Naomi's First Day

July 3, 2009: Knowns and Unknowns

Hello Friends!

June has been a busy month for Brad and me as we continue to make preparations for both the arrival of our first child, and the
beginning of a new job. Thoughts of moving out of my parents'
(finished) basement have been put on hold for now as we concentrate on these first two priorities. The month has been one of knowns and unknowns, changing and waiting.

Our first priority over the past month has been our continuing job
interview and search process. As most of you know, we are hoping that Brad will be hired as a Young Life Area Director in the USA. Brad and I met with the leadership of Cecil County Maryland Young Life on June 3 at North Bay Adventure Camp, and Brad met with them again on June 22. Brad will have one last interview with the Chesapeake Regional Staff on July 10 to determine if he is the person for this particular
position. Two weeks ago Brad was informed that this position might not be open until the end of December, so we have now widened our search to include the entire country. We have been corresponding regularly with Regional Directors from California, Washington, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. The whole month seems to have been marked by interviews, reference letters, resumes, portfolios, applications, a StrengthsFinder quiz, and determining whether we are Otters, Beavers, Golden Retrievers, or Lions.

Our second priority (of equal importance) is preparing for the birth of our first child, our daughter Naomi Faith. As of today, our little girl is two days overdue, and does not appear to be in any hurry to arrive. During my weekly appointments, I've steadily increased in weight, dilation, effacement, and station, but still no Naomi. She keeps my body temperature hot and my hands and feet itching, and the Braxton Hicks contractions happening daily. We've attended our
Childbirth Class and Hospital Tour, picked up baby resources from the library, packed our suitcases, borrowed a birthing ball, printed our birth plan, folded our baby clothes, ordered our cloth diapers, and assembled our pack 'n' play, car seat, swing, and walker. My mom threw
us an amazing Baby Shower, and we received so many wonderful gifts for our firstborn. We've done just about everything we can think of to prepare for her arrival, but as new parents, I'm sure she'll be full of surprises for us!

Brad teases me about the “nesting” instinct of the pregnant woman, but I tell him that I've always loved cleaning and organizing. Nevertheless, my family has been generous in allowing me to clean to my heart's content. In the past month I've sorted and organized drawers, cabinets, desks, a bathroom, the kitchen, the dining room, the living room, the basement, my Dad's workshop, a walk-in closet, my Mom's craft/sewing room, and Josh's bedroom. My Mom jokes that if Naomi is any later, I'll have the entire house cleaned before she arrives! I've also busied myself with ironing clothing, folding laundry, writing lots of thank you notes, making holiday cards, and photographing my art.

While I've been nesting at home, Brad has been keeping busy outside of the house. He is spending six weeks this summer working at Antietam Recreation as a swimming lessons instructor and lifeguard. During the first week of June he ran in the Antietam Battlefield (10K) Run Through History. During the last week of June he joined Thurmont United Methodist Church in their annual four-day trip to the Creation Music Festival in Pennsylvania. He's also had a great time catching up with Mr. Bair and other friends from Boonsboro High School over late night games of Settlers and Puerto Rico. He and I also spent time with some of our former Young Lifers at the Boonsboro Film Festival during the last week of school. For our Friday date nights, he and I have been seeing movies at the “cheap theater” in Frederick. So far we've
watched 17 Again, X-Men Origins, Wall-E, and Transformers (with the Thurmont United Methodist Youth).

For both Brad and me, it's been a month of renewing relationships. It's been so fun to see our friends and family after a year apart. I've enjoyed attending Josh's baseball games, going for walks with Karilyn, Mom, and Dad, and shopping for the baby with Mom and Bonnie. Mom and I had a great time visiting “Hope Alive” together, a shelter for homeless women and their children, and were inspired by the work being done there. Mom, Karilyn, and I hope to be certified as volunteers there at next month's training session. Mom and I also had a great time at my 10-year high school reunion, where we caught up with lots of old friends and met their new dates, spouses, and children. It's been fun celebrating Father's Day and two birthdays with my family. For Josh's birthday, Brad and I took him to an Orioles game for “Adam Jones bobble-head Night,” and we were delighted to see Matt Wieters' first major league home run the same evening. Two weeks later, Josh had “Dugout Club” discount tickets to see the Orioles play
the Red Sox, and we all went again! Brad and I also had a great time dining with the Hetricks and Hamsons as we discussed life, jobs, and starting a family.

As you can see, we've had a lot of changes on our minds and hearts recently. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue waiting on our job situation and our daughter. You can pray for wisdom in the many decisions we are and will be making in the near future. By the time we
write our next update, we will probably be telling you about the joys and struggles of labor, delivery, and a new baby! Thank you for your continuing prayers throughout this summer of change.

Love always,
Jessie and Brad

June 1, 2009: Pregnancy Forgetfulness

I was planning on taking some photographs, so I took the camera from the camera bag. Then I removed the lens cap, closing the fingers of my left hand around it, promptly forgetting it was there. A moment later, this conversation took place:

Jessie: Brad, have you seen the lens cap?
Brad: No. I'm pretty sure I left it on the camera though.

(Brad begins to look through the camera bag for the lens cap.)

Brad: Well, I don't see it in here.
Jessie: What are you looking for?
Brad: The lens cap.
Jessie: Why? It's right here in my hand.

(At this point in time Brad gave me a very strange look as he assumed I'd lost my marbles, and then I began laughing when I realized what had just transpired.)

Oh my...welcome to my life. :)

Sunday Thoughts: May 31st, 2009

“The people ate and were satisfied.”

I have realized lately that our Father is not content with just allowing the people to eat; they must be “satisfied.” Our Father is a father of abundant love, extravagant love, and scandalous love. He serves the choicest of wines with an abundance of food. He lavishes us with his gift of grace so that we might realize the fullness of life he offers. His gifts are perfect, and his gifts satisfy.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

Please think about us:

1. Last Tuesday was our final baby check-up in Beijing. Everything went well; the doctor gave Jessie a clear bill of health, signed the clearance for flying, and copied all of our paper work. After our appointment, we spent the afternoon walking through the Hou Hai district of Beijing. That evening we returned to Langfang in time for ice cream dessert with some of our students.

2. Our final morning in Langfang was very hectic, but it was apparent that the Father was using us right up to the end. We scheduled a farewell lunch with students at noon, and it took us twice as long as normal to walk to the restaurant because we were greeted all along the way by students who wanted to say goodbye.

Once we made it to the restaurant, we had a great meal with about 15 of our students and fellow foreign teachers. All of us ate an abundant meal and were satisfied for the cost of about 30 dollars. It was fun to realize that we were eating our final meal at the same place where we ate our first meal in China.

After lunch, pictures, and a tearful goodbye, we climbed into the van and headed for the airport. One of our student friends, Danielle, had asked to accompany us to the airport. As the van rolled along for the hour drive, I was barely able to stay awake, but Jessie started sharing with Danielle about some of the ways the Father has been working in her life. When we reached the airport, we grabbed our luggage and headed for the check-in desk. As we were speaking with the United employee at the desk, I looked back toward our carry-on bags and noticed that Tony was speaking with Danielle. When we returned to our bags, Tony had just finished sharing about our Father and told us that Danielle wanted to be introduced to him. It was amazing! We had less than a few hours left before boarding the airplane, and the Father still had one last surprise for us.

3. Our airplane ride home was uneventful. There were no problems with the plane, and we even arrived about 30 minutes early. It was great to see my parents waiting for us at the gate as we came through customs. After about 19 hours of traveling we arrived at Jessie's parents' home in Thurmont, Maryland. We have spent the last couple days trying to recover from the jet-lag.

4. Tomorrow, I will spend the day lifeguarding, on Tuesday we will visit Cecil County, Maryland for a job interview, on Friday we will visit the hospital for a tour, and on Saturday we will participate in an all-day childbirth class.

Living outside the boat,
Brad

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with the Father's people and members of the Father's household.”

“We are therefore the Son's ambassadors, as though the Father were making his appeal through us. We implore you on the Son's behalf: Be reconciled to the Father.”

We have spent the past two years constantly being reminded that we are foreigners, and we have enjoyed our job as ambassadors of True Love. But as we prepare to return to the United States we are keenly aware that our job is far from finished. One of the biggest lessons we have learned in the past two years is that we are “foreigners and aliens” in the world because we are “fellow citizens” with the Father's people. We are ambassadors to all creation wherever we may happen to live.

Please think about us:

1. Last Thursday the students invited us to visit their English Association meeting. Jessie shared a sideshow and described her pregnancy during the past 8 months. Peter organized a game, Jess Shamblee led a song as part of her “Shamblee Moment,” and Shannon and I sang a few songs for the students. It was a fun evening as we celebrated the end of another semester with the students.

2. The packing process continues! I cannot believe how much stuff we have accumulated in the past two years. It's hard to believe that we will be limited to 100 pounds of checked luggage and two carry-ons each, but we will have to make it fit.

3. Jessie has been doing great for being five weeks away from her due date! Our last baby appointment in China is this Tuesday, two days before we return. We will leave around 10am for Beijing. The appointment should be quick & routine, and then we will probably spend the afternoon enjoying the city one last time. You can be thinking of us as the doctor will hopefully write Jessie a clean bill of health and gives her permission to fly on Thursday.

4. We fly home this Thursday. We will be flying out of Beijing at 6pm on Thursday, and landing Dulles International airport about 7pm on the same day. I know it sounds strange, but a 13 hour flight will only take 1 hour; that is what happens when you fly eastbound across the International Date line.

Living outside the boat,
Brad

May 22, 2009: Lasting Impressions

“All of them were together and had everything in common.... They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising the Father and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Father added to their number daily...” Ac 2: 44-47

Dear friends,

In six days, Brad and I will return home from China to live again in the United States. It is a surreal feeling. We have called China home for the majority of the last two years and for the majority of our marriage. We've lived in our apartment in Langfang longer than we lived in our duplex in Hagerstown. It's sad to see the walls becoming bare again, and the signs of life placed into boxes and suitcases. I've been cleaning every surface: the bathroom, the refrigerator, the television, and my art desk. We've returned the things we've borrowed, and given other things away to the orphanage, our team, and our students. Brad and I have completed our exams and grading and taught all but our last few classes. I've been photographing my artworks, and trying to utilize the last of the items in our pantry. It's difficult to imagine that we'll be trying to fit almost two years of our lives into four fifty pound suitcases and a couple of carry-on bags.

A look back over the last two years reveals so much change. We shared our Orientation with five teachers serving in Qinhuangdao (Shana, Ian, Megan, Mark, and Andy) and arrived in China as part of ELT Edge. Within a few months of teaching, we separated from ELT and became IECS—a brand new organization with only four teachers in Langfang (me, Brad, Shannon, and Newt). Five months later, Newt returned home, and Peter took his place. Two years later, Shana has returned home, Ian and Megan are at home expecting their first child, and Mark married his girlfriend Katherine this past year and they are also expecting their first child. Shannon and Peter were dating when we arrived, but went through much of their courtship, engagement, and marriage with our team. Not to be outdone, Brad and I came to China after only 20 months of marriage, and have gone through the first eight months of pregnancy with our first child here in China.

After a year in China, we were delighted to add more teachers to our IECS teacher staff, and they have been so much fun! Jess Shamblee joined us in Langfang, Wil and Courtney went to Tianjin, and Amelia, Emily, Tim, Ryan, and Jon went to Baoding. Two couples (Shannon, Peter, Wil, and Courtney) survived their first year of marriage here in China, and some survived their first year out of college. Our Chinese native staff have also been busy. Frank and Helen were married in March 2008, while Tony and Lily gave birth to their daughter Xi Mei in October 2008. As Brad and I leave China this year, there is more change coming. Wil, Courtney, Emily, and Andy will return home to the USA with us, while Tony, Lily, and baby Xi Mei await confirmation for their upcoming move to Alberta, Canada. As Tony and Lily leave, Frank and Helen will step into their place. They will also be joined by newcomer Da Yu, a Chinese native from the Qinhuangdao area.

It is fun to remember our first impressions of one another and of China. I remember meeting Shannon's sister Emily at Lake Champion, and hearing that Shannon was a great singer, and dating a guy who lived in China. I remember finding Jess Shamblee on Facebook and enjoying photos of her and all of her friends “jumping” and being excited that Brad would have someone to talk about football here with him. I remember expecting Tony and Lily to be Americans, and being very confused when we were greeted and hugged by these two Chinese friends who spoke English with a thick Chinese accent (it took me a little time to understand Chinese-accented English). My first impressions of China were of being overwhelmed, despite having traveled all over Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. I was overwhelmed by a completely foreign language, foreign writing, foreign faces, foreign food, and foreign landscape. I felt isolated in being illiterate, deaf, and mute everywhere I went. We were also often hungry as we tried (somewhat unsuccessfully at first) to find Chinese foods in Chinese restaurants and supermarkets (where we couldn't read the menu or labels) that suited our American tastes. It was no surprise that our entire team lost weight during that first semester in China.

Our growth in China has been exponential. Through the daily experiences and challenges of life together here we have learned so many things. Many of us have learned how to cook, how to teach, how to play the guitar, how to lead meetings, how to perform in a run-on skit, how to give a public lecture, how to speak Chinese, and even how to run a marathon or 10K. We've learned to navigate Chinese airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, restaurants, hotels, hostels, squat pots, and more. We've learned about China, Chinese history, Chinese culture, and the Chinese people. We've laughed together at the absurdities and cried together at the heartaches. We've bonded together as a family—sharing every birthday, holiday, vacation, job, illness, death, and significant event or memory as a team. Here we have learned to live in community, sharing everything we have with one another, and growing closer than most people ever have the opportunity to become.

As Brad and I leave China this Spring, we probably won't be missing the squat pots or the crowded transportation of China. What we will miss is the relationships we have shared with our students and faculty and especially with our IECS team. We have learned and grown so much during this time of intimate community, living like the family described in Acts. We have learned what it is to be unified by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose, and looking to the interests of others more than ourselves. We have daily seen this family, having everything in common, praise the Father and enjoy the favor of all people as they broke bread together with glad and sincere hearts. And finally we have rejoiced to see the fruit as the Father has seemed to add to our number daily. The lessons we have learned could not have been learned from a book or a class, but have been learned through daily experiences and relationships. We will never forget these people, this time of our lives, or the lessons we have learned.

Thank you again for your part in this experience, for your support and encouragement. Thank you for your joy in giving this life to us for two years, for befriending us, and for helping in whatever way you could. We couldn't have done it without you, and we wouldn't have wanted to. Thank you for changing our lives with your love. Thank you for sharing the dream, and touching the lives of so many. You have given more than you could ever imagine.

Love always,
Jessie, Brad, and Naomi

“...Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.... Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others....” Phil 2:2-4

Sunday Thoughts: May 17th, 2009

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Father, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come...to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Father, "and will bring you back from captivity.”

I love that the emphasis is on His plans, the plans He has for us! Plans to prosper, plans to give us hope, and plans to give us a future because without a hope in the Father, our future is limited!

This has been a week filled with frustration. Our plans have not prevailed, and it has been difficult to believe that the Father's plans are “plans to prosper and not to harm.” However, we cling to two truths: “many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Father's purpose that prevails,” and “in his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

It is not about “our plans,” it is about the Father's plan to be found by us and to bring our hearts back from captivity!

Please think about us:

1. Unfortunately this has been a difficult week for all of us. Last Wednesday night we learned that all of the IECS English weeks needed to be canceled due to the swine flu scare. There were two confirmed cases in China last week, and due to this, all visas from Canada, Mexico, and the United States have been suspended. The loss of these weeks has hit us hard, as we have been looking forward to them all semester. For the team in Langfang, this is the third consecutive English Week that has been canceled.

2. With no English Weeks, all of the IECS teachers found themselves free during this past weekend. So everybody decided to meet in Beijing. It was therapeutic for all of us. We had all been dealing with the loss of our English Weeks separately, so the time together was encouraging. Newt led our Sunday morning meeting, and we had lunch together before we all returned to our separate schools.

3. Please also continue to think about Newt and Claire Hetrick. They have had to deal with the brunt of the chaos created by the cancellation of the English Week trips. Newt has been in China for the past two weeks (he arrived before the visas were suspended) and Claire has had to make all of the phone calls to the various teachers and airline companies. Newt will be flying home on Tuesday.

4. Last Monday, the city of Langfang was without power from 8am to 8pm. Luckily, Jessie was still able to give her final exams in a dimly lit classroom. However, the “English Association” English Club that was scheduled for that evening had to be rescheduled. Since English week has been canceled, we will now visit the “English Association” English Club this Thursday night.

5. Last Tuesday, Jessie and I went to Beijing for another Baby appointment. Naomi Faith continues to be perfectly healthy and in the proper position. After the appointment, Jessie and I decided to visit the Summer Palace since we had never been there, and many people have told us that it is one of the best places to see in Beijing. It did not disappoint! We had a great afternoon exploring the island, taking a boat ride across the lake, and climbing through the palace to the overlook on the main land.

6. The packing process has begun; we have started taking pictures of the walls, we sent a 50 pound suitcase full of books home with Newt, and I took our other suitcases out of storage earlier today. We return to the states on May 28th, I start lifeguarding on June 1st, and we have a job interview on the 2nd.

7. The heat is on! The temperature has been hovering around the mid-90's recently which has not made Jessie's pregnancy any easier. Our next baby appointment is Tuesday the 26th, two days before we return.

Living outside the boat,
Brad

Sunday Thoughts: May 10th, 2009

“Where the Spirit of the Father is, there is freedom”

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

“It is for freedom that the Son has set us free.”

What is freedom? The past two years have given me a new appreciation for freedom, but not in a way that I ever expected. I thought I had sacrificed my freedom two years ago, but I have come to realize that freedom is not something that we can attain or forfeit. As “children of a loving Father,” our freedom is determined by him, not ourselves! If the Son has set us free then we are free indeed! Free to enjoy traditions, but not be bound by them, free to adhere to the Law, but not be saved by it, and free to live the abundant life that he has designed for us! We are free,...free to follow the Father because he first loved us.

“Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God”

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

“We love because he first loved us”

We are grateful this week:

1. Newt and Tony arrived on Thursday to start preparing for the upcoming English weeks. All of us went to dinner, discussed the latest news from back home, and both left early the next morning.

2. Yesterday, we visited the Philip Hayden Foundation for the final time this year. We have been trying to visit the children about once a month, and it was sad to realize that Jessie and I might not ever again have the privileged of playing with these children. In the past two years the children at the Philip Hayden Foundation have been more of a blessing for us than we could have ever imagined. For more information on the Philip Hayden Foundation, please visit: http://www.ChinaOrphans.org, or http://youtube.com/chinaorphans
3. On Tuesday night we invited about 7 of our students over for an American “Home-Style” dinner. It was a fun evening! Shannon and Shamble prepared the BBQ chicken, Jessie made the mashed potatoes, and I moved everything out of our living room so we could fit everybody around one table.

Please think about us:

1. Tomorrow, we have been invited to a student-run “English Association” meeting. They have asked Jessie & I to give a speech. They have also asked Shannon & I to play a song or two.

2. During the third week in May we will have our annual English Week! About 13 teachers will come from the States, led by Newt and Claire Hetrick. We are very excited about English Week! As of right now, the biggest concern is that the local officials will still allow the trip. There has been a great deal of concern over the Swine Flu, but that concern seems to be subsiding.

3. Our next baby appointment is this Tuesday in Beijing. It is hard to believe this is going so quickly! We have less than two months left before Naomi Faith Distad is born!

Living outside the boat,
Brad

May 10, 2009: A Bittersweet Symphony

Hi Everyone!

It is time once again for our update letter! The month of April, and now May also, has flown by with incredible speed. I can't believe that Brad and I will be flying home in 18 days! My heart is constantly in conflict at our departure—delight in seeing our families and friends and homeland again, anxiety and excitement as we anticipate a baby and an unknown future, and sadness in leaving our life here in China. In many ways we can't wait to leave, yet in many ways we wish we could stay. We've made so many sweet memories even in the last six weeks. Here are a few of our favorites:

Exercise: Peter and Brad spent Monday mornings running together, and Shannon and Shamblee also ran together often. In an effort to find some form of exercise I could still do with my new figure and to spend some quality time with Brad, I began walking. I walk about five laps around the track with Brad while he runs about twelve. Four or five days a week, it has become a great reason to get out of the apartment in the hot sunshine and see the campus and students.

Baby Preparations: I continue to steadily gain weight and girth as Naomi grows inside of me. The doctor tells me she is in a great position with her head straight down and her feet kicking the top of my belly. It's been fun reading baby books and magazines and registering at Babies R Us, Walmart, and Target. I've researched everything from birth options to cloth diapers to cribs. Shannon and Jessica Shamblee threw me a fantastic surprise Baby Shower on April 11 (which I wrote about in an earlier note) that really got me psyched about our new arrival!

Playing with Kids: Jane asked me to teach her how to French braid her hair like mine, and Brad taught O.K., Forrest, and Melody to play Settlers (but I won the game!) Brad played basketball with the guys and I hosted Easter Egg dyeing and decorating in two of my classes. I taught a lesson on Love and a lesson on Sacrifice, and had at least three different students ask me to teach them how to write in cursive. Danielle and I met most weeks to create art together, Cassie and I studied and watched movies together, Gracie and Apple joined us for a visit to the orphanage, and Sky and Angie joined our team for dinner in the students' dining hall. This week the team hosted an “American Homestyle Dinner” complete with barbecue chicken, green beans, carrots, watermelon, cornbread, brownies, and chocolate chip cookies. We had a great time catching up with Laura, Felix, Jane, Victory, and Victor over a delicious meal!

Team Fun: Shannon, Jess, and I finished watching Beth Moore together, but continued our weekly lunch meetings. Jess served Brad and me her delicious veggie burgers one night, and Peter joined us in watching “X-Men Origins: Wolverine.” As a team we hosted our last two English Clubs (one on each campus), and Brad and Shannon hosted a very special guitar concert covering some of their favorite songs as well as some they wrote themselves. Last weekend Brad recruited Shamblee and me to help him make a music video Dr. Hook's, “Sylvia's Mother.” This latest creation using his new Vegas video-editing softward (a gift from his best friend), is his most professional yet. The results will be posted on Youtube and Facebook when we get home at the end of the month. I joined Brad in becoming a vegetarian for a month, and enjoyed the challenge of learning to cook vegetarian meals for the two of us.

Easter: Easter was a great time of fellowship with our friends from Baoding (Tim, Ryan, John, Amelia, Emily), Tianjin (Wil, Courtney), Qinghuangdao (Andy), and Melissa (America). While the girls threw me a surprise Baby Shower (also including our students Danielle, Cassie, and Sunshine), the guys played basketball (also with a large group of students) on Saturday afternoon. On Sunday morning we had a big American breakfast together, and then Jess and Shannon led our very large Sunday meeting. Afterward, we headed to the tropical greenhouse Jade Harbor restaurant for a very special Easter lunch. It was difficult to say goodbye, knowing it was probably the last time the IECS Team 2008/2009 would be together.

North Face 100K: On April 25, we had a great adventure with most of the IECS team! Brad competed in the North Face 40K, while Peter, Wan Li (Peter's Friend, a PE student), Shannon, Jess, Amelia, Ryan, Courtney, and Wil competed in the North Face 10K. Wan Li and Peter were thrilled to bring home fourth and fifth place out of 2,600 10K racers. For all but Brad, Peter, and Wan Li, it was their first 10K ever and they did great! I brought Cassie along for the overnight weekend event, and we had a great time cheering on the runners as they began and finished the race with excellence. Each runner had an adventure, and some saw miracles! Brad managed to step on a sharp stick at 8K that pierced his shoe from sole to shoelaces, narrowly missing his foot by snaking between his toes. It is incredible to think that even a slight variation could have left him with a bloody hole in his foot to nurse on the side of the mountain he was climbing.

Family: It's been an eventful month for our families at home as well. My Dad (Jeff Head) spent eight weeks in excruciating pain due to a herniated disc in his back. He slept very little and was able to work less and less. After seeing his doctor, then a back specialist, and finally a neurosurgeon, he underwent major back surgery in Baltimore on April 16. The four hour surgery was very successful, and he awoke pain-free. Last week he went back to work part-time, and this week he returned to work full-time. In the meantime, Brad's parents (Bonnie and Ed) were in Iowa from April 2-16 while they helped Bonnie's father to begin preparations for leaving the family home to move to Maryland where Bonnie and Ed can care for him. The packing, selling, auctioning, and moving will continue through most of the summer months. Finally, my sister Kristy surprised everyone by accepting a job for next year teaching music in the little one-horse town of Sublette, Kansas. From April 4-6 they all but rolled out the red carpet for her, by flying her out to Kansas, giving her a tour of the town and school, arranging some apartments for her perusal, and performing a concert during her visit.

Job Update: Finally, as many of you know, Brad and I will not be returning to China in the Fall of 2009. During the winter and spring Newt has continuously advocated for us in the East Coast regions including Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. After numerous inquiries, it appeared that New Jersey and Maryland were the most promising. So Brad and I were very pleased this past week when Brad was invited to interview for a position in Maryland during the first week of June. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts as he interviews for this position, and we make decisions about the future of our family. Most of our plans for the summer and beyond are still up in the air, so we deeply appreciate your thoughts and encouragement through the waiting.

As Brad and I look forward to coming home in 18 days, and having a baby in about 51 days, we cannot imagine how we could have come so far in the past two years without the Father's provision, your thoughts, and your support. Thank you for your unfailing encouragement and kindness. You have brought home to us in a foreign country and lessened the distance with your love.

Love Always,
Jessie, Brad, and Naomi

May 6, 2009: Lessons Learned

Dear Friends,

As Brad and I began giving exams this week, I had more than one person ask me to reflect on what I've been learning recently. It has been hard to sum up the dozens of rambling thoughts in my mind confounded by pregnancy hormones and lack of sleep (the lack being due to pregnancy and 4:30am sunshine). But I have been thinking a lot about this lately as our two years in China draw to a close. I mean, what was it all for? Did we accomplish what we set out to do? Were we successful? Did we make good use of our time?

I've learned a lot of great lessons in the last few months from my friends here in China. I continue to daily learn from my husband, Brad. I'm learning from him that it's okay to look silly in photos, and even to encourage it! I'm learning to imitate his humor and passion for life and to seek that in my own life. And I'm learning from him not to give in or back down on matters of principle, to be a woman of my word, and follow through even when it means not being “nice” now and then. From my friend Cassie Huo, I am learning the joy of being around someone who daily overflows with optimism, enthusiasm, and joy. Her hugs are the envy of our team, and everywhere we go together she makes friends...including taxi drivers, random co-travelers, students, officials, children, and the elderly. My friend Danielle often teaches me the lessons of her parents. Her father has taught her (and me) to wash the dishes as you use them so that they don't pile up, and her mother has taught her (and me) that dreams and goals are fine things, but your actions are what really matter. Finally, from my team I have been learning the joy of sharing our dreams and goals together, the freedom of transparency, and the daily challenges and rewards of growing together in unity.

What follows are a few more lessons I have been learning this semester. I'm sure that there will be more to come, and more that I have missed, but these are few recent thoughts:

Mother Teresa: “We are not called to be successful, but to be faithful.”
Gandhi: “What we are doing may seem insignificant, but it is most important that we do it.”
Shane Claiborne: “That sounds good, but it was the beginning of my years of struggling with the tension between efficiency and faithfulness.”

Lesson 1: As a lover of efficiency and organization, I am learning that being faithful is rarely efficient, that loving people cannot be checked off on my “to do” list, and that relationships rarely fit into my time schedule or plans. Faithfulness, loving people, and relationships must be given unhurried time without deadlines. I'm learning that though I may feel insignificant, unsuccessful, and unaccomplished, that it is most important that I keep doing his work, wherever it takes me. I'm learning that “obedience is more important than mere excellence” (Steve Arterburn).

Shane Claiborne: “But me, I had it together. I used to be cool. And then I met the Son and he wrecked my life. The more I read the Word, the more it messed me up, turning everything I believed in, valued, and hoped for upside down.”

Lesson 2: The more I read the Word, the more the Son messes me up. He's unpredictable. He's radical. He's scandalous. Everything I though I should want, or achieve, or value, or become is nonsense. I want to fit in, and He wants me to follow Him. I am an A-type, oldest child, critically-spirited Pharisee...and in so many ways I have missed the point of the entire Message. The Son can't be put in a box, and neither can his followers. The Son is calling me to “think outside the box” in more ways than I ever have before, to see the world through his eyes and not my own...to die to myself.

C. S. Lewis: “Ooh!” said Susan, “I'd thought he was a man. Is he—quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion.”
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver, “don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”

Lesson 3: I'm learning that our Father is not safe, but he's good. So much of my time is spent worrying and wondering about the past, present, and future, in hopes that I will be more safe and more secure. Shane Claiborne quotes one of his professors as saying, “We have insulated ourselves from miracles. We no longer live lives with such reckless faith that we need them. There is rarely room for the transcendent in our lives.” I am guilty as charged, planning my life days, weeks, months, and years in advance in hopes of being “safe.” I'm learning that I have nothing to fear, except the Father Himself! As Naomi's name testifies, this year has been a lesson in faith and trust for me, as I wait on his timing and his perfect purpose. I hope that I can learn to invite some reckless faith into my life, and to make room for miracles and the transcendent.

I hope you've enjoyed a few of my thoughts. There's a lot more on my mind, but it will have to wait for another day. Thank you for thinking of me and Brad this semester, and of our future together wherever the Father leads us.

Love always,
Jessie

Sunday Thoughts: May 3rd, 2009

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If He is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

It is amazing how the Father has abundantly supplied for our needs over the past two years. Beyond that, he has done it graciously, not begrudgingly! When we were in need, he graciously gave.

Now, as we prepare to leave and begin a new adventure, I realize that there are so many unknowns. With a new child arriving at the end of June, a job change to an undecided location, and the corresponding move this summer, I am not sure what to expect. However, through the process of the past two years, I have learned that the Father desires to graciously supply for all of our needs along this journey, and our task is to remain faithful.

We are grateful this week:

1. It is May and that means that there will be English Weeks at each of the various campuses that employ IECS teachers. Newt will arrive later this week to prepare for the upcoming month.

2. We held our final English Club of the year last Monday night on the main campus. It was great, but it was a little bittersweet to realize that for Jessie and me. It was our last opportunity to host English Club at Langfang Teachers' College.

3. On Tuesday, Jessie and I went to Beijing for our bi-weekly baby check-up. Naomi Faith Distad continues to be completely healthy and in the proper position.

4. Friday was Labor Day, so we had a little more free time this week. For fun, Shamblee, Jess, and I decided to make a music video of Dr. Hook's song, “Sylvia's Mother.” It probably was not the most constructive use of our time, but we had a blast! It will be posted on Youtube by the end of May.

Please think about us:

1. It's hard to believe, but Jess and I will begin the final exam interviews this week, and then start to total our semester grades. The end is coming quickly, and there's so much to do, with finals, grades, baby appointments, packing, and English Week. We want to continue to make the most of every opportunity and finish strong in this final month before we return home.

2. During the third week in May we will have our annual English Week! About 13 teachers will come from the States, led by Newt and Claire Hetrick. We are very excited about English Week!

3. Our next baby appointment is May 12th. We have less than two months left before Naomi Faith Distad is born!

Living outside the boat,
Brad

Sunday Thoughts: April 26th, 2009

“Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road...”

Their hearts were burning after a conversation with the Son! What makes our hearts burn? When do we feel alive? Our hearts only truly burn when we are face-to-face with the reality of the abundant life that the Father offers.

Our hearts know it before our minds do! Our hearts burn until our eyes are opened to the truth! Our hearts burn until our minds understand what our souls already know; he is alive!

We are grateful this week:

1. Yesterday was the North Face China Endurance Challenge. I completed that 40K in 3:37:09, and I am extremely happy with that time considering we dealt with 30mph winds all day, a 400 meter incline in 3.5km, and a 400 meter decline in 2.5km. I also stepped on a stick that punctured my shoe at about the eight kilometer mark. It went through the sole of my right shoe, between my toes, and poked against the inside of the top of my shoe. I thought my foot would be bleeding for the rest of the race, but amazingly the stick went perfectly between my toes and did not even leave a scratch.

Many of our fellow IECS teachers came with us to run the 10K. Peter & Shannon Lucas-Roberts, Jessica Shamblee, Amelia Martin, Courtney & Wil Corder, and Ryan Bettwy all ran in the 10K with about 2,600 other runners. Peter ran the whole way with a student from our college, Chai Wan Li, and they finish together, 4th and 5th overall!

Jessie spent the day with one of her students, Cassie, and they stayed at the finish line cheering for all the finishers, taking pictures, and aiding the IECS runners.

2. On Tuesday night we hosted a game night, and Jessie and I invited three students. We played Settlers for about three hours, while Shamblee, Peter, and Shannon played Suckotash and Uno with other students in Shamblee's apartment.

3. Next weekend is the Labor Day holiday in China, so Friday's classes have been canceled.

Please think about us:

1. On Monday night we will have our final English club of the semester on the main campus.

2. This will be the last week of regular classes for Jessie and me. After this week we will begin the final exam interview process for each of our students.

3. During the third week in May we will have our annual English week! About 13 teachers will come from the States, led by Newt and Claire Hetrick. We are very excited about English week! All of the training is completed at this point, and we are eagerly awaiting their visit. Please continue to “think” about it as the final details get sorted out in the upcoming weeks.

4. Jessie and I will be heading to Beijing again on Tuesday for another baby check-up. Only 9 more weeks remain until we get to meet our little girl!

Living outside the boat,
Brad

Sunday Thoughts: April 19th, 2009

“But Naaman went away angry and said, "I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Father, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than any of the waters of Israel? Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?" So he turned and went off in a rage.

Naaman's servants went to him and said, "My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, 'Wash and be cleansed'!" So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the prophet told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”

How often do we complicate the grace of our Father with our own expectations? So often we want to be healed from all the pains in our lives, but we want it on our own terms, conditions, and cost. The beauty of our Father is the simplicity of his grace. All of the terms and conditions of grace have already been fulfilled. The cost is paid! All that is left for us is total surrender to the simplicity of his grace.

We are grateful this week:

1. This has been an exciting week for us. We have two new family members, one in Baoding, and the other in Langfang!

2. On Tuesday we went to Beijing for another baby check-up. It was the quickest appointment yet! We were in and out in an hour. The baby is healthy, Jess is healthy, and we can't wait for the end of June!

3. We spent the early part of the week calling our family to tell them that we have decided on a name for our child: Naomi Faith Distad.

4. On Saturday night we ate asparagus for the first time in the least two years. It is amazing what you will be grateful for when you have lived in China for the better part of two years!

5. We had our final English Club on the Western Campus last Friday. It was amazing; even though many students had an exam on Saturday morning, the room was packed. I will try to post a video as soon as possible, but youtube.com has not been accessible in China for the past few weeks.

Please think about us:

1. Next Friday night we will travel to Beijing to spend the night in a hotel before running the North Face 40K on Saturday morning. A few students will come with us, and many of the other IECS teachers will also be coming to run the 10K. It should be a fun couple days as we travel and run together.

2. Jess' father had back surgery this week and although it took longer than the doctors predicted, it went well. He is home now and trying to enjoy the time away from work.

3. During the third week in May we will have our annual English week! About 13 teachers will come from the States, led by Newt and Claire Hetrick. We are very excited about English week! Please continue to “think” about it as the final details get sorted out in the upcoming weeks.

4. Naomi's next baby check-up is Tuesday April 28th.

Living outside the boat,
Brad

April 15, 2009: Naomi Faith Distad

Our dearest daughter,

Before Brad and I were pregnant with you, I spent most of the summer studying the story of Ruth and Naomi. I love the romance of Ruth and Boaz, the loyalty and reputation of Ruth, and the good character of Boaz. I also love the story of Naomi, a broken woman who finds redemption. It is in honor of this dear woman, that we have decided to name you, "Naomi Faith Distad."

Naomi: Naomi was a woman whose life was bitter after losing her husband and two sons in a foreign land. She went away full, and came back empty. She felt the Father had afflicted her and brought misfortune on her. But the Father gave her a loyal and determined daughter-in-law named Ruth who was "better than seven sons." The Father redeemed Naomi's life through Ruth and Boaz, who gave her another son, the grandfather of King David. The women said to Naomi, "Praise be to the Father who has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer...He will renew you and sustain you in your old age" (Rth 4:14-15). Naomi also means: pleasant, enjoyment, gratification, beautiful, delightful, lovable, my delight. Naomi, you are already a delight. Every day your presence increases the beauty, love, and joy of our lives.

Faith: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Heb. 11:1). “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not of yourselves, it is the Father's gift—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are His workmanship...” (Eph. 2:8-10). We are saved through by grace, through faith, and not by anything we ourselves have done to earn it. Faith is also one of the three great virtues from 1 Cor. 13: 1-13. It also means: trust, loyalty, allegiance, covenant, commitment, dedication, consecration, complete confidence, belief in the Father and acceptance of his will. You may not yet be aware of it, but faith has brought your father and I together, faith has directed our paths, and faith has brought you into our lives.

Your father and I have experienced brokenness, bitterness, and hard times in our lives, and we know that you will too. It is inevitable. But we also know that you will never be left without a Redeemer who will redeem, renew, and sustain your life. Like Naomi, you can be assured that he will never leave you or forget you. Faith (or trusting the Father) is probably the virtue I struggle with the most, so I want to grant it to you as a gift. Faith is foundational to our lives and our calling, and it is our most precious hope for you. Even as I feel you kicking in my womb, it is my most earnest hope that you will have faith in our Father and in his great love for you.

Love Always,
Mom

April 18, 2009: Surprise Baby Shower!

On Saturday morning, April 11, Brad and I awoke bright and early to grey skies over Langfang. The morning was busy as we finished last minute preparations for the 10 guests who would be arriving around 11am. We hoped the weather would clear up before the guys played basketball in the afternoon. I showered, washed dishes, and straightened up around the apartment. I heard a commotion in the hall around 10am, and looked out the peephole where I was amused to see Shannon and Jess Shamblee wearing colorful baseball caps and giggling about something. I poked my head out of the door, just as they simultaneously knocked on our door. They presented me with a bright pink invitation wrapped in a fat white ribbon—an invitation to a surprise Baby Shower at 2pm!

I was momentarily confused as I started to put together various interactions from the last few weeks and realized what they were saying. Shannon and Jess told me to just relax as the rest of our guests arrived, and asked me not to enter Jess' apartment as they prepared. With the change of plans, I spent the rest of the morning getting ready at a slower pace and listening as our friends arrived and entered Jess' apartment to help with the shower preparations. The guys left to play basketball together shortly before the shower began, and only the girls were left in the building.

At 2pm I knocked on Jess Shamblee's door, and was greeted by nine smiling girls: fellow IECS teachers Shannon, Jess, Courtney, Emily, and Amelia, Chinese students Sunshine, Cassie, and Danielle, and Tim's girlfriend Melissa. Jess put a bright pink headband on my head and a pink wand in my hand, both topped with little pig-tailed baby doll heads. I laughed as I looked around the room at pink and purple balloons and bright posters that read: “Welcome Baby Girl Distad!” “It's a girl!” and “Made in China!” A line of baby diapers filled the windowsill, delicious foods covered Jess' desk, and colorful gifts hid the coffee table from sight.

Shannon began our activities with introductions and an explanation (for our Chinese friends) of the foods on the desktop, including deviled eggs, brownies, peanut candies, fruit, and funfetti cake (for later). She also explained the clothespins on our shirts, which would be taken away if we dared say the taboo word, “Baby.” I was the first to lose all of my clothespins! After snacks and some initial photos, we played the “Baby Name Game.” Each girl suggested a baby name which I then drew from a hat and read aloud. The names suggested were Eleanor Rose (Elle), Natasha Joy, Britney, Eva, Lydia Faith, Surprised Gift, Elise Marie, Xin Yi (Happy Harmony), and Allison Love. Then Jess unveiled the name “Naomi Faith,” cleverly hidden on a poster under the words “Baby Girl.”

For the next game the girls had to guess the circumference of my “Baby Belly” using lengths of blue yarn. We laughed at the various strategies used, including Courtney's method of measuring her own head and waist and adding the two distances together. Cassie was the winner of this activity and the name game, taking home a “family” of hangers and a notebook. The last game was called “Dirty Diaper ID” and it had us all in stitches! Jess had melted 6 candy bars in 6 diapers, and it was our challenge to identify the chocolate by appearance and smell. The results were hilarious, as you can imagine! Amelia was the winner of this activity, correctly identifying a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup, Almond Joy, Hershey's Milk Chocolate, Snickers, Hershey's Green Tea Chocolate, and a Mint 3 Musketeers.

After the games, I got to open the gifts from the girls who were there, and some from friends who couldn't make it to the party. The whole group gave us a “Ching-ting” (Dragonfly) Chinese baby bib, and Sunshine gave us 2 pink and white baby bibs. Jess Shamblee gave us a pink shirt with matching blanket, and Tony & Lily gave us 2 yellow and white shirts with a matching blanket. Wil & Courtney gave us baby shoes, a shirt, and overalls, and Emily & Amelia gave us Chinese baby shoes, a shirt, hand socks, and slit Chinese pants. Frank & Helen gave us a magnetic photo tree, and Shannon & Peter gave us a pink baseball and tiny “Crocs with Socks.” Each card was so thoughtfully written, and each gift so thoughtfully chosen! Naomi will certainly make a fashion statement in all of her tiny adorable outfits!

After the gifts were unwrapped, Shannon and Jess led all the girls in “thinking” about Brad and me and Naomi and our future together. After this time of encouragement, all of us had funfetti cake and took group photos. Then we relaxed for the rest of the afternoon, talking and laughing and taking more photos. We laughed as Shannon and Jess put clothespins in Sunshine's hair, and Melissa and Courtney practiced eating cake as if they were in a wedding. It was a great day and a great surprise! What a delightful way to celebrate new life and friendship! Thanks again girls!

Love,
Brad, Jessie, & Naomi

Sunday Thoughts: April 12th, 2009

“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the Father, for he comes.”

The weather was amazing all week, and spring is in full force! It is as if we switched from the cold darkness of winter to the warm daylight of spring over night. The trees are green, the cherry blossoms are blooming, and a warm breeze is flowing through our apartment. As we walk across our campus it is fun to think that the fields and trees are singing for joy as a new creation has risen from the ground. The darkness is gone, let the glorious light shine, as the new creation sings for the joy of an empty tomb!

We are grateful this week:

1. On Tuesday night we held a small concert for about 100 English students on the main campus. Peter emceed, Jess video-taped, and Shannon & I played 6 songs each. We also spent some time sharing the meaning behind the songs. It was a nice relaxed atmosphere, and we are hoping to do it again before the end of the year.

2. For the holiday weekend, all of the IECS teachers came to Langfang. Everybody arrived by Saturday before noon, and then at 2pm the girls held a very special surprise baby shower for Jess while the boys played basketball. We all celebrated together on Sunday morning after a big homemade breakfast, and then went out for a special lunch at Jade Harbor (the “Rain Forest Restaurant”). Around 2pm the Baoding and Tianjin teams caught their taxis to the train station to return to their respective colleges.

Please think about us:

1. This Friday we will have our final English club on the Western Campus. Jess Shamblee will be speaking, and our run-on play will come to a conclusion. About a week and a half later we will have our final English club on the main campus.

2. During the third week in May we will have our annual English week! About 15-20 teachers will come from the States, led by Newt and Claire Hetrick. We are very excited about English week! Please continue to “think” about it as the final details get sorted out in the upcoming weeks.

3. Our return plane tickets were finalized this week. We will return May 28th, one month before Jess' due date.

4. Jess' 3rd trimester has begun! We have our monthly visit to see the doctor this Tuesday and then we will return every two weeks for checkups.

Living outside the boat,
Brad

Sunday Thoughts: April 5th, 2009

“If he calls you, say, 'Speak, Father, for your servant is listening.'”

I have often wondered how someone could clearly discern the voice of the Father? As I read the story of Samuel this week I was reminded that the problem does not lie in the Father's ability to speak clearly, rather it lies in my ability to listen. Too often I am concerned with speaking, and I have found that it difficult to listen when I am busy talking.

How often do we invite him to speak so that we, his servants, can have the privilege of listening?

We are grateful this week:

1. It was 75F and sunny today! It has warmed up in the past couple days, and it suddenly feels like spring. Everything is starting to turn green, and best of all, we will not need to sleep with two pairs of socks on our feet anymore!

2. We celebrated the Tomb Sweeping holiday this past weekend. All that meant for us is that we did not have classes on Friday, and we avoided all forms of mass transportation for the holiday weekend. It was really relaxing to sleep in a little, and enjoy the weather. Our students should return tonight.

3. Since the weather was so nice, Peter and I made it out to play basketball with some of our students yesterday. The courts were full of high school students enjoying the holiday, but we managed to find a hoop and play four-on-four with a few of our English students.

4. Jess returns to her normal schedule this week. She has completed all of her make up classes, and now we are focused on finishing the semester strong.

Please think about us:

1. This Tuesday night Shannon and I will be hosting a small concert for the English students. We plan to share the time and perform some of our favorite songs along with some of our own songs.

2. Next weekend, all of the IECS teachers will be visiting us to celebrate Easter. I am excited to spend a couple days with our friends celebrating my favorite holiday. It is hard to believe it has been a month since we have seen the entire team of teachers. The weeks really seem to disappear! Please remember them as they travel to visit us next Friday and Saturday.

3. My parents are now in Iowa with my grandfather. They will be spending their time trying to find a realtor and an auctioneer for his house. As of now, the goal is to sell the house this summer and then my grandfather will move in with my parents sometime in August, just before his 91st birthday.

4. Jess' 3rd trimester has begun! Three months to go, and then a lifetime of ........? Either way, I am excited, and I cannot wait for July to come! If you would like to see a video of our most recent ultrasound, you can visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y12FeopIf0Q

Living outside the boat,
Brad

Sunday Thoughts: March 29th, 2009

“Unless the Father builds the house, it's builders labor in vain. Unless the Father watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain.”

I am constantly reminded that I know so little, and if I take action apart from the Father's blessing, I “labor in vain.” So I wait for his direction and leading. When I feel alone, I take comfort in the knowledge that the Father is watching over me and slowly conforming me to his likeness so that my labor will not be in vain. My consistent “thought” is that “He must become greater and I must become less.”

We are grateful this week:

1. Monday's English Club on the main campus went really well. It was great to see so many familiar faces! We got everything set up and spent about 15 minutes greeting students then Peter organized a quick finger fencing tournament. After that, we sang some songs, played a few more games, and then Shannon lectured on the mind & soul again.

2. Yesterday, Wil and Courtney Corder brought some students from Tianjin and we visited the Philip Hayden Foundation. There were 19 of us total! It took five taxis! We split up between a couple different houses when we arrived and spent about 2 hours playing with the children until they had to prepare for dinner. As always, it was a great afternoon. If you are at all interested in caring for Chinese orphans, I strongly recommend the Philip Hayden Foundation. You can find more information about them at www.chinaorphans.org

3. Jess' extra classes almost done. She will only teach 6 extra hours this week, and next week she will return to her normal schedule. This has been a great blessing for us because now we will be able to return to the United States in time for Jess to give birth.

Please think about us:

1. It has been cold for about the past week in our apartment. The heat was turned off for the winter on March 15, and the weather was warm for a while. Then it snowed earlier this week! Since we do not control our heat, the end of March and the beginning of November always seem like the coldest times of the year to us. The temperatures have been dropping below freezing at night and topping out around 70F on a sunny day, although our apartments never seem to get above 60F during the day. Our apartment was 58F all morning today. Needless to say we are anxious for warmer weather!

2. My parents will be returning to Iowa later this week to be with my grandfather. They will be spending their time trying to find a realtor and an auctioneer for his house. As of now, the goal is to sell the house this summer and then my grandfather will move in with my parents sometime in August, just before his 91st birthday.

3. Jess' 3rd trimester begins next week, and we are still a couple weeks away from our next check-up. Every day the baby's kicks get stronger! We have been discussing different names, but we have not settled on one yet. If you would like to see a video of our most recent ultrasound, you can visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y12FeopIf0Q

Living outside the boat,
Brad