Andrew´s baby shower

I remember our wedding and reception. Eliana and I started praying months in advance that God would bless that time, and provide everything, and that God would be there and that people could sense God´s presence there. And that is exactly what happened. I never imagined that we would have a wedding and reception that was so blessed.
I was thinking about that the morning of the baby shower. And then I thought... ¨I haven´t even prayed about this baby shower, or asked God to come and be there with us.¨ I thought that it might be too late, and why would God bless the baby shower? I certainly did not deserve it. But the truth is that God does things for us, or gives us things not because we deserve it, but just because He is good, and likes to bless us.
Before the baby shower, Eliana wanted to pray, and we prayed that God would be there, and bless that time. And God heard our prayer...
Elianas sisters (mainly Katherine and Sara) did the planning, and buying the decorations, and lots of stuff. And then lots of people pitched in to help set everything up, and to cook, and to prepare everything.
It is tradition here that when you have a birthday, or wedding, or baby shower, etc, that you give a little speech in front of everyone. That is what Eliana and I had to do. I have done that lots of times before, and my speeches are always very short, and difficult to understand because it´s in Spanish. Eliana does not have that problem, she can speak in front of people and do a really good job. I was trying to think of what I would say and trying to organize it in my mind. But I was having a hard time, and I knew that once I got in front of everyone, my mind would start going blank. So I prayed that God would help me, and give me words to say. So I was chosen first to speak, and stood up, and it´s amazing how God helped me. I was able to somewhat relax, and speak slowly, and God gave me some joy to speak. I know that people were able to understand my Spanish, and they enjoyed listening to me. And my speech was probably 3 times as long as what I usually say. So thank you God for your help.
Let´s see, as you can see in the photos, everything was so beautiful. They had all sorts of snacks, and then a friend of ours made the cake, and there was also a delicious supper. The decorations were also really neat.
After Eliana and I spoke, then Elianas Dad (he is a pastor) came with his Bible, and talked to everyone about some verses in the Bible, and about being a father. Most of the people there were from the church, but some weren´t, and I was glad that they were able to hear those words from Elianas Dad.
After that everyone sang a few songs. The same people that play the piano and sing in the church came and did that for the baby shower.
And after that were some games. One of the games, everyone had to guess how big was Elianas tummy, and cut a ribbon that length. Well almost everyone cut their ribbon too big, but a few people got it just right.
After that we opened presents in front of everyone. First we had to feel, and guess what it was, and then opened it. Andrew got lots of gifts. It was mostly clothing, but also blankets, a cute sheet for the crib, Johnson baby creams, and diaper bags, pacifier, a really neat toy with lights and songs, etc. Really everything that we have for Andrew has been given to us, and I can´t really think of anything that we lack, except for diapers. God is behind that, and has provided for us.
I did not know everyone that was at the baby shower, although I think Eliana did. I was wanting to speak to everyone, and show them that I appreciate them being there, but I am not a very social person, and so that is difficult for me. But I prayed for God´s help, and wouldn´t you know, I immediately had a desire to show everyone Andrew´s ultrasound photo. I had a good time showing that to everyone, and they were surprised and happy to see the face of the one whose birth they are celebrating. That was really cool.
It was a wonderful night, and I am really happy about how God was there, and blessed everything. I think everyone had a good time.
After it was over, all the family was tired, and ready to rest, and not clean until the morning. This may not seem like much of a blessing, but everyone did so much for us and Andrew, and God gave Eliana and I the energy and motivation to stay up and clean up. Eliana wanted to help, and she did really well. Usually she gets tired much faster, but she did so well. It was a blessing because that was a way that we could show our appreciation, because it was celebration for our son, and you can see in the pictures that it took a lot of work to put that on. And nobody really had to do any cleaning in the morning.
And so that is about all, I wish you could have all been there.

(above) So delicious!

(above) isn´t that a pretty decoration?

(above) Peruvian cakes are so good!

(above) it says ¨welcome Andrew Lee¨, and Eliana says the bottom is a verse from Psalms 127:3, which says ¨Sons are a heritage from the Lord¨ NIV.

(above) The woman putting the ribbon around Eliana is who made Elianas wedding dress. So she was very close with her ribbon length.

(above) Eliana and Virginia (Virginia is also a friend of my parents)

(above) Elianas sister Katherine starting the games.

(above) Jhoysen, ready to eat some delicious food.

(above) Another game. I had to change a diaper, and dress the doll, and I had 1 minute. I had never changed a diaper, and I did not do well.

(above) On the other hand, Eliana did quite well.

(above) trying to feel and guess what is inside. That is our nephew David on the left watching.

Surely his feet won´t be that small?

Andrew, we can´t wait til´ your here!