About 3 months ago is when we discovered the wonderful news. We are extremely grateful that God has blessed us with this privilege. While in the states over Christmas, Caitlin and I went to see the doctor and heard the heartbeat of our little child not yet 3 months in the womb. Seemingly so far from being born, but already bearing our traits. Our child grows and awaits the glorious day, much like the two proud parents. It was a blessed time to spend with our family and offer this news as a very unique Christmas present. We will be bringing in a series of firsts with our first child. Both sides will produce first time grandparents. We also have first time great grandparents. And believe it or not we even have first time great-great grandparents! Needless to say, there’s nothing but smiles all across the board!
This of course means many things and many decisions to be made. In May Caitlin will fly back to the states in order to have the baby, who is due around July 18th. Our original two year commitment with Kids Alive will complete in May. We had both made the decision to stay in the DR for an extra few summer months. Summer is the busiest time for us, as is when most of our work teams come for service projects. I will be going back to Caraballo and leading 3 teams in June and early July, among whom our home church “Cape Bible Chapel” will join me to start off our short summer of teams on the north coast. Immediately following, I will fly back to Missouri to be with my wife and to share in the birth of our first child. As of now, our plans are to stay in Missouri for at least a couple of months with the new baby, and our immediate family. Beyond that, we are unsure at this time where God will bring us. We are excited and also a bit nervous as God continues to develop our lives through these changes; and we are confident it is for the furthering of His kingdom. But, we are not finished in the DR just yet; and we know God has many more challenges and blessings in-store.
The month of December in the DR was a short one for us. We flew back to Missouri on the 12th of December. Awaiting us were our families, friends, and numerous supporters; many of whom hadn’t seen us since the last Christmas. We had 25 days to catch up with old friends, spend time with family, fellowship with our home church, and eat. This year I took home the title of “most weight gained in the States”; with 15 pounds being added to my overall weight. Surprisingly enough, Caitlin was not a sore loser, although I might add also that I gained more weight than my pregnant wife.
We returned to the DR just in time for the Kings Day celebration at “The Ark”. Kings Day is January 6th, and it is when the big gift giving festivities take place. Every year “The Ark” has a grand celebration with a pancake and fried salami breakfast, and a gift giving time. Every kid gets 3 or 4 gifts, and all the missionaries get to watch as eyes light up, and faces fill with joy when presents begin to be passed out. It is very much an emotional event as these former “dead”, unwanted and abandoned kids partake, some for the very first time, in receiving these few gifts. Material as they may be, it is love they are truly receiving. Although, these gifts of plastic toys will pass away, this ceremony of receiving these free gifts allows a model for the ultimate free gift to be received. The rules are the same no strings attached, no obligations, no requirements, no prior gift receiving experience needed; nothing except pure innocent child-like faith and excitement. We look forward in this year in placing Christ as the center; to bring every child under our care into their full potential in Him. Thank you for your continued prayer and support. We are indebted to each and everyone one of you who are sacrificing your time or finances to help us show the love of Christ to the beautiful people of this country. Please continue to pray for our ministry as well as the changes that will occur in our lives in the near future.
In Christ,
Layne and Caitlin Beller
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