A Layne Post
Anaya is 12 days old today. Her presence in our lives is already both a blessing and a challenge. Just when my tiredness starts to take over, when it is 3 am and she is wanting her awake time, when I feel twinges of pain reminding me of my labor; Anaya wakes up and gives a little half smile, or giggles in her sleep, and my mercies are renewed. I am filled with more love and ready to lavish it on her. I explained to Anaya during one of our diaper changes how I am beginning to understand the heart of God our father even more because of her.
When I have to let her cry a little, because I know in the long run I am shaping her to be a self-assured and independent…
When I sit outside her bedroom door and ‘collect all her tears‘…
When I desire to pour all the knowledge I have into her…
Those are some of the exact things the Father does/desires for me. This little girl, Anaya, who burst into our lives on the 22nd of February is teaching me so much in such a short amount of time. I told Jon the other day, “You just can’t be selfish with a baby.” It is my love for her that motivates me to keep going, to keep giving. I am so thankful that the Lord loves me in such a way, that even when I am off schedule, off the ‘right path’, His love motivates Him to keep caring for me; to keep cleaning me up. And just when He is getting tired, the morning comes, and His mercies are renewed.
Anaya Hosanna. She causes me to look to God and give a shout of praise, just as the meaning of her name promised. It is my prayer that her life and presence may do the same for many others along the way.
Our peaceful, content girl
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Jon has returned to his visits to the hospital. Our family there joined in our celebration of our new daughter, as her proud Daddy showed photos from her first week with us.
A precious boy we love very much named Alexandre has been sent home. Jon was able to spend a couple days with him before his departure. He is not better. Our prayer is that he will get home, and the Lord will miraculously intervene and extend his life. We plan to keep in touch via cell phones.
Alexandre = Best smile EVER
You may also remember Lucia and her father Longo, who went home at the end of January. I wanted to update you that she is still alive, and according to her father, doing well. She still has the tumor in her belly, but seems to be thriving at home away from the hospital and medication. We praise the Lord for this, since we were skeptical even of her survival on the journey home; it is truly a miracle. Her father is happy to be working again and providing for his family. When we speak with him, he is always full of giggles.
As for me, my ministry at the hospital has been put on hold for Anaya’s first few weeks. Soon I will begin pumping my milk, allowing Jon to take an afternoon feeding, and I will make 1-2 visits a week, while Jon remains at home with Anaya. At 5-6 weeks we will take Anaya up to the hospital in a carrier/sling and introduce her to our family there. Unfortunately, due to the sheer amount of people, and the fact that it is a hospital, we will not allow her to be held for another undefined amount of time. You can pray with and for us to have wisdom in this area as the Lord continues to direct us.
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We love you guys and thank you for your expressed joy and celebration in the birth and arrival of Anaya. We look forward to introducing her in person to many of you in the USA at the end of the year.