Some lessons are fun...others, not so.

Some lessons are fun.

Lesson 1: We got the opportunity to participate in two special occasions in one day. We started our morning at 9:00 am attending a Filipino Wedding. It was very similar to a Western, Christian wedding. However, there were a few additional elements that we really enjoyed. The couple kneeled on a bench together and there was a "veil" placed over and around them to signify the relationship that only they would share. Then there was a chord in the shape of an eight that was looped around each person, one loop of the figure 8 on the groom and one loop of the figure 8 on the bride. In the center where the chord crossed was a large emblem. This signified that they were tied together with a chord, with God in the center of them. All of the events that took place in the wedding, and the reception, were explained, with the significant symbolism. We enjoyed it. We ate a full Filipino buffet and it was delicious. Then as we left, we were given a souvenir in remembrance of their day.

Lesson 2: At 3:00 pm, we packed ourselves off, just a couple blocks away from our home to the 7th birthday party of our neighbor, A.M. (short for Aaron Michael). Here in the Philippines, there are certain birthdays that render a birthday party. Other birthdays are met with a "happy birthday" and possibly a gift from parents, grandparents and godparents. For the boys, their 1st birthday, their 7th birthday and their 21st birthday render these large celebrations. For the girls, their 1st, 7th, and 18th birthday's are celebrated. We have now been to both a 1st birthday and now to the 7th birthday party. They were both fully catered meals with hired clowns, cake, prizes and games. After much fun, the birthday party ended at 6:00. It was quite a fun day!

Lesson 3: Andy and Luke just went to summer camp. This is the same summer camp they went to last year. They participated in a "fear factor" type event. One of the tasks they had to do was to eat balut. Now, this is a delicacy here in the Philippines. It's typically the standing joke for foreigners..."have you eaten balut yet?" What is it? Well, it is a cooked duck embryo. Andy got to experience his first balut. He said it was actually good, once you got your brain to stop gagging about the idea of it :)

Some lessons are not so fun.

Lesson 4: Eric was driving to the Seminary last Thursday and slowed to turn right into the seminary. As he made his turn, a motorcycle tried to pass him on the right. These are the times we are acutely aware that you are praying for us. The motorcycle driver got up without a scratch. At exactly the right moment, God arranged for the perfect people to walk up to the seminary gate. Getting in an accident in a foreign country can be really scary. The security guard (who happens to be our helpers husband) was immediately there. Three pastors arrived (one who used to work in the government, and went to law school), Eric's co-worker Danny arrived, and two other co-workers in WMC, Jay and Calm. Our dear Filipino friends basically grabbed Eric and sent him off to the office, so that he would not get in the way of the negotiations. It was decided that there would be no contact with the police, and negotiations were made. We had the motorcycle repaired by the end of the day, and now it is a part of our educational history. We are so thankful that God prevented any bodily injury to the motorcycle driver. We pray that he was able to see Jesus through the wonderful people God orchestrated to help in the whole process.

Lesson 5: The regional team in Singapore and here all use a type of cell phone that is actually more of a computer than a cell phone. These phones have enabled the leaders to drastically cut down on their international calling bills. These phones are equipped to utilize the Internet (Voice Over Internet Phones) to make calls. Eric and his co-worker (being the regional computer people) have these phones, specifically, so that they can do proper technical support. Well, I guess I have to say Eric "had" one of these phones. Here in Manila, it is not a matter of "if" you get pick-pocketed, but "WHEN." This morning, Eric's phone went to a new home, to an owner with a skill of slipping things right out of their hiding places. There is a standard trick...a group of guys work together (named "lag lag baria gang"). Two of the guys cause some sort of drama. The third guy drops coins right by the targeted individual. The unsuspecting "nice guy" bends down to help pick up the coins, and whammo, you get pick-pocketed by the other two guys causing the commotion. So, Eric being the nice guy, bent over and there went his phone. The sad thing about it is that he carries his phone in his bag, about 95% of the time. Bummer, this day was one of those 5%.

Lesson for all of us.....

Lesson 6: Whatever you do, don't stop praying! We covet your prayers :) We truly believe that we have been bathed with your prayers and without them, there is no telling how different things could have turned out.

We love you!!!