With two typhoons since we've been back in the Philippines, there's been a lot of rain. And pretty much everything in the province gets called off when there's rain. So this has provided a good bit of down time for us. Many days it seems like a blessing. Some days we get a little stir-crazy. But God has been so loving and faithful in the past 2 months. We've been able to rest between trips to Manila. We've been working to prepare our home for visitors and a new baby. We've had time to cultivate our marriage and spend time in God's Word. We've enjoyed building and deepening some relationships here over scrabble games and waiting out the rain together with people. And sometimes, the rain holds off, and we get to spend an afternoon with these cute kiddos. 

  For those who haven't heard, Baby Boren is a BOY! We're thrilled. The kids have been 'betting' the gender of the baby since we told them we were expecting. They've even given names such as Ashley for a girl and Angelo for a boy :) So we got them to help us announce to everyone that he's a boy. They didn't know what they were spelling with their bodies in the above picture. We just told them it was a surprise then showed them the picture afterward. (I realize it's a bit hard to read, but you have no idea how many tries it took Josh to get this one. They are wiggleworms!) The boys were pumped that it's a boy. The girls are still coping :)  

 We had a great check-up this month. Both baby and I are healthy and growing well. Josh has been SO supportive in this pregnancy...helping me around the house, keeping me accountable to eat well, taking me to the prenatal clinic, praying with me over our child, etc.  I am thankful to be blessed with him as a partner. And this baby is one blessed boy to have him as a dad.

 I can't get over how sweet this picture is. His little face and hands are so cute.

Thank you for your many prayers for our growing family. We need them. 

Please continue to pray for us and for the ministry going on here. Pray for the above kids as we just told the story of Jesus' betrayal. The mission team will tell the story of His crucifixion next week. PRAY as a couple of the older girls are hanging on every word about Jesus. Pray God would save them and use them to lead their families to Christ. 

As for the mission team, a group from my church in Corinth- Holly Baptist- is coming to visit next week! Josh and I came to Manila today and we pick them up from the airport tomorrow night! We are so excited to have them here. Their willingness to come is a huge encouragement to us. Pray for safe travels, good health, and spiritual discernment while they are here. I can't wait to share with you how the week goes!

Lastly, many of you have sent word of your interest to get involved in the relief of Typhoon Haiyan. We are praying through opportunities on how to serve and will let you know how to be a part of that as soon as possible. We want to be effective and wise about how we reach out, which can be difficult in such a catastrophic event. Thank you for praying for the affected Filipinos while we sort through things here.