The Lord is asking Ed and I to walk through a dark time at the moment.

Up until Tuesday night it all seemed to be going well, the blood clot was clearing and the babies were doing well…

On Tuesday night, the sack, that one of our babies was in, burst. When we went for a scan the next morning, the baby was still moving and had a strong heart beat, but we were told that there is only a 10 – 15% chance that this precious little one will live. We have a scan booked for this Wednesday to see whether the sack has re-formed or not and whether the baby is alive or not… (the other baby is doing well, which is great news)

When we got home we phoned Ed’s parents – Ed’s Mum has been having some difficulties breathing over the last few months and they were doing tests on Wednesday to find out what was wrong. We couldn't believe it when they told us that she has advanced lung and liver cancer and may only have a few more months to live…

Now, some of you might think that a day like last Wednesday might shake our faith, but, if anything, this trial is strengthening our certainty that God IS good and that he is absolutely in control. There have been moments when Ed and I have felt like we were slipping into the pit of despair, but, in those moments we have felt supernaturally strengthened and have found ourselves SINGING – yes SINGING praises to our loving heavenly father. I can’t explain it, but what I’m telling you is true!

Ed and I have written wonderful verses from the bible on big sheets of paper and have stuck them to the mirror opposite our bed. We are holding onto those truths and it is helping us lift our eyes from our present circumstances…

It does feel like we’re living through a nightmare at the moment, and even though tears are close to the surface at all times, we know that Jesus is with us…

I know that not all of you know Jesus (but I’m praying that changes! You know me!), but for those of you who do, we really value your ongoing prayers. With all that is happening with Ed’s Mum, our worries about the baby seem less significant – obviously we’d still value prayers for those little ones, but please also pray for Ed and his family – especially his sister and Dad… it has all come as a total shock and none of us can envisage the future without Ed’s Mum’s energy, enthusiasm and her positive outlook on life – she is a beautiful woman of God and, although she is in a lot of pain, she is not afraid of death and is continuing to rejoice in Jesus and in the firm hope she has beyond the grave… it’s the rest of us that ache at the massive hole she will leave…

This is not easy, but God is with us and we know that he is good and will not give us more than we can bear...

I guess there are SOME benefits to enforced bed rest!

Hi there!

Nicci here... I am getting pretty good at typing from a reclined position, so I thought I'd try and write a brief blog update...

Things we're thanking God for...

1) BOTH babies are doing well - 3 different consultants have independently exclaimed "my these are active babies!" when doing a scan... we've nicknamed them 'the gymnasts'!

2) I am feeling much better and I'm in good spirits despite being on strict bed rest - which may last for a few more weeks... I am SOOOOOOooooooo grateful for a new 'memory foam' mattress topper which has transformed my comfort - I now have a happy bum and hips!

3) Our church family out here has been AMAZING - I have had exciting parcels full of pampering goodies, a complete new video library, a pile of recommended reading AND meals provided EVERY night for the last 2 weeks... we're feeling very loved! (all the lovely emails from back home have been a HUGE encouragement too! Thank you!)

Obviously we are still praying that the remaining blood clears without harming our little gymnasts in any way and I am hoping this bed rest doesn't go on too much longer! But, today being the first day of week 13 (i.e. I have reached the second trimester! Hooray!), we are feeling hopeful...

Ed is back in the UK for a week on business - enjoying the delights of the English Pub, 'proper' curry and beer! He's also getting to catch up with a few friends and family, which is great... I am glad he's getting a break from caring for me - he hasn't complained, but I am sure it's been a bit of a strain...

My Mum is out here for the week while Ed's away - she's cleaned the house thoroughly, done the ironing and is generally being an absolute star... it's great to have the opportunity to have a girly week together - including the mandatory 'chick flick' each evening! Wonderful!

Thanks for your continued prayers...

Nic x