Back in the swing

After spending and encouraging and eventful summer back in the States (many thanks to all helped us along the way), we returned to China in mid-August. After a rough few days of jetlag, we jumped right in preparing for the uncoming school year, which is off to a great start!

The school has doubled in size in the past year (from about 85 to about 170), so it is a little more hectic. Steve is teaching Math (seriously, I'm pretty smart), and Carissa teaches 3 science classes. Ruthee is in the 3rd grade (the pandas) and Vaylah is in the 1st (the chameleons). They both are doing very well and love it. Dayuma goes to school for 3 hours while mommy teaches, and Abishai goes to the nursery where he sleeps most of the time. All the kids are doing well, and Abishai is growing so fast. It's hard to believe he is six months already!

On the ministry front things are going well. Steve's saturday night class is his highlight of the week. There is a core group who come every week, and there is some real growth being seen. Continue to lift these young believers up, that they would hold fast to their faith.

The youth group (currently only once a month) also had a great start to the year, with about 25 young people coming out. We played a live action version of 'Clue', spread out over the school campus. this was followed with a simple gospel presentation. Keep this in your thoughts, that the Father would raise someone up to take this on as a full-time responsibility, or for Steve to have the strength to put more into it.

Later this month (in just a couple days in fact) we will be traveling to another province and visiting some friends. There is some full-time 'work' taking place there, and we are going there as a scouting trip, to see if this is a place that the Father would call us to in the future. we are really excited just having a few days off and getting to see some other areas in country. the province is home to the most ethnic minority groups (and most unreached people groups) in the entire country. We are excited to see what He is going to do!

We are thankful for:

A fantastic summer with family and friends

Safe travels back

Provision for all of our needs

Current good health

Are requests are:

Wisdom and protection

The saturday night class and youth group

Continued language acquisition

Our upcoming trip and discerning the call of the Father

Keep lifting us up!

Winding down and coming home for the summer!

As we head toward the month of June, the school year is rapidly coming to a close. Things have not, however, slowed down. Time seems to be whirling by, and it feels like we are busier than ever. The baby is doing great, growing like a champ,and giving us a run for our money at times. We still feel so blessed to finally have a son. Carissa has recovered nicely and is feeling good. The girls are all doing great - enjoying school, learning how to swim and really showing a lot of progress in their language acquisition.

This past month was also a month of firsts. We had our first visit from a family member (aunt Christi!), and while she was here we also took our first trip out of our province. We had an opportunity to visit one of the most famous scenic areas in China, a city called Yangshuo. We had a wonderfully relaxing time lazying on a raft down the Li river, exploring a cave with hotsprings, and bargaining at the local market. It was a blessing to be able to share this amazing and fun time as a family.

We also had a first in ministry related activities. This past friday we had our first 'youth activity'. We had 15 young people attend (more than I was anticipating). We were able to rent out a local gym and had a fun time just hanging out and playing with the kids. This was followed by a time of worship and then a short teaching. Please keep this new ministry lifted up, as it is so important to reach this young generation - the world is aggressively pursuing them and temptations are everywhere.

The saturday night foundations class is also going well. We have a steady group of around 15 who are coming week after week, and we are really beginning to see some growth. Please continue to keep this lifted up as well, both for the H.S. to be with Steve and for protection in general.

We have been blessed to be able to buy tickets to come home for the summer and show off the new baby. We will be flying into JFK on the 27th of June and will be in the philly area for about two weeks. Then we will travel down to South Carolina for two weeks, then back up to philly again until we fly back out on the 9th of August. We would love to see as many of you as possible, if any of those dates work, save us some time!

We are thankful for -

-A sweet visit with Steve's sister Christi

-Health of the new baby and mama

-New ministry opportunities

Our requests are-

-Continued wisdom from above

-Finishing the school year strong

-Getting all necessary documentation for the baby in order to leave on time

We greatly appreciate all of your 'thoughts' toward us - on our own strength we can do nothing,

Steve, Carissa, Ruthee, Vaylah, Dayuma and Abishai

Abishai Stephen!

The Father granted our request! On March 27th, at 5:11 pm (local time), our son Abishai Stephen Reeves was born! He weighed 3.1 kgs and was 50 cm long (which is 6 pounds 8 ounces and 20 inches .....we think) We took his name from stories about King David and his mighty men. Abishai was one of David's nephews, but also a general in his army. He was a brave warrior and a loyal friend. We hope our Abishai will be the same. Ruthee, Vaylah, and Dayuma are delighted to have a "baby boy brother" and that is quickly becoming his nickname. Mom and baby are recovering at home together while the other wheels keep spinning.

Ministry is going well. There is a pretty consistent group coming out to the saturday 'class' at this point, and we are really beginning to see some growth. Please keep this lifted up to the Father as we move into this important holiday season. Starting last week steve began teaching through the last week of the sons life and coming up this week we will talk about and then take part in the special 'supper' for the first time as a group. This will culminate in two weeks with a special sunrise service at a local park where we will be combining with another group in the area and enjoying a special time of worship and reflection on the empty tomb! Please ask the father for wisdom and protection, as well as discernment in the way of caution for this event. There are also several other opportunities for ministry here that we are considering; we want to be used where He wants us, though.

We miss everyone greatly and covet all of your correspondence and 'thoughts' toward us!

We are thankful for:

-Our son! and that momma and baby are both doing well

-Fruit in the foundations class

-Friendships we have formed here

-Steve's sister coming very soon to visit!

Our requests are:

-Continued health of momma and baby

-For healing for Ruthee - she has had a long-term sinuous infection and it is effecting her hearing

-Discernment and protection in ministry

II Samuel 23:18 (That's what I'm talking about!)

In Between Two New Years

We are only a month into the new year, but it has been an interesting one to say the least! On January 1st we decided to take the kids to the zoo for a fun family day, which quickly turned not so fun. While waiting in line to buy tickets, Carissa stepped away briefly to measure Vaylah's height - at which point her purse was promptly stolen (taken off the arm of the stroller, with Dayuma sitting in it! no id inside and only a little cash, but they did get the camera). This was followed shortly thereafter by one of the kids throwing up, and having to go home before they even got inside. The rest of the month has seemingly been on the same path. No, we haven't had anything else stolen, but the whole family has been pretty consistently sick. It just keeps going from one person to the next. We have had the continued feeling that there is much warfare taking place, not just with our family, but also in the city. But we have a good Father, and he has continued to strengthen us. Carissa is doing well baby-wise. She is 30 weeks now (she told me the other day we just started the 4th quarter - that's when you know you're truly becoming one flesh :) we are getting so excited to meet our new little guy! or girl! or guy! but seriously, we really don't care what we have, as long as it's a boy.

There are lot's of things happening here on other fronts. The Saturday night class is going great. It truly is the thing I look forward to the most. It is such a priveledge to help try and build a firm foundation with this group. Please keep lifting this to the father - for continued wisdom, fresh filling and protection.

School is going well. We have one more week until we get another break (two weeks for chinese new year) after which Carissa will not be returning to the classroom. We are really looking forward to a time of rest and refreshing.

In other big news, an offshoot ministry of the fellowship here has sprung to life recently in the form of Haven of Hope - an orphanage run and supported by brothers and sisters from the school and local fellowship. There are currently three children, all under age 3 and all special needs. Please lift these little ones up, as we know that they are precious in His sight. We look forward with anticipation in helping rescue some of the least of these.

Aside from being sick off and on, the girls are doing great. They are all really enjoying school, and are looking forward to the temperature warming up so they can use the roller blades they got for Christmas (yes, even dayuma!). and yes we did take pictures on christmas, but they were never taken off of said stolen camera, so enjoy these of them in some traditional chinese costumes! we miss everyone back home, and count on your continually lifting us up to the father!

Our requests are: language acquisition; healing for sick bodies; continued health for carissa and baby; for our family to continue to be drawn closer together and closer to our master.

Three Months in

Well, December has crept up on us once again, and we finally have a working internet connection to let all of you know what has been going on these past couple months. So here's the big revelation - life here, after three months, seems normal. We still have to talk with a lot of hand gestures and the occasional animal noise (if it keeps me from ending up with the accidental plate of man's best friend, I'll put up with the laughs). We have settled into a nice daily routine, and are being kept busy teaching at school, and with the kids at home. Language acquisition is progressing slowly but surely, with classes three nights a week. Please continue to lift this up - so many doors for ministry will open the more we are able to converse in the native tongue.

The ministry here has had an interesting time lately. There was a major sporting event (the Asian games) in a nearby city, and because of this the government was on high alert. There were warnings issued to certain national leaders to suspend activities citywide, and in fact officials visited our school. We had to cancel normal activities for a couple of weeks, but are now back into the swing of things. The Saturday night 'foundational' class was also able to resume and is going great. Steve is enjoying getting to share with these young believers and getting to know them and their culture. Your pr**ers are coveted for this, both for protection and for a true move of the spirit.

On the health front, all is going well. Carissa is now 22 weeks, and feeling good. We recently got some packages from the states, so she now has some maternity clothes! Thank you so much to all who have sent over your love in package form :) The girls are doing great, all healthy, and getting as much attention as they possible could want every time we go out. Ruthee, of course, loves it; Vaylah is a take it or leave it kind of girl, and Dayuma, well, let's just say she ain't having it. Her chinese it not great, but her eyes clearly say 'don't even think about petting my hair'.

We were able to celebrate Thanksgiving last week with some other teachers from the school, and it really was a great time. We were even able to get a turkey (imported from Hong Kong)!

Thanks again for all of your thoughts toward us, for we know that our Father is watching over us and we feel safe and secure in His hands.

We are thankful for: Good health, new friends and good fellowship

Our requests are : continued open doors with the people here; language acquisition; continued health for mommy and baby;

Our First Month

Our first month here has been quite a whirlwind: between starting school shortly after arrival and setting up house, stomach bugs and morning sickness, some great food and some not so good (example A: the raw chopped turtle, amongst other raw, chopped things, that were placed on the table in front of us one day), there has hardly been a spare moment. But our Father has been faithful, as He always is! We are finally beginning to get settled in here, and are finding our apartment to be just right for us. Within walking distance to school, as well as a few small stores where we can get necessities as well as fruits and vegetables, it is an ideal location for our little family! There are a number of other things that have just begun that we are also very excited and thankful for. This week was the first time that Carissa felt well enough to sing with the praise team during our little sunday fellowship. And this past saturday also marked the beginning of the 'Next' study, which is designed for building up new chinese brothers and sisters. Steve is teaching the men, and was blessed to have six guys turn out. Please ask the father that Steve would have wisdom and really be able to help give these guys a firm foundation, from which they will not be able to be moved.
The kids:
They are doing well and adjusting great. They are all excited about and love school. Ruthee was student of the week for her class in only her second week of school! She has also lost two more teeth since our arrival, which is making for quite the smile! Vaylah is also excelling. Many of you know some of the fears we had had that this transition would be very difficult for her. To our great joy she is doing far beyond our hopes, and is making us very proud. Day Day has her struggles (especially during mandarin class) but what two year old wouldn't after being moved 8000 miles and sitting in a class where she doesn't understand what's being said. She is also a real attention getter with the chinese (the other girls are as well); ther have been times where we'll be in a grocery store and look over and a stranger will be touching her hair - they are fascinated by the curls! They are amazing to watch - we are so blessed. And we are blessed to have all of thinking of us and seeking the Father over our lives and service. This is what we covet most of all. I'll post some pictures soon!

We are thankful for:
A relatively smooth transition,
A nice living setup
A fellowship to gather with
Opportunities to serve

Our requests are:
Help with language acquisition (we start tutoring this week, twice a week)
Continued safety and health
The Next study - the laying of a firm foundation

We made it!

Hello everyone! This is Alissa Kalczuk writing on behalf of the Reeves Family. This webite is blocked by the government so all of the wonderful blog updates you would have received will now come through email....

So....The Reeves made it to their destination. Carlos is with them to help with the transition. The plane rides went well. The first was 15 hours, the 2nd was 3. The girls did well and the Lord is sustaining Carissa. Please keep praying for her and this new little life she is carrying. They are at the apartment and getting settled in. They are on the 11th floor of their building and it has air conditioning! Yay! It is very hot and humid, so that is a blessing. The apartment has 2 bedrooms and a loft, so it's perfect. They are working on making it a home. They are 12 hours ahead of us, so that will help to know that as we lift them up daily.

Next week is orientation at the school, so a new life for the Reeves is getting started quickly. Pr**er requests are: For the whole family to adjust to the time as well as the culture, for Carissa to continue to have strength and to not feel sick, for Steve as he prepares to teach and for what is in store for other opportunities to share the good news and for them to begin to plug in to their surroundings and form relationships with the people around them.

Blessings to you all! Thank you for your love and pr**ers...