DanandDalaina.com

It's been a few months since the last update, but all for good reason. The last few months have been so crazy for us. After returning from our trip to Florida, I made an appointment to see the OB. To my amusement and Dan's shock, we were told that we were pregnant with not one, but two babies. We thought that this might be a really good reason to think about changing our departure plans. We talked to our families, pastor, friends, and pre-field PIONEERS coach, and did a lot of thinking and praying. It was a very disappointing choice to make, but we both felt that God was pretty clearly leading us to stay until after the babies are born. Turns out that it was for good reason as the twins share a placenta, and there are a number of possible complications that can occur as a result. Thankfully, none have shown up this far. So now we are in a waiting game until the twins come (due November 5). Our goal is to be out of the country next spring.

In other news, we were pretty miraculously able to get into a larger, three bedroom townhouse just a couple of minutes from Dan's parents house. We are so excited to be in a bigger place especially with two more people joining the family soon.

Things to be praying for:
* As anyone who knows me well can tell you, I am not a very good pregnant woman. I find the whole process pretty rotten. Though I have not had any major complications, I am already having lots of contractions (at 26 weeks). They don't seem to be doing anything but driving me crazy, which I suppose is good. Please pray for relief from them and that I would not have to go on bed rest as a result.

* We are technically still in the process of raising a prayer team and a financial support team. Please pray that we would see these teams grow and that we would be able to maintain and grow good relationships with our teammates.

* As always keep our team in Peru in prayer as well as the Caquinte people to whom the minister to. At the moment, two families (both last names are Welsh) are in the jungle working on language and culture learning as they build relationships. Another family, the Ketchems, stay in town and work as the team supply buyers. They also take care of paperwork and communication while we are out in the jungle.

Thanks all for your prayers, love, and encouragement. Feel free to leave a message on this blog as I intend to be regularly updating and communicating through it.

Well, this site deserves a serious update, as much has happened since I last posted to it. Actually, it probably deserves quite a few updates, so I'll organize this one in bullet form. (for the quick version, just read the bold text):

• We're expecting another child: Yup, it's true. Moses is going to have a little brother or sister. We're not sure which...or when...or where. We barely even know why (we weren't trying, but we're excited!) What we do know is that according to our plans (which God seems to get a kick out of rewriting) we still plan to move to Peru in June. We plan for the baby to be born in Peru somewhere, either Lima (the capital) or Pucallpa (our city home). Odds are good that (s)he will come sometime in October or November, but we really aren't sure. Dalaina saw her OBGYN on Wed., so we'll know more after her ultrasound today. Please pray for Dalaina: she feels really lousy already, and has for a few weeks.
• We were in Orlando the week of March 2^nd for training: Dalaina and Moses met me (Dan) in Orlando late on the evening of March 1^st for a week of training and preparation at PIONEERS headquarters. We stayed on their beautiful campus, and we both felt that it was a valuable week. Much of the week was focused on team dynamics, and how God has gifted each of us for different roles, but we also learned about security, transition, and Third Culture Kids, as well as discussing finances and progress made towards our departures. One of the most valuable parts of the trip, however, was the people that we came in contact with. We met many new friends, and it was exciting to hear of all the places that the Lord was sending them. We also had an opportunity to reconnect with many old friends, including some of the staff at PIONEERS' headquarters, friends at Campus Crusade's Orlando headquarters, and the former leader of our team in Peru, who is currently in Orlando for health reasons.
• We're still raising support: Thank you to those of you who have chosen to give financially. Between you, and the large chunk of our monthly support coming directly from our church, it's coming along, but we still have a ways to go. There are two ways you can help with the financial need:
  • One-Time Gifts: We have less than $5000 of the approximately $30,000 needed for our move to Peru. That money will be spent on (among other things) flights, equipment, a vehicle, and setup of our new house in the jungle. There is a big need here, and it is a way that you can help without making a long term financial commitment.
  • Monthly Support: This is another way that you can help. This is how we will be able to pay our bills once we get to Peru, as well as how we get the money for the ministry that we do. We need to raise $3878 each month, and at this point, $2902 has been committed. As our planned departure draws nearer, it becomes even more important that this number be reached.

  You can give by credit card online by clicking here, set up an electronic funds transfer by filling out this form and mailing it in, or by check, at this address:
  

  PIONEERS, Attn: Finance
  10123 William Carey Drive
  Orlando, FL 32832

  Just include a note saying that it is for Dan and Dalaina May, Account Number 110269.
  Please pray for us as we continue this process. We don't want anyone to give out or guilt or obligation, and we feel that we are building a team with those who support us financially (as well as our prayer partners and those helping in other ways). This really is a monumental effort that cannot be accomplished alone.

I know, I know, not a great title for a first post. But it's the truth. I'm quite tired, and looking forward to getting even more tired. There are so many things to do this week, this month, and before we go, that I'm tired just thinking about it. But it's OK, I can handle being tired - 'cause I'm having fun. Right now, I'm doing web design, and why? Because it helps get my family one step closer to sharing the gospel with the Caquinte. When I think about it like that, it's easy.