Bad Back....

Please Pray for Jonny at this time, he has hurt his back and is finding it hard to sit, stand and walk. As we have a few meetings next week we would pray Jonny would be feeling much better by then.

Day out.....

This week we had the chance to go out with Jonny's family in Belfast. We had booked to go up in the big wheel in belfast and then have lunch together. It was a great day out and a chance to eat some more! From the photo you will see the proud grandparents and Jackson and Ben. Ben slept most of the way through it but Jackson seemed to enjoy himself. It has been great getting to know him since we have come home and you can see from this picture he is getting big. He was able to show us at Christmas he can stand on his own, and can walk with someone holding his hand!

Gary & Rhondas' wedding

Gary, who was in Mexico with us, got married on Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding, although because Jonny had hurt his back we didnt think we were going to make it. At 11am we were at the doctor on call! We have included a picture of the happy couple and we wish them all the best in the future together and we look forward to meeting up with them when they return from honeymoon.

Bens' First Christmas

This has been a very exciting Christmas for us. It has been great to be at home with family and friends, but also for Ben to have his first Christmas. To be honest he was a bit overwhelmed by it all, but as you can see from the photo he also enjoyed sleeping throughout alot of it!

The last few weeks...

The last few weeks have been busy running up to Christmas, and now that meetings have finished until the New Year we have decided to post some pictures that have been making us laugh!

"You're not going out with your hair like that are you?"

"I have to buy how many people Christmas presents? I have no money on me!"

"I hope these slippers don't bite!"

Happy Christmas

It could be so easy to get caught up at this time of the year with the shopping,eating and general rush. It's important to take a few minutes out to realise the true meaning of Christmas. We were hearing on Sunday morning about how Jesus came to earth at this time. However even more importantly is that Jesus died for us so that we can have eternal life. Our prayer is that you will know the true meaning of Christmas this year.

Happy Christmas!

From Jonny, Julie and Ben xo

Concert

Julie's Dad has been part of a gospel trio now for some time. They have decided to release a CD "He Made The Way," with the proceeds going to help us service in Mexico. We are really excited about this it will be a great night and we would love you to attend if possible. The information is on the ticket above, and you can contact us if you need tickets - our contact info should be on the right of the page.

Tickets are available from us or from Gracenotes music shop in Ballymena.
Hope to see you there!

8 weeks old on Christmas Day...

It's hard to believe that Ben will be 8 weeks old on Christmas day. He is getting bigger every day and has now started to smile and laugh. Now that he is 8 weeks he is going for his injections next Tuesday! From these photos you will see how big he is getting - and that lovely smile!

Granny and Granda Pollock

It doesnt matter when Ben goes to Granny & Granda Pollock's, he always comes home with something! He gets lots of cuddles too, which he loves. Here he is modelling some of his Christmas clothes his Granny got him.

Playmat...

Ben loves his playmat! Every morning he comes down stairs and has some Daddy time. He seems to love the Mozart and also the mirror - I wonder who he gets that from!

It's just like being in the car...

One of the best gifts Ben ever received was from his Aunt Christine and Uncle Craig. This chair vibrates and apparently just like being in the car - which means only one thing - peaceful sleep!

Cheese...

We have been applying for a passport for Ben this last week, and it came time to take Ben's passport photo. It was a bit of a nightmare to try and get him not to wiggle, yawn, sneeze or cry. So finally we took his picture when it was safest - when he was sleeping!

Catherine & Simon...

Three months ago we visited Catherine and Simon to celebrate their second child, Anna being born. Both Thomas and Anna stayed with grandparents tonight which gave Cat & Simon a chance to see Ben. We've had some great times with them over the last few years and there have been so many changes in the time we've been friends, but still kept up our great friendship.

Cold feet...

It's getting pretty cold over in Northern Ireland, and last Christmas' time in the heat of Mexico seems like a distant memory. Ben's feeling the cold too, but thanks to a little gift from Robin Mackinnon at least his feet will be toasty warm!

Deep in thought...

Three weeks can pass by in the blink of an eye, and sometime it does a baby good to just kick back and relax and let it all flow over you.

Who's this?

Last Friday we went to the Irons Family Christmas dinner and it was great to see all the family again, having missed the party last year when we were in Mexico. A lot had changed since then, and Ben seemed to enjoy his first family party - and proceeded to sleep most of the way through it! Once he woke up he had time for a photo opportunity with Santa!

All Together Now...

Trying to get us all together and ready at the same time for a photo still continues to be difficult, but Ben proves to be very photogenic, and seems to enjoy all the attention of a photoshoot!

Granny & Granda Irons...

We have been so fortunate to be able to stay with Julie's Mum and Dad since we've come home, and even more so now that Ben has been born. They are really in love with Ben and he seems to enjoy having all his washing and ironing done, so it's a good deal!

It's a hard life...

It's hard work being this cute!

Will you leave me alone...

Ben is very much a man's man, and really hates being fussed over. Here's his Granny Irons and Mummy trying to get him sorted out for leaving the house - I think his face says it all!

First...Day at Church

Last Sunday we took Ben to his first Sunday morning service. It was very much a military operation to get him up, dressed and ready for going, but everything worked out ok. He slept through most of the service (no reflection on the preaching!)

First.....Day at the Project Mexico Shop

Last week a store for the Project Mexico shop needed cleared and Jonny helped Gloria, Davy, Ash and Stephen in clearing it. This gave Ben the opportunity to pop into the shop for a visit and to see the work that goes on to provide funding for vital ministries in Mexico.

We think it a priviledge to serve alongside the volunteers of the shop, and thank Gloria and the team for all their hard work.

Well covered up...

It's so cold here at the minute, Ben has loads of layers to go on before we can leave the house. So while Jonny has his coat on, Ben has on a hat, a bib, a baby grow, and a coat & mittens!

Together...

It's hard to believe but this is one of the very few pictures we have as a new family. This is a picture taken in Ben's bedroom. It's amazing how such a little person could make such an impact in our marriage, and how much joy he has brought us. We can't wait to grow closer together as husband and wife, and now as a mummy and daddy and our little boy.

Thanks...

When we were in Mexico we had contact with our friend Mark to let us know that the Senior Bible Class at our church were praying for us, and indeed some of them had visited us on a team in the summer. A couple of weeks ago we received a lovely card & letter signed by the class. It's amazing to know God is impressing an interest in mission in the young people in our church, something that really encourages Julie and I.

At opposite ends...

Above are Great Nanna & Granda Irons and below are Great Granny & Granny Kelly. It has been amazing this week to introduce Ben to all our family and especially our grandparents, from the youngest member of the family to the more mature!

They're as wrinkly as me...

Ben got to meet his Great-Granny & Granda Pollock last night. He's certainly getting about a bit! We went up to Craig & Christines house to see everyone last night, and the first meeting of Jackson & Benjamin.

Here's a picture with Auntie Christine & Uncle Craig with cousin Jackson looming...

Will you clear off and leave me alone!

We have come to the conclusion that Ben is the most photographed child in the world! He isn't best pleased with all the paparazzi all the time!

Famous Friends...

Obviously Ben arriving was amazing, if not a little bit of a surprise! Coming two weeks early meant that a lot of things we had arranged had to be cancelled; kebabs, playstation time with Craig, and chilling out together.

Probably the biggest thing was missing the Casting Crowns concert on Friday night. However, a friend of our from church was involved with the band, and after some careful planning and execution the band signed a photo especially for Julie and Baby Ben. I don't know how Ben does it but he's created a bit of a fuss for a little person!

Auntie Laura...

Ben has been getting lots of people dropping in to see him. He especially likes seeing his Auntie Laura coming - she gives good cuddles!!

Granny & Granda Pollock...

We had loads of people up to visit when we were in hospital but it was great at times to chill out with family, and Ben really enjoyed spending time with his grandparents. Ben hasn't got the hang of looking the same way as everyone else in his photographs.

I Don't See What All The Fuss Is About...

Today we left the hospital and took a big adventure back home. Julie & Ben are still doing amazing! We thought Ben looked so cute all wrapped up, and probably didn't feel any cold in a really chilly day!

Now Introducing...

Benjamin Luke Pollock!!!!!

Born Thursday 30th October 2008 at 4:32am.

Weight: 6lbs 10oz

Both Mum & Baby Ben are doing excellent. Check back for updates and pictures in the coming days!

Smiling...

Ok this has become a bit of a habit, but we love spending time with our little nephew Jackson, plus it's always good practice!

Since we have come back we are trying to spend time with our families before we head back out to Mexico early next year. This week we are going to spend Sunday with Jonny's family and have a meal and just hang out.

Last week we visited "Auntie Sandra's Candy Factory" in Belfast, and we had a tour of the place, hence the lovely hats! It was great to see how all the sweets were made and to get some fresh, and still warm!! The day was finished off with some specially made candy floss, which Julie devoured!

The Reids...

We have had amazing chances to meet with so many people in the last week! We are trying to get caught up with people until the baby is born so we can spend time with family.

Leslie & Brenda Reid, and their two children Darina and Liam, are coming out to Mexico around the same time as us. Leslie was in Mexico in the early 2000's and he met Brenda while working there. We enjoyed a great lunch with them and we learned a really funny thing while we were there.

While we were in Mexico we used to love going to team meeting every Thursday, not just to meet and have fellowship with our team, but also to see if we got any packages. We have to say for us, to receive a little bar of chocolate, a local paper or just a little card, really brightened our week. But apparently this happens to Brenda too, only in Northern Ireland! So it was such a blessing for Brenda & Leslie to give us a couple of little food reminders of Mexico!

Jonathan Pollock, Private Chef...

Since we have come back, Jonny has set up a private kitchen which used to be Julie's parents kitchen. You'll always find him in there cooking dinner, making soups for when we visit people, and generally stuffing his face!

Because we have so many meetings, which are now coming to a break for the month of November, it's good that we can spend time with family and have a nice bit of grub! Julie actually blames this for her putting on so much weight!

Gary & Rhonda...

Many of you will remember Gary, who was away with us for the year in Mexico. Well Gary is due to get married to Rhonda on the 27th of December this year, and we have been invited to their big day.

We had the lovely couple around for a chinese on Saturday night and it was great fun to catch up with what they have been doing, and how their plans are coming along. We pray God's richest blessings for Gary & Rhonda for their future together.

Fun, Fellowship...and Kebabs!

Anyone who knows us, knows of our love for kebabs, and the sharing of this passion! Whenever we went to OMS head office in Manchester, Paul Bentley (on the right of the picture, who is personnel director) took us to a most excellent kebab shop. So when he came over to our patch we took him with us for a "heart attack on chips."

It was such a good time, and we haven't laughed as hard in ages, but unfortunately chilli kebabs aren't for everyone - as you can see by Tred's face!

OMS Youth Weekend...

Last weekend we were invited to the OMS Youth Weekend in Bushmills to speak about what God is doing in Mexico. It was a fantastic time and we met up with so many people that have been praying, giving and going to the mission field to serve God. It was really encouraging to spend time with people who are really open to what God wants them to do.

People Pleasing...

We have to apologise....we have become rather terrible at updating our blog (as has been suggested by the ever subtle Robin Mackinnon - Robin we love you!)

So we are setting aside a rule that if anything good happens, we will take a picture, or tell a story, to give you an idea of what we're upto!!

On tour with...

On Saturday, Jonny went to a Thanksgiving Praise service in Carr Baptist Church in Belfast. It was also our first time to share this time with Solid Ground, the gospel trio that Julie's Dad sings with.

It was fantastic to go with them and share a testimony with the people in the church, and to share about the great God we serve. Also to share of the work God is doing in Mexico in and through the ministry of OMS.

If you want to check out a bit of Solid Ground's Ministry please check out their website.

Baby Show...

In Belfast a couple of weeks ago we went to a baby show with Jackson, Craig & Christine to see some of the cool things that we can get for babies. Jackson had a great time tasting and testing alot of the things, but the grown ups also had a fun time seeing everything that the show had for babies.

We got a couple of things to help us prepare for our baby coming in November, and also a couple of things for Julie to help make her comfortable in these coming weeks!

Meetings...

We have been still keeping up with our meetings schedule and sharing with people what God is doing in Mexico, and in our lives. It's so exciting to share with people and be encouraged about the people who are supporting and praying for God's work.

Last Thursday we spoke in our own church, and it was really good, as even though we have travelled round a lot of churches and friends, it felt like coming home to your own family.

God continues to bless us with a wonderful prayer support, and also a faithfully people who are really burdened for His work in Mexico.

3 Years Later...

On the 20th September we celebrated our 3rd year wedding anniversary. It's pretty hard to believe that it's been three years since our wedding, and yet it's our last as a family of two. We can't wait until next year when we our family will be extended with our new little addition!

We stayed in the hotel where we had our wedding reception and had a meal there, it was a really relaxing time for us, and good to take time out of our busy schedule!

Parenting Classes...

In these three weeks we are having pregnancy and parenting classes at our local health centre. These classes are good fun, and really inform us what happens next in Julie's stage of pregnancy.

Julie is now 34 weeks pregnant and we are excited/scared/nervous about these next 6 weeks. The house is getting a bit organised for baby coming, and everytime we are out we seem to come back with more things for our little one!

Superpotato...

Everyone who knows Jonny, knows he loves cooking! Since we've come back we have been blessed to have fresh vegetables from Laura & Ash's garden, something which has made our Sunday lunches extra specially yummy.

When we received this potato it was washed and put out for disply as Jonny thought it looked like a superhero! So here it is "Superpotato!"

Dog Sitting...

This week we are staying at Jonny's parents house, as they are away to Spain on holiday, and we are dog sitting Snoopy! Snoopy is getting on a bit, so is a bit cranky!

We have meetings all this week as well as teaching "the Armour of God" in our children's church. It's a 2 week series and Jonny got all dressed up as a Roman Soldier to teach the kids, something which they thought was cool! We'll have pictures next week!

Meetings are going well, but pray for refreshment, as you can see our schedule some posts below, is pretty hectic, but we give God all the glory for what He is doing in and through our lives!

Prayer...

Going round a number of meetings, and in particular prayer groups, we've been in awe of the people who God has raised to pray for us while we were serving God in Mexico. It has really blown us away how passionate people are to get on their knees and leave everything before God. And how exciting and priviledged it it for us to tell them about what God is doing in us and through us, and how they praise God for answering their prayers!

What an amazing reason we should be more willing to chat to God in prayer!

Meetings...

We are posting our meetings this month, this is so you can pray for us as we travel and share, and also if you would like to see us, or chat with us, to know when we are free to do so.

6th September - OMS Prayer Meeting (Clonroot)
9th September - Carryduff Baptist
11th September - OMS Prayer Meeting (Newtownards)
12th September - OMS Prayer Meeting (Larne)
13th September - OMS Young People BBQ
15th September - OMS Prayer Meeting (Carnalbanagh)
16th September - "Look Unto The Fields" Buckna Presbyterian
18th September - OMS Prayer Meeting (Ballymoney)
21st September - Camagh Mission Hall
25th September - Ballee Baptist Church
27th September - Youth Group Newtownards
28th September - Crossroads Evangelical Church

Posting...

Sorry everyone for the lack of posts! We have been upto alot in the last couple of weeks. Firstly our meetings have begun, and this means preparing whatever needs to go or be said, and then hopping in the car to chat to people about what God is doing in Mexico. It is a real priviledge to speak at some of the places, and the people have really welcomed us in with Christ-like love.

For many of the meetings, we are returning to give a report on what God is doing in Mexico, but also what He has done and continues to do in our lives. We are so encouraged to know that these people still remember us in prayer, and many support us financially as well.

We have also been looking after our little nephew, Jackson, and it has also been and exciting experience, and also a useful one in the months ahead with our baby due to be born in November.

We have also been visiting friends and also people who are very dear to us, and we have learned so much from the people who we have encountered. We do miss Mexico, and our family & friends there, and also we are very priviledged to have such a supportive network of people here.

Bump Watch Week 29

A very long awaited Bump Watch! Julie is now 29 weeks pregnant, and both her and the baby are doing fine - only Julie is getting a little bit tired and uncomfortable! We've had a busy couple of weeks, but now we are settling into the rhythm of the pregnancy, and getting more appointments under our belt.

Can I do the laundry.....?

Since we have come back we are so blessed to have met, and played with our little nephew, Jackson. He was born while we were away, and is just over 6 months old. It is a testament to his cuteness, that before, Jonny came into his brothers house to play Playstation, and now he's straight over to Jackson.

I think this is one of the cutest pictures ever of Jackson, and yet, it reminds us that in about 3 months we will have a little baby to look after....and we can't wait!

Stay tuned this week for updates on how Julie's getting on!