Mission complete!

Baby girl Helsby #6 was born at 5:30pm yesterday.  8lbs 9oz.  She's a beaut!!  Dave and Hannah looked so worn out when they came home.  Dave said it was the hardest labor yet.  He said their "pain medicine" didn't touch her so they asked for an epidural, but it was too late (I didn't even know they did those here).  I felt so bad for him.  He just kept saying "Ugh- the pain was aweful for her." (That has to be so tough for you men to watch that but not be able to do anything.)  I am telling you what- that is one tough lady!  I'm just glad it's over for her.  We saw pictures of the baby last night.  She definitely looks like a Helsby!  Dave said the pain had to be horrible for her, but maybe the fact that there is a baby at the end of it helps you press through it.  

I'm getting flashbacks  of Jill Briscoe using labor as an example in one session (in India) at that conference in Ooty.  She was talking about how the doctor was telling her not to waste the pain, but to USE the pain.  She went on to talk about not wasting the tears and the tough times that come our way in life.  Use the pain to grow us, teach us, and mold us into what God desires us to be.  Consider it ALL joy, right?

You all will have to wait until next week to see pictures of the baby b/c they are moving to the Hampton House (with Sid and Linda B) until our RFBC team leaves.  I'm making them promise to come back Monday.  :)  YAY!  We are so excited about seeing our fellow Rich Forkians tomorrow!  

Today we are going to play with and feed the kids in Kibera.  It might not sound good to you, but I made chicken, rice, and beans mixed together.  I guarantee they'll love it!  (They don't get meet.  Esp. not chicken.)  Keira, Shawna, and Taylor are going for the first time too!  Chris will be evangelizing.  I'm so excited about them going.  They are such naturals with kids (way more so than I am)!  Kids just flock to them.  It took the Helsby kids about 6 seconds before they were in their arms hugging them and stuff.  Any way- we'll have some pictures of the kids in Kibera soon! 

"When's your Baaaby Due?" -Brian Regan

Finally- Becky is having the baby!  She was really trying to NOT have to be induced because Megan got so stressed when they induced her.  But it's time that little fella gets outta there! They have been here now for 2.5 weeks waiting for little one to come, but it hasn't happened.IT wouldn't be so bad if they didn't really need to get back to Wanza to finish their house.  (They're moving in if it's done or not in Sept).  They went to the doctor yesterday and told her they could go ahead and induce her.  She chose to come home for one last good nights rest them go back EARLY this morning to be induced.  Becky, Dave, and Hannah (oldest) all got up and left for the hospital at 5am.  So I have really enjoyed pretending to be the mother of 4 today.  I got to do Meggie's hair first thing after feeding them cinnamon raisin biscuits this morning.  We watched a movie and now we are having reading time for the older 2 and naps for the girls.  You know, I mentioned to the girls- "I think we should have some rest and reading time in a little while because I need to do some work."  Next thing I know- the house is completely quiet and I don't see the girls.  I went upstairs and found them both asleep in their beds.  Now, I KNOW that nap time isn't a fun thing to a 3 and 5 year old.  But they just WANTED to be obedient.  I just can't tell you how great they are!  They have all asked me about 5 times each "Aunt Lindy, may I do anything to help you?"  Oh my word- are you serious??  I really think I might shed a few tears when they have to go back to Tanzania.  We will try keep you updated about the baby!

A bit puny ...

I've been in bed all morning whilst everyone else is at church having fun.  I am the last in the house to get sick...but it has hit me hard.  I'm down for the count today.  Thankfully you can go to the pharmacy here and get just about anything you want over the counter. I'm sending Chris for a Z-Pak after church. 

I know I've been so terrible about updating the blog this week, but I've been so busy playing with the Helsby kids and going to Kibera with Chris.  The Helsby's are missionaries in Tanzania and have come to stay at the Livingstone to deliver #6.  They are SO much fun!  We have had such a blast with them.  I know there is no such thing as a perfect child... but these kids are so good!  I've been trying to get some tips and secrets from Becky.  She contributes it to the good Lord and a book called "To Train up a Child" (Thanks Jessica for correcting me).  She and Dave are so kind to the kids when they correct them.  Strict, but kind.  The kids are super respectful AND they do all kinds of stuff to help around the house. They wash dishes, mop, sweep, clean up behind themselves.  I really can't brag on them enough. 

I've been wanting to blog about going INTO Kibera this week with Mama Amani, but I really want to wait until I take pictures this week.  I forgot my camera Thursday... but pictures don't do justice what I saw and experienced.  I want to give you a small taste of just how poor people are.  It's very heavy.  I'm trying to figure out a way we can help the "school" I went to Thursday.  I don't want to get into all that now, but I will write later this week.  I was harrassed before we left Thomasville and promised my friends Jessica that I would update at least every other day.  But I've not been doing well lately.  It's tougher than I thought.  Just a lot of things happening at one time.  So I'm apologizing now for my unkept promises. 

Here are a few pictures from the week:

Art time with Uncle Chris- left to right, Lauren, Megan, Jake, Chris, Carter, Hannah.

Megan (3) was trying so hard to follow Chris' instructions to draw what he was describing with her eyes closed.

Yesterday Candice and Nathan came over with their children and we had a fish fry.  It was SO yummy!  (Do you see Becky on the far left. Poor thing, she's already like 4 days over due!  But my word- she has the most energy for a 40+ week pregnant woman.)

Aunt Lindy and lil' Meggie.  It will be hard to see them go once baby gets here.

Megan wanted Chris to take a picture of her black baby doll.  (I think she is secretly my child)

Crazy Carter gearing up for the big kickball game.

Kickball game: Lauren, Meggie, Carter, Jake, and Chris against Dave and Hannah.

Score 28 to 30.

Yea... we want at least 5 kids after spending time with the Helsby's