It's a......

BOY! 

Some prefer the element of surprise and choose to wait for the birth to find out the sex or others have a fun "reveal" party but we've decided to be very in-the-moment.  We are most excited to know that baby boy is doing well and growing as he should.  The next big debate becomes....names!  This is something we have chosen to NOT decide nor reveal until the birth.  ;) 

The other big transition we are in, is our impending move to Quito.  We spent a whirlwind couple of days in Quito house hunting.  This was a totally new experience for us and we have never been more thankful for a car and a GPS as we navigated our way through the city and the surrounding valleys.  The search began with several cancellations by a realtor which was discouraging.  However, things improved as we continued forward and we saw a little bit of everything (houses, apartments, suites, cottages...).  Everyone asked what we do for a living, which gave us a great opportunity to share about YL and our role.  After much debate, prayer and negotiation we've come to a decision.  In the next two weeks we hope to be packed and moved into a small cottage on an estate (quinta) in a small town called Alangasi.  It is still technically part of Quito, but on the outskirts in the valley.  The owner, who has his own home on the property is a retired surgeon, well into his 80's.  We actually looked at this home just for fun because its listing online didn't show pictures of the house, instead it showed pictures of trees, flowers and baby ducks.  I jokingly told Ivan, "Look at the ducks!  Let's live with the ducks!" and we ended up coordinating for the realtor to show us the house.  After a 2 hour walk-through of the property complete with some fresh lemonade sitting in the pool house with "Doc" (yes, pool house !!!), we were pretty keen on it. 

The truth is, while we loved the cottage we decided to go for a more built-up area in a good-sized apartment in a different area at a lower monthly rate.  We thanked the other realtors/owners but let them know we had gone in another direction.  Everyone responded with an "ok, good luck!" except for the "duck house".  Instead, he wrote us asking why we didn't choose the cottage and that "Doc" had really liked us.  So, Ivan mentioned that we found something more economical and the owner asked us to name our price, which we did (offering a significantly lower number) to which he accepted readily.  We were a bit in shock to be honest.  After a second visit to both locations we put our guarantee down for the cottage in Alangasi.  We feel very blessed to have found something in our price range, safe and full of nature.  We'd been mentally preparing to be in the midst of concrete walls and only buildings to look at from the windows but here we are moving to a cottage that is completely surrounded by green (plants, trees, flowers...)!  I am humbly reminded that God knows the desires of our hearts and will take care of us, down to every little detail.  In His grace and love, He is transitioning us to a new city with the tenderness and care of a loving Father.  There is an overwhelming peace that comes with that realization.  With a goal to be moved in 2 weeks, we've got our work cut out for us (packing, cleaning, regular ministry stuff, etc.) but I'm anxious to get settled into our new place before baby comes!

If you are wondering how you can come alongside us in this exciting time of our lives, my first response is PRAY.  Please, pray for us during this time of transition in our family.  It is overwhelming, exciting and emotional!  Second, you can GIVE. 

Our Young Life budget is going to increase this year by at least $3,500. 

Would you please consider giving an additional gift to help us meet our budget needs for this year?  If you would like to give please follow the regular giving directions with the area code X3125 but also note or memo: BUDGET GAP

Donations can be made online for mission unit X3125
  (Ecuador).  Or send a check (memo: X3125-BUDGET GAP) to: 

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

The cottage hidden among the trees