We are very happy to officially announce that we are expecting our first child (July 2017)!  For those of you doing the math, I'm just entering month 4.  I will not be spilling all of the nitty-gritty details of my pregnancy online, but if you are really interested in knowing more, send me an e-mail.  :)  The basic summary is that so far, so good.  But we'll take all the prayers we can get!     

It is (as always) an adventure getting things done here and figuring out how things work.  Medical care is no different.  I have to laugh, as I read through some pregnancy books which told me what I could expect at my first doctor appointment and then the reality was something completely different, I constantly feel unprepared in this process.  This new chapter of our lives also brings in a new chapter of cultural differences and expectations within our marriage and relationships here.  Just like anywhere else, everyone has a different opinion about what is best for mom and baby.  I'm thankful for some special women in my life who can give me sound advice and separate the fact from fiction. 

Another big adjustment will be our move to Quito.  Sometimes I don't know what I'm more overwhelmed about, moving or having a baby.  Both involve entering into something unknown and trusting that as we go, God will provide what we need.  We are hoping to move sometime in March/April in order to get settled before the birth.  It's important for us to get settled so that we can find a doctor and birthing plan that we feel comfortable with.  Quito is a HUGE city (especially compared to Shell!) and figuring out the best area for us to relocate and finding the right place is our newest challenge.  Needless to say, we have a lot going on! 

"Lord, you are my God; I will exalt your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago." Isaiah 25:1

Donations can be made online for mission unit X3125
  (Ivan Penafiel).  Or send a check (memo X3125) to: 

Young Life
P.O. Box 70065
Prescott, AZ 86304-7065