From Donna:
April was a blessed month indeed, a celebration of life! It started off on April 1st with Christ’s resurrection and the new life He has given us! What Good News and what a desire to spread that message to every corner of the earth! In answer to prayer, we received the first shipment of the new order of Audio Bibles!
First installment of new order of audio bibles
Another mega blessing received was the safe and sound delivery of little Aurora Gao Soares, the newest addition to Emanuel and Mandy’s growing family! Sweet mommy Mandy was at the point of bursting on Saturday, her expected delivery date. Brainstorming new ways to collaborate with the labor process, she reflected on Mary’s donkey ride to Bethlehem. Surely that bouncing and juggling on the donkey could have contributed in the process of going into labor.:) In turn, Sunday night Mandy went home and bounced on her exercise ball- since she happened to find herself lacking in the possession of a donkey. It just so happens that early the next morning, her initial contractions began and by 6 am she was at the maternity. The staff wisely allowed her to ramble around the pre-delivery room, intermittently riding her donkey (aka big bouncing ball)! Emanuel was prepared for the long haul in the solitary hospital corridor, but to his surprise, at 10:53 AM, April 9th, precious Aurora entered into her mama’s arms! She defied the previous diagnosis of having the umbilical cord wrapped twice around her neck, and came out as clean as a whistle. What a joy she is! Sleeping well and eating well, she is loved by all, especially big sister Isabel who loves her to bits! It was much to Isabel’s chagrin that baby sister doesn’t talk, walk or play yet, but she is so pleased to sing to her, read stories to her and LOVE her to bits! She is already mommy’s big-little helper!
Expired Image!
Aurora just 1 day old
Mandy, Bel Bel and baby Aurora. Happy trio.
Daddy Emanuel and Bel Bel, getting mountain water
On April 25th, we celebrated another life, that of Benjamim Soares, as a matter of fact, 22 years of his life! Ben is finishing up his 3rd year of uni and is organizing an internship during the summer break. With all of his talents he has many options, so we are praying that the Lord will guide him to the best internship opportunity available.
Benjamim’s birthday celebration at home
Julie Soares also celebrated her birthday at the end of March, and let everyone know that she was really happy! Then, alas, on April 21st we received news from Philip and Julie in Seattle that they will be welcoming another addition to their precious family! We are overjoyed for them as they have been praying for a sibling for little Zachary. Another celebration of life and love! May the Lord grant peace and wisdom to these young parents who are welcoming new lives into their family. It is an overwhelming task, but they have all of God’s promises on their side. And the rewards are just as amazing as the challenges are! Children ARE a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb IS His reward. Psalm 127:3
Philip, Julie and Zach