Although things are very different here in Aurora, I can't explain how peaceful it felt to step off the bus at 4:20 in the morning on the side of the road near our home. The sights, the smells, the people and the familiarity- it all brought peace to my soul. Things are so different here than in America, but one thing I've learned is that different most certainly does not mean bad. Can I tell you how refreshing a cold shower is on a hot day? And how cool it is that geckos eat mosquitoes? And how much I love coconut milk? I've been praising God for how slow paced and relaxed life is here. I have to admit that this tropical life can sometimes blur the fact that we have a purpose and a mission during our time on earth (whatever country we're in), but I'm convinced that living toward that purpose and mission does not equate busyness. I've spent years struggling with the mentality that I have to get things marked of my to-do list for it to be a productive day. I'm so thankful for how God has used my time in the Philippines to teach me to slow down, enjoy Him, and enjoy people.
So...it's good to be back.
But I do want to share with all of you some of the recent happenings in our life and around here.
1. We were so proud to survive the 18 hour flight back to Asia. We're still fighting jet lag, but all in all the travel was good. I learned that Asiana Airlines has a heart for pregnant women...they moved us to a row with extra leg space!
2. While we were away, the capital of our province made leaps and bounds towards becoming a bigger tourism area. We've seen quite a bit of growth in our year of living here (a boardwalk on the beach, new homes, a store with lots of imported goods, etc.) but last month a new resort opened up and land was cleared for a...drumroll...mall! The mall is far from opening, but yay for the province of Aurora. And let me tell you, the resort is NICE. Like honeymoon spot or super nice vaca. And if that's not enough, they serve food such as burgers and pizza with imported beef and cheese. I can't tell you how big of a change that is since we arrived a year ago. The food is certainly too expensive for our lifestyle here, but it's the perfect place for celebrations. And speaking of celebrations....
3. We celebrated Josh's 26th birthday this week! I'm so thankful for his life and that I get to be a part of it. We celebrated by having friends over for dinner and games. And Josh and I went to the new resort restaurant for a lunch date the day after (it was still his birthday in America :)
4. We went to the doctor to check on Baby Boren yesterday. Dra. Hidalgo said everything looked healthy for both mama and baby. It took her quite a while to find the heartbeat because Baby wouldn't stop moving; she joked that we have a hyperactive child! During the month in the States, my belly grew quite a bit (there's no hiding that I'm pregnant now) and I began to feel his/her first movements. What sweet little flutters. I can't wait for them to be strong enough for Josh to experience the joy. I am incredibly thankful that God led us to a doctor that we trust and that speaks wonderful English. She was so kind to answer all my questions yesterday and assured me she will take good care of us and wants this delivery to be exactly the way I would have wanted. Thank you for those of you who have joined us in praying for this pregnancy and for the right doctor and hospital and for Baby Boren's life. We are blessed. Any predictions on gender? Any name suggestions??
5. Please pray for us as we begin to pick back up in different areas of ministry. We are asking God to direct us to which things the Filipinos should permanently lead as of now. In preparation for us being new parents and eventually moving away next July, we desire for the Filipinos to continue making disciples in Maria Aurora while not having dependence on us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would show us where He is working and that we could discern where to join Him.
6. For the final update, we have another typhoon moving in on us. (I wouldn't have minded to stay in America for this!) It should make landfall late tonight- around 1pm on Friday CT. God protected us through a typhoon in August. We are confident that He'll protect us again. Please pray for our safety and for our neighbors and their homes. Pray for our families as news of a typhoon can be just as scary for them as it is for us. Thanks everyone! We'll try to keep you updated as long as we have electricity and internet connection. You can track it at www.maybagyo.com.
We love you all and are so thankful for your partnership and prayers.
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