Our New Nephew!

Sunday, CST at 6:15p.m. in Omaha, Nebraska, our new nephew was born!! Jonas Ethan Caruso weighed in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. Very healthy!!

It is a MIRACLE to see this new little person--and it is Sarah's and John's son! Oh, it is amazing. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings! Such great news!

This photo is just precious. PRECIOUS! Meeting their new little brother--Clara peeks over Peter's shoulder with delight: "Isn't he so cute?!" I can't wait to spend time with these precious little Caruso children!
I love this photo!! Peter and Uncle Micah in hospital gear. So cute!

I was SO surprised since the C-section was rescheduled on Friday to get an email yesterday from Micah! I just checked my email really quickly after lunch (Monday for Philippine time) and I got one from Micah titled, "Jonas is born!" I was thinking, "WHAT?!"

I opened the email and Micah reported that Sarah went into labor on Sunday at church and after several hours, they delivered her healthy boy by C-section!

When we say, "Lord-willing" it is for a reason! Truly the Lord knows the plans He has for us and he knows EXACTLY when and where each little person will be born.

Thank you for praying as Sarah recovers (she's doing well). Thank you for praying for this wonderful little boy.

Sarah and John wrote a post on their blog with an album if you want to see it (click the link to Caruso Clan to the left).

Praise the Lord!

Sarah's Baby...Not Yet

Hello everyone,

My sister, Sarah, was scheduled for a C-section on Friday. However, on Thursday the doctors tested something and found her boy's lungs are not fully developed. Therefore, they re-scheduled the C-section/delivery for March 3rd, a week from Monday.

Praise the Lord that there are tests that can help us to know the best decision for the health of Sarah and her boy.

Please pray for her this week, and especially on March 3rd that the Lord will deliver a healthy and fully developed baby boy for Sarah and John's family. Pray also for continued good health for Sarah and for her recovery from surgery in a week.

We praise the Lord also for our growing boy! He is now 29 weeks and weighs almost 3 pounds! He is kicking a lot and poking his little body parts up so we can see him moving. Our doctor's report yesterday was very good. A strong heart-beat, healthy body parts and active fetal movements! We are praising God for such good health for all of us! Thank you for your prayers for these two precious little baby boys!

Outdoor Education 2008

This year for the annual middle school outdoor education trip, Nate led a squad, along with the other students, to "Totally Taal" on Luzon island. They all flew to Manila and had several great learning experiences. The theme was to teach students how to live totally for God, how to make the most of every relationship--with others and with God, and to know more about how God has made each person special.
Here is Mr. Becker with his squad leading worship together at an outreach. They went to a local Filipino village to share the gospel using bracelets, basketball and music. Students were stretched in their faith to realize the importance of sharing God with others.
Here is one of the student leaders on Nate's squad. It is so great to see the growth of these students from year to year. This one I taught when he was in 6th and 7th grade, and now in 8th grade he is leading worship! Praise the Lord!
Their squad was called the "Kilmanjaro Kruisers". All the squads gave a fun introduction that first night together at base camp.

Totally Taal

Here's Mr. Becker's squad--the Kilmanjaro Kruisers. It was great to see them get to know each other, themselves more and God more. They had to do everything together, so they really learned a lot. This year I did not go because of the pregnancy, but Mrs. Templin filled in as the female leader.

The students took these boats across a lake to where a volcano, Mt. Taal, was there in the middle of the huge lake.
They hiked quite a bit to get to the crater here. Can you see the steam bubbling out of the earth? What a hot place! There were other places with bubbling mud and steam vents. It is a good thing the steam is being let out, or I would be afraid it would blow! Very hot and quite a marvelous creation.

There is a lake in the middle of the volcano and a small rock island in the middle of that. So you have an island (Luzon) in an ocean (Pacific) with an island (Mt. Taal) inside a lake (Lake Taal) with an island (small rock) inside a lake (crater lake). A unique wonder in the world.
Can you see the students like ants hiking around the crater lake? They had to learn about perseverance and helping each other. What a beautiful day to meet with their Creator.
If you wanted to see the really cool steam vents and bubbling mud you had to swim across a moat. One lucky student got to sit in a raft and carry a bag full of all the shoes. The others were just glad for a swim after a hot hike, even if they did get all wet.
That night as they worshiped God and learned more about Him, they enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Then they camped in these tents made from tarps. Thankfully it did not rain. Praise the Lord for this wonderful day.

Chicken Cooking Lessons

The morning at base camp was spent preparing for lunch. Each squad got two chickens. It was their job to kill it, clean it, prepare it and cook it. Then, and only then, would they have some lunch! These guys don't know what's about to happen!!!
After students would swing the chicken around by the feet to make it dizzy, they would put his little neck between a bar and the ground. Then simply pull up fast (make sure your feet hold tight or you will have problems!). There you have it, folks! Just DON'T LET GO or he will run around "like a chicken with his head cut off."

Does this boy look like he feels bad for the bird?
After you stick the chicken in boiling hot water (no head), the students had to work hard to pluck all the feathers off. You don't want to eat feathers for lunch do you? Then help out with the tedious task.
I will spare you the photo of the intestines being taken out. There is Mr. Becker and his boys cooking their two chickens. Wow, these guys are cool.
It turned out yummy! "We're good cooks" they thought. One girl had to run away crying, but Mr. Becker had to teach her that is how we get all cooked chickens. Yes, we do have to kill them first.
How many girls do you see in this photo? Exactly. Well, that memory will go down with them forever!

Happy Birthday, Nathan Daniel!!

Today, Feburary 2nd, is my wonderful husband's birthday!! I love him so much. His name, Nathan, means "gift of God." Truly, he is a gift of God to me! I praise God for him every day! He is so special and wonderfully made.

If you want to wish Nate a "Happy Birthday" just leave a comment below. He will love to hear from you!

Also, please pray for him this week (Sunday-Friday) because he is leading the middle school on outdoor education. Pray for health, safety, wisdom in leading and spiritual opportunities with others. Pray also for me as I will remain home for the first time--our longest time apart! Thank you for your prayers!

Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you!