My, oh my, friends! What a crazy yet beautiful season of life (and actual season) it has been! As we near the end of the summer of 2023, I’ve been spending a significant amount of time reflecting on what life has brought me this season and the lessons the Lord has been teaching my heart. This season has taught me how important it is to keep moving forward, choosing joy each day, even in the face of pregnancy sickness, and taking the curveballs as they come, knowing that none of them are a surprise to the Lord. So many changes that have happened and so many changes to come!
A New Diagnosis
A few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. It’s not as bad as I thought it would be, even the pricking and poking of the needles and the diet changes. My pregnancy sickness has been a little better these past few months, and I am savoring this extra time that I have with my sweet husband before our baby arrives next month. I am starting to get really antsy about becoming a mom. We feel so ready! I have been blessed in the past months as the Lord prepares my heart and my husband’s heart to lead our child each day in the Lord. We are antsy and so, so excited. We are ready for this change and are embracing this last month as life will change so quickly (and beautifully!) so very soon.
Work Updates
Work has been wonderful! Truly, each day is such a gift here, and I love every day of working at Samaritan’s Purse. It’s been a bit slower than the busy season of November and our travel season, but it’s still keeping me (as well as my team) busy. Projects are starting to pick up as the busy season is just around the corner and we are soaking in this season of “productive rest” as we look forward to what is to come here at work.
Missing Home
As we prepare for the baby, I find myself missing home. Though I know that may not seem related, it really does in my heart. Home means comfort; it means a smooth transition surrounded by loved ones. I miss my family, my friends back home, and just the daily grind of what life was like before we moved. Just simply grateful for what we have here, but I think there is always a place in our hearts for where we came from. I praise God for such a precious place that I was able to call “home” for so long.
Stephen and I recently went home for a baby shower. What a glorious weekend! I was surprised by how many people came. We felt so, so loved! And we felt the support that our baby girl will have from afar. What a precious weekend! We also had a baby shower here in North Carolina, and it made us feel so loved and celebrated. We are so thankful for the community that the Lord has given us here in NC. I know our baby will be wrapped in prayer and love as she grows. We pray each day that she will grow to love the Lord at an early age and find the friends and community that she needs to thrive.
New Due Date!
As for our baby, she will be coming early—between 2-3 weeks early due to the Gestational Diabetes. The risks are too high to keep her in the womb to full term. I am ready for her to come into this world, and I consider this date change such a blessing. Even though I have heard induction is a whole different level of pain and time-consumption, if I can endure 8 months of severe sickness, I can endure 24 hours (or less, or more!) of labor. At church the other day, our pastor gave us a “stone of remembrance.” It was so meaningful, and I think I am going to take it into the labor and delivery room and keep that as my focal point. If God can bring me through all the hard trials and changes He has so far, He can definitely bring me through this! I have stayed encouraged.
In Conclusion…
Be encouraged, my friend! This season has been an overflow of choosing joy each day. Choosing to look past the fear and move forward, confidently trusting in the Lord for this new season to come. He is so faithful.
Much love,
Mallory
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