Update on Natalie

Thank you so much for your prayers for Natalie.  Some of you might not know that one of the main reasons we are in the States is to get medical help for Natalie.  Since our arrival we have had three doctor's visits and today Natalie got her epidural shot to try and help with the pain she has been experiencing for over a year.  We had seen three doctors in Mexico City but just haven't been happy with the outcome.  All three doctors had different diagnoses and different treatments.  None of which worked.  We learned today that if this shot doesn't do the trick then we will look at the joints in between the discs etc. and try and see if this is the source of pain.  We also learned that the recovery time and time needed for me to be in the States will more than likely be extended.  Natalie is going to require a great deal of physical therapy to build her core muscles so that her back will be strengthened and work better.  Then she will go through another set of physical therapy so that she can play sports again.   It is important for folks with back issues to stay active so the idea of Natalie returning to her playing form is not a far stretch.  She will have to do certain exercises her whole life to keep her back strong.

The news we received today was very informative.  We were surprised that the shot may not fix the problem.  We appreciate doctors being honest and upfront with all the information.  We never get this in Mexico City.  I had my long list of questions but the doctor covered most of my list before I even had to ask.  I guess I'm used to the treatment in Mexico.  Pray that we will learn all the lessons God wants us to learn at this time.  Pray for Natalie.  She is trying not to get excited nor discouraged.  She is one tough cookie. I was so impressed with how she handled her epidural shot today.  Natalie's shot was much more intense than my two epidurals put together.  I know because I got to watch the doctor today. (not too much fun)  I've often sat back in amazement of God's grace in Natalie's life.  Thanks so much for praying.

Mother's Day Celebration

We had a wonderful time at Nueva Vida celebrating Mother's Day!  The fairly newly formed Cre Cri or children's choir did a fantastic job singing a very special song for their mothers.  We also had a teen read a very touching poem.  Sam had a special Mother's Day message as well.  We topped off the day with a Taco  Buffet followed by Banana Splits!  It was a first time for many of the folk to experience banana splits.  It went over very well.  It was in the 90s on Sunday so the icecream really helped cool us off.  The husband and men in the church served the ladies all day.  That was very relaxing!  We had a great day all around.  Several of our church families were away visiting their mothers but we still had a full house with lots of visitors!  Praise God for what He is doing at Nueva Vida!

The hubby's serving the ladies!!

The ladies eating first!

We had 10 families missing, yet we had six visiting families!

Tacos al Pastor

Last night we took Nathaniel and several of our church folks out for one of Nathaniel's favorite meals; tacos al pastor.  They are absolutely amazing to eat!

Nathaniel's visit

Nathaniel's visit with us came to an end.  He flew back to Indiana on Tuesday, April 20th.  Nathaniel had an amazing impact on our lives and the lives of our church families.  Nathaniel jumped right in and started serving from the time he arrived.  He accompanied in the youth band for a Christmas number in our Christmas Program this past year.  We also got him busy playing the guitar and piano in the Worship Team.  Nathaniel taught our church two new choruses that have quickly become everyone's favorites!  Nathaniel organized and led the Youth Retreat over Spring Break.  Nathaniel also worked hard at renewing old friendships that he developed 13 years ago with one of our neighbors.  You never know how and what God uses.  It has been amazing to sit back and watch my two older children reach out to others over the years.  This last baptism we got to see how God used Natalie to bring Ana Elsa to Christ.  Now God has allowed the faithfulness of Nathaniel's friendliness bring one of his friends to the foot of the Cross. 

Michell, Carlos and Nathaniel

Family Dedication

This past Sunday we celebrated a Family Dedication at Nueva Vida.  Victor and Rocio are proud parents to Gamaliel.  It has been exciting to see this couple mature in the Lord.  They were our first wedding at Nueva Vida six years ago.  Victor and Rocio also have another son, Uziel who is four.  Gamaliel was a little fussy during the presentation but calmed down when Sam held him and prayed.

Youth Retreat

Thanks for your prayers for the Youth Retreat.  Everything went very well.  We didn't have any broken bones this year!!  The worst we had were a couple of scrapes and a headache.  There were lots of games including soccer, volleyball, basketball, four square, ping pong, swimming, Hide n Seek at night and Capture the Flag at night.  Nathaniel was the camp director.  He organized and ran the camp.  It was so nice to have another adult helping out. 

Easter Sunday at Nueva Vida

This past Sunday was Easter and it also was the 6th Anniversary of Nueva Vida en Cristo Baptist Church.  We had a wonderful time listening to testimonies from the 7 folks that got baptized.  It was so encouraging to hear how God is using others to bring the lost to Himself.  Our daughter Natalie was apart of God's plan to bring Ana Elsa, our deaf neighbor, to Christ.  It was so neat to listen to Natalie share Ana Elsa's testimony while Ana Elsa signed.  Benjamin, a new believer also gave a very moving testimony.  He invited his parents from Durango (a 12 hour trip) to witness his baptism.  Benjamin publically asked forgiveness for being a horrible, son, husband, father and grandfather.  After his testimony his wife Ana, gave him a big hug.  I can't wait for you all to meet these folks in Heaven someday!

Alex, Ana Elsa, Karla, Miguel, Sam, Oscar, Ana and Benjamin

Kids enjoying the pool after the baptism.

Our new kid's club choir--Cre Cri.  Cre Cri stands for Creciendo en Cristo or growing in Christ.  We are teaching the kids biblical character qualities.  This class meets on Sundays during the Bible Institute classes for the adults.

Our youth did a skit under the direction of Nathaniel and Natalie.  It was so good.  We stole the idea from something we found on YouTube,  Everything Lighthouse Skit.

We had over 120 folks yesterday.  It was a day full of glorifying God for what He is doing in our lives.  We are so grateful for Our Risen Savior that give us the opportunity to have a New Life in Him!