3 Weeks To Africa

We are now three weeks away from leaving for our mission trip to Zimbabwe.  The team has got together for a phone conference prayer time the past two Thursday evenings and they have been very encouraging.  It is great to talk, share, pray, and feel our team growing closer together even though we are 500 miles apart with Rebecca living in Grand Rapids.

Please continue to pray for us as we finish preparing our messages and discussion questions for the youth leaders retreat, finalize our plans for the two days at the orphanages, and finish packing and getting ready to go.

Baby Update - July 18th

July 18th Update - It looks as if the hematoma was too much for the baby.  Julie has experienced some increased pain the past couple of days and after visiting the doctor today, the baby's heartbeat is no longer present.  Thanks for your prayers and encouragement these past several weeks.

For the 8th time in our marriage, the Zilkies are expecting a baby.  Our first five came along smoothly, except for the car accident during Caroline's pregnancy when Julie had to be on bed rest for 7 months.  Still, we are so thankful and grateful for the 5 children God has blessed us with.  Then 18 months ago we had an ectopic pregnancy which had to be terminated and than last summer we miscarried at about 8 or 9 weeks.

This time around things are good, in fact you can see the little Zilkie as the white dot in the yolk sac in the pictures above.  Notice also the big black blob next to the sac, this is what is called a hematoma and you can click on the link to read more about it.  Interestingly enough, we had one of these but a little larger after the car accident with Caroline.  The doctors said her chances for survival were slim, but we prayed, Julie took it easy and you all know the sweet little girl we have now.

So, we Zilkies are excited and so grateful for another child in Julie's womb.  We are also a little cautious and most prayerful that God would sustain this little Zilkie for the next 7 1/2 months.  We are so thankful to have been able to populate heaven with two beautiful image bearers these past two pregnancies.  We trust the Lord fully, but would love the chance to populate this earth with another Zilkie this time around.  We ask for your prayers for health for Julie and the Baby.  We also pray for God's will to be accomplished and His kingdom to be advanced however He in His immeasurable goodness sees fit.

Thank you,
The Zilkie Family