Tessa Marie Manry

Born August 18, 2007 in

Kampala , Uganda

Weighing 8lbs. 4oz. and Measuring 20.5 inches long.

Our beautiful baby girl is full of life and love and excelling in the essential baby skills of eating and sleeping. Luke, Connor and Lydia Jane can't get enough their new sister.  We are deeply grateful for all of the prayers and blessings from our family and friends home in the States, and all of our Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ.  God has blessed our family with life.

For those interested to hear more of the story of her birth (or more importantly, see pictures of our little girl) read on!
 

The Story of Tessa Marie

(according to Mark)

Waiting for Tessa’ birth during the past month was like experiencing Christmas Eve every night, falling to sleep in anticipation that the gift of life might arrive the next day (or during the night).  Much of our anticipation was generated by our children, heard in their prayers every night for Tessa to be born safely and echoed in Lydia Jane’s complaints that “Tessa’s taking for so long.”  Because Luke and Connor were born two weeks early, and knowing it takes two hours to drive to Kampala from Jinja on rough roads, we’ve had our bags packed and plans in place since early August.  But on the night before her birth, all through the house, not a creature was stirring, except for bats in the attic, and then all at once…  

Lori woke Mark around three in the morning, and our special day began peacefully in preparation – Lori baked muffins as contractions began slowly, Mark popped popcorn and loaded the vehicle.  The kids awoke in our commotion around 4:30 but in Lori’s calmness, climbed into our bed and we enjoyed our last moments together as a family of five. I am grateful for that time to connect with our children and affirm Tessa’s immanent birth as an experience to be shared by our whole family.  Around 5:15 we called our teammates and Siouxanne, an American nurse working with Amani Baby cottage in Jinja, who would help us deliver our little girl.  Shortly before 6:00am we left Jinja just as the sun began rising. As we approached Kampala, to my initial surprise, Lori suggested that we stop at Rwenzori Café to enjoy breakfast together before heading to Paragon Hospital. In reflection our detour reflects a theme that would course through the day – Lori was already transforming a difficult day for her into a meaningful moment for us.

A quick word about Paragon Hospital to provide a backdrop for our little drama.  We chose Paragon over International Hospital in Kampala because of its lower mosquito/patient and staff/patient ratios (about 3 to 1 and 1 to 1, respectively, including myself and the kids).  It is a new hospital, a work in progress like most things in Uganda, with beautiful tropical gardens weaving between both finished and unfinished buildings.  It is outfitted with older British medical equipment, most of which were fully operational.  Some features of American hospitals were missing, such as procedural rigidity (producing efficiency) and availability of ice, but exchanged for procedural ambiguity (creating a relaxed atmosphere) and lizards in the labour room.  But the hospital was marked mostly by incredibly friendly Ugandan staff, nurses, and doctors.  You need to have visited Uganda to fully appreciate the part about the people but hopefully you have a good picture of the setting of this story.

We arrived at the hospital around 9:00am, followed shortly afterwards by our teammates Spencer, Emily and Adam Bogle, and Kym and Noah Langford.  After getting the kids parked in the waiting room, we got Lori checked into a labour room, only she didn’t want to labour in the room…yet.  Lori spent the better part of the next three hours on the move, shuffling down the long hall way during and between contractions.  It is still amazing to me how Lori continued to invite us into this moment with her demeanor, good humor, and faith.  During this pregnancy she was aware that she was creating life (even while suffering), and continued to convey that sense during the labour as well. 

About noon, Dr. Busingye made the first assessment of Lori’s progress: fully effaced and dilated five centimeters, and Tessa’s heartbeat indicating “she is a happy baby.”  Then things became more difficult.  Lori pushed through the next three hours with grace under increasingly intense pressure, focused by Enya’s Watermark repeating through an iPod, and the hope of meeting our little girl. As we approached the crescendo of the miraculous moment, we were joined in the room by Emily, Kym, Renee Fouts, our children (although only Luke remained), and Lori’s mom and sister via cell phone.  

Tessa Marie Manry launched herself (literally) into the world and our lives at 2:49pm.  Dr. Busingye made an impressive catch and after a brief moment with Lori, Siouxanne helped Tessa transition into her new environment, an 8 lbs. 4 oz. blessing from God.  After months anticipating Tessa’s arrival we now anticipate how she will shape our family, and how God will shape her life by our family.   

As a husband and father, I am simply amazed by my wife and children.  I am amazed at how God has written our story, drawing Lori and I together at Lipscomb, bringing us to Michigan to live and work near Lori’s family, giving us Luke and Connor, allowing us to adopt Lydia Jane from Guatemala, calling us to Uganda as missionaries, and now blessing us with Tessa.  I am amazed by the way my kids have embraced the latest chapters of our life, enriching us with their imaginative joy and willingness to be shaped by our changing lives.  I am amazed at the way Lori infuses her pursuit of God into her passion for her family and imparts to us an awareness of God’s presence in everything we do together.  Amen. 

Comments (40)

Ed and Judy Miller said:

Congratulations Dear Manrys, I was just checking your website tonight and learned of the birth of your new daughter. We're so happy for you. We at our church are looking forward to the arrival of the Nick Fouts' family soon. We already have the Deron Smiths and the Jay Bakers here. How blessed we are. Nick Fouts is the brother of our daughter-in-law, Marcie Fouts Miller. We still remember with fondness our Michigan days and Lori's dear parents. Can you believe we were once neighbors and are now many miles apart----but still a part of the family of God where earthly distance is not a factor. We are doing well --looking forward to the birth of grandchild #10 for us in March. All of our children are presently living in Tennessee. Have a blessed week. Ed and Judy

October 08, 2007

Doug & Karen Cann said:

She's beautiful!! Manry Family, what a joyful time!! We're so happy for you and continue to pray for you all often. And to Tessa, welcome to the family!!

October 06, 2007

Carolyn Peloza said:

... How blessed you all are and how proud I am of you. What an adorable new baby. God bless, Aunt Carolyn

October 02, 2007

Judah said:

... Tessa is so cute and adorable. Come back to Michigan soon. Oh yeah, and Luke, don't get into any trouble. Love, Judah

September 25, 2007

Hannah said:

... I think Tessa is very cute and I hope we get to see you guys soon. I miss you a lot. I wish I could be there to see Tessa. I love you guys. See you soon. Love, Hannah

September 25, 2007

Gideon said:

The Smiley Face Picture To the Manry family because of Tessa, I hope you have a great time when Tessa is around. I hope you get to see Esther. Tessa's so, so, so so cute. And Tessa looks like Esther. Love, Gideon

September 25, 2007

Chad said:

... Congrats to you both! (I know it's like a month later - so happy 1 month too!)

September 19, 2007 | url

Phillip Shero said:

congratulations! Hey friends! Thanks for sharing your good news! We look forward to seeing your baby girl when we get back from furlough in Jan. Love, the Sheros

September 04, 2007

Julie Brown said:

... What a beautiful baby!! We all send you our love and pray that you are all doing well with a new addition to the family. Sounds like everyone is adjusting. Lori, remember to prop your feet up every once and a while when you have a spare minute!!

September 04, 2007

Harriet and Meredith said:

... Meredith and I have been waiting for pictures and were not disappointed. She is absolutely beautiful and the best news is that now the girls are back in good position--we "vote" for many of our family decisions here--you know --like what movie to watch-what game to play etc and now at least you are in a 3/3 tie situation. Tessa and Lydia Jane will soon discover which boy is easiest to sway on voting nights--don't tell him we told you, but in our house it is Jordan !!! I loved the telling of the story--Everyone looks sooooo happy--so many memories to hold onto--because in no time at all she will be Meredith's age!! I am sure your mom and Julie are anxious to become a part of the Tessa's life!! Enjoy the cuddles,that tiny baby cry and the smell!! PS--I think she looks like you Lori!! Love you guys!!

September 03, 2007

Karen said:

... Sweet Lori, For the record, I just found out tonight (from Amanda) you had this precious little one! You did it again and you will do it again and again! YOU amaze me!!!! God answered our prayers to fill you with a peaceful, faith-filled spirit - BREAKFAST while laboring!! GIRL! Your kids will truly never see you the same after this experience - was this possibly a ploy to hang over their heads for the rest of their days? I think it may really work! (He!He!) I marvel at God's works! Praise HIM for your safety and this beautiful baby girl! I know you clan is soaking her in - love the picture of Lydia Jane holding her - Bailey will love it! Love you - Tell the fam we miss all of you- Blessings, Team Coffman

August 31, 2007

muliga tony said:

children minister- jinja church, we in sundy school are anxiously missing terssa, our little anlge. congs mark, lori and yo family for the dearly new achievement. she is so beutifull and lovely.

August 29, 2007 | url

Danni Langston said:

... I didn't think it was possible, but Tessa has gotten even more beautiful in the last 10 days since I saw her! We miss you guys!!

August 28, 2007

Jason Bennett said:

... Congratulations! She is a great addition to a beautiful family.

August 27, 2007

Doug Garavanta said:

Congrats Lori, Mark: Just wanted to take a quick moment and let you know Tessa is soooooo adorable, congratulations!!!!

August 26, 2007

Christy McInturff said:

God is good Mark, You made me feel like I was there with you!! great retelling of the arrival of such a sweet girl. She will no doubt be loved by so many. I'm glad Lori made it well too Good luck and God bless the 6 of you in the coming weeks of adjustment.

August 25, 2007

Jeff & Shannon Dyck said:

... Congratulations and Blessings, you're a beautiful family of 6!! We look forward to meeting her in the New Year!

August 24, 2007

JR Rozko said:

YAY! Congratulations to your whole family - she's adoreable. Thrilled that everything went so well - I am sure it's due in large part to the special chair made available during your seminar in Pasadena!

August 23, 2007 | url

Peasley said:

What a blessing! The Lord has smiled on your family! What a blessing it is for you to have four healthy children. I am excited about the plans God has for your family. It is awesome for Lydia to have a little sister! Thanks for including us in on your journey through life! May God bless and keep your family as you go about doing his buisness.

August 23, 2007

amy coe said:

Yeah!! It was so exciting to be sitting in Emily and Ross' living room the night you called to say, "we're on our way to the hospital!" Ross, Shannon and I sat there and heard the excitement in your voice (between contractions, of course) as we listened over the computer speakers. I fell asleep that night praying for you and awoke with anticipation of the good news! Lori and Mark... congratulations! Tessa is so BLESSED to be a part of your family. Love you guys - Amy

August 23, 2007

Amanda said:

Woo-hoo! Lori, your eyes looked wonderful after the delivery! I'm so happy for you! And Mark...way to dominate! Your beautiful family made me cry this morning! I love and miss y'all sooooo much and I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy for you! What a wonderful healthy little girl! Thank you God for answering our prayers! Thanks for the pictures; I've printed them and they're in my office! I'm so proud of y'all...it's a wonderful journey. Love you! Amanda

August 23, 2007

Dan Chaverin said:

She's positively beautiful! Welcome Tessa! We're glad to have you! She's positively beautiful just like the rest of her family. The Chaverin family wishes the Manry family many congratulations and blessings! Tessa is truly a gift from God! Many blessings! Dan

August 23, 2007

Fabienne Bogle said:

... Thank you SO much for letting us share in this with your story and your pictures. I have been so hungry for details! I miss all of you and wish we could have shared this birth also. Tessa as is beautiful as her mom and sister! I am so glad everyone is healthy and well!

August 23, 2007

Shannon Clemans said:

Tessa is beautiful! Congratulations! I was so excited to find out that you had a baby girl! Can't wait to see more piuctures! Take care, Shannon

August 23, 2007

Joe Wild said:

... Congratulations! What a blessing your children are, and what a blessing you two are to them. Lydia Jane looks like she will be a great second mom to Tessa.

August 23, 2007

Patti & Ralph Fatheree said:

delicious! just like your other sweets We are so glad to see that Mom & baby girl are well. We are not surprised that she is so beautiful. We thank God for you.

August 23, 2007

Allison Bridges said:

... She is perfect! I could feel your excitement as I read your story. Congrats! I love the pic of Lydia Jane - she looks blissfully happy to have a baby sister. Love you guys,Allison

August 23, 2007

Elizabeth said:

She is Precious! Hello Manry family!Tessa is gorgeous!I was crossing my fingers and hoping she would be born on my birthday but she was ten days to early for that!haha!!I cant wait to meet her!I miss you all very much!Give all the kiddos kisses for me!I love you all!

August 23, 2007

Kelly said:

... She looks absolutely healthy and beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing her story and all the sweet pictures. I was so glad to hear that everything went smoothly. Blessings to all of you as you transition to life with baby Tessa! Wishing I could be there to hold that precious little baby!

August 22, 2007

Lana said:

Congratulations! She is so pretty! Congratulations on your new addition! Thanks for sharing her with everyone here. I hope to meet her someday in person and you can meet my new husband! Love ya Lana Miller

August 22, 2007

mac said:

... she is a beautiful addition to a beautiful family grace and peace, mac

August 22, 2007

Danny Cagnet said:

... Manry Family, The story of Tessa's birth is so beautiful. Congratulations! I pray God's continued blessings on Tessa's story and upon yours! Love, Danny Cagnet

August 22, 2007

Kara said:

... Congratulations! I have been checking your site religiously every morning and night to see these pictures and she is so sweet! We love you guys and miss you!

August 22, 2007 | url

Tressa & Tim Bilbo said:

... Mark and Lori, We are so excited for both of you and your growing family. What a blessed baby to be embraced in so much love there and here, half way around the world. Congrats! Tim & Tressa

August 22, 2007

kay norman said:

Sweet! Congratulations!!! She's beautiful. No surprises here! Lori, you made it just fine...and all aprehensions were naught in delievery!! I'm so happy for all of you. Go and glorify!

August 22, 2007

Sarah B Ageno said:

Amazing Oh my God, Tessa is so cute a baby.I can't wait to see her when you get to Michigan this November.It's so amazing how God has blessed your family with four sweet children that are raised up in the beautiful Christian setting., Be assured that the foundation you have built on is the strongest.

August 22, 2007

The Todd Clan said:

... We are thrilled for you. The pics are awesome. Kiss the family for us. We miss you. Your depiction of the day's events was awesome. Thanks for keeping us up to date.

August 22, 2007

Cheryl Cash said:

Welcome Tessa! Praise the Lord!!! Congratulations to all of you! We rejoice in her safe delivery and in your beautful family...

August 22, 2007 | url

Barb said:

Welcome to our/your world! I am so excited! I have been watching and waiting for the pictures and her story! I am not the least bit amazed to hear of Lori's calm or of her sharing the experience so gracefully....Tessa is as beautiful as I expected her to be; I can't wait to meet her! Love to all of you, we miss you so much!

August 21, 2007

Tessa said:

... Oh, she is so sweet! I wish we were there to hug and kiss on her... the 6 of you look great... thanks for posting some pics! Be sure to let her know another Tessa out there loves her very much!!!

August 21, 2007

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