Volume 8

~ News From "Your Birthing Family" ~

Issue 5

 

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Our Charis Family

Aimee Roberts

Hello Charis Family!

Seven years ago my friend Christi Jones asked me to attend her labor.  I jumped at the opportunity.  Having five children of my own, I thought it would be fun seeing a baby (that wasn’t my own) be born.  Christi woke up early with contractions and called me.  I met her and her husband, Travis, at their house as the sun was coming up.  We almost immediately went to the hospital.  When we arrived her cervix measured 4cm.  Once settled in the room we ventured into the halls and began walking laps.  I was surprised how much I felt each contraction with her.  I knew when to give encouragement and when to be quiet.  Once back in her room labor picked up and she began to moan and sway.  I was shocked when I reached down and touched her (I was not a touchy person). I couldn’t believe it when I guided her husband to “slow down” when rubbing the tennis balls on her back.  I will always remember when Christi arose from hands and knees and started to head to the bathroom, saying she had use the bathroom.  Without hesitation I knew her baby was coming and guided her back to the bed and instructed Travis to find the doctor.  The doctor came in just in time to catch the baby.  I left the hospital high on oxytocin and overwhelmed with the feeling of being used by God.  I went into her labor thankful for the opportunity to watch the miracle of new life.  I left with a calling to be a doula.

For about a year after Christi’s labor I was asked to support friends during their births.  After a handful of births the Lord made it clear that I needed to add knowledge to my experience.  This led me (and Christi) to the Charis Childbirth Educator and Doula Certification program.  During the course Christi became pregnant again, so we made it our goal to be done with the modules by her due date.  Studying became a part time job.  We completed the task and became Charis certified doulas and childbirth educators. I remember asking Kristin “Will people really pay $400.00 for a birth?” She said, “Absolutely.”

Five years later, we are partnered in a doula and childbirth educator service we formed, Birth InSight, charging $700.00 for doula services and take anywhere from 6-11 births a month.  We asked my sweet and amazing sister-in-law, Sara Beth, to join our practice.  In addition to doula clients Christi and I team-teach six, 7 week childbirth classes, and 4 weekend classes, per year.  Has God done abundantly more than we could ask or imagine?  I am constantly humbled and amazed by His goodness and provision.  I'm honored to sit on the couches of couples all over Hampton Roads, Virginia and listen to their stories.  I then walk along side of them as they labor.  I ultimately get to share Jesus’ love for them through both word and deed.  I am blessed with each journey.

I must end with what is dearest to my heart, my family.  My husband and I have been married for almost 20 years.  He is a church planter, who has an enormous heart for the lost.  He also coaches church planters all over the world.  Our kids are between the ages of 8 to 17 years old. They are each deeply involved with activities according to their passions.  In any given week I cheer on, and support; theater, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and dance.  My family then encourages me while I serve moms in labor.  Living life, according to God’s calling, is both fulfilling and exciting!


Jason and Aimee Roberts
Paige, Ainsley, Caitlin, Ian and Holden

Charis Cuisine

Avocado-Cucumber Soup

Ingredients

Zest from 1/2 lime
Juice from 2 limes
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cucumber peeled and seeded, roughly chopped
1/2 avocado, peeled and roughly chopped

Blend everything together until totally creamy and smooth.

So simple and so delicious!!   You can garnish it with anything from your kitchen or garden.  Cut a fresh juicy strawberry in slices and place on top, or sesame seeds.  A few herbs embellishes different tastes, like fresh parsley or dill.  For a spicy version add some jalapenos and/or garlic.  It’s one of the most pleasant things to eat on a hot summer day.


add a few tomatoes and cilantro

It becomes a salad dressing when you pour your avocado cucumber soup on top of a freshly made salad or over your favorite grain.

It becomes a dip when you scoop your favorite veggies into it.

A zesty flavor inside a smooth and creamy blend. 

The smooth texture of avocado gives chilled soup a thick consistency, making heavy or sour cream unnecessary; avocado can similarly stand in for butter or cheese in a sandwich.


place in small cups and garnish

Avocado lime soup never fails to hit the spot, especially during spring or summertime warm days. Cucumber and lime will keep you cool and refreshed while avocado bulks things up a bit and makes this recipe satisfying yet light. Seasoned and garnished simply with a dash of black pepper and sea salt, this recipe is ridiculously easy to make. It will become a summer staple in your kitchen without a doubt.

There are many ways to enjoy this simple delicacy.  I've used it in a gazillion ways and absolutely love how it complements almost any meal.  A large bowl of avocado cucumber soup lives in my refrigerator!

~Susan Oshel

 


 'Behold, I will bring them from the north country, And gather them from the ends of the earth,
 Among  them the blind and the lame, The woman with child and The one who labors with child,  together,
 A great throng shall return there...And My people shall be satisfied with My goodness, says the LORD.'
 Jeremiah 31:8, 14
~~~
©2013 Charis Childbirth Services, All Rights Reserved
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May 2013