Back in the U.S.A.

Victor and me in Seattle on Valentines Day.

Victor has finally arrived in Seattle and we are so happy to be together. We have some great news, which is that we are expecting a baby in June.  I have had complications with the pregnancy from the beginning and am so grateful to have a really amazing doctor who has been treating me since. We did not feel like Victor could be away from the orphanage this entire time so he did not come until last week and will go back to Nampula in April and May and then return to Seattle again by June. During this time I have missed Victor so much but have loved spending time with my family, who I am really close to (and friends, cold weather, and cheeseburgers). Thank you so much for all your prayers, especially during this time!

In my parents’ kitchen – my sister Ann, Victor, and me.

Victor and our nephew Nate at breakfast. We last saw Nate the week he was born so it’s been really fun playing with him now that he’s running around. Nate is 1½ and hasn’t said my name yet but was already yelling out, “Dictor!” as soon as Victor got here.

Our niece Mia with Victor and me (and a marzipan heart cake). I see Mia everyday and have loved every second I’ve spent with her and think she is SO funny! Today when we were watching the Olympics she suddenly exclaimed, “I don’t want Victor to get old!”

NEW BOYS DORM DONE AND ALL MOVED IN!!!

We are so pleased to announce that after a year and a half we have finally completed our beautiful new boys dorm!!!

Last week the boys all moved out of their little “tent land” where they have survived through two rainy seasons!!!

As Felix put the finishing touches on the inside of the new dorm . . .

the rest of the orfanato engaged in a final scrub down of the front porch and everything else.

Everyone worked really hard to clean each nook and cranny of the brand new dorm.

Little Jose LOVES all-orphanage projects!

After the front steps were sparkling . . .

it was time to bring the beds in . . .

and set them up in the bedrooms.

Finally the dorm was completely ready and the kids were just waiting for the inauguration day to move in. (Click here to compare this picture with the old dorm, which was destroyed over a year ago after it had half-way collapsed on its own.)

On Saturday morning it was time for our guests to arrive!

We were honored to have friends and family from church, the missionary community, the neighborhood, social services, and even the local media celebrate with us as we inaugurated the dorm with a ribbon cutting ceremony, prayers, singing, dancing, and eating!

Victor introduced the staff - Sr. Jaime, Mama Laura (cook), Joaquim (guard), Silva, Helder, Mutilima (guard), Mama Maria (cook), Marta, Janete, Victor, and Visado.

And then the pastors who counsel with our kids. Pastor Coelho, Pastor Mocala (Victor’s dad), and Pastor Martins, with Victor introducing them. Pastor Coelho gave a message about the orphans portion in God and that this ministry came from the heart of God so everyone can be involved in some way.

There was lots of singing from the band.

Even clowns performed! (For all those who have been wondering what Mozambican clowns look like . . . )

The pastors prayed for Victor and the ministry.

The pastors prayed for the dorm and those who will be sleeping inside it.

And then they cut the ribbon and opened the front doors!

After that everyone was able to look through the dorm, eat and dance more.

After all the festivities the boys moved into their rooms for good. Here they are on the side steps of their beautiful new building!!!

Again, thank you so much all who have helped us in the construction of this dorm. We are all just overjoyed and so thankful for this beautiful, new and safe facility!!!