May was spent getting everything ready for Presley’s arrival and starting maternity leave. At every doctor’s appointment, we were told she could come any day because of how everything was appearing—but Presley took her sweet time.
At 40 weeks and 1 day, I went in for a checkup and found out I was already 5 cm dilated, but I wasn’t having contractions. Based on everything that was going on, my doctor and I decided to go ahead and break my water and have her that day. By the time I got checked into the hospital and my doctor came in which was about an hour after my appointment—I was already 6 cm. About 10 minutes after my water was broken, contractions started, and less than three hours later, Presley was here!
Thank you to everyone who prayed for us. We are so thankful for such a healthy delivery and birth story for both Presley and me. We truly felt God’s faithfulness and are so grateful for the many people who prayed for us throughout the pregnancy and delivery.
Since then, we’ve been adjusting to our new reality of having two girls under two! Thankfully, my parents flew in just a few days after Presley was born. We had such a fun week with them, and they were a huge help during the transition, especially for Logan. While they were here, we also celebrated Logan’s birthday a month early so they could be part of the celebration. It was such a sweet time together and made for some special memories before they headed home.
A little later, we headed to the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City for Presley’s Consular Report of Birth Abroad and passport appointment. To make the trip a little less stressful, we booked an Airbnb within walking distance of the embassy. It also happened to be right across from a mall, which gave us the chance to enjoy some family time and celebrate Logan’s actual birthday while we were there. It ended up being a sweet little getaway in the middle of all the newborn chaos.
While we were settling into life as a family of four, ministry didn’t slow down. Jay was dealing with a case that had been opened by CNA involving the Chapin Home. Because things were constantly changing, he had to stay by his phone almost all the time. In fact, he got a phone call about the case about an hour after I gave birth!
This situation has taken up much of Jay’s time over the past couple of months. It’s involved staff meetings, meetings with CNA, home inspections, and a lot of behind-the-scenes work. He wasn’t able to attend every meeting, but he has been involved in many of them. Thankfully, things are in a much better place now. At this point, we’re mainly waiting on the inspections leading up to the next hearing in November. Please be praying for the Chapin family, because as stressful as it was on us, it was so much worse for them.
Next up was the Fulp Home’s move into their new house! Jay spent most of the day helping with the move while I stayed busy juggling the girls, pediatrician appointments, and helping with the move whenever I could. It was a big day for everyone, and we’re excited to see the kids settling into a home that was built specifically with their needs in mind.
Now we’re entering our busy team season. We’re excited for all that God has in store through the teams coming to serve, and we’re looking forward to seeing how He works over the next several weeks. At the same time, we’re a little exhausted just thinking about everything that’s ahead! We know it will be a busy season, but also a rewarding one.
On the 21st, we’ll be heading to Huntsville for two weeks to spend time with my family and introduce everyone to Presley. We’re especially thankful that Jay’s parents are willing to take on hosting the team while we’re away. Their willingness to step in allows us to enjoy this special time with my family, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support.
Ways You Can Pray
- Energy & rest – We’re soaking up this sweet newborn season because we know it goes by so quickly, but we’re definitely feeling the exhaustion that comes with two little ones! Pray that we would have the energy we need each day and that we’d continue to enjoy this season instead of just trying to get through it.
- My dad – Please pray for strength, good health, and encouragement as he walks through some health challenges. We would appreciate your prayers for him and our family during this time.
- Our family & ministry – Pray for Jay and me as we continue adjusting to life with two girls while balancing ministry. We’re learning a new rhythm, and we’re asking the Lord to give us wisdom, grace, and endurance in this season.
- Upcoming travel – Pray for safe travels as we head to Alabama later this month. We’re looking forward to introducing Presley to my family, and we’re praying for a refreshing and meaningful couple of weeks together.
We also want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for us over these last few months. We have truly seen the fruit of those prayers in so many ways—from a healthy delivery to God’s provision through busy ministry and the transition to a family of four. We are incredibly grateful for each of you who faithfully pray for, encourage, and support our family. We couldn’t do this without you.
If you feel led to support our ministry financially, you can do so through the donate link on the front page of jaykelsie.com or through PayPal at kgwester@gmail.com.
If you’d like information about other ways to give, feel free to reach out to me at kelsie@hopeforhome.org, and I’d be happy to help.
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue serving the children and families God has called us to love here in Guatemala. We are so thankful for each of you!
Love,
Jay, Kelsie, Logan, and Presley