For My Sis

Well, today I got a call from my sister informing me that I am majorly slacking in posting photos of her favorite little nephew. So her are a couple photos for you sis to tie you over. Love you and miss you!

Denham Beach Trip

Well, the Denham gang is at the beach this week. Mom and Dad Denham left Brazil last Thursday for a much needed rest and time with family. They haven't been back to the states in almost two years. They will return in September to a brand new grandaughter. Wish we could be there too! Love you guys!

Big Boy Bed

Well, we thought it would be wise to move James into a big boy bed before his little sister arrives. He has been sleeping in it for a little over a month now and has adjusted just fine. I really enjoy climbing in bed with him and reading together. It's our special daily routine.

The first few nights he rolled off the edge and fell on to a bunch of pillows that I had there waiting in case. So we would wake up to a crying, disoriented little guy. But those days seem to be over. The only problem now is trying to keep him under the sheets! This is not an easy thing to do, but it is important as it is winter here. Did you know our seasons are opposite from those of the states?

As for baby girl, we have moved James' crib into our guest room and have decided not to paint over the red. Rick said it would take at least a dozen coats to cover it with a pastel. So now my mission is to find some bedding with red and pink in it. Maybe I will sew something. Anyway, here are the pictures of her room thus far.

The Legend Turns 80

Happy Birthday to my favorite father-in-law Dad Denham! Our church gave dad a birthday celebration dinner Friday night to honor him and his decades of service to the Lord. Dad has touched many lives over the years and the Lord has used him to bring many to Himself. There was a slide show of photos of him and mom throughout their lifetime and several letters of gratitude were read. Ricky had the opportunity to speak at the podium of how dad has "loved" people into the Kingdom of God.

It has been a real testimony to me to see dad constantly witnessing to people he comes in contact with- if only briefly. For example: On a particular day of one of our first trips to Brazil, dad came with us to open up a Brazilian bank account. While waiting in the lobby, dad began speaking to the young man sitting next to him about the Lord. Our next stop was the furniture store to show dad the couch that we were thinking of buying. Seeing a bible opened on a table, dad then asked the sales lady if she read it. Thus, opening the door to witness to her too. There was one more instance later this day that dad witnessed to yet another total stranger.
I remember thinking, if only I could have the same boldness to share my faith and have the same love for the lost that he has for others. He is genuinely concerned about the eternal condition of each person. Dad and mom both have crowns laden with jewels waiting for them in Heaven. I feel privileged and honored to know them and to belong to their family. Happy Birthday Dad Denham!

My Friend Stephanie

My American friend Stephanie is also expecting a baby girl. She is due within the next two weeks and here is a photo of us at her baby shower. It has been so nice to be able to have someone to talk to during this pregnancy. We will both be delivering here in Brazil which makes for some funny conversations on what to expect. I told her that at least she is going first and can later give me the run down! Stephanie's mother will be coming this Wednesday to help before and after the birth. We were talking about how we need to prepare our mothers (my mom is coming in July) on the condition and methods of the hospitals. The hospitals here look and are run totally different. For example: Rick and I went to visit the hospital where I will be delivering and they gave me a list of items to bring. I have to bring EVERYTHING!! From diapers, to baby shampoo, to baby blankets and baby clothes. Not to mention towels and everything else that I will need for myself and the baby. They even expect me to bring nail clippers for the baby. The hospital provides NOTHING! (Only sheets for the bed and my meals.) The baby will not leave my side the entire time I am there. The tests and even her first bath will be done in a sink in my hospital room. Different huh?

Another thing I found interesting during our tour of the hospital is that they will provide ear piercing for baby girls before leaving the hospital. They don't provide diapers or blankets but they will pierce your baby's ears!

I still plan on posting photos of Rick's trip to the Amazon. Look for them soon!