A THANK YOU NOTE TO OUR BELOVED BRETHREN AT NORTHLAKE CHURCH OF CHRIST

Some heartfelt words from Dad and Mom:

Dear brethren,

Ever since you welcomed us into your midst, we always thank God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you because we have seen your faith in Christ Jesus and the Love you have for all saints including us whom you never knew before.

We thank you for allowing us to share fellowship with you in His kingdom of light, the Church. And for joyfully ministering to us in our most critical time. This you did by your deliberate choice to bring so much joy to our family. The baby shower that was organized by this church is indescribable. This shower of love has not only supplied our many needs but is overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. You have clothed Alyssa, Valencia, Noah and Bibiana with the numerous clothes donated. You needed to see how beautiful they look in some of the clothes you brought in. It is amazing the many gifts that were donated by brethren in spite of obvious economic recession—car seaters, strollers, bassinets, bath tub, diapers, cribs, clothes, foods etc. The list is endless. It was as if the brethren planned, long before now, the arrival of the babies. We were particularly touched by the gifts the refugees contributed. How refreshing it is to see the deep desire they show for the things of God. There are certain people we thank in our prayers for things we appreciate so much, but try as we may, we sometimes can't say the words that we want them to know. They are people who often go out of their way to pitch in when there is WORK to be done, they show understanding, they lighten our problems--they help us in more ways than one. Knowing how busy their own life is makes their thoughtfulness even more special. The Northlake Church of Christ community of Christians is such a people. We can never forget this congregation of brotherhood. We can never forget Vicki & Carson, Kimbra & Brent, Carol & Richard, Cathy & Jeff, Julie & John, Denise & Brandon, Susan & John and Faye & David and many others. We can never forget Northlake church of Christ. It’s amazing the depth of love that you all have shown and are so willing to continue to show.

The number of Christians that have approached us to give us a welcome hug and kiss since we arrived in your midst is unbelievable. Perhaps the kids feel same and are growing in manner that confounds the nurses and other paramedical staff. God moves in a mysterious way and HIS ways, who can fathom? You guys can’t understand how much impact you have made in our live and the lives of our four kids. By your act of love, you have shown how deep, how long and how wide the Love that we share in Christ Jesus is! We look forward to being able to give back to the church someday and also to extend similar love to others that come our way.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in Northlake church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21.

Brethren, your thoughtfulness meant much more than words can say.

Thank you very much. God bless you. Thank you again.

Things are Getting Exciting....

Toady was a busy day at the hospital! The babies are eating well and getting used to seeing Mom and Dad. Mom is now needed at the hospital every day for two feedings, and it's really important that we do what we can to get her there. Please check the VolunteerSpot (see link to the right) to sign up for driving her to or from the hospital. Even if you can only help in one direction - drop off at the hospital before 11am or go from hospital to home after 4pm - that would be greatly appreciated.

Three separate nurses have pulled us aside to say how miraculous these babies are. They had been preparing for the arrival of the four babies for weeks - rearranging vacations and everything in anticipation of babies that needed intensive care. We have surprised them all! Each baby is developmentally well beyond where they were expected to be, and it is by God's grace that they are each perfectly formed. The nurses are getting the babies onto a schedule and want Mom and Dad to bring some clothes in - they will begin putting the babies in regular clothes!

Because the babies are doing so well, we are expecting Noah and Alyssa to be coming home as early as next Monday! It's possible that Valencia and Bibiana will be joining them by Friday. There are many discharge requirements - please be in prayer that this will go smoothly. Also, Dad is needed back home in Nigeria to be with their daughter Chavela and to go back to work. Mom will need additional support once he's gone. We will be updating the VolunteerSpot with several shifts each day for those who can volunteer to spend time helping to feed and care for the babies. Please consider if there is time in your schedule to sign up for a recurring weekly timeslot or an occasional visit. This family is a joy to be around and you can see from their posts below how grateful they are for our involvement.

Go Noah, Go!

As of our hospital visit Tuesday August 10th, Noah (see photo) is out of the incubator! Go Noah! He is now over 4 pounds and doing great. It was wonderful to see him out in the open and sleeping like a normal happy baby. Valencia is right behind him. She is 3 pounds 14 ounces and should be out of her incubator shortly, as soon as she reaches 4 pounds. Bibiana has made great strides, putting on a lot of weight since the weekend and seems strong. She may be the smallest, but she's the loudest! Alyssa is also improving greatly after a minor setback. She had a small infection, which has now been treated. She was given oxygen and antibiotics, and was recovered enough to come off the oxygen and back into the room with the other babies. She is very independent, and didn't particularly like how we posed her for a photo! All four babies are looking healthy and strong. Please continue to keep them in your prayers, as well as prayers for Mom's healing.