Ellen Rosenberger

A few weeks ago we took David to meet the Gomez family. I lived with them for one year while teaching at NCA, before Luke and I were married. In many senses they became like a family to me. I loved living with them and experiencing many aspects of Nica life with them. Gabrielito was in my first preschool class! Not pictured above are Guadalupe and eldest daughter, Wendy, who attends Dordt College in Iowa. "La Nana" holding baby David. Ivania is one proud Nica abuela. Even Ruben held David!

It has been 8 weeks since David was born and I am still adjusting to being a new mom. While I am glad to be home and caring for my baby boy, it has not come without lots of change and emotions. Sometimes the change seems overwhelming but I am thankful for the ways my God encourages me and helps me through people, my husband, prayer, His Word, journaling, etc. I know that in every change He remains faithful. One of the biggest changes has been going from a preschool teacher to a full-time stay at home mom. Here are some similarities and differences I've found between the two: Similarities - Both require: patience, prayer, and lots of energy - Smiles melt my heart - The job seems never ending - It's fun to see them grow and change - The benefits are priceless - You learn something new each day - Tears are to be expected - I love my student(s) Differences - I don't have a dress code to follow anymore - My attention is not divided among 14+ little bodies...yet it seems that...

One morning a few weeks ago, Luke walked into our bathroom and this is what he saw! Yes, a boa constrictor just camping out on the bars outside the window. Thankfully Carlos, the guard/gardener on our property, took care of it. Luke tried to minimize the commotion so I wouldn't find out about it, being that I am terrified of snakes. However, the dogs were way too interested in the thing and so I peaked out the window to see what all the noise was about. Oh man. Carlos said he has never seen a boa constrictor on our property before. Snakes, yes, but not a boa constrictor. I guess that is comforting...