Our Boy Is Born!

"Dr. Ihrke? Yes, we are on the way to the hospital right now. See you soon!" Wednesday, May 7th my water broke and I went into early labor. It was so exciting to pack and bring our stuff to the hospital. We were going to meet our boy soon!
This photo was taken moments after Elijah Samuel's birth: 9:36 a.m. on Thursday, May 8th. I will never forget when they placed him on me and he looked in my eyes for the first time. I love you, Elijah! I'm your mommy!Nate is so in love with our little guy! I loved watching the two of them meet for the first time and bond together--father and son!Nate's face was filled with joy. What love the father has for his son!
Holding Elijah for the first time. Look at those two! What a pair!
Here we are--a family of three with our wonderful doctor--Dr. Abigail Ihrke! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! What joy!
My friend of 14 years became a doctor and was there for me to deliver our first child, a son! Isn't God's plan wonderful! It was so special that right after he was born we all gathered around and she prayed for Elijah Samuel.
I am so in love with you, my little Elijah!
Daddy is so cuddly with his little boy. Aren't they precious! Nate is the best daddy ever!
We took about 300 photos, but this one is precious. Elijah is looking at us and we are getting to know him. I love how he does cute things with his little hands and how cozy he is to hold.
Isn't he precious!! I just love those eyes and those little lips so perfectly painted on!
Homecoming day. We are just about to leave the hospital. I love the flowers my mom brought me. What a fun time for our baby to be born--right before mother's day! We are just amazed at God's creation and miraculous plan.
We love you, Elijah Samuel! May you grow to know Jesus Christ and to know God's great love for you. You are a precious gift from God, your Creator!

The family was there to welcome him home. When I saw the sign in the yard, "It's a boy!" I almost cried! That sign was for us--we were bringing our baby home! What a special time! Thank you again, Lord!

Recent Blessings

Hello there! As of this moment, the baby is still inside (you may have been wondering). Here was a fun ladies' night at the ballet--my lovely sister and mom and me! It has been so wonderful to be with them longer than just a quick two-week visit. I love these two! We have enjoyed making many more memories together.
While we were at the ballet, Nate and John finally got to face each other in a serious match of Risk. It was so close they had to call it a draw because it was past midnight! There will be a re-match soon, I hope!
Another blessing is friends! How wonderful Nate's roommate from college and best man in our wedding, Chris, came to visit us with his wife. We had a wonderful weekend together at the zoo, playing games, enjoying meals and fellowship together.
We are so thankful for the beautiful weather, the friends we have been able to see and enjoy time with, and for such great health and fun!
My friend, Katie, and I have been friends since we were five years old! Nate and I got to visit her 4th grade class and share with the kids about the Philippines. It was so great to see the picture book they made for us telling us what they learned. Then we got to have a night with her and her husband, Drew in their lovely home. What a special friendship to continue through all the stages of life!

Thank you, Lord, for wonderful friends and family! We praise You for all the blessings You pour out on us!

Recent Photos and Happenings

Things have been going great here in Omaha. Nate and I have been able to see lots of friends and family and to do other things. Here are some photos that I like a lot! Me and my little nephew Peter. I got to have lunch with him at his school!
Peter was so cute introducing me to his little Kindergarten class. He helped to teach his friends where the Philippines is on the map.
What a precious boy! How fun to see him in his little world at school.
I've also had fun with my niece, Clara. Isn't she beautiful!?
Clara is such an enthusiastic girl. She is doing gymnastics at age 3! I can see some of myself in her--what a climber! It is fun getting to know her all over again, since I last saw her when she was only a baby.

My wonderful friend, Laura, came to visit from Montana! Do we look like we are really in AZ with winter coats on?
After reading that great book, "Endurance" I had to see the penguins at the zoo! I love them--so funny and beautiful and fast in water.
Can you see the snow? Yes, I have seen snow now--even in April! This may be our only snow in a period of five years. I don't really miss it too much, but it was fun to see.
Thank you, Lord, for friends and family! What a wonderful time to share with them!

Wisconsin Wedding

My life-long friend, Trisha, got married on Saturday!! I never believed I would have the joy of being present to witness her wedding, but God opened this door wide. Praise You, Lord! I am so happy for Trisha and for her new husband! I love her so much and it is great to see her marry a godly man.
Isn't she beautiful?! Look at those cute hot pink shoes! She was so relaxed and happy just before she married her man.
One of my favorite parts in the ceremony was when Tim knelt and washed Trisha's feet. What a beautiful picture of Christ serving His bride, the Church. I know Tim will love Trisha just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, washing her with water through the word.
Nate and I had fun together, as it was his first time in Wisconsin! I am 35 weeks pregnant in this picture. Thankfully, we three made it to WI and back to NE safely. What a beautiful sunny day for a wedding.

Friends & Family Fun

What a wonderful gift--my friend, Triscilla came to visit me last week all the way from Ottawa, Canada! We had such a blessed time together relaxing, talking and even going to family events together. What a treasure to have such a special friend!
Another huge blessing--my extended family had a bit of a reunion during the special celebration of my grandmother's achievements in the quilting world. Our beloved family came in from Alaska, Texas and Nebraska to gather together. I was so thankful we got to be a part of this! Thank you, Lord, for our family!
Special Event #3--we did not miss the dedication of Jonas Ethan Caruso at church last Sunday. It was a gift to be there to watch Sarah and John dedicate their new boy to the Lord. We're so thankful for his life and for Sarah's health. What a precious family! It is so wonderful to NOT miss events like this--now that we are HERE!
More friends and fun! My friend, Thea, and I got together to discover we are both pregnant! How fun to be prego together. (I hope you don't mind I posted this one, Thea!)
Two friends and our beloved husbands--how fun to introduce our men to each other. More good times ahead. (Cara I didn't have a picture of us yet!).

Family Fun

Here's two of my loves--my brother and my husband. Aren't they handsome and strong!?
Nathan Daniel versus Daniel Nathan in a game of one-on-one.
Nate and I think it is very COLD here in Nebraska! I was bundled up in two coats and two blankets while I took these action shots! It was a close game! Yay, Honey! Go, Daniel!
Nate and his brothers-in-law--Daniel, John, and Micah. The guys went out to hide easter eggs for the kids (our niece and nephew). It was fun to see them climbing trees and trying to be sneaky!
When was the last time we were ALL together?! Wow!! Such a wonderful day to celebrate the resurrection of Christ together. We praise you again, Lord!

Family Reunites

Here's my whole family waiting for us to arrive at the airport. I could see them from the plane and I couldn't wait to embrace them all!
We ran toward them with huge smiles ready for our hugs! Welcome home!! What a wonderful welcome.
Thank you, Lord, for our wonderful family! Thank you for the safe journey and for this gift to see our loved ones.
BIG HUG!!!! We missed you!!!!

Surprise Shower

SURPRISE!!! I was not expecting to see all these ladies and girls again before we left for the U.S. Nate was all part of the plan to get me to this surprise shower the ladies threw for us. I think I look surprised, don't you?!
I looked around the corner and saw ALL those people there--just for me! I couldn't believe it. I love Nate's face in this one because he is so happy to see his secret was kept and his plan worked to get me there, without having an idea!
I think I even screamed. Everywhere I looked I saw more friends, students, special people. I couldn't believe they were all there for me and loved us so much to give us this surprised. I think my shock lasted for five minutes!

Sue read from Psalm 139. I love that passage! Can you see the little Becker Baby in my belly? How handy that I was already wearing my Sunday dress. That worked out nicely!
I love our diaper cake. Ladies stuck money in the diaper cake and we can use it to buy a rocking chair. How generous everyone was to provide lots of gifts for our coming baby boy!
So much love!! Wow, Lord, you have blessed me so much! I was so glad I got to see everyone one more time before we left. What special memories were made that I will remember forever!
I love this one because look at the little girls! They are so cute handing me presents and watching everything I do and every reaction I have to the gifts. I'm amazed the littlest one even kept a secret, though we rode to church together in the same car! You should see the precious little cards and gifts of money that the little ones gave for our baby. Sweet!

What a great way to end our time here (at least we are not moving for good!). We will miss you, but when you see us again maybe we will have a baby!

Thank you, all! So special!

Nate's Last Teaching Week

On Monday Nate directed two band recitals. It was a time for students to play for parents and teachers so they could share the music they had worked so hard on. I'm impressed with how good they sound and how each year Mr. Becker seems to take them to new levels of music! God continues to provide for us in every way!
I spent the week working in Nate's office and helping him with classes and closure. It was so fun to watch him teaching his elementary students! These kids are having so much fun dancing to the music! He's gonna be such a great dad!
The 4th grade class came in to the music room with presents! They surprised us with this huge card and some cute baby clothes for our boy.
We will miss them but we're excited to see them again next year again when they are all grown up! Good-bye students!

Endurance--A Must Read

My journal entry 03.13.08 3:00 p.m.

Oh! I just finished reading an amazing, unbelievable book! Everyone must read!
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing (Carroll & Graf Pub., Inc, NY, NY: 1959) [13th printing Jan. 2000].

I have been keeping cool in my seventh month of pregnancy by reading of this voyage to Antarctica and the 27 men and their leader--devoted, responsible and excellent at caring for men's lives--Shackleton.

They got stuck in pack ice off the Antarctic coast, drifted north for months living on an ice floe, suffered more than 70 (?) days of darkness during the Antarctic winter, trudged through the wet and icy seas in 3 rescue-life boats--finally made it to Elephant island--where 22 men camped for 4 months while the rescue boat of 6 men took the perilous journey through the stormy, windy, Drake passage with its currents and dangers.

They then landed on South Georgia island--miracle after miracle--3 of the 6 hiked overland--an impossibility never before attempted over frozen razor mountains and glaciers. When they at last, after 17 unbelievable months reached the peak before their goal--the whaling station--they strained their ears to hear a workman's whistle! They made it!!! They then rescued the 3 on the other side and finally the 22 on Elephant Island--3 more months later.

When those 22 guys at last saw their rescue ship I felt like I was there!! Their salvation had come for which they waited and hoped for daily! They always looked for their leader to return and almost thought it impossible, but sure enough he came!! He called out: "Are you all right?" and they knew their leader was back and they were saved. A miracle!

I don't know how any of them survived it without God (maybe some prayed). The Creation of God and all the men saw and experienced of Him makes me in awe of how powerful God is and how much humans can actually survive.

If only we all waited for our rescue and salvation with such hope and anticipation. You would think they would try to go on living, knowing it would possibly come, if ever, in a very unknown amount of time. But daily they made a routine of hiking the hill to look in hope eagerly for their salvation from the island.

We should only wait so eagerly for our salvation and Christ's return--our Savior--our fearless leader--who will not forget us or leave us here but will return--without fail and without a doubt--for our rescue! We should not let a day go by that we don't hike up the hill to look for and wait for our Lord--eagerly hoping for his swift return.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3.20

Good-bye Photos

Here's our beloved high school students the morning they left for outdoor education.
They put Mr. Becker and I in the center and prayed for us. So sweet!
It was special to hear their prayers for us and for our little baby. What a wonderful group!
Here are the Beckers--all three of us (one inside!).
There they go. One last waive good-bye. I love you all!

Last Day Teaching

Today is my last teaching day. I feel so sad and mixed and emotional. The high school students are leaving tomorrow for outdoor education, so that is why my teaching quarter ends earlier than Nate's (at the middle school and elementary).

I have been teaching here for more than three years now. I feel like it is my second home and I have poured so much time and love in here. I am really grieving this parting and trying to process all my feelings about it today.

It is also strange for me because I am the only person grieving. Normally when we say good-bye it is at the end of the school year when everyone else is crying and transitioning and finding closure. However, this time it is just me. Nate also has his own perspective, yet for him he is still teaching for more than a week and also he is coming back (Lord-willing) to teach again in August. Whereas for me, I am turing in my keys and turning over my classes and my students to others so I can focus on being a mother and wife next August. It is quite a transition for me.

I spent a long time praying and reflecting this morning about Jesus. He can identify with me because he, also, was the only one leaving this world. I imagine how he felt knowing that he had such a huge good-bye to make. Only his was even more sorrowful and intense! He was giving his life!! I am just leaving the country.

But for me, knowing that Jesus, too, left his world (this world) for his other world (heaven)--that is comforting to me. I am soon leaving my world here (the Philippines) to go to the other world, which I haven't been to for a while (the U.S.). It is very very strange for me to love both "worlds" and to be straddling the border of each in my heart at this time.

Jesus is my model at this time. I asked myself, "What did Jesus do at the end of his teaching? How did Jesus spend his last week(s) before he left this world?"

Jesus was teaching faithfully to the very last. He did exactly what the Father showed Him to do, and he loved his disciples to the very last (He was about to show them the full extent of his love).

Jesus first had the crowds gathering at the temple to hear his teaching. That is like me and my time in the classroom--giving my last words and my last messages to my precious students. Then Jesus withdrew and spent focused time just with his close disciples. He shared much with them and also processed the transition he was about to face as he was about to give his life. That is how I feel I will spend these next two weeks--focusing in on a few people--my husband and how I can help him, the friends closest to me and the Lord Himself. Lastly, Jesus spent his last hours in intense prayer and time with His Father. I see myself doing this too--having solitude at the end of our time here and spending much time praying and seeking God.

I imagine how Jesus felt, knowing that he was leaving his disciples on this earth and trusting that they would carry on the work of all He taught them. (He also sent the Holy Spirit!). That makes me feel better too, knowing that I am not abandoning my students, but I am entrusting them to the Holy Spirit to care for them and help them to live out all that I taught them. I have to let go of them and leave them, and I have to trust that what I taught them will be fruitful by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

It truly is a big day for me. A day of transition. A day of good-bye. A day to reflect and remember what Christ did for us. A day to praise God for the time I had teaching and for the love I have for my students. A day to persevere to the very end and to be faithful to this calling to the last minute.

Today, Lord, I give you my all. I give you my heart and my emotions. I am placing my trust in You. I place my students in your care and pray that you will help them to carry out your will and all that I taught them these three years. Help them to follow you faithfully all their days, and may you leave your Holy Spirit at work here to bring much fruit for your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!