Even though most of our first year we dealt with a lot of sickness, it was still a very sweet time of langauge and culture learning and developing good relationships. We often look back and realize that the depth of friendship and our dependence on our local brothers and sisters actually helped our language learning and allowed us to become friends very quickly out of necessity. People came to see us and we bonded so quickly with them because they felt sorry for us and for Robynn when she was so sick and helpless and away from everything familiar. We beleive this was all part of His plan for us and He blessed our relationships as we looked to Him for daily strength even though we were struggling.
Our leadership and home fellowship helped us seek the best plan for delivery of our baby, and though in our hearts none of us wanted to leave, it became clear that a trip back to the United States was best. A month before we prepared to travel, on Robynn's birthday, we were involved in a traffic accident and all three of us (with baby in the belly) suffered minor scrapes and bruises but appeared to be fine, and we were very thankful for His protection.
Shorty after this and before boarding the plane for home, at almost 9 months pregnant Robynn started to have severe vertigo and trouble sleeping. Returning home to Florida, her symptoms only intensified as the time for delivery came and after baby Jonathan Jr. was born and other new symptoms arose too. This season of life for our family was possibly the most challenging time we had ever experienced, but it also when we saw and knew the love and compassion of many who were eager to help us.
Through this time of suffering in our lives, we have seen the most amazing compassion and care from friends, family and those who are in our local fellowship, and even strangers!
- we have been blessed with the provision of housing from two dear friends-thank you!
- many have come to care for our children and brought meals and encouragement.
- our costs for medical care have been met by a loving Father through His people.
- we have had transportation in both Florida and Atlanta during our time here.
- some of our family members have had some personal tragedies and we have been here to comfort them.
- finding contentment in ALL circumstances has allowed us to see even daily routine tasks as blessings.
- our marriage relationship and friendship has grown by leaps and bounds as we have depended on one another and the Father to sustain us and give us strength, even during a difficult time for us.
Robynn's sister, Renee, has been through a personal tragedy this year and we are thankful we could be close to her while she is healing. She has been able to really encourage Robynn due to her own experience, and now as an instructor, she has also helped give some practical advice on exercise and stretches that can help her little sister, too! 
Jonathan's sister, Christi, and her husband, Jay, have also suffered loss this year, and we are thankful we could be there to comfort them. Their faith and trust in the Father has inspired us and allowed us to see that He allows suffering for our good. He is good. There is joy found in the midst of trials because of what He has done. We look up to them in so many ways, and we are encouraged by them as well. Here they are recently with their nieces and nephew. 
Jonathan Jr. and his cousin McKenzie only 2 months older. What a blessing to be here soon after she was born and develop a relationship with her that we can continue while we live overseas!
Jadynn turned 4 while we have been home and though Mommy wasn't well that day, our dear friends helped us celebrate by bringing party decorations, balloons, and baking a strawberry cake together!
Jonathan Jr. had his first Christmas and started sitting up- still not crawling, that's ok, take your time!
Slowly, Robynn has been feeling better and has been able to do fun things with the kids again. Please continue to lift her up as she is recovering, some days are good and others not so good, she is learning endurance and thankful for the time she is being allowed to fully heal.
People often ask what the best part of our first year in Asia has been. We have loved seeing our daughter, Jadynn learn to live and love people from other cultures and see her use her gifts of compassion, love and joy to bring the good news to those who need to hear.We are overwhelmed by the thoughts and cards that have been sent, and thank each of you for thinking of us. You are also in our thoughts and we would love to hear from you!
All our love,
Jonathan, Robynn, Jadynn and Jonathan Jr.
