Below L: Before service this afternoon, we had a discipleship small group with Dezső and wife Marcsi, and also Gabi S. We spoke about the foundations of the gospel and also the magnificence of God's love to send His only Son to save us through His sacrificial death on the cross. Below R: Wide eyed Kira spending some time with Marcsi. Marcsi has become more and more curious as to what it means to be a Christian. Sharon hopes to meet with Erika and Marcsi in the future in a small group setting to encourage her faith.



Below L: Péter and Sándor. Our guest teacher tonight, Péter, preached about the difference between a disciple of Christ and a spectator. Sándor (who lives in Budapest), offered to serve by evangelizing in town in the future. He has a background at Campus Crusade for Christ and wants to help out in Petőfibánya! Praise God for sending more workers to the harvest.



Below: We were encouraged to have Hajnalka and her son Laci as visitors tonight. Hajnalka heard about church through our ESL classes and since that time has atteneded off and on small groups and church. Just recently, she has drawn her son Laci in to see what we're all about. I hope they both see that we're all about Jesus Christ! Please pray that they may both be saved by God's grace!



Prayer requests:
• Dávid (saved at last year's ESL camp), is sick with a dangerously high fever.
• Tomorrow, Miki, Janka and Heidi set out to perform a new puppet show in some public schools that we missed at Easter. Please pray for their physical health and strength. And pray that they would succeed to display the love of Christ, and proclaim His message of hope to the students and teachers they will reach tomorrow!

Today, I spent some time with Csaba who attended english camp last year. Csaba lives in the neighboring town of Rozsaszentmarton, just 5 minutes away. We have been able to maintain our friendship after camp and he told me today that he is coming to this summer's camp and bringing a friend!

Below L: Ben doesn't want Csaba to leave. Below R: Heidi enjoying Kira's company.







Later, Sharon packed up dinner and we took the kids out to the local park. Ben had a blast flying his kite while Elianna practiced walking up and down steep hills with a half eaten sandwich in her hand.



We praise God for a beautiful sunny Saturday.

Since I haven't posted many photo's lately, I thought I'd fill this entry with lots! Below: Kira full of wonder.



We were invited to perform a puppet show for Petőfibánya's preschoolers today. The show taught about how to stand firm in your faith in Jesus Christ, even when other's mock you for it. It also displayed how a young girl deals with fear by trusting in Jesus. It is truly amazing that we were invited to share these truths with the kids! God is at work here.



Above L: One of Ben's classmates, Fruzi submersed in the puppet show. Above R: Julika and Heidi (PIONEERS teammates) making things run smoothly in the background.





Above: One of the favorite things the kids like to do is sing. Miki and Janka led a time of singing worship songs that the kids are becoming more and more familiar with.



Above L: Erika teaching the children about the different lessons about God found in the puppet show. Above R: Miki distributing evangelistic story cassettes and booklets to the children after the show.



Above L to R: Preschool teachers Edina, Marika, Vali, and Marika have all attended bible studies off and on at Miki's house. Please pray for them as we seek to lead them to the love and salvation found in Jesus Christ.

You may have noticed the new masthead above which pictures Petőfibánya. When you see the picture, please take a moment to pray for the majority of the 3,600 residents who are living without hope in Christ.

Kira had her second general check-up today in Budapest. We praise God that she is gaining weight and is healthy! Sharon on the other hand has lost her pregnancy weight, and amazed the Doctor who couldn't stop commenting on how great she looked so soon after pregnancy. After returning home, I was able to meet with Milán, Norbi and Gabi S. for teen discipleship. It has been some time since we have met, and I was thankful to spend some quality time with these young men. Gabi S. shared with me that he is considering Bible school in the future. Please pray for these young men to continue to grow in their faith and that I may have wisdom as to mentoring them.

Tomorrow morning our team has been invited to serve in the local pre-school's year end program. We are presenting a new puppet show and will be leading a time of crafts all related to the gospel. We are thankful to have these open doors into the community to freely proclaim the hope that lives in us.

A few months ago, a donor who wished to remain anonymous, provided funds for this larger car for our growing family! This donation also cleared the way for Miki to finally get a reliable car by purchasing our used car (below silver in photo) at below market value.

We praise God for successfully getting our new Fiat Dobló (black in photo) yesterday. It's a seven seater, (bit bigger than our previous car-no we're not expecting again). 





Above L: Ben and Elianna passing the time while waiting to finalize the papers at the car dealer. Above R: After meeting with Gabi for some English practice yesterday, Gabi helps me 'deliver' Mik's new car to his house.

Baby Kira update: Kira continues to change in appearance every day. Last night, Sharon pulled out an old album and we compared pictures of Sharon as a baby and Kira. They were a match (not surprising). Kira continues to sleep, eat and cry very well. We are a bit concerned for her clavicle which we suspect is fractured or broken (happens often in delivery of big babies past full term). We noticed early on that she is very sensitive around the shoulder areas. We'll ask the doctor about this on Thursday. Ben and Elianna continue to give Kira kisses every day (as well as mom and dad).

Time flies when you're exhausted! It has been some time since I updated the blog due to the many adjustments made after returning home with Kira. We are so thankful to have her, and we praise God for the good news that we received recently from the pediatric cardiologist. It turns out that Kira does have a 'normal' sized hole in her heart. This is very common and they close up within time. Kira also has a lung that is under a bit more pressure than normal either because of a loss of oxygen at some point when being born, or from swallowing too much
amniotic fluid. This causes her heart to work a bit harder than usual.

Below: Curious Elianna waiting patiently for Kira to do baby things.



Below: Ben building a castle for princess Elianna.



Tonight we were thankful for the PIONEERS Area Resource team's help and encouragement. They led a special time of worship and prayer before service with our churches core group. I was also grateful for Erika who helped with translation and Julie who gave her testimony in Hungarian.

In our prayer time, we shared reasons for thanksgiving. Dezső said that by God's grace, he has found a home in our fellowship and knows he is in a good place. I am thankful for the dramatic change I have seen in Dezső over the past year.

Below L: Janka, Tahran and Dezső. Below R: Phil and Miki



Below L: Hajnalka's son Laci (adidas shirt) came in time to participate in our small group discussions.





Goodnight all!

With great joy, we returned home tonight with our three children. Our teammates, Heidi and Brenda left flowers and gifts for Sharon and Kira (a welcome surprise) in our apartment. Ben was excited to tell me after checking the mailbox, "Hey Dad, two yellow packages arrived at the same time!" Ben always amazes me with his vocabulary.

Below L: Last night's light treatment for Kira that helped reduce her Bilirubin levels. Below R: Kira wasn't too happy with her bath this morning.




Above L: Kira tucked into her car seat and ready to start her life in Petőfibánya. Above R: 'Grandpa' Jack and 'grandma' Karen did a wonderful job caring for Ben and Elianna while we were in the hospital. We are thankful for their loving commitment to our children! We stopped by their place to enjoy homemade macaroni and cheese.



We are scheduled to see a pediatric cardiologist this Thursday for a special ultrasound examination of Kira's heart. This test will make clear the lack thereof, or the presence of a heart problem. Please continue to pray for Kira's healing and a good report from the doctor on Thursday.

As you can see from the bandage on Kira's chubby hand, she had some blood work done today. They are continuing to monitor her Bilirubin levels. We are thankful that she has been nursing well, which keeps her from becoming dehydrated (a side effect of the light treatment used for billirubin.) Unfortunately, the pediatrician continues to detect a heart murmur. In the near future, we will take Kira to a pediatric cardiologist to find out more about the cause. Please pray for Kira to be healed of this heart condition.



Above: Cherishing Elianna. 'Grandma' Karen brought Ben and Elianna over for a short visit today. They took turns kissing their baby sister. It was special to see Elianna's interaction. Today, she slowly caressed Kira's head and said, "ohhh, she's so precious." Ben and Elianna also took turns riding around in Kira's bassinet.



From what we were told tonight, we should be released tomorrow. We look forward to returning to Petőfibánya and being together as a family.

What greater gift than to celebrate God's gift of a new child on Mother's day. Below L: Of course it's not all fun and games! Below R: Kira snuggled up to mommy last night.




'Boot camp' schedule has begun with Sharon, as she was up last night and early in the morning with Kira nursing. To all of the mothers reading this, May the Lord continue to bless you with wisdom and grace as you raise your children to glorify Him and to know His love through Jesus Christ.

Above: Kira has had wide eyes from day one. Her face continues to change with each new day. It's amazing how Kira pays close attention to her surroundings and is easy to calm down when she hears her mommy's or daddy's voice.



Above: Ben and Elianna pay a visit again today. Elianna is feeling better (still coughing mildly). With 'Grandma" Karen's help, Ben and Elianna made mother's day cards for mom. Karen brought a bouquet of tulips (Sharon's favorite flower).



Above: Allen got to spend some quality time with the kids outside. The hospital surroundings are beautiful, and we were excited to find a field of big black beetles that Ben boldly ventured through.



Above: We are thankful for 'Grandma' Karen's and 'Grandpa' Jack's help watching Ben and Elianna in this time.

Today, Kira is showing signs of jaundice, which is common among Asian babies. It's likely that she will be treated tonight with a special light. Thank you for your continued prayers for us in this time.

Below: A beautiful face to look forward to in the morning.
Click on any of the pictures below to see more photos



Kira continues to adjust to life outside of mommy. She is more calm today and continues to nurse without any problems. We found out from the Pediatrician today that Kira has a noticeable heart murmur. This is common in new born babies and could likely indicate a small hole in her heart. In many cases, the hole closes within a few days. They will monitor this closely (please pray!). Other than that and a small lump from bleeding just underneath the skin of her head (also should heal within days), she is completely healthy.



Above L: Kira gazing into her new world. Above R: Taking a nap with daddy.



Above: Friends Todd and Liana seeing Kira for the first time.





Above: Friends Cathy, Erika and Andris also visit to congratulate us.



Above: Sharon calling for help (just kidding).

Ben and Elianna were glad to give their new little sister Kira plenty of kisses. The kids rushed in with excitement and awe. It was a blessing to see their reaction and love for their little sister.






Sharon is recovering well. The baby has been sleeping in visitors arms since she was born. Her cry reminds us of Elianna's when she was born.

Kira Grace Mercer came into the world at 2:10 pm. She is 9lbs, 21 inches, beautiful and healthy. She is already nursing with mom right now! We praise God for the short labor (7hours), and the perfect timing of our child's arrival!

Thank You for all of your prayers! Thank You Jesus.

C'mon kids, it's time to go to the hospital!!!



Above: Some playtime with the kids as we waited for our second doctor's appointment today. Sharon is showing signs of beginning labor, so we were advised to head to the hospital around 5 pm today. After crawling through a traffic jam, we arrived at 6 pm. We praise God that we are not in a rush, and the baby and Sharon continue to be healthy. This is a private hospital, with accommodations comparable to a four star hotel. Nice! If it weren't for the pain of labor and delivery, it would be like a vacation-but it's not. If our child does not come during the night, the doctor will induce around 8 am. Please continue to pray for us.




Above: It was a beautiful day to play in the park outside of the doctor's office. After arriving at the hospital, Ben and Elianna were picked up by 'grandma' Karen who will be taking care of them the next few days.

It is Wednesday, 11:15 am and still no new news...



Above: Flashback to 2003-Ben anxiously waiting for home-baked chocolate chip cookies. This is kinda how we feel right now.



Above: Flashback to Elianna's birth-Ben greets her with a gentle kiss on the cheek. We look forward to Ben and Elianna greeting our new child in the same way.

We will be leaving for the doctor's office in a few minutes. Sharon continues to have off-and-on contractions, but nothing indicating labor yet. Stay tuned and please continue to pray for us!

Tomorrow will be a full week after Sharon's due date, and still no signs of labor. This is an exciting time for our family as we await to scramble to the hospital when labor begins. We are thankful for the health of our child and are glad to be able to trust in God's perfect timing for the birth of our new child!

Below: One blessing of not delivering yet...being able to attend Ben's special Pre-school presentation for Mother's Day. As you can see in the movie above, Ben did a great job reciting his verse in the show. The teachers are very impressed with his progress in language learning.



Below L: After the presentation, Ben gives Elianna a smacker on the cheek. Below R: Elianna rubbing off (or on?) Ben's kiss.

As of tonight at 9:44pm, our baby remains cozy in the womb. Every other day, we travel into Budapest and have continued to receive good news that the baby and Sharon are healthy. Any day (or hour) now!





Above L: Elianna playing with some gifts that Mom-Mom sent. Above R: Ben's favorite color-green, just like his eyes.

Below L: Tonight's worship service. Below R: Dezső's wife Márcsi and daughter.




Above: Heidi and Janka prepared the children for songs and a verse in a loving presentation for the mothers in our church. We celebrate Mother's Day here a week earlier than in the States.





Above L: Benjamin presenting mom with a flower and love. Above R: Dezső and Gabi, two of the most faithful members of our church body. Gabi came an hour and a half before service and prayed with us. It is always encouraging to hear his faith through his prayers.

Tomorrow morning, we are scheduled for another doctor's appointment. Please continue to pray for us.

Tonight we held our weekly sports outreach. Below L: Milán ready to play ball. Below R: Milán's girlfriend often visits our sports outreach as well. He has invited her to church, and we hope that she comes to visit this week.



Below L: Zoli 'the tank' ready to tackle Milán in basketball. Zoli is really excited about our upcoming english camp this summer. He told me that he has already 'recruited' 8 of his friends to come. Praise God!



Below L: Roger to the rescue! Roger was kind enough to help Brenda return home from the airport tonight. Brenda will be staying in our apartment until she gets set-up in her new home away from home in Petőfibánya.




Below L: Brenda checking out her new sink and her old school gas tank connected to her oven-strange, but it works!



Above L: After Brenda settles into our apartment after a long flight, at 10:22 pm tonight, Sharon says, "O.K., I'm officially having my first painful contraction!" This could be the beginning of labor-we'll see!