On The Road

We have been on the road for a while now, but we have the internet here. I thought you'd like to see some pictures from our trip! Thank you for continuing to pray for us as we travel. Pray for safety, continued health and strength and for rest. Pray that God will use us to spread a vision for missions and Bible translation to many people in the U.S. Praise God for a great trip so far! We started our trip in Kansas City. It was both Nate and Elijah's first time there. We got to see some special friends, and they had a great time meeting our special boy!
We then traveled to Joplin, MO where Elijah met one of his protectors--the little dog, Muffin. It was so sweet to see Muffin sniffing Elijah when he came in and how excited the dog was to meet a little baby. We've learned that dogs somehow know when there is a baby. When Elijah would cry, Muffin would be right there ready to help.
The next day (yes we kept moving on), we went to St. Louis and had a great time reconnecting with some more special friends. It is amazing to see how fast the kids in our life grow up! Sarah is already 16! That just goes to show us how fast Elijah will grow up--people have told us, "Enjoy every moment!" We certainly will take that good advice!
Yes, I know, there are lots of pictures of Elijah. We are just having so much fun watching people love him--especially his grandparents! This was the first time Elijah's grandparents, Nate's parents, met their first grandson! How precious!
We had a great family reunion in Meramec State Park with Nate's whole family. These times are rare and precious indeed.

Nate celebrated Father's day for the first time. It was so funny because last year our pastor in the Philippines gave Nate a corsage in good faith that "Next year you will be a Daddy!" Sure enough, here is our son just a year later. What a great dad Nate is.
Elijah is quite the little tourist, just like his Momma! He got to go through security (an experience that will prepare us for the international travel!) and up the St. Louis arch to the highest point yet in his little life. He was sleeping the whole time, so that was a great treat.
Now we are back to one of Nate's towns--Indianapolis, IN. I love watching little children, like Faith here, holding our little baby. The children really are drawn to babies and seem to have real tender hearts toward holding him for the first time.
On Monday we had some time alone together as a little family. We were able to go to a very special place on a beautiful day--the Indy Canal downtown. This is the place where on July 10, 2004 Nate and I had our first kiss! Just one year later on July 10, 2005 we were married! Now three years after our wedding we are back with our first son. This is the exact same spot where we took a picture when we first started dating. What a special place and a fun day together as a family of three. Who knows how many we will be next time we get to visit this place of memory.
Our boy is getting used to his mommy's camera--Flash! He is getting good at posing, don't you think? Well, thanks for praying for us. It is quite a life moving around lots, but it is wonderful to see so many loved ones and to be able to share what God is doing in the Philippines.

Dedicated to the Lord and Ready for Travel

Here we are, folks--Elijah Samuel is ready to become a world traveler. Doesn't he look excited?! He is a true son of his mother--the woman who had to see every Western European country before age 22 and visit all 50 U.S. states before getting married. Who knows how many stamps he will get before he has to renew it at age five. We were so impressed that by two weeks of age, Elijah already had his official U.S. passport! Way to go--National Passport Authority!
At just 2 weeks and 3 days of age, Elijah Samuel Becker was dedicated to the Lord during the Sunday worship service. It was also the same day as my parents' 33rd wedding anniversary. In that same church, on that same stage just over two and a half years ago, Nate and I got married on my grandparents' 62nd wedding anniversary! We want our son to be raised to know the Word of the Lord and to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that he will one day put his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior.
Here is the photo I have always dreamed of--four generations! God is so gracious to us! I love that verse from the Psalms: "You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name." Thank you, Lord, for godly grandparents and parents. Help us to follow their example as they have followed the example of Christ. Thank you for answering their prayers for us and for Elijah!
Sisters!! What a wonderful year--we both had baby boys this year. I love my sister. Now she is also "Aunt Sarah" to our son!
Here are the "ladies" as Clara likes to say. I just love getting to spend time with Clara Grace. I was her age when my sister led me in a prayer to receive Christ. Wow!

Now I will mention how things are going with us. Elijah is now 4 weeks old, and he is so cute! We are crazy about him and are getting to know him tons each day (and NIGHT!).

A book that has been extremely helpful was recommended to me by my sister: "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer." I read just a few pages and then I can immediately apply them! The secrets really do work, and we've been able to hear less crying as we figure out Elijah's "cry language." I recommend this to every new mother--and don't wait too long to read it.

I want to include a quote from another book here that makes me laugh and laugh, because it is so true! If you are a parent, you can totally relate. It is from the book "What to Expect the First Year." (You can tell I need lots of input in learning to be a mom!).

This is the author's response to a mother's concern: "I'm a nervous wreck when I try to put my sleeping baby down in his crib. I'm always afraid he'll wake up--and he usually does."

The author responds and I can totally relate!.....

"He's finally asleep--after what seems like hours of nursing on sore breasts, rocking in aching arms, lullabying in an increasingly hoarse voice. You rise ever so slowly from the glider and edge cautiously to the crib, holding your breath and moving only the muscles that are absolutely necessary. Then, with a silent but fervent prayer, you lift him over the edge of the crib and begin the perilous descent to the mattress below. Finally, you release him, but a split second too soon. He's down--then he's up. Turning his head from side to side, sniffing and whimpering softly, then sobbing loudly. Ready to cry yourself, you pick him up and start all over."

Well, if you are a parent, hopefully that gave you a laugh. People say it is a transition, and they were right. But we love our boy and are enjoying every stage of growing with him.

Elijah's First Week

I really like before and after pictures, so here's a few fun ones. This is us with Doc before, as you can see by the baby belly.
Here we are after Elijah was born! How fun to see the baby inside and then outside. Amazing!
Here we are in the front yard in front of the tree. It was just budding on the day we went to the hospital, and you can see the baby belly.
It was so symbolic to come home from the hospital and the tree had blossomed, just like our family! Ahhh! Now I am wearing the same shirt but our baby is in the world! Wow! You can tell we like blue.

Thank you, Lord, for our son! We love him so much and we love each other. We love you, Lord! Ah, so much love flowing out!
Aunt Sarah bought Elijah a special sign for his homecoming. Later during his first week home I thought we could put him in the little buggy here. So cute!
During his first week, Elijah and Mommy rested a lot. Daddy helped with changing diapers and carrying things. He bought supplies and brought food to Mommy. As soon as Mommy began to heal, Daddy took us on family walks. A little bit every day! These are special times. I'm so glad it is May and spring is here!
Daddy also helped with Elijah's first bath! Clean boy and strong, tender Daddy hands.
On the eighth day of Elijah's little life, we went to the Post Office to apply for his passport. It was great that the only time his eyes were opened that day was when he was getting his passport picture taken (good for five years). Wow! Good job, little Elijah. You will soon be a world traveler!

Our Boy Is Born!

"Dr. Ihrke? Yes, we are on the way to the hospital right now. See you soon!" Wednesday, May 7th my water broke and I went into early labor. It was so exciting to pack and bring our stuff to the hospital. We were going to meet our boy soon!
This photo was taken moments after Elijah Samuel's birth: 9:36 a.m. on Thursday, May 8th. I will never forget when they placed him on me and he looked in my eyes for the first time. I love you, Elijah! I'm your mommy!Nate is so in love with our little guy! I loved watching the two of them meet for the first time and bond together--father and son!Nate's face was filled with joy. What love the father has for his son!
Holding Elijah for the first time. Look at those two! What a pair!
Here we are--a family of three with our wonderful doctor--Dr. Abigail Ihrke! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! What joy!
My friend of 14 years became a doctor and was there for me to deliver our first child, a son! Isn't God's plan wonderful! It was so special that right after he was born we all gathered around and she prayed for Elijah Samuel.
I am so in love with you, my little Elijah!
Daddy is so cuddly with his little boy. Aren't they precious! Nate is the best daddy ever!
We took about 300 photos, but this one is precious. Elijah is looking at us and we are getting to know him. I love how he does cute things with his little hands and how cozy he is to hold.
Isn't he precious!! I just love those eyes and those little lips so perfectly painted on!
Homecoming day. We are just about to leave the hospital. I love the flowers my mom brought me. What a fun time for our baby to be born--right before mother's day! We are just amazed at God's creation and miraculous plan.
We love you, Elijah Samuel! May you grow to know Jesus Christ and to know God's great love for you. You are a precious gift from God, your Creator!

The family was there to welcome him home. When I saw the sign in the yard, "It's a boy!" I almost cried! That sign was for us--we were bringing our baby home! What a special time! Thank you again, Lord!

Recent Blessings

Hello there! As of this moment, the baby is still inside (you may have been wondering). Here was a fun ladies' night at the ballet--my lovely sister and mom and me! It has been so wonderful to be with them longer than just a quick two-week visit. I love these two! We have enjoyed making many more memories together.
While we were at the ballet, Nate and John finally got to face each other in a serious match of Risk. It was so close they had to call it a draw because it was past midnight! There will be a re-match soon, I hope!
Another blessing is friends! How wonderful Nate's roommate from college and best man in our wedding, Chris, came to visit us with his wife. We had a wonderful weekend together at the zoo, playing games, enjoying meals and fellowship together.
We are so thankful for the beautiful weather, the friends we have been able to see and enjoy time with, and for such great health and fun!
My friend, Katie, and I have been friends since we were five years old! Nate and I got to visit her 4th grade class and share with the kids about the Philippines. It was so great to see the picture book they made for us telling us what they learned. Then we got to have a night with her and her husband, Drew in their lovely home. What a special friendship to continue through all the stages of life!

Thank you, Lord, for wonderful friends and family! We praise You for all the blessings You pour out on us!

Recent Photos and Happenings

Things have been going great here in Omaha. Nate and I have been able to see lots of friends and family and to do other things. Here are some photos that I like a lot! Me and my little nephew Peter. I got to have lunch with him at his school!
Peter was so cute introducing me to his little Kindergarten class. He helped to teach his friends where the Philippines is on the map.
What a precious boy! How fun to see him in his little world at school.
I've also had fun with my niece, Clara. Isn't she beautiful!?
Clara is such an enthusiastic girl. She is doing gymnastics at age 3! I can see some of myself in her--what a climber! It is fun getting to know her all over again, since I last saw her when she was only a baby.

My wonderful friend, Laura, came to visit from Montana! Do we look like we are really in AZ with winter coats on?
After reading that great book, "Endurance" I had to see the penguins at the zoo! I love them--so funny and beautiful and fast in water.
Can you see the snow? Yes, I have seen snow now--even in April! This may be our only snow in a period of five years. I don't really miss it too much, but it was fun to see.
Thank you, Lord, for friends and family! What a wonderful time to share with them!

Wisconsin Wedding

My life-long friend, Trisha, got married on Saturday!! I never believed I would have the joy of being present to witness her wedding, but God opened this door wide. Praise You, Lord! I am so happy for Trisha and for her new husband! I love her so much and it is great to see her marry a godly man.
Isn't she beautiful?! Look at those cute hot pink shoes! She was so relaxed and happy just before she married her man.
One of my favorite parts in the ceremony was when Tim knelt and washed Trisha's feet. What a beautiful picture of Christ serving His bride, the Church. I know Tim will love Trisha just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her, washing her with water through the word.
Nate and I had fun together, as it was his first time in Wisconsin! I am 35 weeks pregnant in this picture. Thankfully, we three made it to WI and back to NE safely. What a beautiful sunny day for a wedding.

Friends & Family Fun

What a wonderful gift--my friend, Triscilla came to visit me last week all the way from Ottawa, Canada! We had such a blessed time together relaxing, talking and even going to family events together. What a treasure to have such a special friend!
Another huge blessing--my extended family had a bit of a reunion during the special celebration of my grandmother's achievements in the quilting world. Our beloved family came in from Alaska, Texas and Nebraska to gather together. I was so thankful we got to be a part of this! Thank you, Lord, for our family!
Special Event #3--we did not miss the dedication of Jonas Ethan Caruso at church last Sunday. It was a gift to be there to watch Sarah and John dedicate their new boy to the Lord. We're so thankful for his life and for Sarah's health. What a precious family! It is so wonderful to NOT miss events like this--now that we are HERE!
More friends and fun! My friend, Thea, and I got together to discover we are both pregnant! How fun to be prego together. (I hope you don't mind I posted this one, Thea!)
Two friends and our beloved husbands--how fun to introduce our men to each other. More good times ahead. (Cara I didn't have a picture of us yet!).