Zoé … Gift of Eternal Life

Today was Zoé‘s third day







Some of her features changed. Her face was a bit fuller and her legs – long ones as it seems – felt rather powerful when she was lying on my lap and pushing them into my (fat) belly. I had felt the kicks when she was inside her Mum’s tummy, but not as strong as this..


Our dear friend Heather flew in from Bangkok as a surprise visit, just for the week end. She has been a good friend to both of us for nearly 10 years and been very instrumental in bringing both my wife and I together.

Today, many Church friends came to see Cheryl and Zoé, bringing many gifts, for which we all thank you deeply from our hearts. It is so lovely to see all these mothers bringing diapers, wipes, baby clothes and even a breast pump! … and at the same time giving all kind of advice to the new promoted Mum.


Most people say, she looks very much like Dad. I guess, when you look at her pinkish skin colour and her hair (all the other babies look obviously all Chinese with black hair).

Today, I saw her three times making some facial expression similar to a smile, but am not sure if I am over enthusiastic!

Choosing a name for our child was not easy: first we wanted a name meaning “Joy”. Secondly, a name that can be pronounced here in Asia and internationally without too many problems ( want to know how many times I need to spell out my name?) … though we found out in the meantime that this name also poses some hurdles…anyway, Cheryl decided on the name.

After some research we also found out that the name has a Greek meaning: Life !

Actually, it is “Eternal Life”, very much the same Greek word Jesus used to describe His Love for all people in the well known verse John 3:16. Pronounced as (dzo-ay'); from the Greek word zao (dzah'-o); which means literally to live.

Her middle name is “Hanne”, coming from Hannah … and thought that using a Dutch way of saying it, would give way of my European roots. We are still looking for an appropriate Chinese name. Any suggestions?

We hope Zoé will be a bringer of Life wherever she goes and be a light to many people.