Bye bye 2008. Hello 2009!

I apologize that my last blog was so negative. I know that probably this wasn't the best way to vent and maybe not very mature. So I guess one of my resolutions should be to be more mature about things I can never change! In any case, I want this blog to be positive and maybe uplifting. I feel that I was so blessed in 2008. I was pregnant for the first two months of 2008 and then of Feb. 27th, 2008, Josue came into this world. I know that no one is prepared to be a parent. I read all the books and had most things ready except for my bag to take to the hospital(must remember that for next time or I will get stuck with a bunch of baby outfits and one shirt for me!)but nothing prepared me for hearing Josue cry for the first time. I was just amazed that a human being had actually come out of me!! It is a surreal experience and even though I was way drugged up, I still can remember every single thing that happened. For that, I am thankful.

I was so scared during the first two months of Josue's life. I thought I was going to break him but I found that he is pretty sturdy and now that he is 10 months old, we throw him up in the air and he gets the biggest smile on his face! Roberto and I continue learning new things about Josue and his personality. He adds so much joy to our house and I know my parents and brother and sister would say the same. My hope is that his family in Chile will get to know Josue soon and he will have the opportunity to get to know the Chilean culture and people.

Josue was the biggest even in my life this year but there were other things that happened as well. My sister Priscilla went to Japan for three months and decided to stay for 6 months! I have to admit that this has not been easy for me. She is my best friend and there are times when I miss her very much. Christmas and New Year's was not the same without her! However, I am so happy for her because she is happy in Japan and has so many friends and is doing ministry at the TLC COG. The members of the TLC church are awesome! They have taken Priscilla in and made her part of their family. I can't wait for the day Roberto, Josue and I get to meet Priscilla's family in Japan.

My brother Steven or Esteban as he now is called had an eventful end of the year. He had to have gall bladder surgery plus a couple more surgeries in December. We thought he wouldn't be able to come for Christmas but he was tough and one day after being released from the hospital he endured a 14 hour drive to Cleveland, TN. I am so happy he got to be here for Christmas and New Year and of course that he gets to see Josue and spend time with him. He is a wonderful uncle!

My mom and dad have also been blessed this year. I know they would say that Josue has been one of the biggest blessings! They along with Josue's Chilean grandparents are the best grandparents. I have always prayed for wonderful grandparents for my children, future children, my brother and sister's children and God answered my prayer. Grandpa Jorge, Grandma Elisabeth, Grandpa Francisco and Grandma Sonia are awesome!!

There have been some things that have not been so good this year especially for my mom. Both her parents have been very sick. In this next week, my mom will be going back to Chile to take care of my grandma who has lung cancer. She is doing everything to make this time in my grandparent's life as easy as possible. It makes me sad that she has to go through this and also that I probably won't get to see either of my grandparents before they pass. I hope that she is able to spend as much time as she can with them in 2009.

Roberto and I have had a crash course in parenting and life this past year. I think we have done pretty well. We went through a time there where we didn't feel direction in the ministry area but God opened new doors for us and so we are working again and learning. We know what God ultimately wants us to do but we know we have a lot of work to do before we get there. We are committed to the Lord, each other and Josue.

I love to start a new year. I have my calendar ready. I still haven't written my resolutions but I am working on it. I just love the fact that we can start new things and change bad habits or learn good habits! I am not sure what 2009 will bring. I know that I am trusting the Lord to be there at every moment. I hope 2009 is a blessed year for all of you!