly; “we’ll be fishing on both sides of the pond.”
We are very grateful for all of you that have invested in us! Thank you for being patient with us and praying for us over the summer as we really sought out what the Lord would have for us. Please continue to pray not only for our upcoming transition, but for our good-byes here in P.R. We will be saying good-bye to dear friends locally, and also on our team. We are looking forward to what God will do with each of us as we move into new ministry opportunities. We know that God is committed to the people here in Puerto Rico, and we consider it a privilege to have experienced life in Latin America. God has taught us many things, and those things will be very valuable as we embark on this next journey.
We also hope to spend the month of September visiting supporters, friends, family, and speaking at churches to update all of our recent changes. Please e-mail us or call us with any questions you might have about what the Lord has done and is doing.
OK, so I realize that TW's birthday was more than a month ago, but I am just now getting a chance to post some pics from the big party! We had a lot of fun in North, AL celebrating with his cousin, Luke who turned one two weeks before Thomas. It was a blast. We had a monster truck party, and my very creative sister made everything look so great. I can't believe he's already one, and now almost 14 months old. Well, Happy Late Birthday to my sweet little boy!
