Twenty-Four

I celebrated my 24th birthday yesterday! I truly felt so special, loved, and celebrated. It was a simple day but it was full of fun, love, and little treats along the way.

I woke up bright and early to this sweet face:

Isaiah has been smiling practically since birth, but since the timing was always random or even inappropriate it was pretty clear that the little guy was just working out his face muscles. So I've been acting completely ridiculous for quite some time now trying to get him to smile at me. Well, he knows how to play his cards right. He waited until my birthday morning to lock eyes and smile right at me. And I only had to act semi-ridiculous to get him to do it :) So sweet.

While Josh went to the market to buy some of my favorite fruits and veggies to cook up, Isaiah and I skyped my family. It was a fun time and it's always good to see your family on your birthday.

Josh brought home a beautiful plant for me to enjoy. I like flowers as much as the next girl and enjoy their beauty and scent. However when I think of Josh I don't think of a flowers type of man; he always says he'd rather get something that doesn't die ha. So it was a sweet sight to see him walk in the house with a big plant of blooming flowers. We'll see if I can keep it alive :)

Josh took me out for lunch on the beach after church, complete with an appetizer and a peanut butter- banana-coco jam shake. Can't even tell you how delicious it was.

I received sweet texts from friends and messages on facebook from across the world.

My mom left gifts with me when she was here so I had been waiting to open those. Thank you Mama for cute jewelry and headbands! You know me well :)

Our friends came over for FAT Group. Afterwards we made lumpiang shanghai (a Filipino delicacy kind of like an egg roll). Far from the healthy diet I've been trying to maintain, but the crispy fried goodness was much enjoyed by us all. We played games and hung out until Isaiah essentially ran them off :) Nights aren't exactly his thing right now.

Once we got Isaiah settled down, Josh and I completed the night with some kiwi cake and cream cheese frosting. I could literally write another post about the gem of a bakery we found in Baler. Everything is made from scratch with fresh ingredients. It's hidden behind someone's house and has the tastiest desserts and breads.

Being a wife and mommy made my birthday even more special. I'm thankful for the life God has given me. 24 is feelin' pretty good so far.

Kids will be kids

One of my favorite things about our life here is the time spent with the kids who live around us. Investing in them was something the Lord told me to do just a few months after being here and it is one area of ministry that has been rather consistent. Each meeting is far from consistent: we might have 25 kids come, we might have 2. We might have a friend translate for us, we might struggle through Tagalog on our own. Someone might punch their friend or suck a bead up their nose or it may be smooth sailing. Every afternoon looks different. But consistently the power of the Lord’s presence is real. These kids know they are loved. Regardless of what situation they go home to, they know Ate Autumn and Kuya Josh love them and they’re learning of a Savior who loves them even more.

Right before Isaiah was born we finished the list of Creation to Christ scriptures that we were teaching them. We spent time reviewing and talking through how the stories all went together to form one big amazing story. We put forth another challenge to learn 10 memory verses and we’ll go on another picnic. Custom here is for a mother to stay home with her newborn for a month so I really haven’t left home much. Shout out to a husband who has grocery shopped (and cooked), ran any other errands, and taught these sweet kiddos. Josh hasn’t missed a single Monday or Thursday with them since we’ve been home from the hospital. It’s truly been an act of love to me. He’s even managed to get a couple of the boys interested in memorizing God’s Word.

Please pray for God to continue to reveal Himself to these young kids. Pray for His Word to be written on their hearts and saturate their minds. Please also pray for Isaiah and me as we make the trek out to the street. I’m excited to be with the kids again, but also strategizing how to keep those spider-collecting, fire-making, snack-eating, snot-wiping hands off of Isaiah's  :)  

 The two girls above are Kathleen and Larreine. They are 11 and 12 years old. Their questions about the Kingdom of God are so innocent and beautiful. PRAY on their behalf as they seek the Lord. PRAY for their salvation.

 

 Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice! Psalm 141:2

 The story of the Samaritan woman seemed to be one of their favorites about Jesus. The picture says "I'm thirsty give me some water.  I bless whoever drink this water cannot be thirsty anymore" (They love to practice their English!)

We love this picture. Kathleen sent it home with Josh to give to me. Filipinos have a great struggle with confusing the letter 'p' with the letter 'f' since f's are not used in the Tagalog language. Note the caption, "The Last Suffer" :)

Praise the Lamb that He did suffer and through His suffering we are made clean and righteous.

Amen.

1 Month Update

I absolutely could not get him to look at me unless 1. he was crying or 2. towel and pacifier were in hand

1 Month

4.3 kilograms   (9.4 pounds)

53.5 centimeters    (21.1 inches)

Likes: 

 snuggling & cuddling 

naps with Mama

his pacifier

nursing 

laying on Daddy's chest 

to be held close 

being naked

his hands

I can't believe Isaiah is one month old! In some ways it seems like he just got here, but then again it seems like we can't remember life before him. Isaiah is such a sweet baby and the past month has been a joy for his daddy and me. It has been one of the most challenging yet most precious seasons of my life. I want to treasure every second of the last 4 weeks. I plan to write a monthly update until Isaiah reaches 1 year. I know family and friends from home will appreciate this, but I'm also hoping to document little memories and milestones that Josh and I can look back on when it's hard to remember these fleeting days. So, this is my apology for the rambling to come. 

In the past month Isaiah has already changed so much. His puffy newborn eyes are long gone and now we look into the most beautiful charcoal blue eyes. I melt. He seems to us adorable in every way with his comb-over hair and birthmark on his booty cheek. He has these tiny dimples on his shoulders that we can't get enough of. He smiles in his sleep and turns blood-red when he poops. He scares mama every. single. time. he spits up and makes us proud in his attempts to hold up that heavy head. I see his daddy every time I look at his little lips and could kiss that button nose all day long.

Sweet boy loves to be naked. And to eat his hands. He appreciates being held near, especially on mama or daddy's chest. He really doesn't cry much. We joke that it was several days before we ever heard him cry. But when he does, he means business and he reaches a pitch that I just can't bear. 

I feel as if we've already hit so many 'firsts' and 'milestones'. He lost his cord stump at just 6 days old and it took a while for it to clear up but his belly button is looking as cute as ever now. We used disposable diapers for the first couple of weeks until mommy and daddy got comfortable with this new little human in our home. We've been using our cloth diapers the past two weeks and love them! Especially since our province just started a burn ban and we'd practically be collecting poopy diapers. They're a lot less intimidating than I expected, they're super cute, and they really don't stink! Isaiah slept with us at the hospital so when we got home, the bassinet seemed like a million miles from my side. I just couldn't put him in it. But in the past week or so we made the big transition. Neither Josh or I were sleeping very good for fear of squishing the little guy (and Josh was sleeping in a pool of sweat since the fan was too cool for Isaiah). The first night I practically clung to the edge of the bed, watching his every move, and cried myself to sleep while he slept soundly. But he seems to be quite cozy in his little nest and now that I've conquered the transition, everyone involved is sleeping better. Mind you, he still ends up in the bed with us most nights and his bassinet is practically in the bed with us it's so close :)

Isaiah is being exclusively breastfed and he's quite the little eater! Nursing was something I prayed about a good bit before he was born. I was nervous about all the potential struggles, but we're both doing well. What an honor to get to feed my little man. It's certainly provided lots of bonding time for the two of us. We're still getting into the swing of things as he is pretty unpredictable right now and he really is the king of spit up which bothers me, but overall, we're doing well. He nurses every 1.5 to 3 hours during the day and basically that often during the night. Occasionally we get a four hour stretch. Some days I do feel like I spend the whole day in the rocking chair nursing him, but it's slowed me down a lot and provided lots of prayer time over him and others. It also helps cultivate an attitude of gratitude when I think of how every second he breathes is a gift of God. My favorite part of nursing happened in the past week when Isaiah started wrapping his little hand around my back when he nurses and sometimes putting the other hand on my chest as if he's hugging me or saying "I love you Mama." I love it.

He seems to be growing well (we went to a pediatrician yesterday) and we praise God for that. He is wearing size newborn and 0-3 month clothes. Only a few of the newborn onesies still fit and the socks that came with them have been long gone. His feet are so big! 

Isaiah,

 Sweet boy you are a miracle; a gift from God. You are one month old today and your one month of life has brought your daddy and me so much joy. You're such a handsome baby boy with charcoal blue eyes and your daddy's lips. We already laugh at every sound and face you make. We can't wait to know your personality more as we watch you grow. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Isaiah. You have a family in America and a family of friends here in the Philippines who both love you so much and a God who has big plans for your life. Mama and Daddy are already so proud of you baby boy.    

Love, Mama

Isaiah,
After seeing Mom's letter, I felt the need to write this one.  Your dad is not as sweet and thoughtful on these types of things, but don't doubt his love for you one bit.  We think God has given you to us for special purposes and destined you for great things.  Things that will matter long beyond your life. We have seen his perfect timing throughout the period of your coming into this world.  We're definitely glad you're here.  We're attempting to give you to God daily.  We've already failed numerous times, but desire to continue handing you over to Him.  Ultimately, He will make you who you need to be.  You don't have to worry about Him holding up His end of the deal.  He's faithful.  Always.  You also have a lot of people behind you.  There's a Filipino community that considers you to be their own.  They're your family.  As of now, you're only Filipino, but you already have family in America too.  They're awesome.  Mom has already told you all about them, and you stamped your footprints for them.  Hopefully, you'll be an American soon so you can go meet them all.  Two things as I close: First, nothing the Philippines has thrown at your mom has scared her like you can. And second, we are extremely proud to call you our son.  We love you Isaiah.
Love, Daddy

*Look a couple posts down to see how he's grown and changed since his newborn picture (taken at about 5 days old) *

School's Out For Summer

As some of you have probably read on here before, one of the opportunities the Lord gave us here in Aurora was teaching ‘religious instruction’ in a local high school. This particular ministry opportunity got the most questions and comments from people when we’d mention it. I suppose because it’s something so foreign for schools in America. Every public school in the Philippines has a religious instruction hour once a week. The local priest comes in to teach catechisms. It’s very ‘religious’ but the teachings are not biblical. They include worship of saints and other idols. Ma’am Chat, the principal at Calabuanan National High School, is a follower of Jesus and chose to break from this cultural mold. She asked a local pastor friend of ours to teach about Jesus rather than religion. The pastor asked us to do it; we agreed and recruited some friends to join us in teaching these teenagers. What a blessing this hour every Tuesday turned out to be! The group of 100 students quickly dwindled when they realized the small groups we were facilitating required interaction and not just attendance, but the 50 or so of them who continued to come were truly interested in studying God’s Word. A few of them began to obey it.  Some of them heard truths they had never heard before and had many questions. Some of them chose to follow Jesus and surrender their lives to Him. Students were changed. Praise God for this! Last Tuesday was the last time we’ll meet with them. The school year here is from June to March so final exams are coming up and school will be out for summer. I wasn’t able to attend for the last month or so (due to a sweet addition to our family!) but Josh and our friends went and we were glad to finish well. We are praying that the core group of students who are genuine about their faith will continue to study God’s word this summer. We pray they will begin their own discovery Bible studies and that disciples will be made in the community of Calabuanan. Join us in praying for these kids. Pray also for Ma’am Chat to be willing to have our friends come again next year. Pray for God to raise up godly leaders in Calabuanan. 

Baby Isaiah

We are so proud to introduce 

ISAIAH LUKE BOREN

Born February 21, 2014

9:15 AM

Weighing in at 3, 311 grams (7.3 lbs)

53 centimeters long (20.9 in)

 
Most of you have probably heard through word of mouth, facebook, or email but our little boy made his appearance about 2 weeks ago. We learned (and are still learning) an immense depth of God's faithfulness and sovereignty through Isaiah's birth. And we're learning more about the love of our Father as we parent this little life. He has been such a joy these past two weeks and we are completely in love with him. Thank you all for your prayers throughout this pregnancy and delivery. We are humbled to have so many people behind us. I look forward to writing more about Isaiah's birth day as well as what the beginning of parenthood has held, but for now I'll just share some pictures of our sweet fella's first weeks of life.

 

Street Dancing

Today is Aurora Day- celebrating the foundation of the province of Aurora. For the past week there have been different events such as a surfing competition, a beauty contest, a drum and lyre competition, and more in Baler (the town about 20 minutes from us on the coast). Yesterday was the street dancing competition. We missed it last year and it was an event that I really wanted to see. We haven't gone to any of the other events this year, due to some rain and hoping that a certain baby boy would make his appearance instead :) But the weather was nice, baby boy seems content right where he is, and we were getting a little stir crazy so we joined some friends yesterday morning to watch the traditional street dancing. I'm so glad we did! The competitors are made up of elementary and high schools from different municipalities in Aurora. The costumes were beautiful, representing different ancient tribes, and the students did a wonderful job performing. It was so fun to see this part of the culture! Many of our friends danced when they were students so it was neat to see a little part of their past as well. The pictures just don't do it justice, but enjoy!

 I know not everyone can relate to this, but the street dancing competition took me straight back to my high school competitive cheerleading days. The crowd was wild! The mothers were practically climbing up each others' backs so they could see their children perform. The human stunts that some of the students acted out were thrilling. And best of all, there were sounds of bells going wild. For me it sounded just like cowbells at a Kossuth Aggies game (or cheer competition) or even Davis Wade Stadium on MSU game day. But the best part was when I turned around to see the proud bell ringers, I found that it was a couple of ice cream men competing for customers. I quickly snapped back into the Philippines and out of high school cheer world ha. 

 Although Josh and I missed a few performances due to a pregnant bathroom break, snack break, and get-off-my-swollen-feet break, we had a great time. Not to mention how nice it was to get our minds out of baby world for a while :) Now maybe all that dancing and cheering will encourage Baby Boren to make his grand entrance. 5 days 'til the due date! 

Commission

No baby yet so I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you about something that is really a big part of our lives here in the Philippines. I know once baby boy is here that I'll find myself a little too preoccupied to keep up with the blog as much, so I wanted to be sure to share this with you as we would love for you to pray.

I often do a poor job of communicating to all of you back home about what all goes on here and things God has allowed us to be a part of. So let's go back a few months to June 2013. CABA Mission Training Center (CABAMTC) began its first year of classes. CABAMTC is a school or training center for students who desire to become foreign missionaries. The students take 3 years of courses very similar to courses we went through in our first two years in Trek-X (Old and New Testament, Theology, Servant Leadership, Cultural Studies, Bible Study Methods, Language, etc.) They're also involved in local ministry in Maria Aurora. Upon completing these three years, the students will actually have earned a bachelor's degree and will then proceed to a Southeast Asian country where they'll live and serve as missionaries. This is a big deal because it is absolutely unheard of for anyone in our area of the Philippines to leave the country for the name and cause of Jesus. However, for those who are committed to following Christ and have a desire for the nations, this training school is now available for them to be trained and sent. We like to think that Filipinos, especially provincial Filipinos,  make the perfect missionaries because they're so adaptable. They're willing to eat whatever, sleep wherever, and do whatever. They're just naturally contented people. It's also a great advantage that they can physically blend well with other Southeast Asians. If we were to go to some of these closed countries, we would stick out like sore thumbs. We're white, we're big, and a number of other things. But these small brown Filipinos look like small brown Asians from other areas. They just need a change of clothes. That is not at all to say that Caucasians whom God leads to closed Southeast Asian countries should not go. By all means, GO! But what a blessing to be a part of sending these well-disguised missionaries to places where we would face much greater challenges. Again, challenge isn't a bad thing, but hopefully you get my point.

So in the past school year, from June to almost March, four students have been trained in CABAMTC. March 18 they will go to another city in the Philippines for a 2 week briefing and then be sent to various Southeast Asian countries for 2 months. They will be immersed in other cultures and brought to places where they'll depend on the Lord like never before. Because Christianity is illegal in most of the places they're going, their goal is essentially to build relationships with locals that will help to start up or strengthen ministries of long-term missionaries in these areas.

I want to share with you some pictures of the seven students who will be going in a few short weeks. There are four students in the training center but seven who will be going on mission. Ruben, whom I've mentioned in a previous blog, was just married so his wife is also joining. Plus a young pastor and his wife. A couple weeks ago we commissioned them for their summer term. It was a sweet time in the Lord.

These seven men and women are some of our dearest friends in Maria. We'll be sad to have them gone for so long, but we're rejoicing at the opportunity before them. At the commissioning, their teacher/mentor Pastor Arnold challenged each of us to be diligent about praying for them and loving their families while they're away. (The married pastor and wife are leaving behind a six year old son). I ask you to pray intentionally for them as well. At this service, I wept in my seat seeing them all so beautiful in these cultural wardrobes singing a song about being light in the dark and salt in the street. You could see it in their faces; they're ready. They're willing to do whatever the Lord asks of them. They're bold and courageous yet they're humbly depending on the Lord for provision. It's been such a joy to watch them grow in their faith the past year. Being able to relate to the emotions that they felt as they contemplated the upcoming years was an honor and privilege. Please join us in praying for their fears of flying, thier health, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit,
favor with the governments in these countries, and for them to fall deeper in love with their Savior as they experience Him in a new way.