Leite Life

2010-06-02T14:24:00.000-07:00

In case anyone is out there who has not heard our most recent news, I am copying a message I recently wrote into this post. This message is from Tuesday, May 25.

About this time of the evening 7 days ago, the LORD took the baby he placed in me for 6 weeks back to Himself. It has been a season we will never forget, but I am thankful for His presence, providence and perfect plan. We are trusting in 1 Pet. 5:10"But may the G-D of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Messiah Yeshua, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

I have learned that His love is above and beyond any that we could give this child. He loves us so deeply that He desires us to dwell with Him. Today I was reminded:
Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints." Ps. 116:15

I can proudly say, I am the mother of 3 children. Even though we had such a short time together, so short I don't even know their name, but I already loved and will always love and miss my faceless baby leite. As I sit here and cry what I hope are tears of closure, I can find no proper way to "bury" what has gone. Our family will never be the same. But I am filled with wonder at how He loves us and how much better of a parent He is than I could ever be. My heart lies forever in His hands and my hope is to be united with my baby when we see each other in glory, to look into their eyes and see the peace that truly passed all my understanding...and for us all, our family of 5 (and any more blessings He chooses to send our way) plus the myriads of believers bow together to sing (from Psalm 139:1-18):

O LORD, You have searched me and known [me].
You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.
For [there is] not a word on my tongue, [But] behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
[Such] knowledge [is] too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot [attain] it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You [are] there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You [are there].
[If] I take the wings of the morning, [And] dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall [fn] on me," Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light [are] both alike [to You].
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made; [fn] Marvelous are Your works, And [that] my soul knows very well.
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.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
[If] I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.

Our precious baby now rests eternally in His hands, and in memory of Baby Leite #3, we pray: "Magnified and sanctified be His great Name in the world which He created according to His will. May He establish His kingdom during your life and during your days, and during the life of all the house of Israel, speedily and in the near future, and say Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and ever. Blessed, praised and glorified, exalted, extolled and honored, adored and lauded be the Name of the Holy One, Blessed be He; Who is beyond all blessings and hymns, praises and songs that are uttered in the world; and say Amen. May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life for us and for all Israel; and say Amen. May He who maketh peace in the heavens, make peace for us and for all Israel; and say Amen."

2010-04-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

When you don't hear from us in a while, it's either because something's up or nothing's up. We're glad to report....nothing. :O) We are all doing well and just as busy as can be. Al and Rachel are still both working - each one trades off with the other to be with the kids while the other works. Al is still very busy at seminary, but has had an issue with his health this semester. An upper respiratory infection followed by bronchitis has had his less than 100% for over 2 months now. He is feeling much better, has been on lots of meds, but is still trying to shake the spontaneous coughing fits that make him lose his voice. Rachel has a lot of very busy students and has a studio party coming up next week.

The kids are GREAT! Both have excellent health and are learning and growing so fast. They are our daily blessings and we know that full well! Hava is speaking and counting and learning her colors in both Portuguese and English. She is much more fluent in both now. She has a very sweet demeanor (95% of the time - the other 5% we count as her being a 3-year-old), loves to help, play instruments, play outside and watch movies AND is fully potty trained! Levi is the smiliest, happiest baby either of us has ever known. He is very independent - into EVERYTHING, crawling and pulling himself up to standing. He is our ball of laughter and peace. He is still a bit small for his age, but growing properly. The latest news we have on his kidneys is that the left is still a bit underfunctional, but nothing to worry about and his urachal sinus seems to not be a problem anymore, so for now, no surgeries needed.

Lately, we've had friends come to visit from NY, had a wonderful passover season and are now counting down the days till Shavuot. Al also celebrated another birthday. With the great weather that finally found its way to north Texas, we love to go to the park and play outside.

I tried to upload some pictures here, but to no avail. I will try again later.

2009-11-06T23:33:00.000-08:00

Has it been long enough??? :o)

We are here....plus 1!

Levi Caldwell Leite came into the world at 10:44 am on August 17th via c-section. He weighed in at 7lbs. 6 oz. and 18.5 inches. Here's an excerpt from my facebook note the day he was born:

My part in this was a little harder than last time - the anesthesiologist said "looks like you're gonna be my hard case for the day." I'm gonna make this short and simple since I am still VERY dizzy and tired from it all. It took the anesthesiologist about 6-7 tries to get the meds to kick in. I suffered a lot of sharp pains and even a couple of screams (which most of you know for me, means a big deal). Poor Al was sitting right outside (since they don't let him in until the procedure) and could only hear me screaming and crying. They even thought I might have scoliosis since they couldn't get the spinal to take on one side, but they finally were able. I had some vomiting, difficulty breathing and LOTS of dizziness. My heartbeat got down dangerously low and I didn't really start feeling pain-free until they got that under control. I am still extremely dizzy and nodding off, but I promise to get some pics up as soon as I get my head on a little straighter. :o)

And yes, I'll post pictures here too. :o)

Levi's been growing like a weed the past couple of months, but I'll be the first to admit, taking care of a baby with a toddler in the house is a feat of epic proportions (yes, I used the word "epic." I know, I know.) I was so blessed that 2 days before he came, my mom (and Al) surprised me when my mom unexpectedly, at least to me, came back from Brazil to help me with bringing this new one into our family! She was a huge help, especially with Hava. We had Levi circumcised 7 days later with Rabbi Marty Cohen. Levi has not had the nursing problems Hava had, so he was at birth weight the week after he was born, and is now right around 12 lbs - Hava only reached 12 lbs. after 4 months! He had one little issue which are enlarged kidneys. We had several tests on him and will need to do follow ups about every 6 months, but as far as the urologist can tell, it doesn't seem to be a big issue and might just be how his kidneys are. Levi is a VERY easy going baby. He loves to be held and sung to. He has a super gentle spirit and even a gentle cry - unless, of course, he feels neglected. :o) He is still not sleeping through the night, but is getting better. Our biggest surprise with him? BLUE EYES! Not quite sure where he pulled that one out from, but he sure is a cutie!

Hava - she's a hoot! She is such a smart cookie, a people-lover, and an independent drama queen! She is using both languages now, but generally chooses English first. She LOVES her little brother and has not had one moment of jealousy towards him. She is also growing like a weed - she'll be 3 in January. We're still working on getting her FULLY potty-trained, but she's on her way. Her personality is probably what we're most proud of. She's very adaptable to different situations and schedules and loves to have fun no matter what. She will instigate the fun with a funny phrase, a little dance or even come up and tickle you!

Al is finishing up his first seminary course - Greek! You can only imagine, his first time graduate course, studying in English (his second language) and it's a third language - GREEK! The great news is that he was hired as a campus electrician. This past week, we had some sad news - one of Al's aunts in Brazil tragically died. It is hard to be so far away when things like that happen, but technology helps us to feel closer. We have been able to see and speak with the family quite a few times and everyone is hanging in there.

I have gone back to my private voice students as well as public school voice students and love my job! When I'm home with the kids, Al is either at work or school and when he's home with the kids, I'm at work. Our schedule has worked out so nicely.

Grandma is also doing well. She just arrived back from her second trip to Israel! She will be visiting with family over the next month or so and when she comes back, mom and dad will also be coming from Brazil for the holiday season.

We are truly blessed beyond measure!

2009-08-03T17:25:00.000-07:00

Back to School!

Just a note to announce that Al has officially been accepted at to a seminary (yeshiva) in their Masters of Divinity in Counseling program! We are very excited and ask for your prayers as we continue to search for the path G-D has for us. Al is applying for an on-campus job since he has not been able to secure any other, so please pray with us about the finances as well.

Rachel is still giving private lessons and will take a short break to bring this new baby into the world in 2 weeks! After that, she will be returning to her private students as well as her public school students in September.

Hava is doing well, talking lots and growing like a weed. We are very proud of her development and are trying to prepare her to be a helpful big sister to her baby brother.

2009-07-21T20:14:00.000-07:00

Baby Leite Kidneys

Today was another weekly trip to the Fetal/Maternal Medicine specialist for a sonogram. This baby boy (at 35 weeks, 6lbs., 6 oz. now) is almost as big as Hava was when she was born (at 38 weeks, 6lbs., 11oz.). Up until now, there has been no reason for any concern of his health, but just cautionary measures based on Rachel's blood disorder.

Today, the doctor informed us that there is a slight problem with baby's kidney function - both a little underactive. Still, for now, not a huge issue, but something to watch. Would you join us in prayer that this issue would resolve itself or rather, that G-D in His infinite mercy and wisdom, would heal it.

2009-07-12T16:44:00.000-07:00

We're still here...

Hi friends!

Yes, we are still here. It's been a while since we posted anything here since Rachel has been a bit tied down with work, a toddler, a grandmother and a huge pregnant belly. Al is doing well and keeping everybody sane. :o) Our baby boy should be here in about 5 weeks! Please pray that the rest of the pregnancy and delivery would go smoothly.

2009-01-28T09:58:00.000-08:00

Leites Lately...

Well, we haven't been up to too much. Rachel's about 10 weeks pregnant and still feeling ok. Hava just had her second birthday on Sunday. Al is still doing pretty much everything at home until Rachel can see the doctors. So, here are some pictures and videos to catch you up.

2008-12-31T22:35:00.000-08:00

Keep Praying For Us

It has been a while since we've been able to update the blog. We have had quite a bit going on. One of Rachel's students has been recording her new demo which required a lot of preparation on Rachel's part.

Also, we had a bit of a scare a while back that even took us to the ER. Rachel suffered a "threatened miscarriage." The doctor said there is no explanation as to why it happened, or why it stopped, but we know everything is in the LORD's hands and we desire His will. Rachel has been and is still on bed rest until the degree of danger lowers sufficiently to return to daily activity.

One of our Brazilian friends who you have prayed for in past is also suffering the risk of a divorce. She has been studying scripture with us over the past year and needs believing friends nearby to support her in this trying time. She also has a 4-year-old son.

We know that many times we pray and yet have no idea of the outcome. We just wanted to confirm that your prayers for us and our ministries do have power. We are thankful to be moving into a new year with the hope of having another baby to come into the family. We are hopeful for a great success for Rachel's student who is looking to get signed by a record label. We are prayerful that our friends and family, no matter how far, will feel the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives through internet scripture study and encouragement. Please continue to pray with us in these specific areas - your prayers are powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

2008-12-11T09:06:00.001-08:00

Just in case you hadn't heard:

We're expecting Leite baby #2! Should be here around August - maybe even on Rachel's birthday.

2008-12-06T10:23:00.000-08:00

Fall+Cold=Cute Hava

So, it finally got cold in Texas. It was 30-something today and Hava went out to play in the leaves. We all had a good time!

2008-12-04T13:06:00.000-08:00

Everyday Hava-

She decided that the best place to keep her fork during dinner was in her straw.

This is the VERY FIRST TIME any braids have stayed in her hair...we were all very excited. :o)

2008-11-28T21:02:00.000-08:00

Part of our thanksgiving - stuffed apples! There's a mirror on the other side of the room, so that is where Hava sees herself at the end of the video.

Portuguese Translations:

"Da um sorriso" - Smile!

"Ajuda Mamãe" - Help Mommy

Extras: Cookie, Happy :o)

2008-11-28T20:50:00.001-08:00

A Leite Thanksgiving

*I think I might need a disclaimer here - these pictures are out of order, so we did NOT have dog hair in our food. :o)

Evidently, we got a single shot of Hava eating on Thanksgiving last year, and oddly enough, we got one this year too.

Hava and Papai stuffing the apples
Hava and Fumaça
Hava and Mamãe making the stuffing for the apples

Working on GG's famous pumpkin roll
Basting the bird
Watching the thanksgiving day parade

We had a wonderful day of just spending time with family and friends and recognizing that in all things, at all times, we are His. We have every reason to fill every day giving thanks for all that He has done for us!!!

2008-11-25T18:18:00.000-08:00

Hava got very relaxed watching tv.

Praying and reading the bible before bed.

2008-11-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

Stars and Puppies - Day 3!

*This might be TMI (too much information) for some of you, but a lot of our readers are parents who appreciate the milestones.* :o)

She eats like a big girl, sleeps like a big girl and is now using the big potty! We are on day 3 of potty training week. We started a while back, but Hava wasn't quite ready and got bored with it, so we left it alone and came back to it about a month later. This week has just been great. Day 1 was kind of slow and just getting her re-acquainted with potty. Yesterday got Hava 9 star stickers and 1 puppy sticker on her potty chart (yeah, that means a lot of #1 and even a #2!). Today, she hasn't had to change underpants once and we're an hour away from bedtime!

So, hopefully by the end of the week, we'll have a diaper-free (except for bedtime) little lady!

2008-11-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

We might be biased, but......G-D MADE HER SO CUTE!!!!

Well, unfortunately one of our cute videos of Hava vanished off into the technology black hole and it is nowhere to be found. She had just watched a video of her friend Natalie drawing happy faces and saying "happy, happy, happy!!!" Right after watching she went in our room, climbed up on the bed and started jumping up and downs saying "happy, Happy, HAPPY!" She loves the phrase and says it all the time now. In fact, she even "reads" us a story out of her bible - the story of Yeshua (Jesus) curing the sick girl.

She points at Yeshua and says: "Shua!"

Then she points at the girl's parents nearby and says: "Papai, Mamãe" (Daddy, Mommy)

Then she points at the little girl and says: "Dodoi" (Boo-boo)

Then points at Yeshua and then towards the little girl and says: "HAPPY!"

So, I guess when we're sick, Yeshua can make us Happy! :o) (Especially if mom and dad are around!)

She is such a joy to us. We understand when scripture says it is a blessing to have children! Even though she is almost 2, there are moments where she is calm, collected, patient and just plain sweet!!!

And there are moments where she is very active, very vocal and all her batteries are charged....like playing soccer with Papai (daddy).

There are also so some "not-so-photogenic" moments, like time-outs and burning her fingers on a lamp bulb! We hate to see her cry or in pain, but we also know that shapes her into being who the LORD is preparing her to be. And even after such "horrific" moments, she shakes it off and comes back to us with loving embraces and precious kisses!

We know each life the LORD allows to come into this world, comes in with a purpose. We don't know for how long, or for what reasons, but we are confident that each person is made in the image of G-D and has the capacity of allowing His love and life to live purely through them. We know we are not perfect, but we hope our lives show the same affection for our Creator, when we return to Him with praise and service.

Within the last couple of weeks, we have had friends who have just had their first child, just lost children, are waiting to have their own children or waiting for adoptive children to finally be in their arms. Whatever the circumstance, we praise HIM for fearfully and wonderfully knitting us in our mother's wombs. We commit ourselves to Him so that HIS will may be completed through our obedience.

May He forever be praised for being the One and Only

Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer and Comforter of the Universe

and everything and everyone therein!

2008-10-19T22:39:00.000-07:00

TE AMO!

Hava just learned to say "Te Amo" -"I love you" in portuguese. We couldn't be more proud!!!

and by the way....WE LOVE YOU!!!

2008-10-13T20:18:00.001-07:00

Right now, there is not a lot we can blog about. But, we do ask for your prayers at this particular time in our lives.

2008-10-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

Kissing the "boo-boo"

Beginning tonight, we remember the extreme sacrifice that was made for us through a price of blood long ago. Tonight starts the appointed time of Yom Kippur - or the Day of Atonement.

Earlier today, Hava said for the first time (and repeatedly) "Yeshua!" (The hebrew name of Jesus - Salvation!) I have to tell the whole story for you to feel where we're coming from.

Every night, we read to Hava from a children's bible in portuguese. We always pray in Yeshua's name. This afternoon, I was in her room with her, when I saw she went over to the dresser and picked up her bible. She sat down beside me and started to flip through the pages. The next thing I know, she is in the back of the bible, pointing at pictures of Yeshua and saying: "Shu-a...SHU-AH...YESHUA!!!" It was a good thing I was sitting down, because otherwise, I think I might have fallen over backwards. I called Al on the phone and she kept saying it repeatedly to him. Then I called a close family friend and she continued to repeat His name. As I was on the phone, she picked up her Minnie Mouse doll that her uncle and aunt gave her and sat the doll down beside her. Hava picked up the bible again and showed it to Minnie, pointed at the bible and looked at Minnie and said: "YESHUA!" (I guess she's already evangelizing!!!)

Immediately after that, she turned back to other pages in the bible. When she saw the picture of Jonah and the great fish, she said: "Peixe!" ("Fish!") and made the sign for fish. I was still on the phone and she turned back further. There was a picture of Noah and his family kneeling and praying at an altar. Hava immediately put the bible down and imitated what she saw - bowing and clasping her hands together!

So, tonight we read with her again - and decided to read the story of Yeshua's sacrifice. As Al flipped the page, there was a picture of people kneeling at the foot of the execution stake and you could only see His feet with a nail through the ankles. As soon as she saw it, Hava said: "Do-doi!" ("Boo-boo!") Al said: "Yes, Yeshua had a boo-boo." He flipped the page again and there was a depiction of Yeshua with the crown on His head and the nails through His wrists. Hava again saw the nails and said: "Do-doi!" She then leaned over the book and kissed Yeshua's boo-boo. Again, good thing we were sitting!!!

I can't help but draw a divine connect-the-dots conclusion in my precious daughter's actions today. So many times, we plead for His forgiveness. We ask for His blessing. We long for the answers. But I'm not sure we actually "kiss the boo-boos." When Hava is hurt, I know she knows my kissing her boo-boo doesn't make it go away. But she wants my affection - to know I see her pain and the ugliness of the mark and still care for her. It reminds me of when she was covered in mosquito bites on the amazon. She looked terrible, but I think I might have even loved her more as I noticed people were not as drawn to her as they usually are by her natural beauty.

Just because she kissed Yeshua's boo-boo doesn't make it go away. And I'm glad it doesn't. We need that sacrifice. Now, I realize, as much as I need forgiveness for my sin - I need to love the scars. I need to show my Savior that I not only need His sacrifice, but I love Him for it- through my actions, not just my words. I need to be more concerned with loving what He has already done for me, than pinning it on some miraculous blessings He might throw my way. Even if the sacrifice was all He did for me - THAT would be enough! (Dayenu!)

To end on a lighter note, but just as important. Here is Hava right after learning to say "Yeshua" today - dancing and singing about how He loves us. Oh, how I love Him!

2008-09-30T21:06:00.000-07:00

Waterboarding

1 Peter 1 has a lot to say, and is worth reading in it's entirety. But there is a specific part that comes to mind tonight....verses 6-7:

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Yeshua (Jesus), the Messiah is revealed.

We just completed the celebration of Rosh Hashana, or Yom Teruah - the feast of trumpets. It is exciting to think about all that will happen at the sound of the trumpets. But in the meantime, we are here, and here is not always a fun place to be.

Al and I have a petty addiction - it's a show called "Heroes." Since we were not home yesterday when it came on, we recorded it to watch tonight. There is one particular part that stood out to me. One character who has the power to create fire from their own hands was teaching another indestructible character a lesson about a form of torture called waterboarding. Even though the character could not die by burning, the more she sweat and lost oxygen, the more she felt as though she were suffocating - similar to drowning - losing control and feeling trapped, panicked and helpless.

To be quite honest, Al and I have been through a little struggling lately with this and that. We definitely feel as though we are being "refined by fire." I always thought about going through "the fire" as an awesome test of what type of warriors we are. But now, I see it is much more intense than that. I can see how the trials we go through can bring us to the point of wanting to give up - they make us feel trapped, panicked and helpless. It's like our oxygen is being taken away. It is almost an opposite idea than that of the courageous warrior.

But scripture gives us a hope...there is a reason for this suffering. And that reason is not necessarily to have our needs and wants provided miraculously (although, that many times is the case), but ultimately to glorify our LORD and Savior. The more our trials seem to trap and control us, we remember the the end:

verses 8-9:

Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

This isn't the first time (nor, am I sure, will it be the last) that we will be bombarded with difficulties. In fact, as I write these words, many of my dear friends are urgently dependent on prayer to heal a loved one, bring a baby into the world or save a dying marriage. We are thankful to not be going through those kinds of "torture." But ours is one that the LORD has allowed and we must endure for His Name's sake.

The prophets spoke of the grace to come through Yeshua (although it existed long before He became flesh), and the sufferings He would endure and the "glories that would follow." The idea that "even the angels long to look into these things" is just refreshing to me. That we should participate in suffering, to become more like Him and to experience glory - well, that is glory to me.

At this very moment, we do feel somewhat trapped and as if we are suffocating, but in the midst of it all, there is an overwhelming peace that assures our hearts that this moment is not in vain. My hope is that we have learned or are learning our lesson(s).

We would appreciate your prayers - not that we would just "get what we want," but that the "peace that passes all understanding" would prevail and reign in our lives, our households and our communities of faith. May we be indestructible in the midst of our refining.

verse 23:

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of G-D.

2008-09-27T16:12:00.001-07:00

Please pray for us...

As you know, we raise our own support to be able to do what we do as well as take care of our daily needs. Our Heavenly Father has been so gracious to us since we returned from Brazil. Although we had nothing we when returned, all of our needs have been met this past month, but once again, we are presenting our requests to Him for our daily needs. Please help us lift up these requests to Him:

- to be able to pay our bills and buy food

- to be able to invest in Al's English learning and seminary

- for Rachel to be able to get more voice students

- to be able to raise funds for our next mission trip

thank you and may HE be forever praised!

2008-09-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

OH YEAH!

Thank you to those of us who remembered us on our anniversary. It was a very sweet, peaceful day and we thank the LORD for helping us complete our 6th year together!

2008-09-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Everything is big in Texas. This is a SINGLE "tooth" of garlic out of a head of about 4! I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened it. (And my hand is pretty huge for a girl's hand.) Our needs are great here, but our blessings seem to be the same size. I guess this piece of garlic is really what I needed to see. Sometimes we assume our need is not going to be met because logically, there is "no way." But somehow, G-D creates a G-D-sized miracle to sustain us. And even then, it is nothing compared to His hand. We literally had no way to even buy groceries when we came back from our trip to Brazil, but we have been here now for 3 weeks and have not lacked one single thing. Right when we got back, our AC went bye-bye (can you tell I've been spending too much time with a toddler?). But even so, our heavenly Father has blessed north Texas with a VERY MILD September. We have been able to open the windows, and sleep with fans. We are thankful for our Father's provision. Not to say that tomorrow is already taken care of, but we are learning to take it day by day and see how G-D is going to bless. Tomorrow, I guess I'll peel back another piece of garlic and see what's inside. :o)
I know the picture is dark, but here is Hava in her "big girl" bed. (We just took one of the sides off the crib and put pillows on the floor. She's been sleeping like this for a couple of weeks now and only fell out once (that we know of). And even then, she didn't cry - she actually laughed. :o)

The potty-training is at a halt now, since she has gotten un-excited about the whole thing. So, in order not to burn her out on it, we are laying low for a while. She has been very busy learning lots of new words. Usually, it take one time of us saying it, and she'll repeat it. No real phrases yet, but we'll get there. She does seem a bit out of place when we go different place...I think she's still not sure where she is and what language is actually spoken here.

Today, she danced around the living room with me as we praised the LORD and sang:

"Bless the LORD, oh my soul

And all that is within me,

Bless His holy name.

Bless the LORD, oh my soul

Forget not all His goodness,

Bless His holy name...

...He crowns me with compassion,

He fills me with his love,

He blesses me with good things

From His storehouse up above!"

Derived from Psalm 103

2008-09-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

PTL - Our nephew and his fiancee were not hurt when the car was stolen at gunpoint. The police were able to retrieve the car in a city about 30 miles away. It is quite damaged and all of the documents and paperwork (it's a brazilian thing) are gone, which means there will be a lot of work to be done in order for the car to be legalized and in good condition again. But, thankfully, the car is still driveable and no lives were lost.

C0ntinue to pray with us for our family - as we know, the LORD allows things to happen so that He might be glorified and people might come to the knowledge and acceptance of the Salvation He offers. When all of this happened tonight, our family called us asking US to pray for them. It was a "once-in-a-blue-moon" opportunity and we THANK THE LORD for it!

2008-09-20T17:17:00.001-07:00

Please pray for our nephew and all of Al's family. His nephew's car was stolen at gunpoint today while he and his fiancée were in it. The entire family is quite upset. We have already prayed over the internet/phone with some of them. If and when we receive more information, we will post it here.

2008-09-14T23:09:00.000-07:00

Our presentation has been rescheduled because of this weekend's weather. We'll keep you posted to when it is.

2008-09-12T14:14:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow (Saturday) at about 2:30, we will be making a presentation about our trip to Brazil this summer. If you can, come join us at Eitz Chaim Congregation - 650 West Campbell - Richardson, TX (just east of UTD on Campbell). If you are unable to join us, please pray for us at that time. Thanks!!!

2008-09-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

This might be a little too much information, but we are kinda excited:

Hava used the potty on her first day of potty training!!!

2008-09-09T20:05:00.001-07:00

Big Girl

So, after finding out about Hava's buddy Josef (who is a month older than she) is sleeping in a big boy bed, we decided to take off one of the railings of Hava's crib/bed starting yesterday. She took to it SPENDIDLY! This is the second night she is sleeping soundly in her bed. We took it off during the day yesterday to give her time to play getting in and out of it on her own and just getting used to it. She was SO EXCITED when we took off the side.

Last night, we put her down as normal and turned the monitor on. All was well and quiet, until we heard the monitor go fuzzy (which usually means it was turned off on the other end). So, I went into her room, and Hava had:

-played with her dirty clothes in the dirty clothes hamper

-played with some toys from the toy box

-played with a book on her dresser

and I found her in the floor playing with the monitor. It was pretty funny. So, she went back to bed, cried a bit and then quickly went to sleep. The past few times she has woken up there, she has not gotten out of the bed, but just waits for us to come get her as usual. We have pillows on the floor in case she falls out, but we're praying it won't happen. She has also started wanting to sleep with a pillow and blanket, and although she usually moves around a lot, she now seems to stay in place with her head on the pillow and blanket nearby. I have a picture of her first night, but haven't been able to upload it yet. As soon as I get it, you can take a look at our BIG GIRL!

2008-09-08T17:26:00.000-07:00

Can't really give details, but pray this week for a friend coming by. This will most definitely be a spiritual encounter, so pray as the LORD opens hearts and minds.

2008-09-05T10:00:00.001-07:00

Sleep is such a wonderful thing!

So, good news, Hava has slept soundly the past 2 nights in a row - 13 hours each night!!! Which means we too have been able to get some much needed rest. Al is still a little sick, so please pray for his quick recovery since this has gone on for well over a week now.

2008-09-03T07:47:00.001-07:00

Some of Hava's various sleeping environments over the past 3 monthsin the car...
in a hammock with someone else...
in a different hammock...
yet another hammock during the day (notice her sweaty head)...
under a mosquito net...
in someone else's bed...yes, more mosquito bites...
on the bus...
another hammock...
on the boat...
in a different crib...
in the car...
on the plane...

among many, MANY others.

SCHEDULES

As any of you who have or have had young children know, the schedule is everything. Hava has always been our "little clock" since she was born. And I knew that no matter how I tried to keep her on schedule, this trip was gonna be a little wacky for her. The first half was not so bad, but the second half really took a toll on her. Besides having to sleep with a mosquito net every night, the heat was unbearable as much for us as it was for her. I also had to lay down beside her crib EVERY NIGHT during the second half of the trip to get her to fall asleep. I'm not sure if it was just the different environment or if it really was spiritual, but she screamed bloody murder if I left her side before she was sleeping. Then she would only sleep about 9-10 hrs a night versus her 11-12 hrs here. Her naps dropped down from 2 1.5-2 hr naps, to only one 1.5-2 hrs. It was completely understandable as the heat during the day was worse than at night. In fact, she slept in a hammock during naptimes just in order to be able to sleep.

Of course the sleeping affects the eating, which affects the moods and so on. Considering everything, Hava was a trooper and really held up pretty well. That is until we flew back. The 6 hours of sleep she got in my arms in the airport on the 25th barely held her over till we finally got in the plane the next afternoon. She didn't sleep at all on the plane. When we arrived in Miami at 7 pm the next day, she had to get back in her carseat (which she had gotten unaccustomed to while in Brazil, since it is not mandatory there). That was a fight...she screamed for about an hour until she conked out. Then we arrived at our friends house where she went to sleep pretty quickly that night (26th).

For the week we were in Florida and traveling home, she did better in the car seat and took plenty of naps. I think the lack of sleep was catching up with her. There were still tough times though as none of our stomachs were back to normal. But we really wanted to get home and try our best to get her in her own bed and sleeping and eating on a schedule again. The first couple of naps and night, there was a bit of screaming and during the first night, she woke up in a terror - I think because she still wasn't sure where she was and we were in the other room. But last night was a blessing - she went down at 8:30 (regular time) without a fight, went right to sleep and didn't wake up till 9 am this morning!!! (At 7:30, I went in to check on her since it was so strange that we hadn't heard a thing and she was completely out.)

Anyway, she is eating well and although we have been dealing with some behavioral issues since we got back (and we're not far from the 2s), she seems to be calming down and obeying more consistently. We just wanted to really thank all of you who specifically pray for Hava. She is and has been such a special blessing to us and especially on this trip. There were people she would go up to and just hug for no reason - people seemed to be moved by her presence. Her family just fell in love with her and she with them. Neighborhood kids would come up to the house where we stayed asking for Hava. And now, she is a blessing to us. While we could be frustrated and stressed with our current unpredictable situation, she keeps us laughing and happy. Pray that Hava continues to be this blessed part of this ministry as long as the LORD allows her to be with us.

2008-09-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

(click picture to enlarge and see Hava's expression)
Home, Sweet, Home

Almost exactly 3 months later, and we are finally back at the house. We're trying to unpack and get back to normal after our mission trip to the Amazon basin of Brazil. Al is still a bit sick, but at least now we can rest in our own bed.

At the same time that it is so good to be back, it is sad at the same time. For those of us who have lives in more than one place, it is always hard to leave one place for the other. Our hearts are constantly aching. Technology, though, has made it so much easier. I remember the days when there was no internet on the Amazon and calling home was $2 a minute. I used to write letters to my friends and hope and pray they would get them. I would anxiously await the arrival of their response which usually took anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months.

Now that we can maintain contact in both places, we feel much more connected to each other. We long for the salvation of our family and friends and do not intend to rest until each and every one has surrendered their lives to the One True and Living G-d through His Son, the Messiah. We know that we have clearly presented the gospel to them all, and now we wait anxiously, as a mother in labor, for their rebirths. In the meantime, we are continuing bible studies via the internet with friends and family who have asked us in Brazil and we maintain our family, friends and supporters updated with our lives and ministry progress through this blog. We are also more than happy to report that at least 3 people professed their acceptance of the Savior in our presence while we were in Brazil. We were also blessed to make and maintain contact with some Jewish families in the region.

We would like to ask a very special prayer request. Please pray for us as we try to raise funds to continue our family ministry. We have dedicated ourselves to full-time ministry which requires us to raise support for our everyday needs as well as ministry needs. The LORD has once again proven Himself faithful as He laid this burden on the hearts of those who supported us to go to Brazil for these past two months as well as the support that maintained our bills here paid. However, we are once more at the point where we need to ask for support in order to continue. Our plans now include Al's continued studies (both in English and in theology) here, continued support to the Amazon as well as trips in the making for Kenya, Egypt and Italy. If you feel led to give to our ministry, email us at leitefam@yahoo.com.

Last, but MOST DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, we would like to thank all of those who supported us on this trip both financially, through prayer and through special needs. We would like to especially thank those who so kindly housed us on our way to and from Florida as we made our way in and out of Brazil: Chip & Alicia, Michael & Karrie, Bobby & Joanna, Marcos & Viviane, Julio & Ana, and Ben & Bonnie. Our time with all of you and your families was so special to us and we hold you in our hearts. May you be doubly blessed for blessing us!!!

We will continue to update this blog, but you are also invited to send your email address to leitefam@yahoo.com for email updates on our ministry.

2008-08-27T08:03:00.000-07:00

We're Back!

We arrived in Miami last night around 7pm. We are staying with some friends today to catch up on sleep. Al is a bit sick with a cold, but mostly lack of sleep. So, we'll catch up with you soon. Thanks for your prayers.

2008-08-23T07:02:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason, I couldn´t get any more than these pictures to load here, but here is a bit of what is going on....
These are the 3 family members most heavily dedicated to the cult Seicho-no-Ie. This is a Seicho-no-Ie speaker praying towards their altar - "The Perfect Image"
Members praying to "god" and to ancestors.
These are 2 of Al´s nephews who attend - the older, Arlan (left) is heavily involved, the youngest, André (right) goes to be obedient and has been a bit brainwashed. The good news is, he knows that it doesn´t makes sense and last night (friday), he sat and talked with me (Rachel) for over 3 hours about salvation, the bible and G-d´s calling on his heart...he heard and understood the message and is currently trying to decide if he needs to make a decision to follow Jesus. He said he thinks he should accept it, but he has to decide if that is really what he desires. The family, of course, does not know.
Hava´s most recent mosqito attack.

We leave tonight to visit the last family members we have not yet seen and will be back in town tomorrow night. We fly out on Monday night and should arrive in Miami Tuesday night. Please pray for our last couple of days here.

2008-08-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

First of all, THANK YOU!!!! to all of you who have shown so much love and concern for us and especially to those who pray for us. Sunday ended up not being what we had planned....but the LORD knew better....yesterday was a climactic point for us...it was the right time, right place kind of situation. Our family is slowly, but surely listening to what we have to say. This is our last week...we fly out next monday, so our time is short....PLEASE CONTINUE to pray for salvation to come to our family. They are most definitely in DIRE need.

Hava is doing fine, but was once again EATEN UP with mosquito bites during a single night. She truly looked like a bad case of chicken pox. She is getting over them, but has not been sleeping well because of all the itching. Keep her in your prayers.

2008-08-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

These pictures are completely out of order, but here you go:Al and his dad, Francisco, on Brazil´s Father´s Day.
To start quenching your "Hava Fix"

Hava and her 2 aunts, Graciete and Goretty

Hava kissing her only girl cousin on the Leite side, Raiza
Taking it easy
The family swimming hole
Al´s mom, Odete
Al teaching American Football to the boys - they LOVED it and call it "Americano"
More Hava
Al teaching his sister and niece about the validity of scripture
In the hammock
Hava and her grandma
Hava and Rachel in the root of a tree
Hava, our friend Betania, and a sloth at the zoo
Al and his college buddies
Hava and her grandpa
Books on the front table about the Japanese cult - Seicho-no-ie
More Hava
One of Hava´s cousins saying a prayer to deceased ancestors
Hava making friends
Hava eating farinha right out of the bag at the market
"Protection" on the front door of the house - another cultic tradition of Seicho-no-ie

Medals and rosaries
Bible and picture of Al´s deceased brother, Augusto
More rosaries
Hava jumped into her aunt´s arms as soon as we arrived at the airport
At the swimming hole
Al and childhood friends
Hava´s face full of mosquito bites
Just part of the family

Our plan is to have 2 family "reunions" with family members of two different cities....the point being to present the gospel in a clear and deliberate way. The first is this sunday and the second is next sunday, so please be in prayer for us on those days. We definitely need and feel your prayers. The enemy is all around us attacking pretty much everyone we know. We have been more than protected, but it is a continuous struggle. Pray for us to have strength for the battle and the right words for the proper times.

2008-08-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

A Quick Update:

We are doing well, just not able to upload pictures and videos yet. We would like to ask for your prayers specifically for us spiritually. It has been spiritually exhausting for us over the past couple of weeks. We have only been in the presence of other believers a couple of times - the rest of the time we have been with family and friends, many of whom do not believe in the Bible, in sin or in one true G-d. We have spent most of our days trying to uplift the name of our G-d, the divinity of His Son, and the validity of scripture. On more than one occasion we have literally felt the presence of evil. Please pray with us that we would be protected and that those around us would be overcome with the power of the One True G-d, the love He gives and the necessity of obedience.

Thank you for praying for Hava - she seems to have once and for all gotten over the mosquito bites and reactions. We found a repellent that plugs into the wall and has kept us all a bit safer.

All three of us got some kind of food poisoning on Sunday and were sick through yesterday, but we are all on the mend.

2008-07-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone...we are in Castanhal (Al´s hometown) now and with his family. We most definitely need your prayers as we try to minister to this family. One of the extended family members has already met with Al - it was very emotional since his life is in jeopardy as we speak. He is a criminal who is presently being chased down. Someone was shot and killed the other day because the assasin mistook him for our family member. Also, we have been spending quite a bit of time with our more immediate family members and need opportunities to share the gospel with them. We have also already met with some family and friends who are believers and are supporting us in this task. This month will not be easy, although it is so good to be with and love on our family. Hava is also suffering with quite a few mosquito bites even with a mosquito net and repellent. Al and I have also suffered a bit with not being able to sleep for one reason or another. Our family is very happy to see us and spend time with us, but we know that spiritually speaking, we are not wanted here. Attacks have already begun in the spiritual realm - but we are confident that HE who began a good work will be faithful to complete it!

Our time in Santarem was well worth the trip - our efforts to find some members of the Jewish community and begin relationships with them were successful! We now have a way to maintaining contact in this region - BARUCH HA SHEM! We were also so very blessed to have time with family and friends while we were there. We feel refreshed and it worked out nicely that we were there first before coming here. Please keep praying for Salvation!

2008-07-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna do my best to catch you up on odds and ends here. We leave on thursday morning to fly to Belém and Castanhal where Al's family lives. We will be there through the end of August. This pictures are not necessarily in order, but are some things I thought you might like to see. Also, many of you have asked about Hava. She's doing better. She has 2 new molars and she seems to be much happier now that they are peeking through. She is still not eating as we would like (not many vegetables that she can stomach), but she sleeps fine and is staying hydrated. I hope in our next post to put up pictures of our friends (believers and non) for you to pray for. Here go the short captions of things from here and there over the past month:

Hava passing out baby gifts you sent in her name
Saying goodbye to Machado
Hava and tio Eli in the cabin in the boat on the way back to town
A catholic wedding
Hava in a hammock
A fish
A monkey
Some fruit (jambo)
Eli and Rachel wondering why the electricity keeps going out for the speaker
Al speaking about bearing fruit (sign says: guard your foot as you enter the house of the LORD)
Eli and his buds, Netto and Danilo
Hava and Neto
River orchid
En route to next house
Eli gives his testimony, Rachel translates, Machado gives the teaching of salvation, lady and daughter give their hearts to the LORD

Believing girl we found out was Jewish - she didn't know it
Passing out more baby gifts you sent via Hava
Eli and Rachel doing what we do
Al doing what he does
Hava's first steps to musical stardom
Cutie pie on the beach!
Eli and his bud, Inacio!
Sunrise on the Amazon

Hava and "cousin" Vitor

This was Wednesday night at the same church where we did the musical night (from which we have no pictures :o(...)...They wanted me to come back for their prayer service to sing again - minus my trusty guitarrist who had already gone back stateside. :o(

This is a review of the return to Santana do Ituquí which happened last Friday. Dad, Al, Josias and another friend went back to do some bible studying with the people. They had quite an opportunity to minister and will be making frequent trips back, by road and river. This one happens to be by road (in a previous post was our trip via river)- the plant in the beginning is called "Shut the door" - it withers at a touch, but will open again later.

2008-07-15T18:03:00.000-07:00

From our trip to Almeirim:

This is Al and Machado (the local evangelist) doing some mid-week evanglism at the city square. The girl Machado is talking to accepted salvation that night. Of the 2 girls Al was talking to, the blonde was very talkative and seemed to be quite sensitive as she was moved to tears while we all talked to her. But the dark-headed girl next to her came to the service the following night and accepted salvation there!

This is a very common river-style village near the city of Almeirim - the village of the Barros Family. Not many were home that day, but we did find a mother and daughter who both accepted salvation that very day and who both came with a friend to the service in Almeirim the next night.

This is one of the boats we traveled on. There is no way a video or pictures can do it justice, but let's just say this boat was one of the emptier ones!

So, here's some more updated info on what we've been up to.

It is still very hard to get online and stay connected long enough to do anything worthwhile. But we sincerely thank those of you who have stayed in touch and kept us in your prayers. We have needed them desperately and have felt their power.

Eli flew out yesterday and is scheduled to arrive back home wednesday morning. Keep him lifted up in prayer. He was a huge blessing to us here, as you can imagine and we're sure he has lots of stories to tell when he arrives.

Al and Eli were so blessed to meet a couple of different jewish families here. We hope to spend this saturday with one of those families. But our main desire, to be able to find some of the jewish people of the amazon, has definitely been granted. They seem to be everywhere - one girl didn't even know she was jewish, but told us stories of her great-grandmother who is still living and is jewish. We explained to her that by tradition, she is jewish as well. We hope to have more contact with her. While we were in Almeirim, Machado pointed out a jewish man to us. The other 2 families Al and Eli ran into happen to live locally. Keep all these people in your prayers and us as well as we seek to know how G-d wants us involved in their lives.

Al, my dad, Josias and another young man will be going back to the village of Ituqui this Friday to do some follow up. They will travel in the truck by road, so pray for their safety and for opportunities there. Evidently, by the word we received, the village is buzzing with excitement over our time there. What an answer to prayer!

We still have some commitments to fulfill here in town before we head out next thursday (24th) to Belém to be with Al's family for the second half of our stay. Last week, Al's brother-in-law was held at gunpoint cowering in the back seat of his car as the thief highjacked it. He let our brother out in the middle of town. 3 days later, they found the car in a bad neighborhood, but completely intact and with a full tank of gas! We hope this is a stepping of point for us to speak with them about how G-d is trying to reach them by protecting them when they need Him most. We have run into other friends here who have shared testimonies with us and if we have time, we will upload more videos and pictures. We apologize again for the delay, but truly thank you for checking in with us and keeping us lifted up in prayer. The enemy is all around us - we feel his presence everywhere we go. But greater is He who is in us than he that is in the world. May His light and presence overwhelm the places we encounter.

Be blessed and keep checking in!

2008-07-07T06:11:00.002-07:00

We arrived yesterday from Santana do Ituquí and leave out again today to Almeirim. It will be a LONG trip and we will be in hammocks the whole way - 17-20 hrs. Evidently, the boat is already packed with people, so this should be interesting, to say the least. Pray for us and especially Hava. We will be there through Friday and should be back here in town on Saturday. I will try to get as many videos and pictures on this post as possible, so that you can see what we have been up to. Be blessed and may His Name be forever praised!!!

2008-07-04T05:28:00.000-07:00

Good news and bad....good news:we now have high(er) speed internet and access when we need it - bad news: we are leaving this afternoon on the boat on the Amazon River. Be in prayer for the people of Santana do Ituqui as we bring the message of the gospel to them. We will be back on Sunday and leave again on Monday for another village, Almeirim. But we will try to update on here before we leave again.

Answer to your prayers: Eli arrived safely last Friday night and we have kept him pretty busy since he's been here. We worked on the riverfront every night since Monday. Al and Eli were able to go out yesterday during the day and search down a Jewish family who lives here in town. They are secular and the only known Jewish family still living here, at least the only Jewish family who has not intermarried in this city. There are probably others who have intermarried and may even be in the catholic church. This particular family does not marry outside their family name, so the man married his third cousin. There is no synagogue here in the city, but this particular family tries keep little traditions.

I will try to upload some videos here later of everything else we have been involved in - teaching English, evangelism on the orla, church services, a brazilian home and a quick trip to the beach.

Hava update: Hava has done extremely well. Since her schedule has changed, she has been a bit cranky at times because she can't nap normally with the heat. But she has been sleeping very well at night. She has a little cold right now because of the air conditioning unit we have used at night. She has a nice little tan though! :o) Keep her in your prayers, she has been an attracting factor to be able to speak to and bless may people.

2008-06-26T15:43:00.000-07:00

Yay....pictures!!!
Here´s a quick visual recap on our trip here til today. When we get internet at home, we will be able to update this more and with videos (which we already have a TON of).
Hava asleep on the plane!Al- not asleep on the plane.Hava and Al in the Fortaleza airport.All of us trying to take a picture together in the airport (Hava was asleep).With our friends in Fortaleza on the beach. Hava´s first try at the hammock...she LOVES it and sleeps in it pretty much every day.Hava with `carambolas`(starfruit)Lunchtime today....she was digging the chicken....literally!We have already had quite a bit happen since we´ve been here. Mostly good stuff....but we have been very busy. Last night we had a very important meeting - and during the meeting, the enemy was not happy - he tried his best to distract us all - there was a party going on (which is against the law on weeknights) which was playing extremely loud and extremely explicit music as we tried to pray and prepare for the ministry- every one of us had headaches because of the blaring lyrics. We were up until after midnight because of the distraction, but blessed be the L-RD´s name, we recognized the work of the enemy and prayed against the distraction and were able to get everything done regardless. We pretty much have our schedule together now, but have 2 more meetings to finalize everything. Tonight we came very close to being robbed on the street, but as always, our Mighty Father is watching over us and protecting us. Please be praying for Eli as he is on his way here as I type this. Once he gets here, things should be on a roll. We will give you more specifics and VIDEO as soon as we can.

2008-06-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Patience...:o)

As we are also learning patience to deal with those things we cannot control, please be patient with us. :o) We are trying to upload pictures, but since we do not yet have internet at home, we are very limited. We will update again as soon as we can. On the brighter side, we have already met with a few people who are 100% on board with the project. Please keep the believers in your prayers who are also stepping out by faith to complete the task before us. Pray for a missionary family here whose son was just murdered in the states last week. Pray for Eli as he travels here on thursday/friday to help us.

2008-06-20T08:17:00.000-07:00

We are finally here! We arrived at 12:30am on Thursday. Yesterday was slow since we were just trying to catch up on sleep. Hava was GREAT on the trip. She only had a screaming episode on the first descent, because she was asleep and couldn´t pop her ears. But from then on, she slept on most of the flights. We stopped in Fortaleza, Ceara and caught up with some old friends who supported us when we dated and who are still in the ministry, as well as their 3 children. We had at least 2 flight where there were Jewish men on our planes. One we did not have the pleasure of speaking with, but the other actually spoke with us. Al was able to talk to Steve (an American married to a Brazilian who met each other in Israel and now live and work in Brazil) a bit and give him some literature (thanks, Bobby!!!). Please remember these men in your prayers as well as Heath - an American who was traveling alone and did not speak Portuguese. He flew with us to Fortaleza and we were about to talk with him for a few hours as he waited for his next flight. He didn´t appear to be a believer, but had heard of Messianic Judaism before. He is from Orlando, FL and is dating a Brazilian. We are now trying to get things in order (planning and meeting with workers here) to be able to put into action what the L-rd has asked us to do. We have very limited access to the internet at this point, but we have plenty of videos and pictures we will upload as soon as possible. By the way, IT IS HOT HERE! :o) Pray for us and be blessed!!!

2008-06-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

Pray for our trip, safe travels, Hava's behavior and rest, and going through customs and federal police. We'll update you when we can and also upload more pictures and video! Be blessed!!!

2008-06-11T12:53:00.000-07:00

2008-06-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

2008-06-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

2008-06-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

2008-06-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

PROJECT AMO:

Night before we leave home-

Sorry for the sorry photography - this is a first, so we'll see if we get any better at it. :o)

2008-05-31T23:37:00.000-07:00

Pray for us!

We just wanted to ask you all to keep us in your prayers this week. Al had his last day at "work" on Friday. Now the work really starts! We have a lot to accomplish this week before leaving town to Florida (en route to Brazil) on Sunday morning. Beside the usual packing and getting the last house things in order, we have to take Hava for a dr's appointment to get all her shots in order and a check-up since we won't be in the country for her 18-month visit. (We are blessed with a Jewish doctor who has done many third-world country medical missions trips and can determine exactly what Hava might need without judging us completely insane.) We also have meetings this week as well as a presentation of the project on Saturday. We are trying to get things done here and there as not to stress Hava out since she really doesn't know what's going on. This will be not only the first time she leaves the country, but the first long car ride, first plane trip, first time in Brazil, and first time to meet many of her family members.

Also, please check in here with us regularly. Our goal is to update THIS BLOG with videos of our most recent adventures as often as we are able. So, you will be able to travel with us through the blessing of technology! We are so thankful to all of you who have supported us through your prayers and giving. But we are most grateful to the L-rd, through whom we have life and are able to share with others about the incredible gift of Salvation! Although we never fully reached our financial goal for this summer, we are pleased to report that He has seen fit to meet our every need for travel and we will be leaving on this MISSION TRIP with peace and fully trusting that "He who began a good work...will be faithful to complete it!" (Phillipians 1:6) As of today, we are now in full-time ministry and although it seems a daunting task, we only do what we feel G-d is calling us to do. In that light, we must go first to the place He gave us and where He brought us together and tell those we know (and those we don't) about the loving forgiveness He offers.

As we prepare to leave, one burden has hung HEAVY on our hearts - we recognize full well that the people of the Amazon Basin are literally dying without the knowledge of salvation. This past week we received word that some new tribes in various parts of Brazil have been discovered who are 0.0% evangelized! We have also discovered a segregated group of Jewish people living on the Amazon (see article in left column). We pray for the opportunity to share with those people of these groups who G-d Himself will put in our path.

Above all, PLEASE keep this one request in your prayers:

-that each and every life (stranger, friend and family member) that we encounter who has NOT accepted the gift of salvation would open their hearts and minds to His calling - that we would be able to speak truth in wisdom and compassion as well as good timing, that "none would perish, but ALL would come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

2008-05-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Hava was watching Lucille Ball so patiently, but once she realized she was on camera, we decided to do body parts. She knows some more, but we ran out of time. Enjoy!

2008-05-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Hava making brigadeiros for a brazilian churrasco today!

2008-05-22T20:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Al has officially given his notice at work. It's a little unnerving to walk face first into the unknown. The good news is, in the event we are WRONG, his boss has given him a free pass to come right back in where he is if he ever needs to go back. We are trusting in the L-rd, that this was HIS decision and not our own. Help us pray that we would follow HIS WILL without hesitation, without restraint and fully trusting in His sovereignty and providence.

2008-05-20T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hava says "Bye!"

2008-05-20T18:14:00.001-07:00

LESS THAN A MONTH!!!

Well, we will be in Brazil in less than a month - does that get me some sympathy points for not having updated this blog enough? :o)

We are doing good - just busy. Keep us in prayer as we scramble to get everything together before we leave Texas on June 8. Between packing, raising funds, Al leaving his job, my voice students, preparing trip details and preparing Hava, we are a little bit bogged down. Our goal is to keep this blog not only updated with posts, but videos and QUITE FREQUENTLY, so that you can "participate" with us in our trip. Provided we have internet service, we will be showing videos of the areas of ministry, interviews with people, team members, and prayer requests as often as we are able to log on.

Please check in on us and support us through your prayer. We will try to be as specific as possible with prayer requests so that you can also see the power of your prayers in action.

Check on our prayer request list on the side for updates.

be blessed!

2008-05-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

We're Official!

The last passports (the Brazilian ones) we were waiting for are now here! So, we are officially set to go to Brazil. We are still raising some funds, but as far as getting there and getting home, we are set!!!

2008-04-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy last 5 days or so. On Thursday, Hava fell and hit her mouth which added to the pain since she was already teething. Friday, we went to Houston and were able to pick up our visas as well as finish paperwork for Al's and Hava's passports. Saturday and Sunday were passover events that kept us quite busy. Hava's fevers had subsided by Sunday and she is feeling much better, but I have come down with something (cold/flu) since yesterday, so we are still moving a bit slow. We are more than grateful for those of you who continuously pray for us. We know you are praying.

2008-04-17T12:21:00.001-07:00

Hava has had fevers every day since last saturday. We have spent a few restless night up with her. We think it is directly related to some new teeth coming in, but it is strange because she never really had much reaction to teething before and she is a bit miserable when the fevers are high. Traveling yesterday was not too easy for her and since we are going tomorrow again, please keep her in your prayers.

2008-04-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR TRIP TO HOUSTON - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 (and possibly thursday as well). Pray specifically over our paperwork and the consulate officers we will encounter. THANKS!

2008-04-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

HEY! We're doing good. Sorry it has taken me so long to update here. I will upload some more videos soon.

Hava is doing great. She's a hoot! She uses all of her signs, is able to do most things independently and is very loving towards pretty much anyone. She had some kind of little stomach thing last week when we found she had vomited all over her bed (and the walls) during the night. But it seems like that is past. She is very playful and loves to be busy doing something.

We are off to Houston this week to get our visas and Hava's Brazilian passport before we head off to Brazil in June. Please pray for us that our trip would be productive and without much hassle. It is about a 4 hour drive from us, so pray for Hava being away from home and during the long ride.

2008-03-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hava is now eating with a fork! The spoon is still a little difficult since everything falls off before she gets it to her mouth. But since she was so adept at eating on her own with her fingers, we thought we would go ahead and try a plate and fork. She took to it very quickly! We usually say "Amen" at the end of the prayer before we eat, but if you listen you can hear her say it at the end of the video.

2008-03-12T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our little clown at the dinner table.

2008-03-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from our trip this weekend to Arkansas.
It was a long day.
Our friends, the newlyweds, Tammy and Dexter.
Outside - in March - SNOW ON THE GROUND!
Me, Hava and two girls from my youth group in college, Edith and Mariela. They are now graduating from the same college!

2008-03-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hava found herself on the computer as I was recording her. Then we watched it back again (and I was still recording her)....the best part is at the end as she critiques her performance. :o)

2008-02-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

Hava does all kinds of things!

I just realized that Hava is doing all sorts of stuff and I keep forgetting to fill you all in!
-she puts the toy phone to her ear and says "ah-o" - "alo" in portuguese for "hello."
-she blows kisses with her hand
-she turns off the lights
-she knocks on doors
-she kisses our cheeks as well as all her stuffed animals :o)
-she dances to music
-she hides under and around the furniture from us and waits for us to "find" her
-she "reads" her own books (in "havanese") :o)
-she signs "finished" when she's done eating
-she tries to sign "sleep" when she's ready for a nap
-she pats her legs in the car to the beat of the music playing
-she gets her own jacket when she's ready to leave

Anyway, I'm sure she is no child prodigy, but we think she pretty cute and smart! :o) We have been pretty swamped lately with this and that, but we hope to get some videos up shortly of our little einstein. :o)

2008-02-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hava's Newest Feat

Well, she is now not only walking, but running and evidently ready to "climb every mountain!" She's been trying to climb everything for the past week or so. Today we found her getting off the bed like an old pro....feet and legs first, then a little scoot down and she was off!

We are so proud of her and glad she is growing as the L-RD sees fit. We are a bit concerned with having her on the plane in June...it will be over 28 hours from start to finish of our trip in June and she will be 17 months old. She is already having trouble staying still and doesn't like to sleep in our arms - only in her bed or with a stranger (oddly enough) - so please pray for us and for her that we will have a good trip.

2008-02-13T21:31:00.001-08:00

Would you like to be a stop on our way to the Amazon?

Well, we have officially bought our tickets to Brazil and are now planning more of the details of getting from DFW to Miami and back. We will be traveling by car and would love to stop and see you! If you are not too far from our route and would like us to drop in and say hey, please contact us either here or by email (leitefam@yahoo.com) as soon as possible. Here's our plan:

DFW - I-20 to Shreveport, LA
Shreveport - Hwy 49 to Lafayette, LA
Lafayette - I-10 to Baton Rouge, LA
Baton Rouge - I-12 to Slidell, LA
Slidell - I-10 to Lake City, FL or to Jacksonville, FL

if: Lake City - Hwy 75 to Ocala, FL - Hwy 27 to FL Turnpike to West Palm Beach, FL

if: Jacksonville - I-95 to West Palm Beach, FL

We will be in the West Palm Beach - Miami area from around the 9th-16th of June.

The last leg of the trip (to Lake City then south, or to Jacksonville then south) will depend on who wants us to come by! :o) We will be traveling on the weekend of June 6th - so check your calendars and let us know. If you live in the WPB/Miami area, plan on sometime between the 9th and the 16th and let us know what works for you.

2008-02-13T18:20:00.000-08:00

This is just our first video trial, but here is a little bit of Hava walking - and siking me out like she's coming to me.

2008-02-11T12:20:00.000-08:00

Tooth # 6

Yep, the other canine came through. That would explain a certain fussy nature. :o)

2008-02-05T21:12:00.000-08:00

TOOTH #5-

I think it actually poked through a couple of days ago, but it was there for sure today - upper right (Hava's right) canine. The other canine looks not too far behind. They had both been showing for quite some time now, but I guess they were hard ones to get through. Yay for teeth!!!

2008-02-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

YOU'RE GONNA KILL ME

I know, I know, you're all gonna kill me for having forgotten to mention that: HAVA STARTED WALKING!!!

Yup, she gets up to 5 or 6 steps in now and then and is pretty content with herself when she does - she claps after (and sometimes before) she takes off! She is also very vocal, although we don't always understand her. I think the 2-language thing slows her down a bit, but she'll get there. She can show you where her nose and mouth are in English and Portuguese, say Mamae (momma in Portuguese), NO (but we still can't tell if she's saying it in English or Portuguese) and a few more of her own words she has made up. She understands the concept of YES - she can nod her head to you nice and dramatically!

2008-02-02T23:44:00.001-08:00

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

We were thinking the other day about the passages in scripture:
"Ask and you shall receive, if you ask in my (YESHUA) Name."
Yeshua=Salvation
"You receive not because you ask not."

So, we decided we should "make our requests known." We asked the L-rd to bless us in order for us to "go out into all the earth" and "seek first the Kingdom" - salvation of souls. In order for us to do that, our bills here at home would need to be covered besides our travel needs. We also had been praying for Hava's paperwork to come through smoothly.

On Friday, we were blessed. G-d heard us and has blessed us with offerings and it looks like our stateside bills will be covered while we are traveling this summer. On the same day, Hava's paperwork started to arrive. Although we still have some needs (mostly financial) in order to travel this summer, we PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME WHICH IS ABOVE EVERY OTHER NAME IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH! He is sovereign; the King of ALL and He reigns from on HIGH. What a blessing to be children of the KING - our Protector and Provider!!!

2008-01-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

HAVA IS ONE!!!

We had a wonderful weekend as we celebrated the creation and life of our daughter, Hava. She officially turned one on Friday at 1:14. We had a small celebration at home and on Sunday, we had a bunch of friends come celebrate with us at a mall nearby. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us. We are so blessed to have a beautiful, healthy child who seems to truly bring blessing to so many others besides ourselves. May the L-RD continue to watch, care and bless her throughout the years He determines to grant her.

First picture of the day!Hava and her mic.My VERY FIRST birthday cake - it tasted better than it looks!Just ONE!She really wanted to touch the cake.Didn't have a clue about the candle.She had no trouble getting her hands dirty.2nd birthday cake - much prettier!So many friends!Al playing host.Hava got into this cake while we were still praying.Dad made balloons.
Hava 's first carousel ride with friends.Hava's naptime buddy. At the end of the day, she called it quits on his shoulder and took a nice little nap.

2008-01-22T10:08:00.001-08:00

Our Weekend Trip

We just wanted to thank you all who prayed for us this weekend and give you an update. We had a wonderful trip and were very blessed by a very open-hearted church near San Antonio, TX. Al, Hava, Eli (a friend of ours also traveling to Brazil this summer) and I drove about 5 hours south to present Project AMO to FBC Nixon. We spent the night with a very kind couple and drove back after lunch on Sunday. (That's when we played the alphabet game with Al - the most hysterical version ever! If you haven't heard about it, just ask us!!!) :o)

Al and I spoke with the kids group during Sunday School and taught them some Portuguese as well as Al giving his testimony of his childhood in Brazil and the need of telling your family about the Savior. One of the kids asked him: "What did your family say when you told them about Jesus?"
Al answered: "You know when you find a cake you really like and you ask someone to try it? They might taste it and say they don't like it, but you keep telling them to try it more because you KNOW it tastes good. That is how people are - sometimes they like what you tell them or show them, sometimes they don't. But you can't give up telling them about what is good."

Al, Eli and I also spoke during the service about our call to go to Brazil this summer. We explained about LFM and Project AMO and Al shared part of his testimony and the need to go home and continue to share the gospel with our family. Eli and I also sang songs from the musical. *Which, let me stop here and congratulate Eli for singing in PORTUGUESE for the first time!* Eli played guitar and I played piano. Hava stayed in the nursery and "blessed" the workers there - ok, so she probably cried quite a bit, we could hear here in the sanctuary. :o) But everyone fell in love with her.

So, a big THANK YOU to FBC Nixon for receiving us in love!!! Also, once again, thank you to everyone who prayed for us. We all went and came back in one piece. May HIS NAME be blessed!

2008-01-18T19:14:00.000-08:00

One More Week!

So, today was Hava's "1-year" doctor appointment, although she will only officially turn 1 on Friday. So, since she has not had her birthday yet, she got an early gift and didn't have to get her shots yet. (That will be the week after her b-day.)

Anyway, the doc said she is right smack in the middle of average....which is a good thing. :o)

We are so blessed by her...and yes, she is backing off of the tantrums a bit. PTL!!!

2008-01-11T11:58:00.001-08:00

HAVA LATELY

So, these are not necessarily in order, but we thought it was time to catch everybody up on Miss Hava before she turns the big ONE!

We went to a friend's house lately who was also turning one, this is Hava's messy cake face.And this is Hava trying to steal the limelight (or maybe the cake) from her buddy.
Hava evaluating the moves on present-opening.
This is "sweet" Hava, eating her vegetables like a good little girl.
And this is "melt-down" Hava - throwing a fit to prove these pictures are real-life.

This is Hava's new hairdo. I suppose it is one of the only ones. Papai is not too fond on the "straight-up ponytail," but at least there is hair to put up now.

Hava says: "Thanks for coming by. I'll make sure and keep things interesting here - and keep Papai and Mamae on their toes!" :o)

2008-01-08T13:23:00.000-08:00

Prayer Requests and Updates

It has been a little while since I actually updated our "blog" because so many things have been happening with our global contacts that we thought it more important to be in prayer.

The Leite Family Ministry has 2 areas of service: 1 - to bring the gospel to the hearts that are searching globally, and 2 - to support those worldwide missionaries and lay workers who have dedicated themselves and their families to that end.

We have added on to our blog a running prayer request list of the urgent needs of those families. We also have a running prayer request list of LFM needs. You can always find these 2 lists in the left-hand column of this blog. Even if we have not posted a new blog, those prayer requests will be shown and updated on a regular basis (almost always daily, sometimes hourly).

So, we would like to ask those of you who are dedicated to uplifting these missionary needs in prayer to check our site regularly for the requests and the updates. You do NOT need to have the "gift" of prayer, or the "gift" of lovely speech. You do NOT need to devote hours of unending "quiet time" with the L-RD in order to ask for His mercies and providence. All we ask is that you check back from time to time for updates and send up a sincere prayer from a humble heart in the few moments it takes to make a couple of mouse clicks. He WILL hear you. Plus, as well as blessing the missionaries and the heart of the L-RD, YOU can experience the blessing of prayer and the wonder of the power it has as you see the immediate feedback straight from the fields!

*Special note to our missionaries: Feel free to send your requests and updates to: leitefam@yahoo.com Please remember to specify if they are public (we can post them here under protected names and/or countries, if needed) or private (just for Al and Rachel to pray).

BE BLESSED!

2007-12-31T20:12:00.000-08:00

BTW

Just fyi, Hava is feeling MUCH better. She is about halfway through her antibiotic round, but is a little more clingy than before. (I'm sure that has to do with the amount of affection she received while sick - now she's expecting it! :o)) She is still a little contrary from time to time, but with our constant "loving" reminders :o), I think we are over the first hump. Thanks for your prayers!

2007-12-31T18:48:00.000-08:00

~Leite Family Ministry Update~

THIS ISSUE: Recap of 2007 and Tentative Schedule for Project AMO (Amazon Musical Outreach) 2008

We know that many of you receive the Leite Family Ministry (LFM) monthly newsletter, but here you can read up on more day-to-day updates. If you do not receive our monthly newsletter and would like to, send your snail-mail address to: leitefam@yahoo.com

PLEASE SEE SIDEBAR FOR UPDATED PRAYER REQUESTS

We are so excited to be going into a new calendar year as a family of 3 this year! We are also excited about how the L-RD has blessed us and called us into full-time ministry. We are still in the fund-raising phase (which is ongoing), and are so grateful for all of those who have so selflessly given to this ministry. We are also seeing G-D's hand more visibly pointing us in the direction He has for our family.

This year was not easy with the birth of our first in January and then a very big leap of faith from a steady income to an uncertain future (both physically and spiritually) of evangelistic ministry all around the globe. As we come closer and closer to our deadline (May 31) of leaving the steady income and relying completely on faith that G-d will provide every need through faithful supporters, we feel the nervous tension of relinquishing control over the path of our lives. At the same time, we are also so peaceful about this decision. We are so busy preparing the musical and team for our first project. We will be traveling to the Amazon Basin of Brazil to reach out the "river-dwellers" ("ribeirinhos" in Portuguese).

We wanted to use this update to share some more specific details of our trip. This might give you a better idea of why we will be traveling for 3 months and why we are doing so much preparation now. This will also help you to know where we are when and how to pray for us. Here is the line-up so far:

Tentative Schedule for LFM Project AMO 2008:
May 31: Fully financially dependent on supporters
June 10ish: Drive to Florida for ministry preparation and contacts
June 17: Fly from Miami, FL to Santarém, Brazil
*June 18 - July 13ish: Preparation for Project AMO 2008 (with Brazilian layworkers)
July 14ish - July 26ish: American Team flies to Brazil to assist in Project AMO 2008
July 15-17: Rehearsals for Project AMO evangelistic musical "New Day" ("Novo Dia")
*July 18-20: Performance of "Novo Dia" in Santarém proper
July 21-22: Boat travel on Amazon river and tributaries
*July 22-23: Performance of "Novo Dia" in river villages
July 24-25: Boat travel back to Santarém
July 26ish: American team flies back to US
July 28ish: Fly to Castanhal, Brazil
*July 28ish-Aug. 23ish: Leite Family time to cultivate family relationships, minister to lost family members and support those we have been counseling via internet (it will have been 5 years since we have last seen the Leite side of the family....it will be the first time they will have ever seen Hava!)
Aug. 23ish: Fly back to Miami, FL
*Aug. 24-25ish: Project AMO debriefing and evaluation
Aug. 26ish: Drive back to Texas
Aug. 28: Begin preparation for theological schooling and next international project!

2007-12-27T13:21:00.000-08:00

Hava has Strep Throat

The past couple of days have been tough, but it looks like we're now on the other side of the dark clouds.

Hava had been coughing at night for almost a week. Then, on her 11-month birthday (Christmas day), she had a fever all day which got up to 103. She was awake most of that night just feeling yucky and very clingy. We took her into the doctor early wednesday morning. She was starting to making gagging motions and coughing a lot more. She was also drooling more than she ever has - even when she was a newborn. She had a runny nose and was acting droopy. She also wasn't eating normally, hardly at all.

At first glance, the doctor said he knew she wasn't well, but couldn't figure out what was wrong with her. He did a breathing treatment on her, and a throat culture. He said he had been seeing a lot of pneumonia and bronchitis, so for us to be prepared.

When the throat culture came back, he confirmed she had a bad case of strep throat. But to be on the safe side, he sent us in for a chest x-ray too (probably just as traumatic for me as it was for Hava - I had NO IDEA how they did baby x-rays!) to check for pneumonia. Good news, no pneumonia. Bad news, Hava got a nice LONG shot of antibiotics and is now taking them orally.

Yesterday was a long, tough day. She just looked terrible - patchy skin, red eyes, a lot of crying, shaking, fever, hardly any solid food and only short cat naps. Today her fever has finally subsided. She is feeling somewhat better and eating a little bit. She only woke up last night about every 3-4 hours as opposed to the first night when she was restless all night. She is FINALLY napping today (at 3 pm).

Please keep baby Hava and us in your prayers. Thanks!!!

2007-12-21T13:00:00.000-08:00

JUST THINKING ABOUT YOU

We just wanted our readers to know, we appreciate you and pray the L-rd's richest blessings on you and your family - not just at this season, but until HE returns.

Peace, Hope, Joy, Love and Blessings!!!
~the leites~

2007-12-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

Our Baby has a "'Tude!" I know the one above is blurry, but this is one of Hava's more sweet moments. She is watching a video about bible stories and very attentive. Although we love her to death, and she is quite intelligent, we have started to hit the "hard part" with Hava. She has realized that she can complain when she is dissatisfied with something. She has started screaming fits, hiting, biting and pinching - she also directly defies authority when told "no," she will look you straight in the eye and grunt at you. We know this has come about on her own since she rarely is around other children, and never without our supervision. So, we have started to give "time-outs" in her bed, with the lights on (which she hates!). But usually after a good crying and screaming fit, she calms down and we continue our activities.
It seems like we spend most of our time either saying "no," or trying to redirection her focus to something else she is allowed to do (in most cases, she is allowed to "get into"). But we are now understanding, even more, the concept that with love MUST come discipline. So, pray with us that this is a phase, and we can soon have our sweetheart back! :o)

2007-12-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

Chanukah 2007 - 8th (last) nightSo, tonight was the last night of Chanukah. All eight candles were lit.
We gave out gifts and played dreidel.
And we focused on dedicating our lives to the LORD again and every day, until He brings us to this season again.
Remember the light in the middle; the intercessor; the go-between; the servant; the Messiah: YESHUA - the LIGHT of the world!

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

HAPPY CHANUKAH!

Final Dreidel Scores:
Al=2
Rachel=2
GG=2 :o)
Hava=maybe next year!

2007-12-10T20:01:00.000-08:00

Chanukah - 7th NightWell, we missed last night, but we are back again - here is Grandma (GG) reading tonight's scripture.

Each night we try to focus on some aspect of G-d's character and how to align ourselves and our lives with His person and purposes.Hava has a few new toys that have sparked her mind. We are so thankful to have her with us now. This time last year, she was still in mamae's belly. She used to be our little baby, but we've realized lately she is a little girl now. She really is growing up fast.Current Dreidel Scores:

Al=2

Rachel=2

GG=1 (Yay, GG!)

Hava=still obsessed with the twirling dreidels! :o)

2007-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

Chanukah - 5th Night (Unexpected)
Well, there are no pictures from last night. We spent a great part of the evening with friends, but then had an unexpected experience.

Some of you know that Rachel has had trouble in the past with blood clots and that through the pregnancy with Hava, discovered that she has 2 gene mutations that make her blood clot. So, at about 2:30 am, Rachel realized she might have another blood clot in her left forearm and, doing as previously instructed, she and Al went to the ER.

While there, some rivaling "gangs" came into the ER covered in blood and causing chaos. It actually helped Al and Rachel as the hospital directors pulled them out of the waiting room in order to protect them from the gangs.

The doctors ran ultrasounds on Rachel's arm, and thankfully, there were no clots. We did some praying before we left for the ER anyway. And the doctor said it was most likely a clot and there is nothing we can do at home when it happens - we have to go in to the ER. However, there is a possibility that Rachel needs to go back to taking blood-thinning shots on a daily basis, pregnant or not.

So, we're back home now. A little exhausted, but fine. We'll let you know about the dreidel scores tonight! :o)

2007-12-07T19:55:00.001-08:00

Chanukah - 4th Night

Sometimes we can, sometimes we can't, but we attempt to give a gift every night of Chanukah to everyone. Here is Hava playing with her oh-so-obsolete toy phone (it's one of the manual dialing phones from back in the day). She thinks the eyes on the front of the rolling phone are pretty funny. But of course, she enjoyed the box more. :o)

Dreidel Scores:

Al=2

Rachel=2

GG=desperately needs a win

Hava=always a winner!

2007-12-07T19:38:00.000-08:00

Chanukah - 3rd night

We say a prayer every night before lighting the candles:

Baruch Atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha Olam

Shehecheyanu, v'kiyemanu, v'higianu lazman hazeh. (Amen.)

Blessed are You, Adonai, our G-d, King of the Universe,

Who has kept us alive, sustained us, and brought us to this season. (Amen.)

And we try our best to wind down, relax and remember G-d is, after all, still in control! :o)

Dreidel scores:

Al=2

Rachel=1

GG=0

Hava=always a winner!

2007-12-05T19:36:00.000-08:00

Chanukah - 2nd Night The Chanukah story of the Maccabees is really intriguing. Under the rule of Antiochus, the Jews of Judea were ordered to give up their faith and their practices in the One True and Living G-d, and to begin to worship the Greek/pagan gods.
Some did as they were told, for fear they would be annihilated. Some Jewish women were raped, children mistreated and the Jewish faith disgraced. The temple was completely desecrated as images of pagan gods were thrust into it and sacrifices of unclean animals were made on the holy altar. Even amidst all the torment, some Jews simply refused to give in.
One particular individual stood his ground. His name was Judah Maccabee (the "Hammer"). Judah was the son of a Jewish priest, Mattathias the Hasmonean. As the many of the Jews were being "hellenized," he, his father and brothers, family and friends rallied together to keep the faith.
These who revolted headed for the mountains. Antiochus sent myriads of troops to defeat them. But in true guerrilla warfare, the Maccabees fought them off one by one for 3 years until, finally, they were able to regain the temple and re-dedicate it to it's proper purposes. Judah's cry is still remembered today: "If you are for G-d's law....follow me!"

Had it not been for the resistance of the Maccabees and those who so bravely followed them, our New Testament (B'rit Chadashah) would be void of many powerful stories...and who knows?...Maybe void of a Messiah at all.

Dreidel Scores (as of night #2):
Al = 1
Rachel = 1
GG = 0
Hava = always a winner! :o)

2007-12-04T19:18:00.000-08:00

CHANUKAH - 1st NightA lot of people wonder why we celebrate Chanukah (Hanukkah, Chanukka, etc...however you want to "spell" the Hebrew letters). It is NOT the Jewish Christmas...in fact, has nothing to do with Christmas at all. But it couldn't be more biblical.Chanukah (the festival of lights, or feast of dedication) is a time of celebration for the re-conquering of the temple after it had been desecrated.A very devout family called the Maccabees, stood their ground when it came to protecting their faith in the One True and Living G-d. So, the four letters on the dreidel (the ones in Israel proper differ by one letter) stand for the Hebrew sentence: "Nes Gadol Hayah Sham" = "A great miracle happened there." Many Jewish people refer to the "great miracle" a concept that the oil for one day of burning the menorah in the temple actually miraculously lasted for 8 (hence the eight nights of lighting candles).But we see the great miracle in two parts:
1: The temple was regained for G-d's people which is where Yeshua (Jesus) would later do much of his teaching - and so, the temple was re"dedicated".2: Yeshua himself used this time of "dedication" to publicly announce and confirm He, the Light of the world, was/is indeed the Messiah. (John 10:22-42) And so - many "dedicated" themselves to Him.Different families celebrate in different ways. We personally celebrate by lighting the candles (one for each night accompanied by the "shamash" or the "servant" candle - representative of Yeshua (Jesus).Then we have a short devotional to begin a period of rededicating ourselves to His purposes.Then we play dreidel, remembering that a truly "great miracle happened there."Then, in true Jewish fashion, we eat the fun stuff: chocolate, donuts and/or potato latkes! Maybe not all together or every night, but enough to do damage on the scale. :O) We also give gifts, 1 on each night. So, eight nights of gifts is a pretty sweet deal! :o)

And, for those keeping track, the dreidel score as of the first night stands:

Al = 1

Rachel = 0

GG = 0

Hava = always a winner!

2007-12-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

I know it has been a while since I updated this. It seems like a million and one things have happened lately, so let me try to catch you up!

This was Hava today drinking some tea, trying to recuperate from a pretty bad cold. She had a low-grade fever for a couple of days straight, and congestion and runny nose for about a week now. PTL, she is doing pretty good and mostly back to her old, happy self!My parents came back from Brazil a few days before Thanksgiving and we all went down to my brother's house in Brownsville for the Thanksgiving weekend. We had a great time, and little Miss Thang celebrated her first Thanksgiving, as well as completing 10 months of age.

The day after Thanksgiving, we went bowling as a family. Papai is a pretty good bowler, considering this was probably the 3rd time he had ever bowled in his life. Hava also made her attempt at bowling...we should have taken a picture. She sat on the floor with the ball....that's about it, 'cause she didn't want to let the ball go!
Grandpa (and Grandma) have been having a blast with Hava - they already taught her to clap her hands! Now she does it all the time, especially when she hears music she likes.
Hava has also discovered her love for art...well, mostly for paper-tearing and eating crayons.

She is also an interior designer....

One day during nap time, I heard a funny noise on the monitor, so I went in to check on her...she was ever so carefully removing the border from the wall. So, now we have to pull her bed away from all walls when she is in it.

Who knows....maybe she'll go into construction like her daddy. She has a bucket full of building cups and she LOVES to wear the big one on her head around the house. She doesn't even try to take it off.
Here is our little British soldier! OK, maybe not a construction worker or British soldier, but very possibly an ultra-modern fashion designer. She is content with licking the handle as she "diva's" it up with a head toss.
Grandma Carmichiel is also back in town, so we have a very fun houseful of people now. We are so enjoying having everyone around and Hava doesn't have too much to complain about with all the attention. Thanks for remembering us, and for those who don't already get them, send us an email with your address if you would like to receive our monthly newsletters.

And during this festive season: "Be blessed - be very, very blessed!"

2007-11-08T21:05:00.000-08:00

SIGN LANGUAGE

For any of you who are learning to sign and/or teaching your babies sign language, I found an excellent site that I use a lot. They even have a separate section for babies. I love the site because you just click on the word or phrase you want and a quick, immediate video pops up to show you the sign. Also, the signers are different people, so you can see how it looks with different people doing the sign.

http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi

2007-11-02T08:20:00.000-07:00

A DAY IN THE LIFE

So, I had a bunch of random pictures and thought I would throw them all together for you all.

Here goes:

Climbing.

Trying to break things.Watching the birds outside while Mamae washes dishes.

Mealtime! Brushing teeth.My two teeth (sorry the picture is fuzzy, that's the best I could do, because she doesn't like to show her pearlies!). Naptime.More climbing. She prefers the remote 1000 times over the toys!Getting ready to go out in the cold.Spending time with friends.Me and my titia Ana.And some more climbing.Bathtime.Goodnight!

2007-10-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

So, of course when I tried to take video of her moving all over the place and standing on everything, she stops! This is a kind of round-about way to show you, but you get the idea. Excuse my foot, I was stabilizing the ottoman so she wouldn't fall.

Also, if you haven't yet seen or heard the "mom song," you HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

2007-10-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

THE BOO-BOOs HAVE BEGUN

Well, the good news is, Hava is very mobile. She will pretty much attempt to go anywhere and everywhere in the house. The bad news is, she doesn't understand what danger is. So, since she pulls herself up to stand with the support of anything she can find (no matter how unstable it is - like the rocking chair), she is hard to keep up with. She can even pull herself up from sitting to standing with the assistance only of a straight wall! She stands alone in her crib and she is so confident in herself (which is great) that she will decide to hold on with only one hand, and sometimes none at all. We try to keep her in "safe" places....like not allowing her to go in the kitchen or bathroom by herself - but we do let her wander around the living room and bedrooms. Regardless, we leave all doors closed, all electric outlets are covered, all breakables are above her level. Ok, so now that she is so able to move around, she has started to have quite a few falls. Nothing serious, but it's hard to determine how much to let her do...when to let her fall so that she'll learn, but when not to let her fall so that she doesn't get hurt. Just today she has bruised her little face twice. Sometimes she falls and no harm is done - not even a tiny cry. But sometimes she pulls herself up and falls so quickly, we can't catch her. Any ideas out there are welcome.
yours truly - the overprotective mommy :o)

2007-10-29T09:33:00.000-07:00

NOT MUCH NEWS

We're doing good. There hasn't been too much new going on to catch you up on, but Hava is now pulling herself up to standing ALL THE TIME. We always find her standing in her crib and she is perfectly independent now at home. She also has 2 teeth now. The second one came in right beside the first about 3 days later.

Here we are just playing with the webcam....Hava got her sweater stuck on her head and she and I were both laughing.She loves the camera.

Also, check out Rachel's personal blog where she has updated her life stories including the detailed story of her personal life and death testimony. http://www.amazonmk.blogspot.com/

2007-10-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

People have been asking if Hava is teething for the past few months. I said I wasn't going to say she was until I was absolutely sure because she has been a drooler and chewing on her hand since about three months of age. Yesterday, I saw the first glimpse of white under her gums, so we knew it was coming. We just didn't know it would come this soon.

YEP - SHE HAS A TOOTH!!!!!!!!!It was hard for me to get a shot because that silly tongue of hers is always in the way, but you can see it....the white spot in front of my finger, bottom left of the front 2 teeth. It is already out and nice and sharp. So, to everyone who has asked - yes, Hava is teething! :O)

2007-10-11T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hava is now 8 1/2 months old. She likes her big girl jeans and, as do most kids her age, Hava LOVES the outdoors. So, we decided to go play in the backyard today. She was quite distracted by all the birds and noises, so it was hard to get her to look at the camera. Oh well, she's cute anyway. :o) There are a BUNCH of these pictures, but I just uploaded a few for your enjoyment!