The Patterson Life...

just got bigger! That's right, we are expecting our second little one around August 31st, 2008. Saying that still seems kinda surreal, but it sunk in a little more on Monday when we got to see the new baby in action. Even though he/she was only the size of a peanut, we could already see the little arms moving and heart beating at 170 beats per minute. We are thrilled and once again blown away by God's miracle of creation. Just to think that this tiny little fetus will one day be walking and talking and laughing and crying...displaying his/her God given personality, gifts, flaws...all of which are being so perfectly knit together now in my womb. Wow. What a call to worship.

I'm nine weeks along, and the pregnancy has been pretty easy although I am more nauseous this time than last. (I can hear the boy predictions already...) We've tried explaining to Lily what's going on, and every time we ask her, "Do you want to be a big sister?" She replies, "No." Hopefully that will change! Whenever I point to my tummy and tell her that the baby is inside, she points and says, "Open." After explaining that the baby has to stay inside mommy to grow some more, she kisses my tummy and says "Hi." So maybe she does get it. I'm sure it will begin to make more sense once my belly starts expanding.

We would really love your prayers for a healthy pregnancy and smooth transition as our family grows. Here's pictures of that sweet little baby just chillin inside Momma.

Happy Birthday, Blog!

I know it's been almost a month since my last post, and I'm starting to get called out by some (Summer). So, what better way to jump back into blogging than with a birthday celebration. That's right, The Patterson Life blog is a year old this month! In order to recap the year, I've selected my favorite post(s) from each month. Hope you have as much fun reliving 2007 as I did.

January

February

March

April

May and May 2 (couldn't decide!)

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

please pray for Kenya

You've probably seen on the news what's going on in Kenya right now. This is a letter from a Kenyan pastor who works with e3 Partners Ministry. Some of the e3 Trainers in Kenya have been affected by the violence.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
Receive greetings in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I trust that you are doing fine as you continue  to lift Kenya before the throne of grace.
 
Right now our beloved country is at the cross roads.  Right now about 75,000 people have been displaced from their homes. Houses and business premises have been destroyed and hundreds of people have lost their lives and many have been injured.
 
People are not yet gone to  their places of work.  In fact some business premises are still closed, including  food stores. The ones that are open,  have sold out the essential food items and prices of  food have started going up. Public transport is not yet back to normal. We are now  experiencing fuel or gas shortage in the country, due to transportation problems. The fuel tanks cannot take fuel to the gas stations because of  the violence.
 
We are experiencing chaos in most of the major cities and towns in the country. In fact yesterday we had a lot of engagements between the police and the youth around Nairobi, due to the cancellation of the rally  which was to be held in Nairobi.
 
This is not what we are used to in Kenya.  Kenya has been known as a peaceful country; it has been known as the mother of peace in Africa.
 
Continue to pray, as you have been praying :
·         for this country, so that peace and tranquility can prevail in our beloved country
·         the people of Kenya can co-existed together, we need to continue to do so.
 
Yesterday, Bishop Desmond Tutu arrived in Nairobi from South Africa in order to help in mediating the two sides and to find a solution in the political crisis and  conflict. Even as the two sides start talking we pray that, violence and destruction of properties will come to an end.
 
Our church and other Christians in the country have started prayer and fasting for the restoration of peace and tranquility. We ask you to do the same for Kenya. Every day our church members will be meeting for prayers at 4:00 p.m. in the Church ( 12:00pm Central Tine in the US).  We are asking God to give us peace, unity, and a safe co-existence of all peoples of Kenya. We are praying that communities will stop attacking each other. We pray that the conflict will be looked at conclusively, where everybody is a winner and the country is held high.
 
Thank you and may God bless you in all you are doing in His Kingdom.
 
Yours In His Service,
 
Rev. Joe Michael Kamau
E3 Partners Ministry – Kenya