So, it's been awhile since I've posted a blog. Partly because a lot has truly happened, and partly because I haven't had the motivation or desire to write. Hopefully I still have a few faithful readers.
The first major change came to light on July 9th.
We found out we were pregnant with Baby Reasland #3!!
We've known we've wanted more children, but it's always a matter of "when," not that we have much control over that!
Here's how God worked through the process..
1) Our insurance company dropped our international coverage in June so we had to switch to another company. Most companies require you to wait 12 months before being eligible for maternity coverage. Having a baby here would be a better financial option for us.
2) We knew we wanted another child before then. We also plan to return to the states for summer 2014, and thought it would be fun for everyone to meet the next little Reasland!
3) If this all was to happen we realized we only had a 2 month window to get pregnant. We walked forward in faith, and God allowed us to get pregnant the first month!!
We had been praying that we would have more opportunities to meet our neighbors. We decided to have a little gathering and introduce them to Ice Cream Floats. What's better on a HOT summer evening? We met some wonderful friends, and were invited the very next night to have iced coffee with one of the families!
August brought a short summer vacation. The people here know how to take breaks, and LONG breaks at that! Every summer the majority of the people in our city leave to go to a cooler place; whether to a summer home in the mountains or a house next to the sea. We were told that if we didn't take a break, we would be caught in the dust when September came and everyone else jumped back into routine. We hopped on a short 45 minute flight and spent a couple days enjoying the beach and exploring a new city.
Our boys are becoming Beach-Loving fools. We were just about to leave the beach for the day, and Titus fell asleep in his float. Nothing better than a nap on the sea!
August 5, we told our family and friends that we were expecting Baby #3. Thanks to my good friend, Stephanie, who made this cute announcement for us!
On August 21, we moved for the 4th time in 2 years!!!
After getting broken into twice, God directed us to a new apartment.
Here's how God worked in this circumstance:
1) We felt like we were finally meeting new neighbors in our apartment. Then, while visiting a neighbor, we were broken into. Our apartment was torn apart and most of our electronics, jewelry and money were stolen. Believe it or not, we were torn whether to move or stay. We didn't want to move out of shear fear. After much prayer with our community, we felt like God gave us three words; a white building, no "For Rent" sign, and we would have to have the faith to ask an apartment manager if they had a open apartment.
2) We then went on a prayer walk as a family around our neighborhood. We saw a few white buildings, but were drawn to a specific one surrounded by trees and a beautiful terrace.
As we looked, we saw that there were no "For Rent" signs. A man approached us, asking if he could help us. We asked if he had any open apartments. His response was, "Yes, there are two." Just to top it off, the man's name was Isa, which means Jesus!
We proceeded to look at both of them, preferring the upper level. Not only did the apartment exceed our needs and wants, it has 24 hour security! So, we found an apartment we liked!
3) After learning of the price of rent, there was no way we would be able to afford this apartment. We said our "thank-yous" and "good-byes." The owner then asked what we were willing to pay, and dropped the price $3000!! We were given three days to make a decision and accepted! God provided!
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."
Matthew 6:20
So there are a few things that have happened in the last couple of months!
