A Year of Ups & Downs

2009 started off with a special trip to Beijing to confirm that my second pregnancy was fine after having a slight scare. The rest of the year followed suit with lots of simultaneous good and hard times.

We started off the summer with 6 weeks of full-time Chinese study while my 3 year old daughter began Chinese preschool. At the end of the summer, we then headed to Beijing and welcomed our little boy into the world 2 weeks early. I was elated to meet him, but sad that my sister, who had been planning to be there, missed it.

Shortly after our son was born he lost over 15% of his birth weight, becoming scary skinny and dehydrated. I had to concentrate on his gaining weight, but was extremely blessed by the support of my husband, sister and good friends. I am happy to say we now have a happy, plump baby.

My father, after suffering for 2 years from MS, left this world and his decrepit body and was made whole in Heaven. (His mother also went to be with the Lord just a few weeks before he did.) My entire family was able to get together, mourn over our loss, celebrate my father's inspiring life and rejoice in the fact that he is now worshiping at Jesus' feet. I was glad in the fact that my husband was able to travel to America with me and that my family got to hold my precious new born (only 5 weeks old at the time).

We have ended the year spending Christmas and New Year's with my husband's family for the first time since we have been married. It has been a big blessing to make these memories together as a family.

Even during the hard times I was able to rest in the Savior and find peace. Looking back I can even see how God has worked everything out and how His timing was, and will continue to be, perfect! Thanks for giving us a great year full of blessings.


Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided.
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!