the stephens

cece's first day of skolka

2012-01-13T10:41:00.000+01:00

I wish I would have had a video camera this morning to capture the moment as I'm shutting the outside door. Cece with the biggest smile on her face as she says, "bye, Mom, love you too!" I mean it is as though time stood still. I know all parents go through this, but this is the first time I've experienced "the first day of school" from this side of things. Today is Cece's first day of skolka (preschool), and as the pictures show, she was beyond excited this morning.

For months now, I have wanted Cece to have some activities. Also, Brian and I really want Cece to learn Czech now, so that in her later memory, it will be as if she always knew it. We looked into getting her into public preschool this fall, but they didn't have space for her (for kids her age preference is given to moms who work full-time). A new private preschool opened in our little town this fall, and while I was given the idea several months ago, I didn't want to try too hard to get her in because I knew that she would scream bloody murder when I dropped her off.

However, recently, something happened to our "little girl". She started telling me that she wanted to go to school without me, a change of heart from previous discussions. So, I called our dear friend, Katka, and she called the school to set up a tour.

My only real hopes were that it would be a welcoming environment where Cece could make friends and learn Czech. Well, Happy Day Skola, the private preschool, exceeded my expectations. They are basing some of their methods on the Montessori model where kids interact with hands-on activities that teach them academic concepts and skills. Students have choices and freedom to learn and explore. The staff is so friendly (I don't feel completely stupid for not knowing Czech very well, yet). They are flexible, and they promised me they would never brush her hair (something they do for other students after nap time).

Cece is going in the mornings where they do all their learning in Czech (the afternoon is the English program). I'll pick her up after she eats her Czech lunch.

Here's a picture Brian took of her right before he left her at Happy Day; she was very excited to go put her toothbrush away (they brush their teeth after lunch).

I recently posted about how important it is to raise your children unselfishly with the ultimate goal being them not needing you, but needing Jesus, and I am super excited for my "little girl". But, oh my goodness, days like today when you realize how big your kid is getting are a little surreal.

Just one more little story, I was a baby shower awhile ago and all of us where supposed to share something our mom had done well as inspiration to the mom to be. Another JV missionary, Leah Cox, shared that on her way out the door, her mom used to yell after them, "serve the King today!" (Leah's impression was priceless.) I just love that. So, today, I said, "Serve the King today, Cece." I knew she wouldn't really understand, but she yelled back, "I will!" Oh how I pray that she will--you know when it really counts, that she will!

one year ago

2012-01-09T15:11:00.002+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

One year ago, I was laying in a hospital in Belgium recovering from a laser ablation procedure that saved the lives of these two boys (Gabe on left; Alex on right)!

I remember laying in that hospital bed hoping with everything in me that these two little boys would make it (if you want to read what Brian wrote that day, click here). I didn't know that Gabe would be the jolly one, and that Alex would be super focused. I didn't even know what there names would be. And, now here they are a year later almost nine months old scooting all over my living room. Alex playing with anything that makes noise, and Gabe looking for anything that would appear to be off limits (cords, outlets, books, the kleenex box). As you can see from the pictures, they are "all boy"--stretched out shirts, drool all over, food stains from lunch.

Most days feel pretty "normal"--whatever that means with a three year old and nine month old twins. However, today, I stopped and looked at them, and remembered one year ago, and I just had to write to say thank you, and to take a moment to praise God for this miracle!

As Cece says, "they are so cute, don't you just want to eat them?"

We love you,

Aleisha (for all five of us!)

so they won't need me

2012-01-08T21:34:00.000+01:00

"We feed children in order that they may soon be able to feed themselves; we teach them in order that they may soon not need our teaching. Thus a heavy task is laid upon this Gift-love. It must work towards its own abdication. We must aim at making ourselves superfluous. The hour when we can say 'They need me no longer' should be our reward." CS Lewis The Four Loves

Though it sounds a little harsh, one of the best pieces of advice that someone gave me when I first became a mom was--from the very beginning, you are teaching your child not to need you. The more I parent and the more I fall in the love with my children, the more I desire to give them this gift.

It can be challenging though--to love them the way they need to be loved and not to love them in order to meet my own needs as a mom.

I've been reading CS Lewis' The Four Loves, and it is reminding me of this old, but simple truth--it's not about me.

I guess more than anything I pray that I would teach them that they need Jesus; I hope I don't get in the way.

smile for the camera!

2011-12-29T22:47:00.000+01:00

I seriously don't know what happened, but in the last week, whenever you pull out the camera, Gabe starts laughing--the cutest laugh you've ever heard, and Alex gets the biggest grin on his face. Oh, I love my boys! Here's Alex (gotta love the drool) with Cece, who has lost interest in the camera!

it might just be a white Christmas after all

2011-12-21T20:47:00.001+01:00

not quite what Cece thought

2011-12-17T22:22:00.000+01:00

We took all the kids to the Ostrava Christmas market today. Cece saw this ride, and she got really excited to go on it. It was 20 kc, which is like one dollar, so we, as her parents, were like, "sure"! Her reaction was priceless!

Brian putting Cece on the ride:

Cece's anticipatory look:

Her fake smile:

The boys waiting for her:

Brian realizing this is not going to go well:

All of the sudden, we hear, "I want out!":

This is her on the word, "out":

Here she is really happy on solid ground feeding a goat!

(She did finish the ride; took some parental cheering her on, high fives, and jumping around, but she made it.)

2011-12-15T17:18:00.001+01:00

It's hard to believe this is our second Christmas in the Czech Republic. I was just talking to a friend tonight about how much we really do love it here. However, we continue to feel far away from those of you whom we love so much. We would sure love to have you here this Christmas!

Since that is not possible, we decided to take you on a walk with us through our town of Frýdlant nad Ostravicí. Watch our video, see where we live, and hear about our ministry and life here.

the twins: they are so different

2011-12-14T17:05:00.000+01:00

Alex

Gabe

For about a week after I found out I was having identical twins, I was really creeped out. I kept imagining these two identical children running around, acting exactly the same. Maybe it was pregnancy hormones, but the idea of having two children who were exactly the same was a little scary to me (and yes, I did worry that I wouldn't be able to tell them apart, and no, that has never happened).

While the boys are similar in a lot of ways, I just love how different they are. They don't look exactly the same, which I really love. Besides, Alex being a little smaller, they both have slightly different features, and they each have their own personalities. I wish I could capture more of who they are in videos and pictures. Here's a little snap shot.

Alex:
Alex is army crawling, and he's very determined. He sees what he wants, and he scoots himself over there (meanwhile, Gabe gets mad because he doesn't move quite so well). Alex has already had three black eyes (one from when Gabe kicked him in the face, but the other two were because he was so into what he was playing with that it bonked him in the face). Alex loves toys with noise. He is also a little sensitive. He gets tired easily, and if he doesn't sleep well, then, he doesn't eat well. He's also a bit of a mamma's boy. There are times when I look over at him, and he's just smiling away at me. Brian always gets a little jealous. If I put Alex in my lap, he just settles right in!

Gabe:
While Alex is a bit of a mamma's boy, Gabe is more like, "hey mom, what's up!" The child winks at me (with both eyes), I swear. I will look over at him, and say, "Hi Gaber!" He gets all excited, and then, "winks". He is a little bit more laid back than his brother. The kid fake cries too; I'm not kidding. He squints up his eyes and tries to force a sob-story (Alex cries for real). Gabe is a snuggler--head on your shoulder, thumb in his mouth. And, his checks, oh my goodness, they are just so kissable!

Then, there is the diva of the family who just turned three. Oh, my goodness! If I was "good", I'd save this picture, but I can't help myself, I just have to share it now! More on her third birthday to come, but here's a picture of her (props to Claire for taking such an amazing pic) on her special day that I think belongs in a magazine (or wherever it is the most amazing pics end up these days).

For someone who waited so long and went through a few significant scares, I just love my kids. But, I am so sure that no matter what your story is, you just love your kids too, and that's right and good.

Siblings

2011-12-04T21:17:00.001+01:00

My family is not the family that I imagined when I was a young girl "planning my family". That's just true, but oh, how thankful I am--like moved to tears thankful for the family that I have been blessed with. One thing that was really a huge part of my growing up is my own siblings. I love my brothers, oh so much. I can't force my own "things" on my kids, but moments like this literally overcome me!

(Cece and Alex):

Schedule at Six Months Old

2011-11-19T18:36:00.001+01:00

Several weeks ago, I posted "the schedule" for the boys when I was in the hospital with them. Oh, how things have changed. I have waited a long time for the "four hour schedule". Today, I was working on writing up the directions for taking care of my three kids. Yes! It's really happening; Brian and I are getting away, and Hayley (with the help of her family) is watching all three kids for two nights! I mean, I just can't express how amazing this is.

Schedule

8:00am

Bottles

Solids

Change diapers and get dressed

Awake time

10:00am

Boys down for a nap

12:00pm

Bottles

Solids

Change diapers

Awake time

12:30pm

Lunch for Cece

1:45pm

Put Cece down for a nap

2:00pm

Boys down for a nap

*This is an amazing part of the day--two hours where all three kids are napping!

4:00pm

Bottles

Solids

Change diapers

Awake time

4:30pm

Wake up Cece if she’s not already up

5:30/6pm

Boys down for a “cat nap”

6:45pm

Wake up boys if not already up

7:00pm

Baths

7:30pm

Bottles

7:45pm

Boys down for the night

8:00pm

Cece down for the night

While the four hour schedule really is wonderful, when it's all written out, I'm like, whew! Next time, Brian asks, "what's your plan for the day?" I'm going to email him this (with a lot more details--like laundry, cooking, working, etc. Just didn't think all of you needed that information).

Cornrows

2011-11-11T10:35:00.000+01:00

I am no master by any means, but I have been practicing for awhile. When Cece was just a year old, we took her to this African braiding shop in Denver. The woman took one look at this JCrew White Girl and took me for a ride. I specifically asked for a style that was age appropriate. Well, she put in these little tiny braids (that were super cute), but now, after all my education about hair, I know they were very damaging to my baby girl's hair! She also charged me way too much. Then, I moved to Czech, and well, I had to figure it out for myself. Thanks to some really great blogs, I started to learn some things. Like, toddler hair is too fragile for small cornrows. Well, now Cece's hair is strong enough to handle some smaller cornrows, not tiny braids, but small cornrows. It's not perfect, but . . . .

Fusion

2011-11-10T15:51:00.000+01:00

I am so excited about what our church here in Frydlant is doing, and Cece and I got to go check it out last Thursday night.

Several years ago, Josiah Venture started a ministry to reach out to unchurched youth through a network of evangelistic rock/gospel choirs and performing arts groups called “Fusion”.

Our church here in Frydlant now has a Fusion group. My dear friend, Lauren, is leading the choir. There was so much energy in the room when we were there. I just love this. It's really a brilliant idea. It provides an opportunity for students to be a part of something--a group of young people learning to perform together. In the context of working together to become a performing arts group, Christian youth and Christian leaders are able to build real relationships with non-Christians and show them the love of Christ.

Cece has been singing the songs all week.

Schedule One Week Old

2011-11-03T16:17:00.000+01:00

The boys are six months old now, and I'm already forgetting things, but I have a little more time, so I decided to post some of what I do remember, now.

Recently, I came across a note that I had on my phone from when I was in the hospital with the boys. Because they were so tiny, I had to feed them separately. They also weren't latching well, but I needed to try, so I would nurse one, then, supplement with a bottle, nurse the other, supplement, and then pump, so I had milk to give in the following supplements.

Here was the schedule:
5:15am Alex 6:00 Gabe
7:30am Alex 8:00 Gabe
10:30am Alex 11:00 Gabe
1:00pm Alex 1:30 Gabe
4:00pm Alex 4:30 Gabe
6:30 Bath
7:00pm Alex 7:30 Gabe
10:00pm Alex 10:30 Gabe
2:00am Alex 2:15 Gabe

These are some pictures from that time (Alex and Gabe):

I still can't believe they were that tiny, and I can't believe that was the schedule.

A Cecelia Story

2011-10-26T15:25:00.000+02:00

I have so many things that I want to blog about, but there is just not enough time. Here's a quick Cecelia story though. She's not a baby any more!

Cece: Mommy, Tan (can) I watch a movie?

Me (pausing to think): Yeeess, you may.

Cece: Tan (can) I watch it on the big TV?

Me: No, you may not.

Cece: Why, Mommy?

Me: Because I don't want to watch, Sid (Sid the Science Kid), Honey. You can watch it in the guest bedroom.

Cece (leaves for a few minutes, returns with Sid DVD case in hand): Mommy, it says right here on the back that you hafta (have to) watch this movie on the big TV. You tan't (can't) watch it on the guest bed.

Me (laughing): I don't think it says that, Cecelia.

Cece: Yes, it do.

Needless to say, she did not watch it on the big TV.

Finally Keeping My Head Above Water

2011-09-28T10:59:00.000+02:00

Whew. I feel like I'm finally keeping my head above water. While I have been posting regularly on facebook, I realized that I haven't blogged for awhile. Here is a little glimpse into our life recently.

When I was a teacher, I never used sticker charts. I had other ways of motivating students to read. It wasn't that I was necessarily opposed to them philosophically, but I just didn't need to use them. Then, I had my own child.

I began to notice that Cece wouldn't stay focused when "reading" by herself. She did great when I read to her, but in these last months I have wanted her to be able to sustain focus on an activity without me. Hence, a bribe. Yep.

I made her a reading chart. For every 15 minutes that she read (listened to audiobooks, used her Leapfrog Tag reader, or "read" her own books) she received a sticker. 5 stickers equaled an ice cream treat. I was thinking that she would be getting a treat every few days.

I was wrong. The little stinker proved me very wrong; she can focus alright. She read straight for an hour and fifteen minutes in one afternoon, so she could have an ice cream treat that day!

We've been seeing a lot of this lately:

That's Alex laughing at Brian.

This picture really captures how cool it is to have twins.

During fall conference (more details in our update to come), we had the Hall family stay with us again. Brian and Justin spent most of their time up at the conference, while Gretchen and I tried to keep our sanity with six kids in this house. It rained most of the time they were here, but we made the most of it. Cece loved her time with "her friends".

There were a few other JV moms here because of the conference, so we headed to the zoo like we did last year. Here's the photo from this year. From left to right (women in the back): Gretchen, serves in Albania; Kristin, serves here in Czech; Ashley, serves as the JV kids coordinator; me; Kristy, serves in Ukraine.

Finally, here's dad and sons watching football (Alex on left; Gabe on right).

Now, that I finally have my head above water, I sure am enjoying these moments in life. Feels good.

"You Just Have to be Really Structured"

2011-08-27T20:20:00.006+02:00

I was talking to my brother, Rollie, on the phone a few weeks ago, and something he said to me reminded me that "my way is not the highway". Nothing like a brother to bring my head out of the clouds. The conversation went something like this:

me: There's nothing really new here besides kids, kids, kids. We haven't really had consistent babysitting yet. That will change soon, but the twins were so much work at the beginning; who would we have left all the kids with?

Rollie: Not with me. I wouldn't know what to do with two babies. One baby, I can sit with and find interesting videos to show, but two?

me (laughing): Well, Rollie, what it takes it's a lot of consistency and really sticking to a schedule. With twins, you just have to be really structured.

Rollie: That's funny because I could imagine someone with a different personality saying, "with twins, you just have to be flexible".

My brother is right, and the more I watch my kids grow, the more I realize that some aspects of parenting are really about what works for your family. (Others, however, I think are super important no matter what, but that's for another post.)

When I was pregnant with the boys, I had this idea that I would blog all the time after they were born. Partly, because I have already forgotten so many details from when Cece was a baby. Also because when I was pregnant, I couldn't find any blogs that really shared what mothering twins was like. Now, I know why. Who the heck has time to blog when they are taking care of twins (and a toddler)?

So many things have happened since the boys were born that I'm really hoping to document at some point (for my sake more than anything), but I decided that I just need to write a few things now and then when I have a chance. The rest, hopefully, I'll remember.

Well, I agree with Rollie, and I could probably stand to be a bit more flexible in many areas of life; however, both boys are sleeping through the night--they go to bed at 8pm and most mornings, I wake them up at 8am. Gabe has been doing this for a few weeks, and Alex for about a week. (We were waking Alex up before we went to bed to get one more feeding in him--just because of his size. He probably would have slept all night, but we just want to give the poor guy a chance to catch up with his "big" brother.)

I feel like a different person. After all those weeks of interrupted sleep, to go to bed and not wake up until 7am or even 8am is oh so wonderful.

The boys are amazingly happy (that is when things are "on schedule"--hmmm . . . did I make them that way?). Really. Most days, the don't ever cry. They eat. They smile. They fall asleep while laying peacefully in their beds. Don't get me wrong; it's still a lot of work, but it's easier to get through the days when you have two of the cutest boys in the world smiling at you all the time (Gabe on left; Alex on right)!

The Twins-Four Months Old

2011-08-24T17:33:00.002+02:00

The Twins-Four Months Old from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Summer 2011 Update Video

2011-08-07T16:09:00.002+02:00

Summer 2011 Update from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Sleeping Through the What?!

2011-07-27T14:59:00.002+02:00

Sleeping through the night.

It's like pretty much my ultimate goal. (And, please, please resist the urge to tell me to enjoy those "precious middle of the night feedings". If you love them, great; I don't. I like to have my precious times during the day.)

When Cece started sleeping through the night, I remember it felt so great. I was so excited, and it was pretty uneventful. It just happened one night. I'm not even totally sure what week it was, but I think I considered her completely sleeping through night before she was 12 weeks old.

Well. I've begun to realize that it will look a little different with three kids. Here was my night:

3am: Hear Alex. He's not crying, just making noise.
3:20am: I hear sucking; oh, no, Alex broke out of his swaddle.
3:30am: Having an inner conversation about my love/hate relationship with swaddles.
4:00am: Still hearing Alex. Thinking I should just go re-swaddle him, but then nervous that might really wake him up.
4:20am: Decide it's really silly to lay there awake; go and re-swaddle Alex.
4:30am: Re-swaddling worked; I don't hear Alex.
5:00am: Alex wakes up. Decide to give him his pacifier, but worry that might be selfish.
5:20am: Alex is sleeping. Tell myself that if he was really hungry, he'd be awake and crying.
6:00am: Hear Alex crying. Decide to feed him. Gabe is still sleeping. For the first time, decide NOT to wake up Gabe.
6:05am: Hear Cece. Go in her room. Sing a not so sweet version of Jesus Loves Me. Tell her it is NOT time to wake up.
6:15am: Feed Alex. Put him back to bed.
6:30am: Hear Cece. Go in and sing an abridged version of Jesus Loves Me.
6:45am: Wonder when Gabe is going to wake up.
7:00am: Start to hear Gabe.
7:05am: Give Gabe a pacifier.
8:00am: Feed Gabe and Alex (this is the time I want their day to start).

So, technically, Gabe slept through the night. He made it until 8am (with a little help). Whew. Sure doesn't feel like he did!

Not every night is like this! Some nights I sleep, hear someone crying around 4 or 5am, get up, feed them, and go right back to bed. Some nights, Brian does that feeding. I just think it's a little ironic that Gabe's best night was not my best night!

In all seriousness, the boys are doing incredibly well. They are 13 weeks old (7 weeks, adjusted age). Just had a visit to the doctor yesterday. Gabe weighs in at 11.5 lbs, and Alex weighs 9.5 lbs. They are doing so well.

Here are some pics I just took today! Enjoy (Alex on left; Gabe on right).

Email Update: Father of Three

2011-06-20T15:27:00.000+02:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Father of Three (Aleisha)
Sunday, June 19th was Father's Day and our seventh wedding anniversary. Seven years ago we never would have believed that this picture would be our life.

This Father's Day Brian was the father of three! When I married him seven years ago, I knew he was a great man, but after this particular year of marriage, I am overwhelmed at how amazing he is. We are on quite the adventure together, and while some days are hard in this crazy season of life, I am one lucky girl!

Eight weeks ago, Alexander James and Gabriel Roland were born at 34 weeks.

After all they had been through it is amazing that they were born so healthy; however, I don't think anyone could have prepared us for the challenges of having premature babies. The past weeks have been some of the hardest of my life. Recovering from a C-section, the NICU, having a cross-cultural birth, an extended hospital stay, ensuring that both boys are gaining enough weight, travel to and from the hospital, transitioning from one kid to three . . . . These weeks seem like a blur now, and it's crazy to think that all of that has happened.

JV Council and Spring Conference (Brian)
The same day the boys came home from the hospital was the first day of our bi-annual JV Council meeting with leaders from all eleven JV countries. This was immediately followed by our annual JV Spring Family Conference for our North American missionaries. I attended as much of the Council meetings as I could, and then Cece and I attended the entire Spring Conference. This is one of the four events each year that our team plans and hosts. This conference provides an opportunity for our North American missionaries to come together as a family. It also allows us to see and hear about the movement of God across Eastern Europe. Some of the highlights of the week for me:

Slovenia, one of our hardest spiritual countries, had an opportunity to share the gospel with 18,000 Slovene's in one amazing week. To hear the update, click here. To read about the event, visit our JV blog "Who is Praying for These Students" and "Praying for the Walls to Come Down".
Our team in Serbia reminded us, through their Gypsy Camp, that no culture is overlooked by God. Please visit our blog and read "A Culture Overlooked".
The young families of JV: We had over 200 people at the conference and over 60 of those people were kids. Most exciting, 12 of those kids have been born in the past year (we represent 2 of those!). Josiah Venture has a group of amazing young families reaching Eastern Europe.

Serving JV: On Friday morning we had our In-House session (think of it as an all-employee meeting). Our team got to (or had to!) listen to me speak for over an hour about HR, insurance, taxes, websites, email, expense reports, Google, etc. It was this amazing confirmation for me - sitting with my JV Family and using my gifts to serve them... and loving every moment of it.

It was a long week (especially since every night included 2AM feedings with the boys). But the wonderful thing was I left the week with energy and strength. Our entire team felt the same way. As we reflected on this a few weeks later, we realized that we all slid into our giftings, and when we served from that place, we actually grew in strength. I love this team and how we work together!

Living in Community (Aleisha)
While this season of life is certainly keeping me on my toes, I have been overwhelmed with the way others have cared for us. For several months now, I have been thinking about and learning more about Christ-centered community. I have been really wanting to be intentional about really living life with other people--in community. Well, without me really doing anything (except having twins), it has happened. We have had so much help, and we have been loved so well through this. The word community hardly does it justice.

When I have a moment to stop and soak it all in, I can hardly believe that I am the mother of three!

Prayer Requests

Sleep! We assume that every parent prays for more sleep, but please pray that despite two newborns, we could both get good sleep.
Patience (for Aleisha)! Please pray that I would be a great mom to all three of my kids. Pray that I would remember the things that are most important to give to my kids.
Protection! Pray that God would protect our family, especially in the area of health.
Effectiveness! Despite a very crazy season of life, we desire to continue to serve well and to love others.

When I think about that very first email that we sent asking for prayer for these boys, I get tears in my eyes thinking of how all of you joined us in fighting for our family! Thank you for supporting us, our ministry, and most importantly, standing with us when we need it the most!

We love you,
Brian, Aleisha, Cecelia, Gabriel, and Alexander

Hannah

2011-05-30T12:37:00.005+02:00

I started babysitting when I was ten years old, for a neighbor. Yes. Ten. I also stayed home with my brothers, but that wasn't babysitting; that was survival. I babysat all the way through college; I was even a nanny for a year after college. I was good at it. That might sound a little cocky, but it's true, I gave my heart to every child that I took care of. I always hoped that someday I would have a babysitter for my kids that did the same.

Over a year ago, we moved here, and we hired Hannah (a missionary "kid") to watch Cece about 10 hours a week, so that I could take language lessons and take on other responsibilities on the Bteam. I get tears in my eyes when I think about how well Cece has been loved and cared for by Hannah. And, also Hannah demands the same respect from Cece that we do. To say that Hannah (whom Cece calls--Nanno) is amazing is an understatement.

Hannah is leaving for college in the states in just a few months. We are so going to miss her! (Her sister, Hayley, and brother, Noah, are on deck to take over for her, so our kids are in good hands! But, it won't be the same without Nanno!)

She is extremely gifted, and she recently did a photo shoot of the twins. Taking infant photos is not easy, and this was her first time--with twins! The photos are amazing. Check out some of her other work on flickr. (If you live on this side of the ocean, she is hoping to make some money before leaving for college!)

This is my favorite; if you look closely, you'll see that the boys are mirroring each other. They did this on their own. (Alex, left; Gabe, right)

Alex

Gabe

Alex

Gabe

Gabe

Thank you, Hannah, for everything! You are a very special part of our family, and we are eternally grateful for all you have given us! We love you!

We're ALL Home!

2011-05-11T13:39:00.003+02:00

I have so much to share . . .

I have no time.

However, I wanted to at least share that we are ALL home. After two weeks, we are all finally home. Last Tuesday, I went back into the hospital (an interim care section of the hospital--post NICU, for the boys) to be with the boys until they were both big enough to come home. I was there with them until Monday, when they were released. I'll write a blog post about that time another day (we have some precious pictures of Cece seeing her brothers for the first time--through the window)!

They boys are doing great! Our biggest challenge right now is feeding. They are eating well, but not breastfeeding long enough to get a full feeding (they are getting better at it every day, but they are so small, it really makes them tired). So, I breastfeed one boy, bottle feed him with the milk I pumped after the last feeding, breastfeed the other, bottle feed him, and then, pump. The whole process takes about an hour and a half, and they need to eat every three hours! Hence, no time. However, I'm glad they are eating well and growing.

We are so glad to be home! More pics and stories to come, but here's a picture that captures more than I could ever say!!

(Cece and Gabe)

Email: They Are HERE!

2011-05-01T22:45:00.001+02:00

Hello friends and family...

What a week!!!

Let me start with the most important news (this is Brian). Last Saturday, Gabriel Roland was born at 10:15pm, weighing 2.25kg (about 5 pounds) and measuring 46 cm. One minute later, Alexander James entered the world weighing 1.85kg (a little over 4 pounds) and measuring 44 cm. They were at 34 weeks and 2 days.

(Gabe) (Alex)

The boys immediately breathed on their own and had great Apgar scores, but because of their weight, they were rushed to the NICU. Aleisha was amazing during surgery (and the doctors even commented on how impressed they were with how laid back she was). But immediately after surgery, she was rushed to ICU to begin a long, painful night in recovery.

I was able to go to the NICU to see the boys, touch them, and hear how well they were doing. But after about 30 minutes, I was headed home since I couldn’t see Aleisha or spend the night with the boys (a little unexpected to say the least).

The days that followed have been filled with ups and downs, confusion, joy, frustration, and a whole host of other emotions. The boys were struggling to eat in the first few days, put on an IV, at times given a feeding tube and were diagnosed with jaundice. We got to see them, hold them, and feed them (Aleisha, not me!) each day and even though they were losing weight (not unexpected), they were making very good progress.

On Wednesday, Aleisha was released from the hospital and came home. For her, that has begun the daily trip to the hospital to care and feed the boys. I am staying home with Cece, who is just absolutely dying to see her little brothers.

On Friday, we heard the great news that both boys were released from the NICU, taken off their feeding tubes, and no longer needing IVs or the UV light. This graduated them to intermediate care, where they will stay until they are strong enough to come home. The length of this is unknown, and we have heard 4 days to 2 weeks.

In the midst of this, we are finalizing the purchase of our home, completing the last steps to getting our car, and going through the details of getting the boys passports, registration, visas, and Czech health insurance.

On Friday night, as we were both feeling overwhelmed with it all, Aleisha reminded me that we have a healthy family of five right now and that is what really matters. And we need to stand firm knowing that God is fighting these battles.

While I don’t think we prepared ourselves for having babies in the NICU and not always being able to communicate and understand, we know that Gabe and Alex are getting amazing care from nurses and doctors who are focused on helping them grow healthy. There is just no question about that!

Please pray for those boys to continue to grow strong so they can come home, for Aleisha as she deals with the recovery of surgery, the care of the boys, the daily travel, the communication with the hospital staff, and the uncertainty on when she can bring the boys home, and for Cece and myself as we miss mommy being home (for countless reasons), and as we deal with not seeing the boys as much as we would like.

We have been led to prayer many times in the past week and have been grateful to experience almost immediate confirmation that God is hearing our pleas. We know our prayers have been joined by yours, and we are so thankful for that. We love you all so much for standing with us.

Can you believe they are here, they are healthy, they are growing, and they are alive!?!?

(Gabe) (Alex)

Brian (for all five of us)

Five Days Old: Update on Gabe and Alex

2011-04-28T12:52:00.003+02:00

I'm just outside the NICU writing this post on my iPhone. Not the ideal, but I wanted to take a moment to send an update. Yesterday, I was released from the hospital, but the boys were not ready to come home yet. It was a very emotional and exhausting day for us. However, today is much better!

Even when I was in the hospital, I was only spending day-time hours with the boys. Going back and forth from the NICU to see the boys, change them, and try to nurse (taking turns between boys each time). Then, returning to my room to pump, so that my milk would come in. The last time I was seeing them was the 6pm feeding- then, back to my hospital room for the evening. While the level of care in the NICU has been and is fabulous, the hospital rooms and bedside manor are a little drab! I have some really funny stories to share as time allows, but if you want to really test your second language abilities, get pregnant with twins who have TTTS, have them prematurely in the country of the second language via c-section; however, I recommend another way!

So I left the hospital last night with several tears, but I was able to sleep in my own bed, see my daughter, and pump in my own home!

Status on the boys:
I got here this morning to hear some encouraging news. The babies have been under the blue light because of * (a word that I can't seem to spell correctly, but makes their skin yellow-very common in premature babies). They have both have infusions because they need nutrients and are not eating enough. However, the doctor told me this morning that their billirubion-sp? levels are down so they will be done with the blue light tomorrow. Gabe will not need his infusion after today, and hopefully, Alex won't need his after tomorrow. From the NICU, the boys will go to interim care for a week, most likely, and then if not sooner, we hope and pray HOME.

I'm coming here to the hospital every day from 10am-6pm, and Brian is at home with Cece. Although, I'm sure in the next week that we'll get someone to watch Cece for a few hours, so Brian can come too!

Thank you so much for your prayer; we really do need strength. While there is so much to be thankful for, this is hard. We are all exhausted. While the next several days will be hard for us, we have so much hope, and we are so thankful that Gabe and Alex made it into the world as well as they did!!

Update on the Twins

2011-04-18T13:45:00.000+02:00

Hello friends and family...

This baby update is coming from Brian. Today we are celebrating 33 weeks and 4 days. Just 14 weeks ago we were clinging to the words "mildly optimistic", and now we are preparing our house (and our lives, as much as one can) for two little boys to come home. The doctor in Belgium had told us that the median date of delivery for TTTS babies is 32 weeks. My little boys are already over-achieving.

A few weeks ago we had an ultrasound, and I asked the doctor how he thought things were going and when the boys would be coming. He said that there is no known neurological damage, the babies are still growing, and all the dopplers are in normal range - and then he said, "The laser surgery seems to have been perfectly done." He then sent us on our way and told us to get things ready.

This week, we had another ultrasound (we have honestly lost count). Within the first 30 seconds of the ultrasound he said, "Looks like we have 3 more weeks to go." There was a little part of Aleisha that hoped he would say they needed to come out immediately (!), but most of all we were just shaking our heads and marveling at the fact that these two boys are actually going to get to full-term - 36 weeks! Aleisha currently has 8 pounds of babies in her, and the boys are about 200-400 grams apart on weight. She has no indication of pre-term labor, and the doctor seems very confident that we will be making a scheduled trip in the first week of May to have a c-section.

We have one more ultrasound in two weeks, and we will set the official date at that appointment!

We can't wait to share more pictures with you all, but we managed to get this one of the "bigger baby" at our last appointment:

Thank you for your support and your love,
Brian (for all five of us)

Our First Year Serving in Czech

2011-04-04T14:13:00.000+02:00

Our First Year Serving in Czech from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Funny Cece Quotes

2011-03-23T12:25:00.002+01:00

Last weekend, Brian was getting ready to leave for Prague.

Brian: I haven't eaten lunch yet, but we'll probably just stop at McDonald's
Cece: Come with you, Daddy?
Me: No, Cece you're not going this time; you're staying home with me.

5 minutes later.

Brian: Okay, good-bye Ladies; I'm leaving.
Cece: Good-bye, Lucky! (But, we didn't quite understand, "Lucky")
Me: What are you saying, Cece?
Cece: Good-bye, Lucky!
Me: (Laughing) Why are you calling Daddy Lucky?
Cece: Because him going to McDonald's!

Fair enough.
________________

The other night when I was not home--I was at language.

Brian: Cece, do you want me to read you a book?
Cece: Yes.
Brian: Which one?
Cece: Please Baby Please.
Brian: Okay, go find it.
Cece: (Searching through the book bin . . . searching . . . searching) Where are you, stupid thing? (Sigh--a Jennifer Gaalswyk/Aleisha Stephens' sigh.) Stupid thing.
_________________

I really do try hard to speak nicely; I can relate to Anne Shirley (Anne of Green Gables) when she says, " but if you knew all things I want to say, but don't. Give me some credit."

30 Weeks and MRI

2011-03-22T21:03:00.001+01:00

Here's our latest e-mail update:

Dear Friends and Family,

This Thursday, I will reach 30 weeks. 11 weeks ago, at week 19, I had laser ablation surgery to save the lives of our twin boys. As the weeks go by, some of the urgency that we were feeling 11 weeks ago goes away, but certainly we have not forgotten the seriousness or our situation. Tomorrow, we have an MRI. This will tell if the twins have any brain damage as a result of TTTS. We will get likely get those results next week.

Please pray that we would continue to be strong, to have great hope, and to be faithful to Christ no matter what. Please pray that these baby boys would not be born too early and that they would be healthy.

32 weeks is a the next "big hurdle". We are so very close!

Thank you, again, for all your love and support. We have experienced Christ's love through His people in deep ways; we are so grateful!

Much love,
Aleisha (for all of us)

Happy Birthday Brian; 29 Weeks

2011-03-15T13:41:00.002+01:00

First, it's been awhile since we gave an update. That's because we want to do a one-year in Czech update video, which we are working on. So stayed tuned, but as far as the twins go: I am 29 weeks this week. 28 weeks was a big hurdle. The boys have a really great chance now if they come; although, it's still really early, so keep praying they stay where they are! My next appointment is this Thursday.

Now, about Brian and his birthday:

In 2002, A Walk to Remember came out.

I saw it in the theater, twice! That's a tad bit embarrassing. I also read the book, after I saw the movie. If I watched it today, I might throw up! To say that I was a hopeless romantic is probably too strong, but for sure, I had some unrealistic or misconstrued ideas of romance.

At first thought, I wouldn't describe Brian as a "romantic":). Don't get me wrong, I would say a lot of amazing things about him, but "romantic" isn't the first adjective that comes to mind.

Yesterday was Brian's birthday. What happened yesterday sort of epitomizes what I am experiencing this year that is totally redefining romance for me.

It's no secret that this has not been an easy pregnancy for us. While we continue to live by faith and with a great amount of hope, I would be lying if I said I never worry. Yesterday was one of those days--not long after Brian left for the office, I started to get light-headed and dizzy. Mostly, out of concern for poor Cece if her mother passed out, I called Brian. He immediately came to work from home, he really didn't let me do anything all day, he took care of Cece, he talked me out of two emotional break downs, and he made his own birthday dinner!

Yesterday did not go as planned--I wanted it to be "all about Brian", but it wasn't. So, I just wanted to post this, so Brian, mostly, would know how great I think he is and to know that he should be celebrated!

I often wonder if the 20 something Aleisha would have understood all this--maybe. I'm not sure though. Oh, how thankful I am that Brian "walked" into my life and taught me a thing or two about "romance". Happy birthday, Brian; I sure love you!

The Price of Beauty

2011-03-10T11:49:00.004+01:00

3 movies watched, 1/2 a thing of pretzels eaten, 3 times letting the dog out, 20 minute temper tantrum, 2 consequences, 9 cornrows, 3 hours from start-time to finish-time, and I got peed on during the temper tantrum, but...

it's worth it!

"My" Hospital

2011-02-24T12:26:00.004+01:00

I love "my" hospital. Once or twice I week, I make the thirty minute drive to Fakultní nemocnice Ostrava (Teaching Hospital Ostrava). My dear friend, Lauren, often goes with me; she went a lot at the beginning to help with registration and translation. However, our doctor speaks great English, so sometimes, like today, just Brian and I go.

Some of the nurses recognize me, now, and so checking in is pretty simple. I go to the door, I smile, I point, the nurse that knows me, says, "I know . . . I know." She smiles.

Today, I had to bring my zkumavka na moc (vile for urine) with "moc" already in it. Yes, that's right, you bring your own vile, and you take care of things before you even get to the doctor. "My nurse" (the one who "knows" me) was so sweet to me today. She told me to come into the office; then, she said, "Mas zkumavka s moc (do you have your vile with urine)?" I said, "Mam (I have)." She then said (in Czech), "I don't know the English word for urine." I laughed; she laughed.

As Brian and I were headed up to the ultrasound room, he says, "they love you here." I said, "they are so gracious to me." And, they are! Both Brian and I are still taking Czech, but I'm only doing four hours a week now. With all the doctors visits and other life, that's all I can manage at the moment. However, I know that in a few years, if we just keep plugging away, it will make a difference. In the mean time, I know how to say, "I have my vile for urine" and even, "I need to buy a vile for urine". But, I also know how to apologize and smile, and that's working well too!

Our doctor is really great. He speaks great English, and he tells us what he's doing the whole time during the ultrasounds. Today's ultrasound went well. All the readings were good. The doctor also seemed more hopeful as I'm 26 weeks today. He said that 28 weeks is a big hurdle. Only two more weeks! Of course, the longer the better, but we are celebrating each week that these little guys are doing okay and still able to stay inside me!

Here is a picture of Lauren and I outside "my" hospital. This is also where the twins will be born.

The nice part about going there so often, is that it doesn't feel strange and foreign! What an incredible "up side"! Receiving care in a foreign country in another language could be so scary. I'm so thankful that it's not.

Ultrasound Update

2011-02-17T22:49:00.001+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I have had two ultrasounds this week (that brings the current total to 16 ultrasounds and counting). At Tuesday's ultrasound, the Doppler readings for both babies were the same as they were last week, which was a good sign. What both Dr. Block (from MN) and colleagues of Dr. Deprest (Belgium) said is that they would be concerned if the bigger baby's reading continued to increase and the smaller baby's dropped.

We went back again today, and all the Dopplers were in the "normal" limits! Everything else looked good as well, except the doctor was a tiny bit concerned about the level of amniotic fluid in the sac of the smaller baby. However, he said it is not something to be concerned about at this point because both babies are growing well. The doctor also said, "as you know because of all that you've been through, this pregnancy is complicated, and we are watching everything, so there will be concerns that we will continue to monitor." I think that says it well; we're probably not going to get a "your babies are doing great" until they are born! How many more weeks do we have to wait again?! :)

In the meantime, we are moving forward with hope. While Brian was in the states, his mom came to stay with Cece and I. She worked almost the whole time:)! This is what she worked on (Cece added the finishing touch of a stuffed animal for each "brodder"):

She also got some quality time with Cece! We are so thankful for her!

Thank you again for standing with us and for your prayers!
Aleisha (for all of us)

Video: Cece's Growing Up (she can read!)

2011-02-03T12:46:00.000+01:00

Cece's Growing Up (she can read!) from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Minnesota Girl

2011-01-31T12:34:00.003+01:00

My mom got me this shirt awhile ago.

It says (in case it's hard to read): "sassy, stylish, snowmobile-racing, wool-socks-wearing, fish-filleting, yah-you-betcha-saying, all american, Minnesota girl (do I look like I grew up in a little house on the prairie???)" I'm not modeling it because my modeling career is temporarily on hold (large belly making any camera angle not so flattering).

Now, for a little theology. I would never say, "God caused me to live in Minnesota." I wouldn't say that because I don't think God would cause anyone to live in MN. I don't care how Calvinist one might be; I'm not sure any Calvinist living in MN would say, "God caused me to live here." It's just too harsh of a statement:).

However, I will say that it has certainly prepared me for living in the Czech Republic. Thankfully, it doesn't get as cold here! My days of youth in Minnesota have definitely given me the strength to survive a winter. So, when my dear friend, Lauren, text me today and said, "wanna take the kids for a walk", the -8 degrees fahrenheit showing on my iPhone did not stop this Minnesota girl from bundling up a two year old, grabbing the dog, and braving it. I'm a little humbled that it was the Pennsylvania girl's idea (Lauren), but still:)!

And, Cecelia? She doesn't seem to mind the cold at all! In fact, both days this weekend, we bundled her up and sent her outside with the dog, and Cece lasted for a good 20 minutes before coming to the door and saying, "I'm done." This is the girl that can't play in another room by herself for more than two minutes (she's a people person). So, she didn't mind our walk today at all; she loved it, especially because Toby and Lia were with her!

By the way, the shirt is 100% correct, except the "yah-you-bettcha-saying" part; let the record stand, that I have never in my life said, "yah-you-bettcha"!

Ultrasound 4

2011-01-28T00:11:00.002+01:00

Today, we had our fourth ultrasound since the laser ablation procedure. As he was doing the ultrasound, the Czech doctor just kept saying, "this is good . . . this is good . . . this is good". As we watched the boys move on the monitor while the doctor got his measurements, Brian and I just kept whispering things to each other--what a difference from three weeks ago . . . that's the heart beating . . . there's a full bladder . . . the amount of fluid is good . . . the smaller one is moving so much more. Now, of course, we listened to hear the doctor confirm our "readings"! The doctor reminded us again, that while things are great today, we still need to monitor these little guys week-by-week! But, ultrasound four went well. Brian said afterward, "you're going to need a double stroller". I took that to mean--buy whatever you want sweetie:)!

In all seriousness, we are just overwhelmed. Again, we are overwhelmed by all the love, support and prayer that we have received. Every time I think about the reality of TTTS (Twin-to-Twin-Transfusion-Syndrome) twenty years ago, I am overwhelmed that God uses his people to bring about a truly miraculous procedure that changes the outcome so dramatically. Mostly, we are overwhelmed at how personal our God is, and despite the vast needs throughout the entire world, He is so real to us individually!

Thank you again for all your love and support!

Much Love,
Aleisha (for all of us)

Cece's Afro

2011-01-23T11:11:00.002+01:00

Cece is two years old now, and the 'fro keeps growing. I love her hair, and I love the 'fro, but it's just not fair to her to have her wear it like this too long. It gets so tangled and styling protects it, but every two weeks, I comb it out and admire it for a few minutes.

After a brief moment of "freakin' awesome free hair", I stalk some amazing hair-doing moms online and get some inspiration.

I was trying to take pictures of her newest style, but a song came on, so Cece had to dance.

Ultrasound 3

2011-01-18T22:13:00.001+01:00

Today we got a really great report from the ultrasound specialist. First, as soon as the doctor put that magic wand on my belly, Brian and I said almost in unison, "their bladders are both full." The doctor laughed and said, "you must be experts; there are doctors who can't tell that." I think he was exaggerating on our behalf, but none-the-less. So, both babies are peeing well! Their amniotic sacs are almost the same size now. And, the "doppler" issue, which was described to us in more detail today, is not showing up anymore, which is a good thing! The doctor said, "today, things look good."

My brother Rollie said to me today, "there are some things in life that rationale can't teach you." I feel like this last week has been a culmination of almost three years of trying to better understand faith and God's "will". I have read books, heard sermons, listened to podcasts, and read God's word. All of which have been really helpful. I was learning, but I was in one of the first stages of understanding, and I just couldn't put it all into words.

Then, in one week, we lived what I had been trying to put into words for the past three years. Tonight, as I finally described some of it to my brother, I found myself beaming because I was able to articulate some new things that I believe about faith and how God works. They really aren't so profound, but new to me in the deepest parts of my soul.

Right now, Brian is making Nestle chocolate chip cookies (the chocolate chips are imported from the states:)), which is really one of only three desserts that I like. Cece, after carefully examining the "owie" on my stomach and saying, "looks better", is tucked into bed. And, I am feeling really thankful--both for the good news of ultrasound number 3 (only 8 or so more to go), and thankful for a new understanding of what it means to have faith.

Like we've been saying, we don't know the outcome, and we still have a long road ahead, but what we do want is to amaze God with our faith in the process. Thank you for standing firm with us in faith and for praying on our behalf! Please keep praying--8 more ultrasounds to go!

With love,
Aleisha (for all five of us)

Awaiting Ultrasound 3

2011-01-16T16:25:00.007+01:00

I just watched Brian and Cece walk out the door for church. I stayed home. I am not sure what contractions feel like. But I was having some mild pain today, and the doctor told me that while I have no real limitations, if I feel any pain, I should rest. I'm feeling better now, but I cried as I watched Cece and Brian leave. Why? A lot of reasons (probably a lot of hormones).

We are waiting for ultrasound number 3. Despite the tears of the last few minutes, there is a lot to be thankful for. First, upon arrival back to Czech, my dear friend, Lauren, contacted the doctor who delivered two of her three children at a hospital 30 minutes from here. After getting advice from a specialist in the states and the doctor in Belgium about the kind of care that I would need now, Lauren asked her doctor, who is the head of the department, if he and his colleagues would be able to provide the kind of care needed. Much of the need comes in the level of NICU as the babies are likely to come early. The doctor here in Czech explained that their NICU is one of the two largest in all the Czech Republic. He said they can handle all levels except severe congenital heart abnormalities. We are very confident that we can finish our care here in Czech.

We have an ultrasound with one of the specialists on Tuesday. He will be checking to see that the level of amniotic fluid is growing in the sac of the smaller baby (pee little guy, pee:)) and not growing too much in the other. He will also be checking the heart of the bigger baby--as they were still a little concerned about that when we left Belgium. I will be getting an ultrasound once a week for the next month and once every two or three weeks until I give birth.

Also, we found out this week that our landlord is willing to talk about selling the house we are renting to us. The price mentioned seemed very fair, and we are meeting with them tomorrow to discuss details.

I am sure that every pregnancy is one of faith. I have lived vicariously through three of my dear sister-in-law, Karen's. Asking her all kinds of questions that she was gracious enough to answer (and just not shy about answering:)). So, I know that the days and weeks between doctor visits can require a lot of faith. I was feeling that way before I found out the babies had TTTS. Now, I feel like it's a minute-by-minute pregnancy of faith. It's not that I'm not believing in God's ability to redeem this or that I'm not standing firm. It's just that it's taking a lot more energy than I realized it would.

There is a verse that my cousin Melanie pointed out to me many years ago from Psalms 84:

⁵Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
⁶As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.
⁷They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.
⁸O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob!

The NIV says "who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage". That's kind of how we feel tonight as we await ultrasound number 3 and 4 and 5 and . . . . It's going to be a long road, and it's going to require going from "strength to strength". However, that's kind of real-life. I also think there can be something really beautiful about going from strength to strength and needing God so much that it makes you cry!

Thank you for trudging along this road with us!

Much Love,
Aleisha (for all of us)

Ultrasound Two - Email 5

2011-01-10T12:41:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone, this is Brian.

We just got back from our second ultrasound. It was fun seeing both of the boys moving around and to see such amazing differences from when we arrived on Friday night. The smaller boy is starting to pee a little more - while they would like to see more, they are encouraged that his sac is growing. The larger baby is still as active as ever and it makes it difficult for the doctor to get accurate readings. But they can see that there are still abnormalities in his heart rate and are hopeful this will turn around in the coming weeks.

The doctor's exact words were that they were "mildly optimistic". That isn't the resounding confirmation that we were hoping for, but it is hope... something we had so little of just a few short days ago. And those words also don't tell the entire story. God is not done moving, and we are not done praying. And these past 3 days have provided us with an understanding about the power of prayer and an appreciation for the mystery of prayer in phenomenal new ways.

When we arrived back at the room this morning, Aleisha repeated the words that have brought us this far - stand firm against the attack. As we step forward, we know that the road is still difficult for our sons, but we now have new understanding of how to stand upright with hope and courage having taken this journey to Belgium. And we know there is great reason to not just be optimistic, but to be expectant.

Tomorrow afternoon we get to go home and grab hold of Cece and squeeze her hard. We have missed her so much, but she has been very well taken care of by our family back in Czech. I have been thinking a lot about Cece and how God brought her into our lives. It seems he has a knack for making miracle stories in how he expands our family. We can't wait to tell all 3 of our kids how God brought them to us - these are stories worth cherishing.

I told Aleisha I was having trouble finishing this email. I want to find some way to express what each and every one of you (and the countless who aren't even on this list) mean to us. I am convinced that there are not words. Your emails, your messages, your hope, the scripture you have sent, the ways you have put into words the emotions we are feeling, and most importantly... your yearnings on the behalf of our boys. Thank you. We love you.

We earnestly ask you to keep praying for our boys.

Ultrasound One-email 4

2011-01-09T13:09:00.001+01:00

We just wanted to send another quick update to let you know that we had our first ultrasound post surgery this morning. The doctor told us that they are very happy with the results. The smaller baby is peeing a little bit; the doctor said that was good, and the amount of fluid in his sack is growing--another good sign. The larger baby is doing good as well. We have one more ultrasound tomorrow morning; after that, I will be released from the hospital, and we fly back to Czech on Tuesday.

I have never in all my life experienced this kind of love and support from a group of people believing in the power of Christ's redemption. There really are no words; just tears that I wish you could see to communicate how much we appreciate how you all have stood with us through some of the most difficult, yet beautiful days in our lives! Oh, I just wish I could hug you all!

Much, much love,
Aleisha (for all of us)

Update Post Precedure-email 3

2011-01-09T12:49:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone. This is Brian. I wanted to give you all a quick update on how things went today.

The doctor's flight landed at 11:00 and Aleisha was in the operating room at noon. At 12:30, Dr. Deprest came to see me and said everything was done and went very smoothly. He made it seem like he was just in the other room brushing his teeth!

Aleisha was awake during the procedure and heard them as they easily split 4-5 veins. While our boys had been sharing the same placenta, after today they will each essentially have their own placenta to grow with. Tomorrow and Monday we will have ultrasounds to determine whether the procedure was a success. What we are praying for is that the donor baby (smaller one) begins to urinate. This will be a very good sign. And now that the recipient donor has less fluid and is not receiving from the donor, his heart no longer needs to work as hard - this is a good thing since the doctors said he is really the sicker baby right now.

Aleisha also had 2.5 liters of amniotic fluid removed during the procedure. This is an indication of just how much excess fluid there was and how far this had progressed. She feels a huge release of pressure on her belly.

The next two days are important, and we ask you to pray that these two boys would adjust well and that we would go home with hope. This procedure results in an 85% chance that one of the babies will survive and 50-60% chance that both will. But we know that God extends beyond these numbers, and we are praying that every step from here forward would be steps of health for both of these boys.

Thank you for standing with us.

Prayer for our Boys - email #2

2011-01-08T11:47:00.000+01:00

Dear Ones,

Forty eight hours ago, we could not have dreamed that we would be in Leuven, Belgium awaiting a laser ablation procedure to be done by Professor and Dr. Jan Deprest, one of the top specialist in this field in the world with the hope of saving the lives of both our babies!

On Thursday, after finding out that I was diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), my brother, Joel, called his mother-in-law, a doctor in Minnesota. She immediately contacted a specialist who does laser ablation surgery, one of very few doctors in MN who does. Joel called with the contact information. I called his office and spoke to a nurse. Within several minutes, another specialist, Dr. Block returned my call. I explained my situation to him as best I could. Maybe it's because I live so far away, but I feel like never in my life has a doctor's office been so helpful and patient. Dr. Block told me that he would be hard pressed to tell me to fly back to the states because the experts in the field, who trained him and his colleagues, were located in Belgium. He offered to email Dr. Jan Deprest personally about my situation.

Friday morning, I awoke to an email from Dr. Deprest with information about who to contact from his team. I called this very helpful Belgian women right away; she said, "come today." Brian booked the flights at 9:30am Friday morning and at 7:10pm, Brian and I were the hospital in Leuven, and I was getting an ultrasound. (Our dear friends, the Ellenwood's who also serve on the Bteam in Czech, are watching Cece.)

I have to say though, your prayers were so important. I'm not sure I've encountered such spiritual warfare in all my life. An amazing friend, Petr, offered to drive us to Krakow (two hours away) to catch our flight to Belgium; his car wasn't working right the whole way there. When we arrived in Krakow, the plane was delayed and we were told it may not even fly that day. When we were finally able to confirm our reservation, it took so long that we passed the check-in deadline. We were able to get through security in time. However, once we began boarding we were told that we needed a doctor's note because I am visibly pregnant. Three airline workers, including a supervisor, stood between us and the gate, despite our best pleadings, saying that we could not board. I called the helpful Belgian women, who also tried to talk to the airline, and she began working on a fax. Then, suddenly three seconds after saying an adamant no again, suddenly they were asking for our passports and telling us to board. Only God knows how that happened; there was no way the fax had arrived in that amount of time.

We arrived several hours later to the hospital here in Leuven. A doctor did an extensive ultrasound to confirm the extent of the TTTS. He explained to us that we are in stage three, and after consulting Dr. Desprest, they wanted to do surgery the next day (today at noon Belgian time). Maybe it was because we already knew the severity of the situation, so we weren't focused on that, but I can't even communicate to you the hope that this doctor infused us with as he explained the procedure and the various outcomes. This surgery is by far the best way to save both babies, and with relatively no risk to me. If left alone, in my situation, there is a 99% chance that both babies would die.

As I lay in bed last night, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with thankfulness that God uses his children to bring about change in this world. To think that there is a procedure not even available twenty years ago that has incredible success at reversing such a grim prognosis. Incredible.

Please continue to pray. We are standing with so much hope that both babies will be born healthy.

Like I said, I have the procedure at noon, and then we are to stay in Belgium until Monday. We will know then if the surgery itself (like what they hope to accomplish) was successful. Beyond that, we will need to closely monitor both babies to ensure they continue to grow properly.

You have no idea how much it means to us to be so well loved and prayed for!

With so much hope!
Aleisha (for all of us)

Prayer for our Boys - email #1

2011-01-08T11:46:00.000+01:00

Dear Friends and Family,

We are writing to you tonight in need of your prayers.

I (Aleisha) had a routine doctors appointment (19 weeks) that led to the discovery of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome. Brian and I are still unclear about what all that means, but we were told by the doctor here that the prognosis, in my case especially, is not good.

My appointment today was a difficult one. A dear friend came with me and was crying as she was translating what the doctor was saying in Czech. I tried my best to ask as many questions as possible, but there are still some unknowns. The doctor is sending the results and measurements of my ultrasound to a specialist who will be contacting us tomorrow. We will see that specialist early next week and are sure to know more then.

Here's what we know now. One of the babies is growing faster than the other (about two weeks ahead of the other). The twins are identical, so they share the same placenta. They each have their own amniotic sack, but one of the twin's amniotic sack is significantly smaller than the other one. There is a procedure that is commonly done in this situation; however the location of my placenta makes the procedure even more of a risk than normal.

Also, this afternoon, on a less crucial, but still discouraging note, we found out that our landlords are hoping to sell the house we are renting. They have a buyer in mind. This could mean that we would need to find a different living situation by the end of March.

In our bible study this week, we studied Mark 9. The disciples tried unsuccessfully to drive out a demon from a boy. Jesus arrived on the scene, focused on the battle with the demon, and the boy was delivered. Surely, there is so much to learn from this passage. However, through our discussion, what hit me the most is the need to stand firm against attack. I know that can sound cliche. It can also be hard to define what that means in individual situations. However, for me today, one thing that I am standing firm against is the temptation to believe that we are not supposed to be here in Czech. I am not believing that. I know we are supposed to be here. I'm not sure why all of this is happening, but I am praying for strength to continue to stand firm.

Please pray with us! One of the most difficult decisions we are facing is whether to continue to receive care here in Czech or to go back to the states. I'm sure that's hard for some of you to understand. Please know that we are continuing to gather information from trusted doctors in the states to help us navigate that.

Like never before--thank you for standing with us!

Aleisha (for all of us)

Christmas Break

2011-01-03T10:39:00.003+01:00

Over ten years ago, I came as an intern with Josiah Venture and served with the Carlson's for a summer. Now, over ten years later, we serve full-time with JV an hour away from them. It still feels surreal sometimes!

Here's Kelsey, the Carlson's oldest, and I the summer of 2000.

Here is Kelsey and her sister, Jillian, playing with our daughter (and Chloe, the new puppy) in our backyard over this Christmas break.

Love it!!

Almost 18 Weeks

2010-12-27T21:54:00.001+01:00

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-27T14:49:00.001+01:00

Homemade Bread

2010-12-23T15:02:00.003+01:00

I made my mom's homemade bread today.

If I write too much, this post will become sappy and the kind of post that my brother Rollie, who has blogged twice in his life, commented on: when I read blogs of people divulging very private emotions about being lost or broken, it made me squirm inside.

For fear of making you squirm inside, I'll keep this short. This is my first Christmas away from my family. I'm a little sad. I was making my mom's homemade bread this afternoon, and my belly was very much in my view as I was mixing, kneading, thinking. I took this picture to remember the bitter-sweet moment: me making my mom's bread, my belly sticking out, and my hands that look so very much like my moms.

Our December Update Video

2010-12-14T14:13:00.000+01:00

We have some big news to share! Watch this to find out:

Stephens' December 2010 Update from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Cecelia's Birthday Surprise

2010-12-06T15:08:00.003+01:00

When Brian and I were first married, I bought him a golden retriever for his birthday. We loved our dog.

Zory, named after a Polish city, never made it over here. Brian's brother took care of her while we were moving and offered to keep her. It was a very hard decision to decide not to bring her over here. The combination of her age and the cost of flying her over here were our reasons.

Well. Cecelia (probably like most kids her age) loves dogs. We actually were going to wait awhile before getting a dog here, but we got an offer we couldn't resist.

A few years ago, the Ellenwoods bread their labradoodle. They donated one of their puppies to a lady in the Czech Republic who uses these dogs to help children with disabilities. This lady just bread that dog and offered the Ellenwoods a free puppy, that they offered to us. So, here's Cecelia's birthday surprise!

Cecelia's Birthday Surprise from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Mac and Cheese

2010-11-19T12:32:00.003+01:00

If you know me well or if you read this blog, you know that I don't LOVE to cook. It doesn't bring me joy or make me feel relaxed to make something from scratch. However, because I like to eat healthy and because we live in the Czech Republic, often I need to make things from scratch. I'm beginning to embrace it.

I love mac and cheese, not Kraft, actually, but Velveeta Shells and Cheese. One summer, when I was an intern in Poland, my mom sent care-packages with me. One for every month. What did I find in the August package? Velveeta Shells and Cheese. I could have cried; I was so excited!

Velveeta Shells and Cheese is not healthy. When I lived in the states, I would have it once every few months, but I always eat green beans with it! (I don't like sweets, at all really, so it is like my chocolate cake.) Well. Cece loves mac and cheese too. I made some for her when we were at Brian's parents house (homemade, but with Velveeta). She just kept asking for more.

Well. We are back in the Czech Republic, and there is no Velveeta to be found. Maybe that's a good thing. So, today, I made homemade, like the kind where you make a cheese sauce with flour, using cheeses that are very easy to find here--Edam and Gouda. Here are the results!

Yes! I had some too!

Living cross-culturally is a funny thing. It gives you this feeling of conquering the world when you do simple things like make mac and cheese. I love it!!!

Back Home from the States

2010-11-17T15:40:00.004+01:00

This past month, we were in the states. Brian's parents had their 50th wedding anniversary, so we went to celebrate with them (a special thanks to Brian's siblings for making that possible). In addition, Brian also attended the Josiah Venture board meeting, we spent some time in Minnesota with my family, and Cece and I went to Charlotte and saw her birth family.

We are working on our November Update email that includes more about our trip to the states, and what it is like for us to be back home in Czech (and pictures:)). If you are not receiving our update mails, but you would like to, please email me: astephens@josiahventure.com. What is the difference between our blog and our update emails? Because the blog is viewable to "the world", our update emails are a little more personal and focus on our life and ministry here in Czech as we serve with Josiah Venture.

Too Much Fun with Grandma

2010-10-18T23:18:00.003+02:00

We are in the states for Brian's parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Before heading to Tampa, we stopped in Minnesota to see my family. Cece went grocery shopping with Grandma Gaalswyk today. Enough said:)!

Apple Juice Making in Poland

2010-10-05T21:48:00.003+02:00

Eight years ago I met the Eiflings (Daniel and Iwona) while serving as a summer intern in Poland. That same summer, I met Brian. Back then, we were all just serving short-term. Fast forward eight years: the Eiflings serve as full-time missionaries in Poland, and we are here in Czech. Today, we went to the farm where Iwona grew up to make apple juice "Polski style" (as Brian keeps saying)!

The apples:

Washing the apples:

Putting the apples in this Polish man's home-made apple juice contraption:

Waiting with anticipation:

The awesome Polish man at work with his home-made apple juice contraption:

The other home-made contraption that makes the apples into juice:

Cece being awesome:

Cece tasting the juice; it is AMAZING:

Cece trying to help:

Canning the apple juice (I have NEVER canned in my life, until today):

Me with sweet Iwona:

Brian and Daniel:

Look at all that juice (and that's not even all of it)!!

Just think, if you were ever here short-term or if you ever come short-term, you could end up living here one day making some "Polski style" apple juice of your own! At least come visit us because I'll make you the best apple cider you've ever tasted!

Chili Corn Chowder

2010-09-15T08:07:00.008+02:00

So, how did the Chili Corn Chowder turn out? Well, let's first talk about the shopping and cooking (notice, I did not say meal preparing) process!

Jamie Oliver's app claims to help me put a delicious meal on the table in about 20 minutes. However, Jamie must not know where I live and who lives with me (little girl who likes to be with mommy all the time). I do appreciate that Jamie believes that "together, we can make a great meal".

Let's talk about the Jamie Oliver 20 Minute Meals App for a second. I've only made one recipe, so keep that in mind, but I'm super impressed. It tells you all the ingredients that you need, allows you to create a shopping list and tells you the supplies that you'll need (which I didn't check first, oops). The best part is the actual step-by-step cooking instructions that include vibrant pictures of each step, and sometimes Jamie even talks to you while you are cooking. Really amazing.

Shopping list:

frozen corn--got it

potato--in the Czech Republic, no problem

vegetable broth--had to call Connie to ask if I could even get it, what it is in Czech (starts with z ends with ovy)

onion--already had one

celery--have only seen it one time in the Czech Republic, and I found it at Macro--30 minutes away; no celery in this corn chowder

fresh red chilis--I got something that was probably more like a small red pepper

butter--no problem

fresh thyme--no fresh thyme at Albert this time, so I went for the dried kind (used google translate in the store to find out what it is in Czech, but didn't have to because the word is very close)

scallions--I wasn't even sure what those are, so I looked them up on google images and found something that looked close, but when I translated the Czech on the label, it said onion bunch (hmmm).

cheddar cheese--just bought some at Macro for a pretty good price; although, you can get it at Albert, you just pay more than one would want to pay for cheddar cheese

sour cream--already had it

olive oil--no problem

black pepper--got it

sea salt--I brought over a huge tub of kosher salt that I'm still using

Cooking:

Like I said, the app's instructions are awesome. Jamie's voice even comes on a few times to give you helpful tips. Every direction has a picture. However, Jamie never had any tips for the little girl that was hitting my butt with a block (like a drum, not like a spanking). I didn't even realize for a few seconds because I was so focused. I also had to deal with: "I wan seee". Cecelia is a talker (I know--shocking), and at one point I made a really scary noise--then, I had to say I was sorry to her!

The only other issue is that the recipe uses a hand blender (who has one of those?). This is used to make the chowder chowdery. I could have used our blender, but it broke that morning (Dear European manufactures, please do not create blender parts out of a flimsy rubbery material. Sincerely, the girl who is embracing life here!) Instead, I used my food processor but had to do it in three stages.

Needless to say, the meal was not on the table in 20 minutes.

Now, for the most important question: how did it taste?

Pretty AMAZING if I do say so myself. Everyone scrapped as much as they could out of their bowls--Cece LOVED it--she just has a harder time getting that last spoonful out of her bowl. Everyone was smiling!

Community and Cooking

2010-09-14T16:43:00.003+02:00

The other day, I watched this video that was posted on a blog that I follow: Nomad. The video stirred two things in me: one really important and one important in a different kind of way.

This video, along with a conversation that Brian and I had the other night, brought about a significant epiphany in my life. For the last year, I've been learning more about what this video is saying--more about living in community. Both in a very practical sense and a very deep sense.

When we lived in Charlotte, I felt like our life was much like this video illustrated at the beginning (church far away over there, live here, work far away over there, friends there, etc). Don't get me wrong, we had a great church, great jobs, and great friends--we just had to drive about 30 minutes to reach them (in a few different directions).

Now, I live in Frydlant nad Ostravici, Czech Republic. There are some things that are hard about that. Some are things better shared over a cup of coffee, but one of the challenges is cooking.

Stay with me, I have a few different points I'm trying to make here:). Cooking. The real truth is that I wasn't much of a cook in Charlotte, NC. I just don't love it. So, I'm more of a meal preparer than a cook. Well, then, I moved here and while things can be found, one has to be a little more creative and cook a little more from scratch. Not my things when it comes to that meal preparing thing.

So, I watched this video the other day. The true epiphany for me (which I discovered while talking to Brian the other night) is that this is more the life that I've always dreamed of having--this life, the one in Frydlant. That has a lot to do with the fact that Brian and I are doing ministry together, which is a level of really living life together that is truly incredible . It also has a lot to do with the fact that we are living in community. Church, work, shopping, and dear friends are all within walking distance (think Europe walking distance)!

Like I said, there are hard things about living overseas as a missionary, but I know one thing that I DON'T want. I don't want to look back at this time in my life and think, I was living my dream, and I didn't enjoy it, embrace it and really LIVE it.

So, how does this all relate to cooking/meal preparing? Well, I have decided rather than cry when I'm in Super Target the next time (well, actually there might not be a thing I can do about that), I'm going to LIVE life in my community and enjoy shopping here. How, you might ask? Well. I'm also hoping to get a little help from this great recipe app that I downloaded.

And, I'm going to shop at the local grocery store, doing my best to find the ingredients or being really creative--hmmm. So, Cece and I went on a walk to Albert today in search of the ingredients for Chile Corn Chowder.

How did it go? Well, I didn't find exactly everything I needed, but I think it will work. I'm making it tonight, so we'll see.

Cece Reading (Czech)

2010-09-09T16:38:00.000+02:00

This is what Cece did after my Czech lesson:

Cece Reading (Czech) from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

The Rumbolds, an Inspiration!

2010-09-06T15:53:00.004+02:00

Cece and I went on another mother-daughter adventure last week. Brian was in Romania with Dave, Josiah Venture's President, so I decided to take Cece on an adventure to visit another JV missionary family, the Rumbold's.

The Rumbold family arrived on the field one month before we did. They live on the Eastern side of Slovakia--about a five hour drive away from us. They are literally the only Americans (that they know of--besides one 80 year old man) in the city where they now live. Talk about an inspiration. They are amazing.

The parents are two of the calmest people with five kids that I have ever met. Totally taking this whole cultural transition in stride, even the kids laugh about things that they are faced with. For example, the two oldest boys went to their first day of school with their backpacks full of books (sounds reasonable to me); however, in Slovakia, the custom is for the students to leave their backpacks at home, and bring flowers to their teachers the first day. One of the boys said, "hey dad, how about tomorrow when the rest of the kids bring their backpacks, we'll bring flowers?!"

I have never seen a picture of a family that expresses the heart of a family more than this one (I stole it from their blog).

Cece would like to join this family, I think!

After all, they have a trampoline! :) Cece and I went with them to an English camp follow-up meeting. The oldest kids all sat ever so quietly against the wall, Cece joined them:

Seriously, an inspiration!

Finally!!!

2010-08-24T15:09:00.002+02:00

I finally feel some success in language study! Finally. I just have to share. Brian did this numbers activity with our language helper, Marcela, last week. I was home, so I was listening, and I was thinking--Brian is amazing at language; Aleisha is well, learning.

Brian told me I should try the activity in my language today, but I was thinking--Aleisha is not ready for that!

Well, Marcela and I had fifteen minutes of language left, and she suggested the numbers thing. I was like, fine, I'll do it! Marcela suggested that we do it a little differently than the way Brian had done it; great suggestion. She said a number from the first column (in Czech, of couse), and I pointed to it. I got the first one right, and the second. She moved from column to column saying numbers in Czech. Sure, I missed a few, but as we went through each column, I was able to point to the number correctly, almost every time! Then, she said some two-digit numbers, and I wrote them all down correctly. Ahhh, the joy of FINALLY getting it right! (Don't ask me to say them, yet:)!)

More Hair!

2010-08-22T12:35:00.002+02:00

I continue to be inspired to press-on trying to learn more and get better at doing Cecelia's hair. I just started following a blog of an African-American women with four "mocha girls", as she calls them. The "Mocha Mom" is very passionate about teaching her daughters to love their natural hair, and she feels like she also needs to teach them how to take care of it. I'm fairly new to this journey, but I also feel like I want Cece to love her natural hair, and that, as her mom, I have to help her know how!

Here's the latest style. I've actually been doing the rolling twists for several months (after a dear hair stylist in Chicago showed me how). They are pretty easy in all actuality, but this time, I did a lot more, so it was a bit more time consuming. I really want to find styles that take under an hour, but . . . . this one does look so cute on her (took a "little more" than an hour--okay, more like, almost two), but I feel like I could have done it faster.

She was being a stinker and not smiling for the camera, so this is right after I had a little chat with her:

But, then, she cooperated:

She's pretty great!

This Could Be You!

2010-08-18T13:09:00.002+02:00

Yesterday, I dropped my niece, Katherine, off at the airport in Prague. She had been here for 10 days. She's a junior in college and has been working for the last two summers saving money to come to Europe. She chose to spend ten days of her European vacation with her Aunt and Uncle in the Czech Republic! We are honored. Here are some reasons why I'm already missing Katherine:

1.Katherine's better at following the nav's directions (Pam, as our GPS is named, confuses me sometimes; she never confused me in the states, but I would be lying if I said I never cussed at her here in Europe--the GPS, not Katherine!)

2. Katherine helps me cook. (I am really more of a meal preparer than a "cook", so I love having help. Katherine made some stinkin' awesome hummus!)

3. Cece has never been so quiet in church in the almost six months that we have been here --sat on Katherine's lap the whole time!

4. We make a really great traveling team (Katherine, Cece and I, that is!!)

That leads me to the title of this post--This Could Be You! Katherine flew into Krakow, so we spent the day there, showing her the sights.

Then, I needed to go to Bratislava, Slovakia to pick up our long-term visas (yeah, we all have them now), and so we (Katherine, Cece and I) made a day trip out of it! Here is Katherine and Cece waiting for me. Katherine and I took turns climbing the steps of a castle to see the view--we could see apparently see Austria and Hungry from up there!

Then, we (Katherine, Cece and I) went Polish pottery shopping and stopped in Zory for lunch!

And then, Katherine flew out of Prague, so we (Katherine, Cece and I) went a day early and stayed at a place called the Mosaic House. (The Mosaic House is a hostel/hotel that is run by two Christian couples that are living in Prague--really cool.) Here is the view from our room and other pics of Prague:

So all that to say, I sure LOVED having Katherine come, and you too, if you work hard for two summers:), could come and visit us here in the Czech Republic.

Miss you already, "K" (Cece finally learned how to say "K", but she can't get out Katherine--she would just mumble if she was trying to say her name:).)

CORRECTION

2010-08-10T17:16:00.002+02:00

My Aunt Kathy graciously informed me that the notes idea was my dear friend Heidi's and not hers (from my last post)! I miss you Heidi! Wish we were here:

Best note EVER

2010-08-07T14:52:00.003+02:00

Moving so far from family and dear friends is one of the "hards" of being a missionary. My Aunt Kathy had the sweet idea of writing notes for me to open once I arrived here in Czech. She got my sister-in-laws involved, my cousin, Mel (who has been writing me notes my whole life), and a dear friend, Heidi. The idea was that I would have a note to open every day the first year that I am here (I'm not sure there are quite that many, but that's okay, because I often forget; they may last me two years!)

They aren't long notes--just short notes, often verses that are written in the handwriting of some of the dearest people in my life. They really do brighten my day. Well, I opened the best one EVER today. It was written by my brother Joel's wife, Crista!

Really, the best one EVER! Every missionary should get one of these notes from time to time.

Italy, England, or the Czech Republic?

2010-07-30T21:05:00.004+02:00

Never in my life have I thought, someday, I would like to live . . . in the Czech Republic. To be honest, much of my childhood, I thought I would just live in Minnesota. As I got older and started seeing more of the world (and more movies filmed in different parts of the world), every now and then I would think, it would be so cool to live in Europe--well, England.

When I was about 17, I took my first trip to Poland. I had NEVER thought I would want to live in Poland. However, all those summers I spent there turned my thoughts toward the idea of Eastern Europe, but always Poland--never the Czech Republic.

Well, most of you know the story of how we ended up in Czech instead of Poland. Now, back to my fantasy of living in England. I had seen several movies. Once, even, Brian's company considered sending us to Windsor. I bought a book about London, and I dreamed of living in--I didn't even know what I was dreaming--it just seemed cool.

Well, since MOVING to Eastern Europe, we have had the unique opportunity to travel. This June, we took our first family vacation since Cecelia was born, and we went to Italy. I know--it sounds amazing, and it was (but, keep in mind, it was within driving distance--I mean, LONG driving distance, but still).

Then, Brian's brother, Mark and his family came to visit us here in Czech, and they helped us come with them to London for a few days last week. (Mark's job requires a lot of traveling--bad for Ellen, his wife; great for Brian and Aleisha when they come to Europe.)

Okay, so back to the question--Italy, England, or the Czech Republic? After seeing these amazing places--a few cities in Italy and then, seeing London, England, I have to say that if I had the choice, I would choose to move to the Czech Republic--and specifically, the little town that I live in!

Sounds crazy, I know. While Italy and England were amazing to visit, I would NEVER want to live there--why? Many reasons, but so many people, not so clean, and not as pretty as where we live, and frankly, I like this culture better.

Now, lest you think that I am a missionary in Disney Land--it is still hard here! I'm not going to whine on my blog about the hardships of being a missionary in the Czech Republic because it's just not worth the energy to explain. However, it's not always a picnic, let me tell you. I will say though, that I think it's pretty cool that God made it possible for me to be in my top choice European country, don't you? :)

Italy:

London:

Cece having ice cream in our town square in the Czech Republic:

Writing Workshop

2010-07-24T22:25:00.003+02:00

This summer, I am piloting a writing workshop with four of the MOST precious girls on this side of the ocean. They have just begun, but I think they are already "falling in love" with writing! I sure love them, and I sure love helping kids find their voice in writing!! (I took these with my iPhone because Brian had the camera in Serbia--doesn't that sound cool:).) After our "mini-lesson" they choose any spot in my house to write! LOVE it!

More Rolling Twists

2010-07-12T11:53:00.003+02:00

Here is the second attempt at rolling twists. Still took me almost two hours, but they are getting easier. (By the way, the woman whose videos I watched to learn this saw my last blog post and comment on facebook that they were, "great".) She has a blog now, if your interested. More on things besides "hair" soon!

Rolling Twists

2010-06-28T11:21:00.003+02:00

It is forever my ambition to learn more ways to style Cecelia's hair. I recently came across a mom who makes videos while doing her daughters' hair. I got really excited and inspired, but when it came time to actually try it, as you may guess, it was hard (for me) to figure out. Well, with a little help from my dear fellow-JV missionary friend, Emily, we have a good start.

Here is Emily doing Cece's hair this weekend. She did these rolling twists into puffs. It was her very first time doing Cece's hair, but she used to do hair for a living, so her learning curve is a tad smaller than mine.

Because it was her first time, it already needed to be redone today. So, I stuck in a DVD, camped Cece in front of the TV, and went at it (took me an hour and 50 minutes). Thankfully, Emily had the parts already done, so I just redid the twists. It is by no means amazing, but I did these flat-rolling twists that are supposed to stay in for awhile. I'm really excited about them because I think they look really cute (especially the ones I've seen online), and if I learn to do them well, I can go longer without doing her hair. Of course, I had to share--my first time with rolling twists:

Three Brothers' Festival

2010-06-21T15:41:00.003+02:00

If I were a historian, perhaps this post would share some background information about the Czech/Polish Festival we attended in Cesky Tesin, a city near ours. However, this post will focus, instead, on the awesomeness of Cece's expression when she is wearing sunglasses. (I think it actually has to do with her trying to keep them from falling off her face, but her bottom lip comes out, and it is the greatest thing I have ever seen!)

She also started dancing to the music, but she kept her cool:

"Whoah" (Noah) took her on a ride:

Happy Father's Day and Happy Anniversary

2010-06-20T14:56:00.005+02:00

Brian and I were married on Saturday, June 19th, 2004 and Father's Day fell the the next day, Sunday, June 20th.

Saturday, June 19th, 2004:

Recent 2010:

I didn't think much about Father's day on that particular, June 20th, 2004 (although, I had thought ahead and got my dad something before my wedding--I still have the to-do lists, if you like to see them:)). However, this anniversary and Father's day were quite different for me. Both mean a lot more than I even realized.

Today, Father's Day, June 20th 2010:

Brian's love language is acts of service (meaning he'd really like me to do something for him--like, update our budget or make him a great meal--I did one of the two for Father's day). However, I just want to say that having an anniversary and Father's day so close together really made me realize blessed I am. I'm not going to go on and on (because some things are not for the world to hear and because Brian does better when I say words of affirmation concisely--he's not one for doting). I will say though that I found myself crying more than once today because I am so overwhelmed by the husband and father that Brian is! Not only am I living my dream with the man that I love, but he is really an amazing father.

Cece and I made this video for him, and we thought the world would like to see this:):

Happy Father's Day, Brian from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Stephens' June Update VIDEO!

2010-06-15T10:03:00.003+02:00

So much has happened since we arrived in Eastern Europe a little over three months ago. We tried to cram as much as we could in our first update video since we arrived. We hope it gives you a small glimpse into what life is like for us. We are really glad we are here! (iPhone users, please visit our mobile me gallery.)

Stephens' June Update Video from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

America's Next Top Model?

2010-05-27T12:11:00.003+02:00

I just realized that I never posted these pictures that were taken like two months ago, which is hard to imagine that it's possible to have had pictures from here that were taken two months ago. Whew. Time is flying.

Anyway, Cece spent a lot of time with Hannah and Hayley Ellenwood while I was unpacking our house back in March. One time, and I repeat one time, she watched some America's Next Top Model with them. Like, it was on at their house while she played.

Well, soon after that, she was playing with some dress up clothes that I had unpacked and put in a special basket in her room. She looked so cute, I got the camera out, and she started posing, and I mean posing! I was in shock. I immediately text Hannah to ask if she taught her how to pose, and Hannah had no idea what Cece was even doing. She picked it up all on her own--maybe with a little help from America's Next Top Model. Hmmm . . . not sure what to think of that.

I just can't believe I forgot to post them!

Cece's Friends

2010-05-13T09:34:00.002+02:00

Last week, we were a part of the Josiah Venture Spring Conference. Our hearts are full of things to share, so we're going to put an update video together soon. Until then, we want to share some new (and "old") friends:

Katka, from the Czech Republic (Cece can say her name clearly; LOVE it!):

"Uncle" Mel (Ellenwood)--we love the Ellenwoods, but you know that:

Kate, a missionary kid living in Ukraine:

Jillian (Carlson), whom you've seen several times on this blog:

Sarah, from Arizona, who came to serve and help take care of the kids at the conference:

Brittany, a missionary in Ukraine, who loves to dance too!

We just love our friends!

Something to Aspire to . . .

2010-05-02T22:30:00.003+02:00

Today, Brian, Cece and I had the honor of attending a baptist at a church in Český Těšín‎, about thirty minutes away from where we live. The Ellenwoods, whom you've heard a little bit about, attend that church. Hayley and Noah, their youngest children, were baptized today. As I sat watching those two American missionary kids among about ten other Czech and Polish Christians sharing their testimonies and desire to get baptized, I could not help thinking--this is what I aspire to. Mel and Amy Ellenwood have been serving with Josiah Venture for over ten years, and their youngest children were being baptized in the church that Mel and Amy began attending and partnering with all those years ago. And, their children were being baptized among a minority of Eastern Europeans who hear about the love of Christ and decide to proclaim their commitment to follow Him publicly. I'm not sure what the future holds, but it sure gave me a real picture of why we are here, and a desire to really live like those that have gone before me!

Mel and Amy are in front, and their daughter Hayley is third in from the left, and Noah is on the far right.

The Way it Should Be

2010-04-29T21:06:00.003+02:00

This is not Wednesday, so I can't do "wordless Wednesday", but not much explanation is needed:):

I will say we've had Caleb and Claire Patty over for dinner the second week in a row, and I'm hoping we're starting a tradition!

Thankful

2010-04-28T19:06:00.004+02:00

Today, I am thankful for:

My cousin, Ryan, coming to visit (the first of our family to come).

Getting to see the Carlson's so often, now that we live an hour away.

The wok my brother Rollie and his wife Caitlyn bought us (I have been limited to cooking solely on a cook-top waiting for the oven to get hooked up).

The tree outside our bedroom window that suddenly bloomed.

And, IKEA rugs that make orange carpet look a little better! (Yes, that is an alligator at the end of our hallway--we have Grandma Stephens to thank for that:).)

Sunshine, Our Town Square, Orange Carpet, and My Favorite Girls

2010-04-24T15:12:00.004+02:00

Today was a beautiful day in Frýdlant nad Ostravicí‎. Some of my favorite girls came to spend the night last night--the Carlson girls! My cousin Melanie and I spent a whole summer in Poland with the Carlsons in 1999, and Kelsey, the oldest, was Cece's age. In 2000, Melanie and I also took a trip to Vancouver, WA to see Jillian when she was born.

Here are some pictures from today that also show our town square. This day makes up for yesterday's adventure: our landlord installing bright orange carpet in our hallway (Brian had three conversations with him about brown carpet). Hmmm. Well, we can live with orange carpet, I guess:)!

She's crying because of the orange carpet!

Where is Brian, you might ask? He is at IKEA, our second home!

Cece Speaking "Czech" and English

2010-04-19T16:03:00.003+02:00

We finally have internet at our house! Rather than express to you how frustrating the whole process was, I am just going to post this great video of Cece in celebration! Hope you enjoy:

Cece Speaking "Czech" and English from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Easter Egg Hunt!

2010-04-07T14:48:00.002+02:00

We still don't have internet at our house yet, so I'm sending this from our friends Petr and Lauren's place (their kids are actually in some of these photos--Lia and Toby, Cece's new friends). Connie Patty planned this Easter Egg Hunt, and I mean, it was so great! Because I am not at home, I don't have time to write clever little things about the photos, but I think the photos speak for themselves!

Unpacking, Settling, Reading Cece the Same Book Over and Over

2010-03-31T17:42:00.002+02:00

We don't have internet at our house, yet. I have been so busy trying to unpack, clean, and "get settled" that I haven't left the house to get internet access, until this afternoon. I don't have a lot of time, so I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves, mostly.

Here is what it was looking like:

Here is what it looks like, as of today:

Notice the missing oven and dishwasher? They didn't work, so we're going to get some new ones, soon!

Does anyone speak German? We are learning, so we can do our laundry!

Notice the book in all these pictures? This is the book Cece asks me to read to her over and over and over and over . . . .

There's still more work to be done! We are sure missing all of you!

Feeling a Little Bit Like This . . .

2010-03-23T10:54:00.002+01:00

I'm feeling a little bit like this today:

By no means if life terrible, but the chaos of transition is real. We are truly excited about the house we are renting; however, it's just taking some time to be able to move in. The landlord is remodeling the bathroom, which is really great. On a minor side note, he asked me what I wanted in the bathroom before they started, which was so kind of him. I said, "white, modern, neutral". Well, somehow that got translated/carried out to be tiles with brown, orange, and yellow flowers:)!

Back to the chaos. We were living in the Patty's apartment until they ran out of gas to heat their home (they have a great wood stove in their house, but it doesn't send heat to the apartment), so we packed up our stuff and moved in with the Ellenwood's over a week ago. We are so loving their family, but we were thinking any day we'd be unpacking our boxes, but . . . remodeling takes time, so we wait.

Hopefully, we'll be moving in late this week. Just to give you a little glimpse into my heart, here is my prayer today:

Lord God,

Please help me to be encouraged today. Help us to get settled quickly. Give us the strength and grace we need in the chaos of being unsettled, being disconnected by dear friends and family by several time-zones, learning a new language (we had our first language lesson last night:)), connecting and developing new friendships, living with and depending on others, working and learning new jobs (especially Brian), continuing to be a good wife and mom, trying to stay motivated to work-out, spend time studying your word, pray, send updates, schedule our weeks, plan our summer, think of ways those we love can serve short-term, and do laundry. God help me!

Please Lord Jesus give us strength, the right heart, encouragement, love for each other and others and peace! I am glad I'm here, though! Amen.

Brian's Birthday: March 14th

2010-03-17T19:22:00.002+01:00

Saturday was Brian's birthday (I'm not saying which one because we're both getting to the age where we're just having birthdays, but we're going to stay the same age). We are far away from home; however, we were able to spend Brian's birthday with the Carlson's, and that felt like home! So much thanks to them for making Brian's day so perfect!

We met them in Poland at an indoor water park. I have some great video that I will post later. Brian said his favorite part was taking Cece down the water slide. Kelsey, Jillian, Brian and Cece all went down and got up out of the pool at about the same time. Kelsey turned to her sister, Jillian, and said, "do you want to go again?" Cece said, "yeah!"

After the water park, they took us to a great restaurant with really tasty pizza. Then, we went to their house for cake. They made a cake with coconut frosting, which is one of Brian's favorites.

Then, the cherry on top was that the next night the Patty's took Brian to a restaurant in a near by city, Ostrava, for his FAVORITE dessert: creme brulee.

I'm so thankful for Brian. These pictures show how amazing it is to be here and how well we are being taken care of. But, there are certainly some hard things too. I will surely have posts from time-to-time that will share some of the hard. However, right now, I just want to say that sharing life with Brian makes life better than I ever dreamed it would be. I am honored to share this adventure with him. He is such a great man, and I am beyond proud of him for stepping out in extreme faith and saying yes to something that is going to have such a huge impact on Cece and I (not to mention the Kingdom of God). I love you, Brian!

Postcard from Czech

2010-03-10T23:29:00.002+01:00

It's not supposed to stay "Starring Postcard from Czech" at the beginning. I changed it to say "Postcard from Czech", but as amazing as iMovie is, sometimes the program doesn't listen to me! I'm too impatient to uploaded again! Hope you enjoy despite the minor error!

Postcard from Czech from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T13:02:00.002+01:00

My cousin's wife, Melissa, got an idea (from another blog) to do something called Wordless Wednesday. The gist of it is that you just post a picture and let it speak for itself. So, without further ado:

Missional Church

2010-03-08T10:48:00.002+01:00

Reflections from my quiet-time this morning (well, it wasn't quiet because I was listening to a podcast, but it's quiet now as I'm reflecting):

Several weeks ago, my brother, Joel, introduced me to Nomad Podcast. A small group of young couples in Nottingham, UK interviews Christian authors, leaders, ministers and explores questions of church, community, missions, etc. I have not listened to all of them, but the ones I have left me thinking, thinking, thinking. (Joel said he doesn't agree with all the interviewees, but it certainly makes one think.) I LOVE when I discover something like this. For a person who has grown up in the church, it can sometimes be hard to find teaching that challenges my thinking. Couple that with asking the Holy Spirit to really move in my own heart and teach me something, and, to me, those moments are Kingdom moments! Thought I'd share a taste with you.

So, I'm here. I'm a missionary, but what does that mean? Don't get me wrong, we have a clear calling, a clear role (especially Brian), a mission organization with a clear mission, vision, focus, etc. that we so believe in and are honored to be a part of. I just find myself thinking that I need to constantly be searching my own heart to ask important questions about Christ, His heart for the world, His church, His mission and His calling on my life to serve.

This podcast really stirred and inspired me. The Nomad Podcast was an interview with Mike Frost. I know nothing about him except what I heard in this podcast. However, his words just resonated with me. You really should just listen for yourself because I wouldn't do the topic justice by trying to summarize. Though, I will share some of my thinking.

We're really starting a "new" life here in Frydlant. Before diving head first into many responsibilities, I am now desiring to really spend time in prayer asking God to whom is He sending me. Now, you may think that's crazy because I've already "been sent", and yes, that is true. But, more specifically, who are the people that God is sending me to (as a gift to them is the way Mike Frost put it--love that--"as a gift to them"). It is definitely to this city, with this organization (Josiah Venture), but I really want God to direct me more specific than that. Is it moms with young kids? Is it young missionary couples joining Josiah Venture? Is it our new neighbors? Is it young teenage girls? (Possibly some of all of these?)

For sure, I have responsibilities to serve with Josiah Venture. I will be working with JV families to help with the education of their kids. That's missional, for sure, and my head spins with ideas all the time, and I can't WAIT to get started. What I'm talking about, though, is relationships, friendships, our life! To whom is He sending me?

The aspect about the topic of this podcast that I love the most is that it's not a podcast intended for missionaries! In fact, our life in Charlotte was missional. Life in Christ should be missional. What I think is unique about our situation is the need. Eastern Europe is dark spiritually. It won't take long (but, perhaps a lot of effort in language learning) before friendships will be with people who have never really experienced the love of Christ or the joy of living as a part of His Kingdom. In fact, the needs kind of overwhelms me until I stop and think, okay, God wants me here, I need to seek Him, so that I truly bring His love to people; He will guide me.

Please, dear God, in the midst of so many new things, please help my life to be missional. Bring people into my life whom I can love with your love. Help our life, our marriage, our parenting, our friendships to be examples of Your community and Your design. God help me.

Here is our new town (however, it is covered in snow currently:)).

And, a picture of Cece--just because:)! Taken by Hannah Ellenwood, a JV missionary kid whom you will hear more about soon:)!

Rental House Post #1

2010-03-06T23:11:00.002+01:00

We are renting a house! So far this week, we have seen the house, met our landlords, picked out paint colors, listened to a lot of Czech that we couldn't understand (had some of it translated:)), met with the painter (well, Brian did this morning).

I have to expand on that. Brian said the funny thing about talking with someone who speaks another language than you is that you both speak in complete sentences. Today, Brian met the painter at the house we are renting. We had gone previously, and I had tried out the colors I had picked in each room. The painter was there to measure, so he knows how much paint to get at the paint store. I have already communicated (with the help of a dear friend, Katka) with the paint store owner which rooms are to be painted which color. Brian was just going to let the painter into the house, so he could measure. However, how can you resist trying to communicate, so Brian was showing him around the house, pointing to the colors, and the painter was asking Brian questions. Brian said they both spoke in complete sentences, and they understood each other the opposite of completely! :)

Here are a few pics of the house; just keep in mind that I took them really fast, so they aren't that great. Regardless of what you think, keep in mind who my parents are--with a little paint, and my mom's creative genes following through me, I'll have it looking like "our home" in no time! Those pics in a few weeks (hopefully:)).

Also, Peter (another dear friend) talked with the landlords during our meeting and convinced them to remodel the very outdated bathroom before we move in! When we went there to try out the paint, a guy was already starting to demolish the bathroom. In fact, Brian helped him carry the old tub out! So, add that to the previous list--so far this week, we have seen the house, met our landlords, picked out paint colors, listened to a lot of Czech that we couldn't understand (had some of it translated:)), met with the painter (well, Brian did this morning), and Brian helped carry out the old tub of the house we are renting. Life has begun.

The living/dining area:

The kitchen:

One of three bedrooms (there's also an office):

The laundry room (you're looking at the current dryer, but we'll probably get a different kind:)):

Eleven Years Later . . .

2010-03-02T12:54:00.009+01:00

We are here! Flying into Krakow, Poland yesterday with my husband and child was surreal to say the least. We were greeted by new friends and old friends. The old friends, the Carlson's, were the first Josiah Venture missionaries I ever met; I first served as an intern with them about eleven years ago.

It's crazy to think that eleven years ago, I first arrived in Eastern Europe! Last night, I was laying in bed, awake at 12:30am Czech time, and the excitement started to seep through again. For the last several weeks, the sadness of all the good-byes was really hitting me. It is amazing to me how it is possible to feel two sets of emotions so strongly.

Here is Cece at my parents' house in Minnesota. I wish I had taken a picture of my mom, dad, brother, Joel and sister-in-law, Crista waving good-bye to Cece and I as we were peeking through security. As Cecelia and I rounded the corner at the Minneapolis airport, Cece started blowing kisses saying, "good-bye, love you!" What a beautiful moment in my life--how blessed we are be to loved by people so much that it hurts so much to say good-bye.

Brian's sister, Susan and kids, Sydney and Colton came to Chicago to say good-bye our last two days in the states. It meant so much to us to have family with us then.

So began our eighteen hours of traveling from Chicago to Frydlant, Czech Republic! (I don't look so great in this picture, but Cece seems ready for the adventure:).)

Cecelia did amazing on the plane. She slept for the first five hours on the first flight; she woke up, though, with three hours left, so Brian was trying to get her back to sleep. He put the blanket over their heads in the hopes that she wouldn't be distracted:); it didn't work, she was wide awake!

And, here we are after arriving in Poland with the Carlson's (who arrived back to Poland after a short trip to the states; our flights were in an hour of each other). How special to be greeted by them after all these years of considering Josiah Venture!

Here I am several years ago in Poland with Kelsey, the Carlson's oldest daughter, when she was a young girl. I first met her when she was Cece's age!

So, we had our first meal with Kelsey--not a young girl anymore, the rest of the Carlson's and Nate and Emily Hughes (huge thanks to Nate and Emily for coming to pick us up - we can't wait to get to know them better!). And, we are eating at McDonald's in Poland. This was ironically Cece's first time eating at a McDonald's!

After that, our new friends, Nate and Emily, drove us to our new home-town, Frýdlant nad Ostravicí, Czech Republic where we were greeted by the Patty's. We'll be staying at the Patty's until our crate arrives in a few weeks. Brian, Cece, and I woke up this morning at 10am (Cece slept twelve hours last night--whoo hoo), and we were giddy! We just couldn't wait to start life here . . . a dream that God put in my heart eleven years ago!

Every Child Should Have a Golden Retriever

2010-02-18T18:38:00.002+01:00

This is my parents' dog. Our dog, Zory, has been with "Uncle Paul" for several months. There is a chance that Brian's parents will bring her this summer . . . . Why? Because every child should have a golden:

Support Raising

2010-02-17T22:24:00.004+01:00

To say that we're excited is such an understatement. As of Thursday, February 11th, we reached our support raising requirements, and purchased our tickets to fly to Czech on February 28th (we're actually flying to Poland, but soon after arriving in Czech, of course).

The support raising process. Whew. How to describe it? It is one of the most faith-filled journeys on which I have ever been.

I remember when I was ten years old, yep, ten. I sold advertisements for KVBR radio in my hometown of Brainerd, MN. The way that got started is a long story, but I sold two ads, I think, and made forty dollars. I just remember being so unashamed. Not really that same boldness through-out this whole process, but I think in some ways, that kind of raw, innocent, straight-to-the-point attitude that I had as a ten year old served me well as I took big gasps, said silent prayers and presented to potential supporters what God is doing in Eastern Europe.

While the process required stepping out of our comfort zones, as I am not quite as bold now as I was when I was ten, it has been a surprising, blessed process. For sure, it requires a sincere humility that we continually pray God works in us, but mostly, it has been an incredible blessing.

It literally brings tears to my eyes when I think of all those that have joined our team, prayed for us, encouraged us, and given. The bond that we will have with those who are partnering with us in ministry is one that we have only just begun to taste, and I believe it is a little bit like the way The Kingdom is supposed to be. How sweet it is to taste!

While "the process" is not over, so I've heard--support raising is an on-going one as it is vital that we communicate our ministry with those that share it, and the reality of change--people end their support and others join. So, we remain in the support raising stage throughout our ministry. However, it will never look quite like this again. I want to remember the intensity, the fear, the faith-building, and the joy.

Right now, I want to celebrate that we are currently 100% supported, that our tickets are purchased, our crate is packed and on its way to Czech, and we are leaving to experience a dream that God placed on my heart nearly 11 years ago. Seriously, I'm overwhelmed.

Here we are the summer of 2003 in Poland together:

Here is a recent photo of us:

Soon, we'll post one of us in the Czech Republic! Whooo Hoo!

Disclaimer: The reality of good-bye has really not hit us yet, and I don't feel like crying today. So, that post will come later . . . .

Braids

2010-02-02T02:57:00.002+01:00

Yep! Another post about Cece's hair. If you continue following our blog, you can expect more posts on the subject in the future, I'm sure. Because we are likely departing for Czech the end of February, I wanted to get Cece's hair done before we leave. While I'm hopeful that we'll be able to find a place or even have Emily who already serves with JV in Czech do her hair, I wanted to do it once while I was "at home" to become more familiar with the process.

Well, it turns out the Mouna's, located in down-town Denver, was a cross-cultural experience in and of itself. Some of the "highlights":

When I walked in, I was not greeted at a front desk, instead I talked to the woman lying on the couch about getting my daughter's hair done.

The lady asked me what I would pay. (I had no idea, so I asked her what was reasonable, she gave a price, and I countered. I probably paid more than I need to, but . . . .)

I had to go and get cash out of an ATM before they would start.

I was told to pick out beads; I had no idea how many or how they would be used in her hair.

The lady who was braiding her hair kept picking up the extensions (the hair she was adding) off the floor.

HOWEVER, the lady really knew what she was doing and put up with Cece moving her head quite frequently.

The women did comment on how good Cece was being, and said, "you must do her hair." I was a proud momma!

How long did it take? Over an hour. How did I get Cece to sit still that long? An unmentionable amount of Cheerios.

So without further ado, here is my daughter who went into Mouna's a baby and came out a little girl:

Missionary Training International

2010-01-28T23:01:00.003+01:00

Here's a little glimpse into what we are learning and experiencing at MTI. MTI is what Josiah Venture requires all MIT (missionaries in training) to attend. It has exceeded our expectations in what we are discovering about ourselves and how we feel God is preparing us to move to the Czech Republic to serve with Josiah Venture:

When I first arrived, I was not excited about learning the Czech language at all (having a lot to do with mourning not learning Polish). Now, I cannot wait!

Brian and I discovered through the language learning activities that we learn well together. (We're both a little competitive, but it works well for us). In fact, we got invited to our language-helpers' house for dinner. We were the first ever in the program to be invited over for dinner by our language helper.

Brian and I learned that we have very different conflict management styles! Good to know after five and a half years:), but I really understand why he does some of the things he does (meaning, it's not wrong, just different from me).

I should have listened to Brian about letting Cece nap in the nursery days ago. Not only is she not screaming when we drop her off anymore, she's walking there (yep, walking) on her own. When I ask her if she wants to go to class, she shakes her head and says, "yeah!" Then, today, she took both naps just great in the nursery (instead of me picking her up, putting her down in our room, and listening to her on a monitor).

Both Brian and I were challenged today regarding healthy Sabbath rest.

Cecelia is having a great time with the kids here--they just love her! I am officially "Cece's mommy" and not Aleisha anymore.

I was challenged through our personal coaching time that I need to be passionate about making sure that Brian has time for himself.

"How many people do you think about when you buy a toaster? How many people will come into consideration when you buy a toaster as a missionary?"

I handle stress better than I thought--like having a pillowcase over my head in a role-play (I was keeping my eye on the "bad-guy's" fake gun the whole time. I totally would have kicked it out of his hand if it were real life.)

I found out that Brian thinks I'm strong. Brian got a little testy with this one guy that tried to argue with him about why he should be "executed" (in the role-play) and not Brian. The guy tried to argue that his wife was stronger and could handle it better--Brian strongly disagreed.

Brian is really good at foosball.

I really like good coffee.

It is interesting because a lot of this is about us, but in so many ways, it will be important for us to know and respond to these things about ourselves to maintain longevity in ministry.

Cece's First Time Sledding

2010-01-14T22:17:00.002+01:00

This past weekend, we had the privilege of staying with my "aunt and uncle" Cora Jean and Jerry in the mountains near Golden (more on them later). Jerry showed us the perfect "first sledding hill" and provided a great sled for Cece to go for the first time. I think this video is just hilarious! Listen closely at the end.

Cece's First Time Sledding from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Our Journey: We Are So Very Close

2010-01-12T04:47:00.002+01:00

We have begun Our Journey to serve with Josiah Venture in the Czech Republic. We are almost there; watch our video to see Our Journey and to hear about our support raising and how very close we are! (Cece is in here a lot:))

January 2010 Update from Aleisha Stephens on Vimeo.

Tampa--Stop Two on our Way to Czech

2010-01-06T21:16:00.005+01:00

Right after Christmas, we flew to Tampa where Brian's parents live. Brian has three brothers and three sisters; Cece is the nineteenth grandchild. All 30+ of the Stephens' family came to Tampa from many states (Texas, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Missouri) to say good-bye to us! We cannot put into words what it meant to have Brian's whole family together one more time before we leave for the Czech Republic. Here are some highlights:

The bi-annual Stephens' football game:

Cece's godmother, Jamie, giving her her first Christmas presents (in Brian's family, Godparents buy Christmas presents and have a special place in each child's life). Jamie is Brian's oldest niece:

Karen and Andy had a dedication ceremony for all their children, very similar to Cece's dedication. Brian is Kendall's godfather, and I am Courtney's godmother:

Here are some precious pictures of Cece with her cousins (Kendall has been mentioned before on this blog--she is about eight months older than Cece):

As far as visiting us in the Czech Republic, Brian's brother Mark, his wife, and their five boys, Brian's mom and dad, and Brian's niece Katherine are all coming to serve and see us the end of July. And, Jamie, Brian's niece/Cece's godmother is going to culinary school (Cor Don Bleu) is Paris this fall!

We just love that we were able to spend GREAT time with both our families! The last night in Tampa after balling my eyes out after saying good-bye, I whispered to Brian, "we have great families!!" We would not be making this journey to become missionaries serving in Eastern Europe without the love, support and examples of both our families! To whom much is given, much is required!

Lakewood

2009-12-24T19:21:00.005+01:00

On December 20th, we were introduced to my home church, Lakewood. Lakewood is one of our supporting churches, and it is incredible to me that I first went to Eastern Europe with Lakewood over ten years ago. My youth group took a two-week trip in 1998. Lakewood and several dear family friends have been supporting me ever since on all my short-term trips. We had the honor of being introduced as Lakewood missionaries.

In addition, Pastor Dan also did a dedication ceremony. We committed to raising Cecelia to know and understand who Christ is--the hope He brings to her and to the world.

The "Ten" of Us

2009-12-24T19:00:00.003+01:00

Dave, Jen, Aleisha, Joel, Rollie, Neal, Kathy, Melanie, Mark and Luke--the ten of us has grown quite substantially in just five years, really.

Here is a picture of us vacationing together the summer of 2001:

Here we are at one of the weddings this summer:

Here we are this Christmas; we have almost doubled in size, and Melanie is pregnant, so soon there will be nineteen:

It is getting more and more difficult to get all "ten" of us together at the same time. The reality that we are going to be living on the other side of the ocean will likely make it even more difficult. This Christmas we found one evening that we could all get together--we met in Maple Grove at Joel and Crista's, spent a few fantastic hours together, and then, dispersed to our individual holiday plans.

I sure love my family, and you better come and visit me in Czech!!!

"Jack--son"

2009-12-24T18:46:00.006+01:00

Cece has a few names that she can say very clearly: Jill (the dog), Daddy, JT (her friend), Kendall (her cousin), and Jackson (her cousin). Jackson is six months old and weighs as much as Cece (he's a Gaalswyk boy). They are the center of attention now when the Gaalswyk's get together--can you see why?

Minnesota--stop one on our way to Czech

2009-12-24T18:10:00.004+01:00

Well, our journey to the Czech Republic has really begun. Cece and I flew to Minnesota the day after her birthday, on the 11th. Brian had his last day of work on the 17th. Then, he drove our one remaining car to Minnesota. This is the beginning of our move--we have a few stops along the way, and then, if we raise 100% of our support, we fly to Czech on February 28th!

"Uncle Rollie is teaching me how to play video games!"

"MMM . . . Lollipops are good."

"Then, Mommy took it away . . . ."

"I love Grandma!"

We visited my cousins in Duluth--beautiful, but cold . . . .

Well, this is only a few of the pictures that we have taken in Minnesota, and don't you worry, more posts to come . . . .

Cece's "Third" First Birthday

2009-12-14T23:26:00.003+01:00

Well, this is the last, first birthday celebration for Cecelia! Our dear friends, Brian and Janelle, offered to host Cece's birthday party (on her actual birthday--December 10th). It was also Cece's and my last night in Charlotte! Some of our dearest friends came to celebrate Cece's birthday and to say good-bye. It meant so much to us to share this special day with such good friends who we have lived life with these past few years!

I forgot to take pictures of our "adult" friends. The picture above is actually a few nights before Cece's birthday with the Burdette's, who were at her party. I guess that just means they all need to come visit us in the Czech Republic! We will miss you all so very much!

Cece's "Second" First Birthday

2009-12-07T20:14:00.002+01:00

On Saturday, we met Cece's birthfamily to celebrate her "second" first birthday. Brian had a genius idea of going to Build-a-Bear. Cece and Mackenzy (her biological sister) made matching bears. We just cannot believe it was one year ago (on Thursday) that we first met Cece in the hospital and spent hours getting to know her birthfamily. We are so thankful that we serve a God who truly makes all things possible!

Go Gators--Cece Style

2009-12-05T23:39:00.003+01:00

Our dear friends, the Seeligs are letting us watch the SEC championship at their house. They are actually watching it there! This is how Cece watches the Gators!

This is her mid-lips saying, "Ggggaa Gaaa", which means, "Go Gators!"

"What is the defense doing???"

"This is getting a little scary."

"My mommy and my aunt Karen made this hair clip!"

"I love the Gators, but I really love this big, stuffed dog."

"Thank goodness the Gators just scored a touchdown; otherwise, we never would have been able to get my daddy to take this picture."

This is only the first half! We're still watching it; please win, Gators! "We weathered the storm. Now it's a matter of going in the lockerroom and figuring it out," says Brian, who has been just a little bit stressed.