Just a Packet of Papers?

NO!!!! Although this may look like an ordinary packet of papers,  it is actually the answer to many prayers.  This is the paperwork for our residency in Honduras.  We were able to pick these up on Sunday and will be able to complete the final step on Friday.  Even though there is one additional step, having these papers in our hands means we don't have to leave the country every 90 days anymore.  The final step will be to take these papers and apply for our official residency cards.  If our 90 days expires before we get the cards, we will have to pay a fee, but definitely cheaper than buying 6 plane tickets.  Please continue to pray us through this process all the way to the end.  Pray that we will receive those residency cards in a timely manner and won't have to spend any more money.  We have definitely seen God's hand at work throughout this process and know that He is charge of this final step also.

The First Game

The persistent and somewhat fanatical man that I married discovered a way to be able to watch the Georgia games on the computer.  So, since we were a bit excited, we decided to share the excitement of the first game with some of our friends. 

 The Crowd

 and the spread.

 Vance and Marinajo, our neighbor, preparing to dig in to the goodies.  Notice that she even dressed in the appropriate colors for us.  Actually we told them they couldn't have any food if they didn't wear red and black.  Just kidding!

 Everyone getting into the game and the food.

Beautiful Mariah showing her Georgia spirit.

Although we didn't enjoy the outcome of the game, we did enjoy teaching everyone the Bulldog bark! 

The Treehouse

Before our arrival in Balfate, we heard rumors of this amazing treehouse that was built for Benjamin Fields, our upstairs neighbor.  We weren't sure what to expect, but I must say, it definitely did not disappoint! This is truly one amazing treehouse and the boys have enjoyed hanging out and having sleepovers in the treehouse.  After several sleepovers, they decided a nice addition would be to add some hammocks.   

 And so they did.

 Caleb chilling in one of the hammocks.

 Phillip thinking he is something as he hangs out in his hammock.

 Benny, owner of the treehouse, and good buddy of the boys.  Thanks, Benny, for being willing to share such an awesome place with others!

Sarah invaded the "boy space" so she could test out one of the hammocks.

The treehouse serves as a place for sleepovers, hanging out, a hideout during nerf wars, and whatever else the minds of these boys can imagine.  This is definitely one of the many things Caleb and Phillip have enjoyed about our life in Honduras. 

First Three Months

Just wanted to share a link to a video that our daughter, Elizabeth, made for us of some of the things from the first three months.  Just click on the link and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyShIoVHWrI

Vance's First C-Section at Loma de Luz

Here is a post from one of the other doctors blogs about Vance's first c-section here in Honduras.  Since she did such a good job I just posted it here on our blog also (with permission, of course).  This actually happened the week before we made our trip to the states.

 

This week we had our first emergency c-section since our new OB/GYN, Dr. Vance Pirkle, arrived.   A women arrived in clinic with low amniotic fluid levels and was 2 weeks past due.  She was induced knowing it was about a 50/50 chance she may need a c-section.  She progressed well throughout the day until she started pushing.  The baby was almost out when it just didn't move anymore and using suction didn't help.  The baby didn't like the suction and it's heart rate started to drop prompting us to rush her to the OR.  I made a quick call on the radio for some extra help from John (our NP/midwife) and Penny (a nurse and nursing educator), everything went smoothly.  Within a few minutes we had a baby!  Mom and baby both did well.  The mom had a small lower uterine tear from having to remove a baby from so low in the uterus but it was easily repaired.

Our usual missionary who does anesthesia is in the States for 2 months so I was the one running the anesthesia for the surgery.  Being new to the OR and unfamiliar with all that was in it, I wasn't keen on doing general anesthesia and having to breath for the patient during the surgery.  The patient weighed near 300lbs and I was a little worried about a difficult intubation too.  Dr. Vance had a few years of experience as a missionary doctor in Africa prior to coming here and has done over 100 c-sections with a drug called Ketamine.  I was very familiar with Ketamine from residency (thanks Dr. Omori) and so with a little fentanyl and a stiff dose of Ketamine we were in business.  Next c-section, I hope that it's not nearly as rushed and maybe we'll have a little time to do spinal anesthesia.

Penny as baby nurse.

Dr. Vance and NP/midwife John

Dr. Vance with his first delivery here at Hospital Loma de Luz.  

Happy but Sad

Tuesday was a happy but sad day.  After over a month Adam and Eve finally got to go home.  Although they are missed, I am so thankful they progressed enough to be able to go home where they belong.

 Eve weighed 5.22 kg and Adam weighed 5.35kg; just over 50% of their weight when they came to the hospital a little over a month ago.  Although most of us wouldn't be happy with a 50% weight gain in a month, this is great news for these two.  Please continue to pray for them and their family.  They were sent home with some formula and oatmeal.  They will have occasional clinic visits at the hospital and then more frequent checks by those nurses and doctors visiting the rural clinic close to where they live.  

 Eve has become quite determined to get anything here brother has.  Just like siblings:) It is so exciting to see them so alert and interacting with their environment.  They both have smiles that will melt any heart.

Although Ben and Olivia didn't get to spend much time with these precious ones, there hearts were quickly stolen, just like the rest of us.

Back to his Roots

First a little background information - For those who don't know, Loma de Luz is more than just a hospital.  It is has other ministries the have developed from the hospital.  One of those other ministries is Finca Loma de Luz, which is the farm.  According to the hospital website,  "God has given us a multifaceted vision for the farm. First,the farm’s harvests can provide significant financial resources for the operation of Hospital Loma de Luz and it’s associated ministries. Second,the farm serves as a resource to the wider community through the production of healthy foods,the opportunity for valued and respectable employment,and finally as a source of community pride. Third,the farm is a place of learning –a place where better agricultural practices can be demonstrated,leading to better food security and resource conservation for our entire region."  Just wanted you to know what I'm referring to when I talk about the farm.
Sunday morning while we were getting ready for church, Vance experienced his first OB emergency.  The catch was it wasn't on a human.  We received a call from the wife of Brad, our agricultural missionary,  saying he had gone to check on the animals and found that one of the pregnant sheep had a prolapsed vagina.  Brad had quickly read about using a sling to hold it in and gave Vance a call to see if he could lend a hand.  Vance didn't miss a beat and said he would be glad to come down and help.  After grabbing his straw hat, he hoped on his motorcycle and headed down to the farm.
They were able to push the parts back in and put the sling in place.  Everything seems to be fine and Brad thinks the lamb is due to be born in about 2 weeks.
You never know how God will uses previous experiences in the places He puts you!
Here are a few pictures.

 BEFORE

 DURING

 AFTER