Climbing the Walls with the Paredes'

We're Still Here!!!!

2011-07-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

I know it has been more than a year since we last updated our blog. I guess that goes to show how busy life with two little ones has been for us. Lola joined our family on June 28, 2011 and has kept us smiling ever since. She was born with red hair just like her mommy and little brother. Peyton adjusted wonderfully to having a little sister. He plays with her so well and protects her the best he can. I love watching them together, it is just one of the many blessings God has given me this year.

Peyton has morphed into a full time superhero and fighting crime is what he does best. He has also entered the stage of curiosity! I hear the words "why" almost a hundred times a day. I love his inquisitive spirit and try my best to meet him there, but some days I just run out of answers. We have started home schooling Peyton this summer and his little mind is learning so much. He has been memorizing scripture, learning his alphabet and studying math. I love teaching him and watching as his little mind processes everything. One day during our bible lesson we were learning about how God chose David to be the new king. He was not chosen because he was tall, strong or brave. He was chosen because he loved God and he obeyed God! The wheels in his head started to turn because Peyton really wants to be big, strong and brave. I began explaining to him that God cares more about our heart than our physical strength. Peyton then asked me what made a heart good or bad to God and I shared with him about sin and how it effects our heart. He then looked at me with big sad brown eyes and said "mommy, my heart is black with sin and I want Jesus to clean it." What a blessing to hear those words from his little mouth!!! I then shared with him that only Jesus can clean our hearts because he died on the cross for us. Peyton then prayed the sweetest prayer ever. He said, "God, I have a black heart and I need Jesus to clean it. Last night in the bath I took a toy away from Lola and I was not nice to my friend Hannah when we played yesterday and I did not obey my mom when she told me no more movies. Please forgive me Jesus because only you can. Amen." As a mom my heart rejoiced by hearing those words coming from Peyton's mouth. Another blessing I am counting this year.

Lola on the other hand is all girl! She loves wearing necklaces and loving on her babies! Anytime there is music on you will find Lola dancing! She always puts a smile on our faces and having her in the family has been a true blessing. She does have a flair for drama and tries to use that to get her way often. We love playing with her and teaching her new things! When we say, "show us your pretty eyes Lola," she blinks her eyes as fast as she can. It cracks us up every time. She has grown so fast and it feels like she was only a baby for a short time. We just celebrated her ONE year birthday two weeks ago and it was a great time for us to praise God for allowing Lola to be with us and in our family.

As for Pablo and I the Lord has blessed us with six wonderful years of marriage. We have learned so much about each other and ourselves over these past six years and we give God all the glory. Pablo is working full time and attends seminary part time. He loves to study and I love hearing him tell me passionately about what he is learning. It has been a great time of growth for the both of us. Over the last year I have had the opportunity to be part of a women's small group and discipleship. I have learned so much about who God is and His Word this year. I praise God for showing Himself to me through the Bible. Pablo and I have also had the opportunity to do some fun things together this year. In April we ran our first ever half-marathon together. It was so nice training together and accomplishing this goal together. Then a few months later in June we ran a 5k mud race. Now that was more my speed and was a lot of fun getting all muddy. I love spending time with my husband and enjoying life with him. He is my best friend and a blast to walk through life with. When I look back over the last year I see nothing but how GOOD the Lord has been to us. Thank you so much for your prays during this last year. We can do nothing apart from Christ.

Week 27!!!

2010-04-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

I have made it to 27 weeks!!!!!!! Praise GOD! There was a time when I was not sure I would make it this far but the Lord is seeing me through and carrying me along. I went to the doctor this week and received wonderful news. He said that Lola and I look great and that starting next week I can try to stay home alone with Peyton. I will still be on bed rest but, as long as we hang out in the bed and play and watch movies we should be fine alone together. He did say that I will need to continue to get rest during the day and that it would be best if Peyton could go on play dates for a couple of hours each day. I think this is doable and is an answer to our prayers.

My mom was here last week and we enjoyed having her here so much. Peyton had a great time making cup cakes and cookies with Gran and being able to play around with her. She did a great job loving on us and taking care of us. Thank God for Moms! My dad will be here all this week helping us out and we are very grateful.

We as a family are praising God for bringing us this far and for never leaving our side. He has shown us each day how much he loves us. It feels so good to be loved by our Savior. Here is how you can continue to pray for us this week and how God has been answering our prayers:

Answered Prayers:

1.) Peyton has been doing a lot better going and doing things without Mommy.

2.) Lola has moved up and is looking great.

3.) Pablo has finished another week of school and work and is doing well.

Prayer Request:

1.) Please pray that I will be able to gain more strength in my legs and back and that the pain in my muscles will go away.

2.) Pray that Lola will stay in for another week.

3.) That Pablo will be able to balance everything once our help leaves (work, school, home).

4.) That we will be able to find help during the day to help with Peyton. We are needing people for 2-3 hours a day starting Monday.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. Please let us know how we can pray for you.

In Him,

Amy

Another week down!!!!!

2010-03-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken the week before I went into the hospital. I was 22 weeks.

Praise the LORD, we have completed another week of bed rest and keeping little Lola inside. The Lord has been so good to us! Last week my Aunt Jan came and took care of us. It was so nice to have her here, cooking, cleaning, playing with Peyton, and loving all over us. Emotionally I have done much better this past week. I have a new sence of purpose and focus and that has helped greatly. Physically I had some ups and downs. Last Wednesday I woke up in pain and had to go back to the doctor. When he checked me he said that Lola was trying to come, AGAIN! He checked my cervix and said that it was looking great and that Lola was just pushing her head against my cervix. He sent me home and told me to keep my feet UP and rest. When I went back to see him on Friday, I was feeling so good and when he checked me he said that she had moved up and that everything was looking wonderful. I was so happy to hear those words. He said that Lola and I looked so good that I could have a week off going to the doctor's office and that I can stop taking my medication. GOD answered our prayers!!!!

I would like to thank you all for praying for us and thinking about us this week. I have loved reading your email, cards, and talking with you all on the phone. You have all been a great encouragement to me.

I would like to share with you the ways the Lord has been answering our prayers and the ways in which we still need prayer.

1.) The Lord has provided us with help in our home. Pablo's mom and sister came for two days to help, Pablo's dad came to help for a week, my Aunt Jan came to help for a week, my mom is here now helping for a week, and then my dad will be here for a week. Having them here helping in the home allows me to still be a mom to Peyton during the day, keeps our house tended to, and lessens Pablo's load so he can work and study.

2.) My health seems to be getting better and I have not had to take as much medication. I have adjusted more to the meds and being on bed rest. Praise GOD!

3.) Peyton is slowly getting used to mommy being on bed rest. He still would choose to sit by my side all day over going out and playing. But thanks for friends and family he has gotten to go on several outings. We both are learning how to play in the bed and I still feel his love each day.

4.) Pablo has started back to school and is in full force again. God has given Pablo the strength to get the things done he needs and complete assignments.

Here is how you can pray for us this week:

1.) Please pray that we will be able to find help in our home with Peyton and myself after the first week of April. Our list of family that can come and help will have ran out by then and we are not sure what we are going to do after that.

2.) Pray that the Lord will continue to give Pablo stength and wisdom. Work is getting busy, he has assignments coming up due for school, and as our help lessens in the home he will have to take on more roles here as well. Pray that God will help Pablo balance all things well.

3.) Pray that Peyton continues to be himself and adjusts to our changing lives.

4.) Pray that the Lord would continue to keep Lola in and help me cope daily with my changing circumstances.

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! Let us know how we can lift you up this week to our Lord.

In HIM,

Amy

A word from Amy!

2010-03-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for your prayers and support during this very difficult time in our lives. Through all of this we have been able to see the hand of our Lord at work. I know that it is only because of Him that Lola is still growing inside of me today. Praise be to God!!!!
I have now been home from the hospital for one week. It has not been an easy week, but one that I welcome and thank God for. There have been many ups and downs for me emotionally, physically, and spiritually but, through it all I am being strengthened more and more each day. I can not thank the Body of Christ enough for all of the cards, prayers, encouragement, flowers, visits, food and phone calls. You will never know how you have each touched our lives and encouraged us through this.
Once I arrived home I was flooded with so many emotions. I felt joy that I was able to come home, gratitude to the Lord for a second chance with Lola, fear that something else would go wrong, sadness when my little boy would ask me to get up and play with him, loneliness that I can not describe, and headaches and a racing heart from all my medications. I have never felt so much in all my life and did not know what to do with so many emotions. I began to pray and ask God to see me through this time emotionally. I knew He had brought me this far for a purpose and that was not to just leave me. I sought joy in the smallest things through out the day, like coloring and playing toys with Peyton, a hug and kiss from Pablo, a kick from Lola...these became the things the Lord was showing me to remind me of how very blessed I am. I know that I can not be the mom, wife, and friend that I need to be without the constant love and renewing I get from my Lord and Savior. It is through Him that I gain strength and wisdom each day. Today I read these words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
This verse is my prayer today for myself and for all of you.
Yesterday I was able to leave my apartment and go to visit my doctor. I was so nice to get fresh air and spend time with my husband. The doctor said that everything is looking better. I can now lower my doses of medication, in two more weeks I will be able to sit up a little more, and that Lola looked great and was measuring bigger that normal. It was such a blessing to hear this good news. Lola and mommy are doing fine and only have 9 more weeks of bed rest left. I can't wait for the day I will be able to hold my sweet little Lola!
I can not say enough about my dear husband. He has been truly amazing through all of this. He has listened to fears and wiped away all of my tears. During our highest highs and lowest lows he has pointed us to Christ and His love for us. Since I have been on bed rest he has taken on my roles as well as his and has never complained one moment. I have seen his servant heart and love for me through all of this. I thank God everyday for blessing me with such an amazing partner in life.
I hope that through this blog you are able to see how good our GOD is and how much He cares for us. Please continue to keep us in your prayers and let us know how in turn we can pray for you.
This week I ask that you would lift these request up to the Lord for us:
1.) That we would adjust to having people in our home helping us around the clock.
2.) That Peyton could understand why mommy can't go out or get up to play with him.
3.) That Pablo will do well next week balancing family, work, and school.
4.) That I would continue to find joy in the small things and lean on my Lord and Savior.
Thank you all so much for your love and support.
In HIM,
Amy

2nd chance/ 2da oportunidad

2010-03-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

Amy and baby Lola are back home! Our mami is on stricked bed rest for the rest of her pregnancy. Every day that passes is a blessing for us. To know that we were so close to loosing Lola makes us feel like we have a second chance to welcome her to this world. Every hour, every day has its challenges. We try not to think about making it through 10 weeks but making it through the day. We count every day as a blessing from our Father because He loves us.

Amy still has minor pressure and with all the medicine prescribed she is feeling better as the hours pass. She lays down all the time and is only allowed to use the bathroom for a few minutes. As you can imagine, this is going to be a slow process but hey, we are more than glad to go through it. Like Proverbs 21:31 reminds us, we are doing everything we can to prepare Lola for this world, but the outcome ultimately depends on our LORD. Victory belongs to the LORD.

Today was my first day at work thanks to our mother Laly who came to help us for the weekend. Also, we've had so much support from family, friends at Swiss Towers, friends at church, and friends out of state. Thanks to everyone for praying and we ask that you continue praying for Amy, Lola, Peyton, and Pablo.

Our prayer requests for Amy are: Patients/Endurance/Perseverance through bed-rest. That her body will adjust well to the numerous medicines she is taking. That she will be able to find quality time with Peyton in this new stage in life. And for God's provision and support during the next weeks.

For Peyton: That he would be able to understand why mami can not play with him on the floor. That he would adjust well to the new changes in his life. That we will continue to have help in taking care of him during this process.

For Lola: That she would grow healthy and strong for the next 10-12 weeks. That the Lord would protect her and keep her in the womb.

For Pablo: That the Lord will give him strength, energy, and wisdom in balancing home, family, school, and work. For guidance in preaching this Sunday afternoon.

We can not thank you enough for all your prayers.

And we are sure we could not have gone through this without the support of God.

For His glory and honor,

Pablo S. Paredes

Turn of events

2010-03-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

Last time I spoke with our doctor, things didn't look promising. But, there has been a turn of events!

La ultima vez que hable con nuestro doctor la cosas no eran prometedoras. Pero, ha sucedido un cambio de acontecimientos!

As Amy came in the room, our dear doctor came in and said, "things turned out better than we thought." What a relief! We were hoping for the best in our Father and fearing the worst in our human wisdom. When the doctors observed the cervix once again they noticed that Lolita had moved up leaving enough space in the cervix to place at least two stitches. This allowed the doctors to keep Lola in the womb for a longer time, safe and healthy. The opposite was expected at first.

Mientras Amy entraba en el cuarto, nuestro querido doctor entro y dijo, "las cosas han salido mejor de lo que esperaba". Que alivio! Estuvimos esperando lo mejor en nuestro Padre y temiendo lo peor en nuestra sabiduría humana. Cuando el doctor observo el cervix en el quirófano se dio cuenta que Lolita se habia movido hacia arriba dejando suficiente espacio para coser el cervix. Eso permitió mantener a Lola en el vientre por mas tiempo, sin peligro y saludable. Se esperaba lo opuesto al principio.

Not only is Lola staying in the best incubator, but both mom and Lola will go home in the next 48 hours. Of course, Amy will have to take it very easy the next 4 four weeks, and hopefully return to her normal life. That is, not knowing what will happen ahead. In the mean time, as I write this I can see Amy next to me, sleeping hard after some intense hours of fear. She is a great mom, she has been asking repeatedly how Peyton is doing even when she is laying here in bed in our hospital room. You know, times like this make me think of how blessed I am to have Amy as my partner and how much I take it for granted.

Lola no solamente esta en la mejor encubadora, pero tambien mami y Lola se iran a casa en los siguientes días. Amy tendrá que descansar los proximas cuatro semanas y esperamos que después pueda regresar a la normalidad. Eso es, sin saber lo que vendrá. Mientras tanto, al escribir esta carta veo a Amy a mi derecha, durmiendo fuerte después de una cuantas intensas horas de temor. Ella es una muy buena madre, ha estado preguntando repetidamente como esta Peyton hasta cuando esta acostada en la cama del hospital. Sabes, momentos como estos me hacen pensar cuan bendecido soy al tener a Amy como mi compañera y como me olvido de este regalo.

Thank you so much for your prayers, and we continue to ask for them. As I return to Amy, I can only encourage you to thank God for your blessings that you may take for granted. Perhaps health, wife, son, friend, parents, etc. Don't take them for granted. They are a blessing.

Muchas gracias por sus oraciones, y seguimos pidiendolas. A lo que regreso con Amy, te animo a dar gracias a Dios por tus bendiciones que en momentos te olvidas. Talvez salud, esposa, esposo, trabajo, hijo, amigo, padres, etc. No te olvides. Ellos son una bendición.

Father, thank you for loving us. Thank you for giving Lola more days in mami's womb. "Victory belongs to the LORD"! You turn things around, we only trust You because of who You are. Help Amy recuperate, give her strength and endurance for what comes ahead. Help us to place our faith in You when You take things away, and when You give them to us. We want what You want. Help me to be a husband and father who is thankful and treasures his family all the time. In the name of Jesus, and by the power of the Spirit, amen.

Padre,

Scared and fearful but with all our hope in our Father

2010-03-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

I had a good night of sleep, but not Amy. I had no clue what was happening, but our dear mami and wife was having pressure and burning all night long. She took a bath to alleviate the pain, but nothing seemed to help. At around 7 AM when I got out of the shower to begin my day, she told me she needed to see the doctor so we called him explaining what has happened and we were told to come to the hospital as soon as we could. We went, hoping the best fearing the worst.

Yo dormi bien, pero Amy no. No tenia idea de lo que estaba sucediendo, pero nuestro querida mamá y esposa estaba teniendo presión y ardor toda la noche. Se tomo un bano para aliviar el dolor, pero nada parecía ayudar. Al rededor de las 7 am, cuando salí de la ducha para empezar mi día, Amy me dijo que necesitaba ver al doctor. Entonces le llamamos y le explicamos lo que había pasado y nos dijo que vallamos al hospital lo mas pronto posible. Fuimos, esperando lo mejor y temiendo lo peor.

In the hospital, they checked Amy's cervix and she had started to dilate. Amy was told this was not good, so we became scared and fearful. Our hope is in our Father, waiting for the best and fearing the worst. Soon, we were taken to a delivery room to get Amy ready for surgery and have her cervix stichted in order to keep the baby in the womb as long as possible. Lola Mackenzie is only 23 weeks old, too early. At least, this is what human wisdom tells us.

En el hospital, Amy empezó a dilatar y el doctor reviso su cervix. Las cosas no se venian bien, entonces tuvimos miedo y nos asustamos. Nuestra esperanza esta en nuestro Padre, esperando lo mejor y temiendo lo peor. En seguida, nos llevaron a un cuarto de parto para prepararnos para la cirugía. En la cirugia iban a coser el cervix y así mantenerle a la bebe en el vientre lo mas largo posible. Lola Mackenzie solo tiene 23 semanas, muy temprano. Al menos, esto es lo que nuestra sabiduría humana nos indica.

At this point I'm waiting for Amy to come out of surgery where her cervix is being stitched. All I can think of at this point is Proverbs 21:31. "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." This is our battle today, and we've done everything to prepare for it. Now, the outcome is in the hands of our LORD. Whatever it is, we trust him, we place our faith and hope in Him alone because He loves us.

En este momento estoy esperando que Amy regrese del quirófano. Todo lo que puedo pensar en este momento es Proverbios 21:31. "Se prepara el caballo para el día de la batalla, pero la victoria es del SENOR." Esta es nuestra batalla hoy, y hemos hecho todo lo posible para prepararnos en este embarazo. Ahora, el resultado esta en la manos de nuestro SENOR. Sea lo que sea, confiamos en EL, ponemos nuestra fe y esperanza solamente en EL porque El nos ama.

At this point, we can not see what is going to happen, so we ask for your continual prayer for Amy and Lola. Thank you so much for your support and brotherly love.

I'll keep you updated.

En estos momentos no podemos ver lo que sucederá, por eso pedimos por su constante oración por Amy y Lola. Muchas gracias por amor fraternal y soporte. Los mantendré al tanto.

In Him rests our hope,

Nuestra esperanza esta en EL,

Pablo S. Paredes

12:00 PM

3/8/10

Baby Girl!!!

2010-02-13T11:35:00.001-08:00

WE ARE HAVING A LITTLE GIRL!!!

This month we went to the doctor for an ultrasound to see what we were having. I was wanting a baby girl really bad and Pablo was wanting another little boy. But we were both feeling blessed either way. If you asked Peyton what he wanted he would just say, "A brother and a sister.", which was not happening. During the ultrasound we asked the doctor if he would not tell us if it was a boy or girl and instead write it down on a card for us. Later that night we went out to eat as a family at our favorite little Chinese place and had our waiter read the card to us before dinner. Here is a video of how that played out.....

We were so excited we could not stand it. God has blessed us so much this year and having a baby girl just tops it all off. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare to have another baby in our home. I know that there will be many adjustments for Pablo and I as well as Peyton.

Proud Papi!!!

2009 passed but Jesus’ grace never stopped!

2010-01-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

What a ride we had! Now, I can say, “Paul, I know what you mean when you say what it was to live with abundance and suffering need. (Phil 4:12)” I say this because at the beginning and middle of 2009 we did not know how we were going to pay for our bills, but by the end of the same year our Lord graciously gave us all we needed to pay for school, home, new baby, and travel home for Christmas! Through it all, we trusted Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33. Now, for the year 2010, whatever comes we continue seeking His kingdom and righteousness above anything material. I encourage you to remember with us in this new year that when we seek our Master and triune God, all the material needs in life will be provided. All we need to do is to keep first things first. If this was hard for you to believe in 2009, see our journey and seek God above anyone or anything. You won’t regret it! Thank you for your prayers.

God and His Great Provision

2009-09-24T14:18:00.000-07:00

This has been such a great summer for us. God has shown us that He is our provider and protector over and over again. As many of you know I experienced some health problems this summer that wiped us out financially. Thanks be to God that my health was restored and that I am living pain free today. I can not tell you what a blessing that has been for me. Due to all the medical bill our savings for Pablo to attend seminary was gone in no time. Pablo was such a great support during this time and let me know that I came before school and money. That spoke volumes to me as I was feeling so guilty that the savings was gone on account of me. He has shown his love and support for me through it all. I am so grateful to have such a loving husband. We praised God for healing me and knew that He would provide for Pablo to attend school in the fall. He has brought us so fare we knew he would not abandon us now. We began to pray and asked many of you to pray with us. Two weeks before Pablo was to start the fall semester we did not have any money to pay towards his tuition. It was during those two weeks the Lord began to provide through scholarships and friends and family. One night Pablo was studying at the library and Peyton and I went to check the mail. When we checked the mail there was $1400 in checks from friends and family. I can not tell you the joy and gratitude that consumed me. When Pablo came home we thanked the Lord for taking care of us again and providing down to the last dollar. He knew what we needed and even went above that and gave us enough for books. HOW GREAT OUR GOD IS!!!!! I love watching Him work out things that are imposable to us. The week after school started the Lord then provided Pablo with a job at the church full time. This was another answer to our prayers. He has brought us through a summer I would re gladly live again. This summer I was able to see our Makers love and care in such a personal way. Thanks be to GOD!!!!!! We would also like to thanks all the friends and family that prayed and gave during this time. We are so grateful to you all. May the Lord bless you all richly.

Peyton's Swim Lessons!

2009-07-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

This has been such a fun summer for us. God has truly blessed us in so many ways. A lady at our church owns a swim school here in Dallas and gave all church employees' children free swim lessons during the summer. We were so excited and Peyton loved it.

The lessons were for two weeks and he learned how to go under the water, jump in, and hold his breath. He really did a great job and met some new friends. It was a great time for us all.

Peyton has been a great joy to both Pablo and myself. He brings a smile to our face and keeps us laughing all the time. We have been so blessed to be his parents.

Thank you Dolphin Swim School for such a wonderful time and teaching us so much. We hope to see you all next summer.

Praise be to GOD!!!

2009-07-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

I heard this last week from the doctor and my results came back great. She has diagnosed me with a spastic colon. She is treating it now with diet and herbal medicine. I have been on this regiment now for three days and have not found any relief from the pain yet. The doctor said that I need to stick with the treatment for two months and then if it still is not working she will prescribe some medicine that can help relax the colon. I am so grateful to GOD that there is nothing seriously wrong. There was a time that I was very scared, but GOD has shown me His faithfulness through all of this. PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!! Now that I look back I wonder why I was ever scared to begin with? Was my faith lacking? Had I forgot the Greatness and Provision of my GOD? I think that I let the fear of the unknown over weigh my faith in the one who created my body and knows it's ins and outs. My fear of not being here on this earth to watch my son grow to be a man was on my mind daily. Those are the thoughts that went through my heart and soul. But I daily have to remember that God's ways are higher and His purpose for me is better than one I could ever dream up. I have to remember that Peyton is not mine!!!! WOW, how my heart hurts even typing those words....but God has lent him to me for a brief time here on this earth. Peyton belongs to the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings and He also has a purpose for Peyton. I see that my purpose on this earth now is to honor GOD with all my heart, Love and cherish my husband, and raise Peyton to Know and Love God. However long my life here on this earth shall be I am here to do those three things. Thank you all for your prayer during this time and for your calls and letters. You are all such a gift from GOD! I love you and please keep us in your prayers.

Waiting for new results

2009-07-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

Today Amy received a phone call from the doctor's office letting her know that the results of the biopsis will be given later this week. As fast as we know anything we will keep you updated. Please keep us in your prayers during these moments of trials. Thank you.

Clear to the naked eye!

2009-07-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

Why do our minds think the worst when we have a hypothesis like Amy's. Well, I don't know! But what we feared the most is not happening according to what the doctor's naked eyes could see. Those are great news! The tumor, cancer, crones, etc., are all discarded. Could it had been there and God did a miracle? Surely,Possibly, maybe, I don't know. But we are very thankful for the Lord's grace through these scary and expectant moments. Did God answer your and my prayers? Of course He did, and the glory be to our triune God alone. Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement. Amy is now recuperating with her lovely aunt Jan on her side, who flew all the way from Arkansas at the last minute to be with her. Thank you aunt Jan, it meant the world to Amy. Thanks Matt, Angie, Virginia, Ellie, Christy Habashy, Laly, Cris, Feno, and others (sorry if I didn't get your name), for just being there to pick us up and lift us up. We are very thankful for you all. If you have any questions please call me (Pablo) until Amy feels better. With nothing else to say, but with a smile on my face, I want to say one more time; thank you so much for your support and prayers. Shalom out!
Pablo S. Paredes
Romans 8:28

PRAYER request

2009-06-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Many of you already know why we are asking for your prayers but for those who are just reading this blog here it is.
Early this week our mom and wife, Amy, had a doctor's appointment with a specialist to see why her lower stomach hurts often. The specialist told Amy it could be different things such as: a tumor, crones, and others. For this reason she was schedule to have a more inductive exam this Thursday afternoon.
As you may assume, our fist impression was of fear. Fear of the unknown. But at the same time Amy has taken it really well with the support of her family and sisters.
If you can please pray for the LORD to give her the extra strength we need to go through this no matter what the outcome is. The Word tells us in Rom. 8:28 (which was our wedding passage) that all things workout for the good of those who love Him. We hold on to this truth and it is what brings us peace and tranquility.
We have no doubt in our minds that He has a bigger purpose for this but we just don't know the specifics at this point. But we have faith in Him who knows the unknown.
Please remember Amy in your prayers.
Remaining in Him,
Pablo & Amy Paredes

It's good to go home!!!

2009-06-17T21:53:00.000-07:00

Another great blessing for us this summer was having the opportunity to go HOME!!!

After living or visiting many different places throughout our lives, we have come to somehow grasp the idea of home. What is home? Is it Cuenca, Quito, Edinburg, Jonesboro, Lake City, Dallas, Texas, Arkansas, Ecuador or the United States? It is more evident for us now, that home is where our hearts are, and our hearts are where our closest ones are. For this reason, we can humbly say that the LORD by his grace has formed a family consisting of three hearts. Peyton, Amy & Pablo. Wherever they are is the home of the Paredes family.
But at the same time, this is only a temporary home because the eternal one is yet to come. That is our true citizenship and our heavenly home!

Having remembered this, we can not deny the fact that it was so nice to visit our parents, sisters and brother back in Arkansas. The LORD used this time to recharge, learn, enjoy, and encourage our loved ones.

As you may know, Peyton had not seen his grandparents for a couple of months so our visit was a chance for them to know, love and care for him in their own unique manner. At the same time he got to know them and learn their names! Now he says, "Abuelo & Abuela." He can also say, "Gran & Papa." Little things like these are the ones that bring a smile to our hearts.
I (Pablo) had the opportunity to do what I enjoy the most. I had the priviledge and honor to teach at "Vida Nueva Christian Church." It was a time of greetings and reflection on the eternal fountain of life, the Word of God. Talvez no lo pude expresar bien a la congregacion pero de veras fue un tiempo muy especial para mi persona al compartir la Palabra con mi familia espiritual. Also it was nice to be able to spend time with dad, mom, Maggie and Stephen. The ecuadorian food was great! But what also pleased my heart was seing the "abuelos" play with Peyton and the encouraging conversations with dad about ministry. Dad may not noticed but he's the best teacher/mentor I've had. Thanks pa!

After a week of visiting, teaching, and learning, I had to fly back to Dallas to work. But Amy and Peyton stayed in Arkansas for another week to attend a wedding and continue visiting her family. It was so nice for Peyton to be able to spend some time playing with his cousin Grant. They had several days that they were able to spend together and learned to love and play with each other in their own ways. Since we have returned home Peyton says "Grant" all the time.
I (Amy) had a great time visiting with my family and loving on them. I had missed my mom and it was nice to be able to spend one on one time with her. We enjoyed shopping, watching movies and playing with the grandkids. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful supportive family.

They were able to spend time with Amy's brother Matt and his family as well as Amy's dad Mr. Hill. And as you can imagine I was desperately missing them back in Dallas. It is only in these times that we get to appreciate and value even more the presence and love of our families.
As may guess, our home is no longer in Arkansas, Cuenca, Ecuador or Texas, but wherever Peyton, Amy & Pablo are in this momentary earth; with the expection of our eternal home and nationality in the ages to come.

Thank you all for the hospitality back in Arkansas, and thank God for bringing Amy and Peyton safe to Papi. This is all for now until our next journey or project.

Trip to New York

2009-06-17T19:36:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed this year to be able to take a trip to New York. Pablo's uncle invited us to come and visit him and his family during the summer. After he offered to send us two plane tickets how could we refuse. We went the week after Pablo finished his finals at seminary. It was such a great time to relax and enjoy family after the busy end of semester projects. We had such a great time visiting with family and building on those relationships. It is during those moments that you truly feel blessed by the people God puts in your life. We were able to encourage them and draw encouragement from them. It is great to see how the body of Christ works.

We also did a lot of sightseeing. We would wake up every morning and hit the streets. We went all over New York everyday and still did not have enough time to see all we wanted. My sweet husband did get me a wonderful mother's day gift while we were in New York. He bought me a ticket to go and see The Lion King on Broadway and it was fabulous. Pablo's Aunt Silvana and I went together to see it and we had such great seats. It was truly a dream come true for me. Thank you so much my love!!!

Although, this is not everyone in the family, here is a good shot of most of them. Our last day in New York the family had a cook out and we enjoyed the nice weather outside. Peyton had a great time in New York even though we were so busy and he missed most of his naps and did not get to bed before midnight most nights. He also learned the word "MINE" while we were in New York. That is one word I could have done without him learning. Peyton thought the world of Papi Victor (Pablo's grandpa) and would not leave his side. He loved him so much that Papi Victor would have to hide from Peyton just to get a few minutes of peace. Peyton loved visiting with the family and playing with the girls. We are so greatful to God for providing us with a much needed vacation. Also, thank you Feno and Silvi for your hospitality and generosity.