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Daniel Patrick Hoppe arrived safelyNathan Hoppe (2/4/2010)
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psa 139:14-16)
It is with great joy that we announce the birth of our son Daniel Patrick Hoppe. Daniel was born at 9:47 a.m. January 19, 2010 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Wabasha, Minnesota. He weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. and was 21 1/2 inches long. Labor and delivery went well, though Gabriela had to be induced because of some late-term complications in her pregnancy. She and Daniel have recovered well. We took Daniel for his two week checkup today and he has already gained 1 pound over his birthweight. He is also at the hundredth percentile for height. As we have participated in this process of bringing a new life into the world, we are again reminded that we are truly "fearfully and wonderfully made." Our lives are a miracle and an incredible gift from God. Not only has he given us life at the beginning, but he has ordained good things for us in order to shape and form us in his image. He is watching over us and working all things together for our good. We have so very many things to be grateful for.
We are now approximately at the halfway point of our time of home assignment in the United States. We are enjoying many things about our time in the U.S., but we also miss our family, friends and ministries in Albania. Gabriela has begun a Masters degree in Children's and Family Ministry. She feels that she is learning many things which will be valuable in our work with children and families in Albania. She will be teaching much of the material that she is learning to our ministry staff, thus multiplying the impact of her studies. Through the process of prenatal care and early parenting with Daniel, we are reminded of the many resources available here for new parents. Because these things do not exist in Albania, we see a great need to expand our existing ministry to children in order to reach expectant mothers and new parents. We have begun to dream of having a new missionary on our team with a background in midwifery or nursing that could help to organize such a ministry. This could be very strategic for the future of the Church in Albania.
One of my main responsibilities during this home assignment is to strengthen our support team for our return to Albania. I have visited numerous churches already and have many more events scheduled throughout Lent and beyond. It is a joy to meet with the Body of Christ in different places and share the work that we have the honor to be a part of. We are still in need of more financial partners. Please consider whether God would lead you to make a monthly pledge in support of our ministry. It is only through the support of regular monthly donors that our ongoing work in Albania is possible.
We wish you all a blessed Lent in preparation for a joyous and transforming celebration of Pascha.
In Christ,
Nathan for all the Hoppes | |
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