What a total shock, but also a delight! While out on break (which is refreshing and very much appreciated) we had a 20-week ultrasound. While the doctor is taking measurements he blurts out “Hang on; is there another one?” Sure enough, there was and we’re now very much looking forward to being the parents of twin girls.

Baby A – Adele for now
Baby B – Beyonce for now

We are delighted with the news. We know it’s not going to be easy, but we’re feeling 100% positive at the news. It’s like winning the lottery 🙂

With the added risk of twins, we’re moving our return date to the UK forwards. We want to have our first appointment with a midwife in the UK sooner than 30 weeks (which is what it would be, factoring in self-isolation). So suddenly we’re looking at being home in the UK in 4 weeks time!

Whose is bigger? Steve’s thanksgiving belly or the twins?

We’re currently working on finding rental accommodation in Steve’s home town. The time difference is making it slow progress (Estate agent offices open at 8 pm PNG time), but there is progress. We just need to find the right landlord who won’t mind that we’re only planning to stay for 7 months. We’ve been turned down twice so far, but we’re trusting God will provide for us.
We’re also chuckling to ourselves that having a helicopter deliver your food shopping to you in the middle of the jungle is actually much cheaper than renting the cheapest 2 bedroom flats we can find in Bracknell (my home town, an hour’s train ride from London and thus a little pricey).

With our change in travel plans, we’re rethinking our remaining time in Kovol. We intended to push hard at language learning and then have a language check. Now however with only 2 weeks in the bush before heading back out to prepare for international travel we’ll be focussing on saying goodbye, reassuring people that we will be coming back (they’re still concerned that the Stous family will never return!) and packing up our house so the rats don’t demolish it while we’re away.

Be praying for us as we look for rental accommodation and pray for a smooth entry into the UK health care system. Brexit is happening around New Year, and while we should be fine we are concerned that we’ll run into problems now that the government is less friendly towards EU nationals like my dear wife.


7 Comments

Al · 05/12/2020 at 3:36 am

Awesome news! And we will be praying!!!

Carol Townley · 05/12/2020 at 4:57 am

What a hoot! Amazing! But doesn’t give you much time to get organised.
Our Caleb & Carolin are also expecting twin girls in May! They’ve postponed missionary training for a year after they got the news!
We’ll be praying for your accommodation, just as we are for them!

walkerwife · 05/12/2020 at 8:04 am

Wonderful news! Praying for you. Shame I don’t live in Bracknell any more, but praying that you are able to find somewhere really good and convenient to live.

Stacie Stous · 05/12/2020 at 9:10 am

I am just so excited for you guys- I keep trying to tell people about it but turns out I’ve already told everyone we hang out with regularly, so I just have to hold it in so they do t get sick of me lol!

Odessa Dunwoody · 06/12/2020 at 4:33 am

Congratulations to you both we are so happy for you all. Safe travels and we will be praying for accommodation for you all.

Ian Maxwell · 08/12/2020 at 8:13 pm

What wonderful surprise and what good news, this couple don’t mess about whatever they do they do well !!
Since children are a gift from the Lord he must be doubly pleased with your service in Kovol. Congratulations on the best news ever, we stand with you in prayer that soon the Lord will answer your prayers regarding your accommodation in Bracknell. Yours in the bonds of Calvary, Ian Maxwell

raul & martha · 12/12/2020 at 10:53 am

Hola Steve, Gerdine. Wonderfull such a massage. Oscar is getting company .
At that time I saw your desire to do this work, but God saw it before and has gone all the way with you and will continue with you. Now first concentrate on the coming journey. Much strength in saying goodbye, Remember the song “The Lord’s strong hand led me”. I got to know you at the time at the NTM for the Baptist congregation in Huizen. Raul and Martha de Graaff.

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