39 Weeks and Feeling All The Feels

There is something that happened today. The reality of what life will soon be really sunk in deeply. The "inevitable" became exactly that, inevitable. Just when I think "Oh no big deal there's plenty of time" my husband says the words "Yeah, you might get to meet your cousin next week, Grey!" while talking to our nephew.

Next week.

Today marks 39 weeks.

And then I remembered pregnancy is 40 weeks (more likely 41) ....next week....maybe.

HOLY CRAP

Between all the travel and moving and "nesting" and daydreaming I kind of forgot to remember that little fact. Soooo this is pretty much how I feel in the meanwhile…

Don't misunderstand me, I am READY to see this little girl. We are set as far as the necessities go. Her room is almost ready, but she won't be in there right away anyway. We are as ready as you can be, I suppose, technicality wise. But our hearts...

My heart is full of so many feels. I am brought to tears at the lifetime of prayer and anticipation that has gone into this pregnancy. I am slightly sad at the passing of the season of just my hubby and I, being kids and being crazy, responsible for just ourselves. Our hearts are equally full of anticipation, hope, and "what the hell are we thinking?!" moments. I feel blessed beyond measure that I have the opportunity and privilege of having a low risk pregnancy that allows me to deliver in the comfort of my own home (AND that I even have a home of my own to do so) I know so many who would have been couldn't.

 God saw us fit, despite ourselves, and we are saying "yes" to His "yes". Just like every other step we have made in our crazy life journey....we are saying "yes" and a few "if that's what you're into, God."

When I think of where we are now, and all that had to happen for us to be here, I cannot help but feel loved so much by my Jesus.

Justin built us a bedside co-sleeper- cause he's already an amazing daddy

In our time since being home God has provided an adorable little home for us, a job for my husband (that he didn't even have to go out and hunt down) innumerable hand-me-downs and gifts for our little one, the amazing care and support from our midwife, Alex, food every day and a hope for the future. We moved into my dad's old place, an adorable little apartment on your way towards Bass Lake. It's a little mother-in-law unit on the bottom story of a house (our landlords are AMAZING and so generous) We made this little Hobbit hole in the woods all our own and it feels SO good to be in our own little space again.

The sneakiest of sneak peaks into the nursery

We brought a little bit of Morocco home with us

Justin was approached by an old friend for a position at Starbucks. Not ideal, considering his expertise, but hey, it can pay the bills for this season. Well, that was an unfair assumption of what God really had for him. Not only does he get to work in an air conditioned, well lit, environment, there are windows! This might sound pretty ridiculous to most of you but those are huge perks to a chef who is used to

much more of a harsh work situation. AND, he will be making enough that we can afford to have me stay home with our little one and pay off some major student loan debt. He is only two days in, but loving it so far.

We still plan on volunteering much of our time with our dear friends at YWAM Yosemite, just not full time as staff right away. Once we said yes to God about this releasing to work, the blessings overflowed. Funny how that works. We are praying about the ways we can be used locally to minister to our community here. Part of setting down roots is getting plugged in and we are opening our hearts to the people of this town as much as we can. Justin has incredible reach at his job and is even encouraged in his pursuits there by other believers. I have an incredible opportunity to host women in my home or even at my second home, Cool Bean, to really dig into the Word and just "do life" with these people.

We are leaving our hearts open to where God leads us next, our next steps. For now, we are relishing these moments, living for today.

I better get back to folding our little one's laundry and daydreaming about dressing her up….

Priorities ya know?

Note the computer for size reference…IS THIS REAL LIFE?!

Pray for us if you think of it? Just that God would be glorified in our story, that we would have a worshipful and successful delivery here in our home with Justin and our midwife, and that our little one continues to grow happy and healthy :)

Plus, I am OVER keeping her name a secret, so she can come already so I can shout it from the rooftops! (It's too rad not to)

We're Back!

Well hello again everybody! It's been quite some time since we have officially updated on here, which leaves us much to talk about!  First off, we are finally home in Oakhurst and just loving it.  Mama B is doing very well and growing so much these past few months.  We cannot wait to see little Baby B and yes we have a name, but no, we aren't telling anyone yet!  Time seems to have flown by since we were last in California, so lets get you all updated on our last few weeks in North Africa.

Since our last e-mail update, a lot has happened. We had the a great opportunity to work alongside our fellow DTSr's the last few weeks of our outreach, meeting with locals, attending English classes, and supporting local "workers". We have never known hospitality the way we experienced it in North Africa. Our hearts for Muslims have grown and been filled so much with God's love for them. It was an unforgettable experience that we were so blessed to be a part of.

We flew from North Africa to Dublin January 17th, stayed the night in Dublin and finished our journey home the next morning. We finally arrived in Burbank the evening of the 18th and made a mad dash for Mexican food with our friends Troy and Allie who picked us up from the airport. Priorities people. We spent the next week back in Avalon surrounded by our amazing family and friends. It was such a huge blessing to see everyones faces again. We had the most adorable shower at our home church and felt so blessed by our community there! Receiving gifts for our sweet girl made everything feel so much more real...this is really happening!

We were prayed over and loved on and sent on our way. We made our way up to Oakhurst and it has been so so good to be home. We have spent the last few weeks praying about God's direction for us as we enter into this new and exciting season. It has been extremely nice and relaxing to just settle in for a little bit and seek out what God has to say for this next season in our lives. He has revealed some new promises to us, all while fulfilling some old ones.

For this next part of our lives, we are just resting in what God has for us.  Settling in has been a dream of ours for some time now and it is nice to finally be able to do just that.  We have spent much time in prayer about our next step with YWAM Yosemite and although God has not given us complete answers, we are excited to be apart of the base in any capacity. As we figure out our roles there and in this community, we will let you know. As for now, please continue to pray for direction for our lives, as well as our little girl who will be here in just a few short weeks!

God has been so good to us in 2014 and His promises for us this year are incredible. He miraculously provided for us to go on our outreach and to have some financial stability as we journey back home.  While we are seeking out what God has for us next, we realize that we still need some financial support until we know what our next step is. The biggest expense we will be having will be paying for the birth of our beautiful little girl in a couple weeks. Along with the expenses of the birth itself, there are also other costs that we will incur while we are here. If you feel like the Lord is asking you to join us on our journey financially, you can send payment via PayPal to justin.barigian@gmail.com. Thank you for your continued obedience with the Lord as we seek out His plans for our lives. If you would like to hear more about our DTS or what our future plans may look like, give us a call or an e-mail.

Thank you so very much for all that you guys do. We are beyond blessed to call you family and the closest of friends. Our daughter will have so many to look up to as she grows up in this beautiful community. Look for an update near the end of this month as we figure things out and please continue to pray for the health of the baby, our next steps and finances. You guys are the best!

Leaving a Legacy

God has really pushed the two of us this week, not only to our limits, but also extended our view of who we thought He was in many ways.

We  found out that we are proud parents of a little girl!  I can't believe that God trusts me to raise a little girl, but I trust He knows best and will make me into the most capable father.  God grant me the grace and energy for children, my living legacy.  Daughter, I love you more than words can describe.  I will do my best to follow after our Father's heart and set an example of what true love looks like.

Just when you think that you understand who God is, He laughs and blows your mind. This week we watched video lectures on living a Biblical worldview. We were taught how to seek after the Father's heart by using an Old Testament structure.  Everything from government to education was covered.  God really knows what He is doing doesn't He?

I am challenged to stop reading the Bible in a lazy way believing that it is all allegory with some history thrown in for good measure.  The videos changed our view of how we approach our ministry.  Too many times have we just expected God to send down miracles without us doing any work. God is big enough to perform this way, but if He is asking me  to join Him in work, who am I to say no.  I am tired of expecting God to rain down manna while I am now in the Promised Land.  He will bless us, but He is asking us to be odeient in action.  

We were so blessed to be apart of the YWAM Ireland meeting on Monday.  It was so encouraging to hear about just how much God has done in this beautiful country in the last 7 years.  It reminded Korina just how God works as well.  Just like Korina, YWAM experienced a death of sorts, a rebuilding on new foundation, and finally a birth. God is so awesome in fulfilling His promises!  Mama B also got to cook an awesome Chicken Tortilla soup that everyone loved!

This week is going to be a memorable week.  We celebrate the lives of two wonderful mothers in our lives.  One of which lives in heaven and the other who is going to be a grandmother for the first time. God brings it into perspective as He prepares a new mother here.  This Thanksgiving, we celebrate motherhood and everything that it entails.  Love, compassion, truth.  Our moms resemble all of these things.  They show us the tender heart of God and showcase His loving kindness.  I am one proud  husband, son and soon to be father, of all these mothers in my life.  All of you add to the legacy that I am creating for my children.  A legacy that will be overcome by God's goodness in my children's heart.  A lifestyle that resembles The Lord in any way I can.

As you prepare to give thanks to your family this week, please keep us in your prayers. We call you all family and want to know what you are up to this week so please let us know.  We need your help with financing our ministry as well.  If all of our readers would even consider donating $15, we would be blessed.  Please click here to help or e-mail us at justin.barigian@gmail.com

How are you leaving a legacy, not only for your children, but for the greater good of all of God's creation?  Live fully, to the highest calling God has for your life, and you will be amazed at the results.  We sure are.

All the details!

Because we know you want em ;)

If you haven't seen the video yet-

We are having a baby! Say whaaaaat?!

So first things first...YES we are still doing our DTS

NO we will not be having the baby overseas 

YES I will be getting great prenatal care while abroad (like we would even go if not, ha!)

YES we will find out the sex of the baby- but mostly for our family's sake

NO we don't have a preference on boy or girl (although there are some strong family opinions already haha)

I am officially done with my first trimester as week twelve comes to a close. I have been blessed to not have too much nausea, small snacks have been a lifesaver at keeping it at bay. But I am mostly looking forward to having energy again! Also, this kid wants ALL THE SALT, and lime, and vinegar, and never wants sugar or desserts (the one things that proves I'm pregnant as my sweet tooth is ravaging sans baby)
Justin is so much more attentive and loving than I ever would have expected. He is constantly serving and loving me when he isn't working his butt off at work. His love overwhelms me.

We are receiving this as the blessing that it is :)

You have been prayed for and longed for little one. We had a lot of heartbreak on our journey to you but God saw us fit to be your mommy and daddy and we will do our best to bring you into this world and love you with every breath.

We are confident in the journey God has placed before us, because we are confident in our maker. 

We will be leaving the island in 11 days for Oakhurst.... holy cow.

We leave for Ireland two weeks after that.

We leave for Morocco in December and head home at the end of January (just hours before my 34th week so I can still fly home)

Once we are home in Oakhurst, our prayer is to staff with YWAM Yosemite full time. 

For now...we take it one hour at a time, savoring every relationship, every moment with those we love. 

We had a small support dinner here and hopefully one more once we are in Oakhurst. We still need to raise about $3,500 for our outreach and committed monthly supporters for our time staffing full time once our DTS is over. We need LOTS of prayer coverage in this giant phase of transition. Prayer that we would be able to be effective in our ministries, loving in our serving, and have the discernment necessary in the many choices we have ahead of us. Also, that we would be great stewards of all that we have been given. 

We are so humbled to have been the recipients of such generosity while here on the island. From having the Dominguez family opening their home to us, to friends freely giving of their time and energy to get us to this point in our journey toward YWAM, we have. been. blessed.

Now we have a whole other set of prayers that come with finding out you're going to be a new parent.... you parents already know what they are I'm sure. If you think of us, pray for us? 

For now I am savoring the sweet moments of watching my belly grow, daydreaming about our little one, and looking forward to taking walks though the rolling hills of Ireland in the fall.