Welcoming a New Missionary

Sometimes you never know how God may change your plans and “to-do” lists. On May 30th, 3.5 weeks early, we welcomed our second child, Aila (eye-lah) Grace Gonnerman, into the world.  Due to the rapid delivery, the nurses could not administer the required IV for Janae when Aila was born, but the speed also minimized the possibility of infection. The doctors ran tests and declared both Aila and Janae as healthy.

When Aila turned one day old, the pediatrician informed us that one test indicated trace amounts of an infection. They ordered further testing to determine if bacteria on Aila’s skin contaminated the test, but they admitted her into the NICU to begin antibiotics during the forty-eight hour culture test. We praise God that the second test came back clear, so Aila came home with us on June 2nd. During Aila’s stay, the NICU nurses enjoyed taking care of a healthy baby and Aila delightfully surprised them with her eating habits and growth. Over the last month and a half, AIla has grown and has begun learning about this world and has traveled like a champion through seven states.

​We selected the name Aila because it means “Bringer of Light.” We chose this specific spelling, because “ai” in Japanese means “love.” We pray that Aila will bring the gospel light, unconditional love, and demonstrations of grace to the Japanese people until she embarks on her own journey to minister where God leads. For now, however, we will snuggle her, love her, and protect her from her very excited two-year-old brother.