Introducing . . . .

Samuel Allen Masson
born in Madrid, Spain at 12:08 PM, weighing 3.4 kilos (7.49 lbs)

Pictures and more information to come soon. For now here is how/why we choose his name:

When I was pregnant with Renae, we decided on Samuel for a boys name (we wanted the sex of the baby to be a surprise) because he was Hannah's first born whom she dedicated to the work of the Lord. We wanted our first born (and any other children of course!) to be given back to God for His plans and purposes as well. When Renae was born and they announced "It's a Girl!" we put the name Samuel back on the shelf for any future babies.

I found out I was pregnant again in January and immediately, we both knew we wanted a boy. (We'd wanted one really bad the first time too!) One day, early on in the pregnancy, I remember sitting on my bed talking to God and I asked a very simple question: "God, I know you can and will do what you want. But I'd really like a boy this time. Will you please give me a boy?" I know it sounds simple, but my relationship with Christ has grown leaps and bounds since our time here in Spain, that my prayer life is radically different. It felt so natural to just ask a simple question to God, knowing full well that he could give me whatever kind of child he wants.

Then a few days ago, I was reading 1 Samuel and I found this verse: So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."

The day our doctor told us we were pregnant with a boy I couldn't believe that it was true. We knew we wanted to use the name Samuel again. Now that I know why Hannah named her son Samuel, I'm especially happy to give him this name because I did ask God specifically for him. What a blessing little Sammy is to us!

Sammy's middle name comes from my Dad, Richard Allen. We wanted Sammy to be named after another great man of God and my Dad is a perfect fit. We pray that Sammy will be kind and giving to others and a student of the Word, just like his Grandpy.

More news coming soon! Julie is doing 'very very good', by her own words. She said it was a great experience. They will be moving into a room soon and they expect to have internet once they are settled.

On behalf of all your family, friends and blog readers... Welcome, Sammy! We are so happy you're here! Love, Aunt Kari