Baby News!

After nearly nine months of anticipation, we finally met our fourth child!  Philia Marie Geise was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on the 28th of January, at 2:17 in the afternoon (South African time). At birth she weighed 3.17 kilograms / 6.98 pounds, and was 51 centimeters / 20 inches long.  The first name Philia was suggested by her Mama in honor of her Papa. Philia is actually of Greek origin, meaning "friendship." It comes from the Greek word philos meaning "friend / dear." Her second name was suggested by her Papa, in honor of her mama - Annamarie. 😊 Our desire is that Philia will be our dear friend, but more importantly, our prayer is that she will be a close friend to Jesus Christ the giver of life, love, and friendship!  We also pray that Philia will be a friend to those in need in the name of Jesus and for His glory.

2020-01-28

2020-01-29

In Our Lives... Recently.

Since our last post... we have been busy.  I (Phil) took Amrie, Priya, & Adin to stay at her parent's place (a 12-hour trip), and then Antonie and I made a three-week trip to the United States for business.  I was able to renew my Commercial Driver's License, obtain an FBI background check for South African visa purposes, meet with brothers and sisters-in-Christ, and visit family.

Together for Thanksgiving - Phil's parents and siblings

Another visit with Phil's last-remaining grandparent

Upon arriving back in South Africa, we stayed at the farm of Amrie's family, and enjoyed some time together over the holidays.  During that time Antonie and I started building a cabinet for Amrie's mother.

Getting started

Using our new Kreg Jig to make toenail holes

What we accomplished before Christmas...

After Christmas, we made a very quick trip back to Emanguzi to check on things at our house, take care of business, and meet with friends and believers.

Sunday morning service at Phil's Zulu teacher's place

We were home for only a little over a week, and then due to the nature of Amrie's pregnancy and our location in the bush, we returned to be with Amrie's parents, while waiting for the baby to arrive.  Upon our return, with the help of my mother-in-law and other helpers, I completed building her cabinet.

Project Complete!

In consultation with others, we felt it best for Amrie to have the baby at a midwife clinic near her parent's place.  So, we are currently waiting... Amrie is busy homeschooling the children, I have been working on paperwork and helping where I can on the farm.  This past Sunday we attended the Hope International Missions' Manyatseng church, and I had the privilege of sharing the Word of God.

Amrie's due date is January 29th.

We hope to write soon with news of our fourth child's arrival!