Layne Archive | jon and layne heller

In Beira

Mozambique

We have talked about doing this for so long. And then there were two kids. And then there was a pregnancy. Things just seemed to keep getting delayed, and quite honestly, I didn’t mind. While the idea of a trip up north sounded great, I really dreaded it with the girls, thinking the work just might not be worth it. Thankfully I have a husband with little to no fears, who kept pressing the idea.

Fine.

I told him when I got out of my first trimester we could do it, more with an attitude of “let’s get this over with and behind us” than excitement.

So here we are in the beautiful city of Beira, about 13 hours north of Maputo, the capital city where we live. The drive was pleasant and enjoyable. Long, yes, but with two very happy little girls. I had no need to worry. The Lord graciously provided contact with some missionaries here that were in need of house sitters, so our lodging has been and will be free. What a blessing! We had planned to only stay 4 nights, mainly due to cost, until the offer to house sit was presented, so now we are here about 12 nights. Since starting our visits, we have agreed that 4 nights would have been very difficult, especially for the girls. The Lord knew better than we did.

Our friends from the hospital have been outstanding hosts and it has been such a privilege to see them healthy in their own homes and to meet their precious families. We have connected with six people so far with plans for many others. Stories to come…

To say I am thankful we came would be an understatement. These are moments to treasure, to store up in our hearts for difficult days ahead.

There is hope.

December 30, 2012

Layne

Hospital Ministry, Mozambique, Personal, Travel

5 comments

Brave Girl, Come Out

A Layne Post

When my sister arrived, she came bearing gifts for all. One of Anaya’s presents was a doll from the new Disney movie Brave. We haven’t seen it yet, but Anaya had noticed my niece’s on Skype and seemed to like it, so being Aunt Boog, she snatched one up and threw it in the suitcase. I saved the doll as a distraction item on safari, so Anaya would have something new to keep her busy. It worked for a few minutes as she inspected her, messed with her crown, and took her shoes off. She named her Brave girl.

Once we arrived home, Brave girl was given a home. She lives under the couch. Do not ask me why, for I have no idea. You can ask Anaya where Brave girl is and she will go get her, look at her a bit, and put her right back where she belongs – under the couch. It seems a little ironic to me, the girl called Brave girl hiding under the couch.

Brave Girl

But sometimes maybe we’re not so different. We, who are meant to be brave, yet living under the couch. There are times God calls us to do brave things. Sometimes God calls us right out of everything that seems comfortable, right out from our dusty dwelling under the couch, and right into our role He’s destined for us. And just when you think you’ve become brave having done so many previous heroic feats, you find yourself comfy, staring at the padding of the cushions above all over again, muscles gone weak.

We’ve been in Mozambique 3 years now, all the while volunteering in Oncology with an idea and hope for Casa Ahavá. We had no children. Then Anaya was born. Then Jovie was born. And now precious number 3 is on the way. We will have a 2 year old, and 13 month old, and a newborn. And I find myself thinking, “Now, Lord? Really? Now?” But His movements are unmistakeable.

So here I find myself once again looking at the Lord’s plan for me, and I am needing to dust off, crawl out, and command the brave girl to come out.

December 16, 2012

Layne

Casa Ahava, Things we're dealing with

6 comments

And So We Grow

A Layne Post

The Hellers in Mozambique are expanding once again! I am 8 weeks pregnant with a healthy little life, which already has a strong heartbeat. Isn’t that amazing?

If I’m honest, we were a little surprised at the news, but happiness quickly ensued. We desired a 3rd child soon, so while we needed a little adjustment in our plans, we praise the Lord for His plans. I trust the Lord’s grace will be sufficient, even in parenthood to 3 kids under 3!

I am feeling well, while a little on the tired side, I’ve experienced little to no nausea.

I appreciate your prayers over the coming months.

Thanks for being a part of our family. We are deeply grateful.

November 25, 2012

Layne

Personal, The Kids

4 comments

Jon is 30!

A Layne Post

Jon had his 30th birthday, and I must say, it was epic. His 3 brothers arrived here in Mozambique on Sunday afternoon. (Alright, let’s take a moment and think on the awesomeness of that alone… okay, now we can move on.) They got here just 1 hour before his 80’s themed’ Minute to Win It’ party. To name a few highlights, there was a mullet, leather pants , denim, tie-dye, puff sleeves, neon colors, bacon wrapped pineapple, and wacky games. So fun. Thanks to all who made it happen.

No words, no words…

The bros

For Jon’s big birthday present he was given an indoor rock climbing wall. Seriously? Amazing! When I tried to think of the perfect gift, this was it! Our work is emotional and at times stressful and one of Jon’s biggest outlets is rock-climbing. Since having kiddos it has been a little more difficult to make those trips happen, since it is a 3-4 hour drive and then trying to figure out what to do with the kiddos during climbing time. Because Jon’s bros were coming, I knew they could bring some climbing holds for us, something hard to source here, not to mention so much more expensive. Even in the States, however, it is no cheap project, so I couldn’t do it on my own. I want to give a big shout out to:

Dan and Vicki Heller, Pete and Judy Prescott, Chris and Tara Craver, Stephanie Prescott, Ben and Louisa Heller, Joe and Evie Heller, Paul and Becky Heller, Javan Mesnard, Pete and Jenni Jacks, and Matt and Holly Jacks for making it possible both financially and with some physical labor!

Beginning of rock wall construction

So great to work alongside brothers

Some thinkin’

Here is goes

What are we gonna do?

1st climb

Happy birthday, Jon!

Also while the boys were in town they visit the hospital a few times, spend a morning at a ministry very dear to us Masana, and go fly fishing in South Africa.

Jon

Ben

Joe

Paul

The Heller Brothers

It was a quick trip, but one for the books.

Happy 30th birthday, my love, you mean so much to so many people, and me most of all. I love you!

October 21, 2012

Layne

Personal, Rock Climbing

No comments

Hello 28!

A Layne Post

Today is my 28th birthday. I could never have imagined this beautiful life.

Want a glimpse? Highlights from this week –

Jovie falling asleep in the arms of Esperança at the hospital
Making jalapeno lemon hummus
Listening to Anaya through the monitor say, “Hi Pillow,” as she crawls around bed, putting herself to sleep
A friend giving me a jar of xanthan gum
Sharing dinner with my friend Lauren and her new hubby Luis and watching Anaya giggle in her Auntie’s arms
Watching an old black and white Portuguese movie outside on the lawn of the most beautiful hotel and sipping coffee with my husband
Anaya praying/saying, “Come on, Jesus” over a boy on the brink of death
Butternut soup
Crying as Jon and I chatted about the Lord’s work in our lives and the lives of our friends at the hospital
Listening to Jovie cackle as I tickle her belly
Emails from my sister
Playing Cribbage and Yahtzee with Jon
Finding out about Lord’s hand in arranging an earlier than expected CAT scan for Eliza
Seeing my whole family on Skype at the same time and hearing them sing ‘Happy Birthday’
Bible study with my ladies – cinnamon rolls, fruit smoothies, coffee
Wandering a crowded Mozambican market as people shouted “Jesus!” at Jon, and then buying some awesome 80’s clothes from Jon’s upcoming birthday
Watching a man roll a wheel-barrel by me with a freshly cut cow head
Getting a call from my besty, Liz
Watching an old grandma who doesn’t speak English or Portuguese bounce Jovie in the air above her with a broad smile
Drinking a blueberry, kiwi, banana, lemonade smoothie
Flowers from a friend
Encouragement from our mission board – Voices of the World
Crying as I listen to worship music, reminding myself that God is faithful, even to Samuel
The gift of the most precious crocheted sandals for Jovie