Upon arrival we learned that we were put in a small studio apartment for the two weeks that we would be there....a small lesson in flexibility since Blake is an extremely light sleeper and would not do well sleeping in the same room as us. We ended up putting his pack n play in the walk-in shower in the bathroom! This made it interesting since I am in the end stages of the pregnancy and up several times in the night to use the bathroom, so I had to quietly sneak in at night and during naps. It actually worked out better than I thought. I have no doubt that this is nothing compared to the flexibility that we will have to exercise overseas and was grateful for a free place to stay. We turned out the lights the first night there and noticed all of the kitchen clocks (which were directly across from us) were blaring their lights and it was bothering us more than a little, so Matt got up and hung a diaper from the microwave. The sight of this, as well as the fact that Blake was asleep in the shower, got me laughing so hard that I had tears streaming down my face. Several hours later when I STILL couldn't sleep because I was so uncomfortable and worked up from being in a new place, my mood changed quickly and I ended up sitting on the floor just crying with a box of tissues, trying not to wake Matt.....there was nowhere to go! It kind of reminded me of the emotional highs and lows of camp or previous mission trips.....excitement, fun, exhaustion, frustration....
We had such a blast meeting all the other families living in the apartments and found that we had so much to talk about, all being in similar situations and on the same path. Some were there for their TE, some for pre-field training, but overall we loved hanging out with everyone. Many of them will be there when we go back in July. Blake also had SO much fun! He loved all the excitement and social interaction. There was a sandpit with toys (see below) that he played in for hours!
In between the weeks of testing we had a three day weekend and had the priviledge of being invited to dinner with three different missionary families, all staff members at MAF. It was great being able to ask them questions and hear stories of their adventures. We also went to the Boise Zoo with another family there for the TE, Eric and Kristine Reed and their 7 month old girl Jenna (see pictures below). Blake loved feeding the animals!
Two nights before leaving I started having extremely painful contractions, occuring only 2 minutes apart. With Blake I started contracting at only 31 weeks and was on partial bedrest but the contractions were never painful like this and I was only 33 weeks along. It was pretty scary. We ended up having to drive to Boise to check into the hospital there. There were so many awesome MAF families willing to help and one family immediately stepped up to watch Blake. After some testing and medication, the contractions slowed and I was discharged. I will follow up with my doctor this week.
Overall, despite some of the stressful testing that Matt had to endure, we all had an amazing time and feel even more excited about the direction in which God is leading us. We had prayed for direction and confirmation about MAF as an organization and both left with an even better feeling about joining MAF.
When we return in July we will have a newborn baby so please pray for the transition. It could be extremely difficult with a toddler and a newborn and both of us being in classes all day. Please also pray for safety for the baby and that the contractions would not get out of control. This is a pretty busy and stressful time for us both as we prepare for the baby and for Candidacy. Thanks to all who are following our journey!
Mission Aviation Fellowship Headquarters, Nampa, ID
MAF Apartment Housing
Blake lining up cars in our room
Blake's pack n play in the walk-in-shower!
Blake having fun looking at the ducks at a nearby park
Chasing the ducks!
Blake and baby Jenna
Feeding the Sheeps and Goats! 
2 comments:
Thanks for the update. What exciting and stressful times. With all the traveling we've done, we have certainly had to be flexible, so I completely understand and what a great idea to put Blake in the shower. When we were appointed, Patrick shared a small room with us and did not sleep well all week long, so we were exhausted the entire time we were there. I am glad it all worked out. We are praying for all the new beginnings coming up in your lives!
Ellie- Im glad everything went well for you guys at your evaluation! Blake is getting so big... I love his rosy red cheeks. He looks like such a happy little guy. I hope the rest of the pregnancy goes well and you have no more scares! PS. lets see a preggo picture!
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