Ashley's Trip Back East

3 weeks ago, we received word that our very close friends who now reside in Pennsylvania had given birth to a precious baby boy at 29 weeks. Amie had to deliver via C-section because baby was breech.  Noah was very healthy at birth but had to be flown to a hospital 2 hours away who had a NICU unit that was equipped for such a young preemie.

Noah Matthew Gray

 

 

This family is so special to us. They, the King family and our family started our small fellowship back in 2008. They walked along side us for quite a few years and we have become the best of friends. Ashley and Amanda were priviledged to go and help out quite a few times after their precious babies were born over the years while they lived in Washington.. so it was decided that it would only make sense that one of our girls should fly out to be with the 7 children while Don and Amie spent time at the NICU unit with Noah. Ashley felt honored to go and serve there for almost 2 weeks. Our children love their children so much.. Ashley had a VERY hard time leaving them! I think the feeling was mutual.. You can see more pics from her trip on her blog at: http://servantforjesus.blogspot.com/ 

 

 

 

Bella, age 1 1/2

 

Chloe, age 3

 

 

Abby, age 4

 

Elijah, age 6 (Happy Birthday Elijah!)

 

Aden, age 8

 

Hannah, age 11

 

 

Brodie, age 13

 

 

 

Now Brodie is an amazing child. He is so responsible and basically can run the Gray's whole house.. but having Ashley there as back up proved to be a blessing and help for them. Ashley enjoyed playing and spending time with these precious children. It made her and us miss them even more!

 

 

Their beautiful home is located right in the heart of Lancaster County.. Amish country. One neighbor closest to the Gray family are Old Order Mennonites who do not use electricity and the neighbors on the other side of them are Amish.

Amish would rather not have their pictures taken.. but Ashley hid behind a curtain to get this photo!

uh hem Ashley.. naughty!  :) 

The neighborhood Amish school

Beautiful Pennsylvania Farmland

 

 

 

 

 

An Amish Scooter.. Ashley even got to take a ride on it!

 

 

 

 

A baby bunny! The children named it Noah Star Gray  :)

Bird Watching

 

 

Brodie enjoys raising monarch butterflies

 

Ashley and Brodie held down the fort at home while Mama and Daddy were at the hosptial, spending time with little Noah.. Thankfully, it wasn't too long before the baby was able to be transferred to the hospital just 4 miles from home.. unfortunately there have been some serious issues with the staff and general environment at the NICU. His parents have spent many hours advocating for him, trying to make the situation better for Noah . Please keep them and him in your prayers. Praise the Lord, Noah is very healthy and growing stronger daily.  They are praying he can come home by day 40. After all, his name is Noah! :) Today is day 21.

 

 

Look at that smile! We are praying for you to come home soon Noah!