Baby Emma Nishimoto :)

My best friend, Abbey, and her husband, Andrew, welcomed their first child into the world on Sunday, February 20. They had a little girl and named her Emma. I love this little girl so much already! The only problem is... I live across the states from them and can't be with my best friend and hold her little girl. I'm hoping to go this summer so our little girls can meet one another, but as I deal with the sad emotions of not being able to see my friend and her baby right away, I realize that this is what my life will be like.

If Ben and I live overseas in the jungle somewhere, I won't just have the option of hopping in a car, or even on a plane, and going to see people when I really want to ... like when my siblings or friends give birth, or when people I love get married, or when someone special is having a birthday. I've always known this would be a reality if we choose to serve in missions overseas, but I think Emma's arrival has made it a reality. It will be a sacrifice to live away from those I love, but I know that our highest calling is to make disciples of all nations even if it means being sad along the way because of things we miss.

This past week in chapel has also been so good and challenging as Brad Buser, a NTM missionary who spent 20 years in Papua New Guinea, spoke to us. I'll try to update soon on some things stirring in my heart and mind.