We celebrated Ethan this week as he turned 6. This past year was a big year for Ethan with a lot of landmarks. Here are some of the ways Ethan has grown this past year….
- We taught Ethan through God’s story this year. He loves Bible time!
- He went from not speaking French to correcting my pronunciation
- We have moved every year of his life, but this year we moved for the first time into a home with no plans of when we will move next. For a boy who likes stability this was quite the encouragement.
- This year he became so sensitive to languages that he now speaks English in a Dutch accent when he plays with his Dutch Friends.
- He learned a lot about the power of pray. Just Yesterday he told me, “Mom I started to feel sick last night and so I prayed about it. This morning I feel fine, it is kinda like a miracle.”
- Last year we were praying for a friend for Ethan and this year we had to limit how many friends he could invite to his party.
- He loves African food and will eat most anything we put in front of him (as long as it is not too spicy)
- I have been continuously challenged by his faith. When he found out there was a missionary put in prison, his response was that we needed to go tell the jail guards about Jesus so that they will let him go.
- He has learned to appreciate the small things in life. Even a jar of blueberry syrup or a package of pepperoni is enough to bring a smile to his face.
- He has learned that goodbyes are hard but are also temporary. He deeply misses his friends and family back home and looks forward to the day when we can visit everyone!
I’ve said it before but I will say it again. I love your blog. It is so uplifting and rich in love of life always giving the glory to our Lord. Thank-you.
Wish Ethan a Happy Birthday for me, even if it is a belated one.
Carolyn Gaupo
I am so proud of the young boy Ethan has become! It is so wonderful to hear about who he is and how he is growing through your stories. Thank you for sharing his life with us too. I am so amazed at what the Lord is doing in his young life and I am so grateful he has such godly parents to lead him and train him. I love you all! Praise God for his faithfulness to you all.
Happy Birthday Ethan!
What a beautiful list of blessings you’ve seen in his life this year. Those missionary kids have such great hearts & faith – you’ll love seeing things through his eyes and prayers.
Ethan laying on his stomach and drawing looks so much like Becca. That was her pose in her room, in the living room. while drawing, while watching movies….he reminded me of her in that pose.
So happy God gave you Ethan and cheering on what a good job you’re doing loving him as his parents.
Andrea
Awwwe Happy Birthday Ethen!!! WOW what growth for such a small child thank you Lord for Ethan.
This is exciting! What will God do with Ethan’s language skills and flexibility he has learned – not to mention is deepening faith! Little did you know what a great idea it was to bring your little ones to the mission field. Missionaries in training – 2 generations at a time!