I'm starting to enjoy this blog thing a little more than I ever did in Nashville. Maybe because life is much slower here and I have more time to think and write. Or maybe it's good for me to just get everything out on 'paper' and really see what's going on here. I also imagine myself looking back on these in the future and just laughing at what all the Lord brings us through.  

Anyways, we are headed to Manilla again tomorrow morning at 4:30. But I wanted to share a little about what we've been up to lately...

• Lived in Maria Aurora for 1 month! 
• Collecting what added up to 40 signatures and 11 notaries.
• Learn to PRAY about EVERYTHING. Who are we to think we can do anything in our own strength? (I've learned this more and more lately from my husband- who has no idea he's teaching it to me)
• Drank lots of buko (young coconut) shakes 
• Tried to catch tilapia, but they were too small  

• Became Sunday School teachers at the local church. Monica is with singles, Josh with youth guys, and me with youth girls. We're excited about training someone among them to become the leader/facilitator and simply allow the Holy Spirit to be the teacher. Pray for us as this is where we experience our greatest language barrier.
• Started a Discovery Bible Study/English practice with the local college students
• Josh has had the opportunity to meet with a couple of pastors who are seeking discipleship
• We've all had the opportunity to meet with some young people to study the Word together! 
• My brave husband killed this FLYING, BITING cockroach in our home. We could probably win some money if we had my reaction on video :) It flew onto our bed!

 

• Became more thankful for technology than we ever were in the States as we've gotten to Skype with our families a couple of times, as well as Chris White- our Trek-X mentor in Nashville.
• Watched our plants spring up out of the ground. We're pretty sure the okra I planted, however, is not okra. It's looking a little like our friend Brother Lito's watercress. O well, it's growing.
• Josh and I have gotten to have a couple of declared 'family days' and spend some much enjoyed quality time together (bike riding, reading, just hanging out) that didn't include studying or preparing for anything. 

• The three of us have prayed for the persecuted church (this week we prayed specifically for Yemen), along with our new friend Kletz. Find a list of these countries at persecution.com
• Watched a couple of the Presidential debates at Barry's house. It feels good to still be connected with important things going on in the States. Don't forget to pray for our own nation. 
• Killed a snake! Or watched Barry kill it would be the more truthful statement :)