Jakob John Joubert

Jakob John is HERE!!!

God is so good. After leaving Zambia on December 3^rd and two long days of driving on bumpy, bad roads we arrived safely at Jako's home in South Africa on December 4^th. Amber handled the traveling well, even at 9 months pregnant and we made it back a day earlier than expected. The next few days gave us a change to unpack, get a bit organized, and rest before Amber's midwife and Dr. visit on December 9^th. Both gave good reports on the growth and development of the baby and I guess that was enough for Jakob because later that night Amber starting to experience some discomfort and at 4 am the next morning Amber woke up with contractions 5 minutes apart. 1 ½ hours later we got the go ahead from the midwife to head to the birthing clinic (another hour away).

The funny part of the whole thing is that we were staying with friends that night (an hour away from Jako's home) and since we weren't expecting our little guy for a few more weeks we didn't have a hospital bag packed yet. Everything that we needed for it was back home an additional hour's drive from the clinic! After making a quick call to Amber's mom to tell her that it looked like her grandson was deciding to arrive before she was (her flight was leaving from the States later that day) we were able to arrange with friends to go "fetch" our things for us.

The labor and delivery went well and at 3:03pm on December 10^th Jakob John Joubert made his entrance into the world weighing 2.93 kgs (6 lbs 7 ounces) and measuring 52.5cm (20.6 inches). His Dad cheered him on the entire way and was so supportive throughout the whole birthing process. Jakob is absolutely beautiful and 100% healthy as is mom. We all had a wonderful overnight stay at the birthing clinic before heading back to Jako's home on the 11^th. Our plan is to stay in South Africa at least through December to get Jakob's passports and documents in order before we head back to Zambia sometime early January. We are so thankful to God for this most amazing and beautiful gift that God has blessed us with. Thank you for your prayers – this is the best gift that God could have given us this Christmas.

Please read the update before this one about the work in Zambia.

Please go to www.picasaweb.google.com/missionoflovezambia

Thank you and God Blessings

Jako, Amber and Jakob Joubert

Mission of Love Community Orphanage

Zambia