Our little gift from God

On Monday, July 7 (also Melvin's birthday), we received the most precious news - we're pregnant! I remembered our doctor saying, "Congratulations," and then not much else after that as my mind already begun planning how I would share this exciting news with Melvin. I decided to pick up an infant outfit that said something like "Loved by Daddy." That evening, we celebrated Melvin's birthday at Napa Rose, where I gave him his gift. We were both so overjoyed, we cried then rushed home to read What To Expect When You're Expecting and look through baby names. God gave us a precious gift and made this "first" experience for us so very precious.

Two days later we were told that my HCG (pregnancy hormone) level had decreased. This either meant that we miscarried or that we had twins and one miscarried. It was a long week until Saturday, when we learned we had officially miscarried. That day was extremely difficult for us. I wrestled with God about the why's and the what if's and it seemed like I cried all day long. He was quiet though and in retrospect, I think He was allowing me to grieve. Little did I know that He had Sunday all planned out for us. The message was impeccable. It was 2 Corinthians 1:1-11, Comfort in Affliction. After service, Pastor Rob and Karen prayed over us and ministered to us. They are so very special to us. Then we had some time with our dear friend Pete, who showered us with his fatherly love. Later that night we had friends over for dinner where we spent the night fellowshipping and sharing testimonies. The night ended with a touching email from Pete (really, from God) that comforted us and reminded us how much we are blessed. Sunday was a glorious day of healing. God is so great.

As I've shared with others, we are rejoicing and resting in God's promises. He is so good and has taken great care of us during this time. He has used this experience to strengthen our marriage and bring us closer to Him. I am sure that He will also provide us with an opportunity to minister to others who have experienced a similar loss. Although our baby's passing was the saddest moment of our life, his/her life was THE MOST joyful moment with the BEST ending ... he/she is in heaven with our Father who loves him/her even more than we do. God also faithfully blessed us with a special memory. Our baby loved Japanese food, especially nori (plain, seasoned, and paste) as well as noodles and sembei. We are excited to meet him/her in heaven soon. Until then, these words bring much comfort to us:

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed,
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
Psalm 139:13-16.

and

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.
Jeremiah 1:5

Amen.