She's here!
I'm three weeks late in announcing this, but I am pleased to announce that are miracle baby is finally here! After 25 hours of natural labor (and a little-bit of a traumatic birth experience in the end, including severe tearing) Miracle Rose Carswell arrived, healthy and happy! Weighing in at 8 lbs 1 oz, 22 inches long and smiling and sucking her thumb in the first hour, she stole her parents hearts from the first moment!
Three weeks later she has put on an additional pound and continues to be a happy and content baby. Both my husband and I are in awe of her and we both feel as if a missing piece to our hearts and family was found, now that Miracle is in our lives!
Physical healing has been slow for me, but the result of that--having to slow down all of life-has been a great way for me to make sure I soak in every moment of these precious newborn weeks!
As far as True Hope Counseling, in-office counseling has been put on hold indefinitely due to Miracle's birth as well as some current circumstances that make returning to the office difficult. However, the True Hope website continues to run and now that the winter months are setting in, the inquiries are coming in for internet counseling, something I will continue come January 1st.
I am also pursuing a certification course in Christian Adolescent Counseling with the American Association of Christian Counseling starting in January, as a means to continue my education in spite of being out of the office. This is something I can do at my own pace and will help add to my education and credentials once I do return to in-office counseling in the future.
Being a wife and mother is my first calling and passion and yet God continues to move my heart that He has gifted me in the area of counseling and discipleship and He still has a plan for using those gifts in coming years. As a result, I will be using those gifts via the internet for now and via the office in the future as my husband's schedule allows him to stay at home with our precious Miracle.
Until then, I am soaking up every minute here at home wtih our daughter and am happier than I ever dreamed possible!
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for the ministry--as well as our family!
Blessings to all!
Melissa