Updates from the Philippines

April

2007-04-02T04:31:00.000+08:00

Wow.. I know it's been some time since I've posted.
I have returned to the US and will start a temp-to-hire job tomorrow.
Since returning I've been working with a temp agency in knoxville TN. God has allowed me to adjust with the blessings and grace of his people.
I'm at the mercy of the public library for internet access so I'm not sure what direction I'm going to go with this blog.

For now I will be staying in Tennessee and working. Though a part of me is always in the Philippines, I don't know when or by what means I will get to return there. Sorry I can't give a more grandeous (sp?) answer than that, but it where I am at, God has purpose and timing in everything and though we don't always understand it or feel it is "the right thing to do" His ways always have a benefit for us in his timing... I hope that I remain in that as I live and work in Knoxville.

Thank you for your prayers and support... Lord willing we will keep in touch.

2007-01-10T17:54:00.000+08:00

Hi...
Sorry there are no new pix on here... Right after Christmas a 7.1 earthquake that damaged a communications wire in the ocean... this actually cut off phone and internet connections for several countries... The Philippines shared their line during the repairs and restoration of this vital connection... thus our DSL was acutally SLOWER than dial up, and with in the last few days acted at its normal speed.
Anyway.

I'm packing.

I leave the PI on Monday.

I'm looking forward to visiting with family in California for a week then spending a week in Illinois with family before I drive down to Tennessee, where I plan set up home. God has already blessed me with a roommate and a place to live, I will be looking for a job.

I appreciate your prayers as I make this transition.

December Letter

2006-12-22T20:25:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas! I hope this holiday season you have taken some time to be still and know God is still in control. I wanted to write a letter sooner but events and plans changed…My last update gave an overview of the work I have done with the majority of my time here. Now I am shifting gears by working in other areas and preparing for my return to the US in just a few weeks.
Aldrine, PJ and Joy have all been a pleasure to work with. More than anything, I have been able to assist in opening the eyes of possibilities for their lives to have meaning and purpose to them and those who care for them. I have also had the joy of playing with the other children at Palm Haven. Since I have been here, 2 babies arrived and 2 children have been adopted into forever families. Sadly, though one of the babies who arrived in June passed away at the end of November. It is heartbreaking, but God’s glory shines through, the testament of those who cared and loved him here and those who have loved him from afar by giving financially to cover his hospital bills. It is amazing to see God’s family at work. (Pictured are the babies in a crawling race at the PH Christmas Party sponsored by the Davao Mayor).
I mentioned in my last letter that my dad had returned to the US; toward the end of November my dad had spent 10 weeks in the US on the road visiting supporters and churches, however his stay was extended another three weeks to deal with a situation with renters on our farm in Illinois. He had planned to arrive here the day before Thanksgiving. My mom and I were blessed to spend thanksgiving with fellow American missionaries; God provided a family of fellow believers to celebrate the patriotic holiday even when we were in a foreign country.
Last Friday AFC held its Christmas party for all the employees and their families. This was an all day event, including a program, games and food. The program consisted of singing, a contest and a short message followed with the presents to all the employees and their families. AFC again saw the hand of God at work as there was not much money in the budget to be able to give the quantity of gifts needed. A church in Oklahoma asked if we had children, they could give gifts to our mission for Christmas. Just two days prior to the party five huge boxes arrived full of gifts for each of the children. It was overwhelming for us to see it, but also for those who received... And of course, it is not a party without food. Two lechons – whole roasted pigs, were carried in for the feast and consumed. The afternoon included various games and competitions. I think there was even a basketball game in the evening. The kids had opened their bags of goodies and enjoyed playing with some things they had never seen or even dreamed to receive. I had fun teaching them how to use a slinky. Everyone enjoyed the bounty of what God provided.
This last month and a half I have switched to working roles in working in and with the AFC office... I am no longer volunteering at the radio station or with Palm Haven. I am assisting in setting up the bookkeeping in Quicken as well as help cleaning, sorting and organizing materials, like computers, that have been donated to the mission to assist in restructuring of AFC. There are so many areas of the work that need attention to help my parents be more effective in their jobs, but that in itself is a full time job beyond how I am able to assist them. This has given me the opportunity to work with and get to know other AFC employees. (Pictured is some kids peeking into their gift bags).
I feel like it can seem cliché to talk about living by faith, but when we truly step out of what we know about the world with God, we step out on faith. Christ came to the earth as a step of faith, lived and died as a step of faith that was what God required of him for our redemption. As these months have gone by I am reminded that my life to is truly lived by faith. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, nor why things happen the way they do, nor when they do... But God does. He sees the big picture. Though we may see small actions or choices to be some place at a certain time as insignificant… we never know what it could mean to someone else… But God puts us there with a purpose, even if we do not see it at that moment. Scripture does not teach that bad things happen and God figures out what he will make out of it in our lives. He is purposeful… and always providing…Providing for a way for his glory to shine through in our lives.

May God’s Blessings be on you!
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down,

shaken together and running over will be poured into your lap.”

Luke 6:38 (NIV)

In Christ,
Beth

More Info on Baby Jerry

2006-12-22T20:19:00.000+08:00

Baby Jerry was born 3 months premature and abandoned to us by the mother at one month old in June. In our care he was gently cared for and grew seemingly healthy; however beginning in September he began living more at the hospital than in the Palm Haven Nursery. The doctors never put a definite condition or cause for his illness beyond pneumonia, but we also suspect meningitis. I received a call in the middle of the night from the gal who works for AFC and was staying with Jerry to bring in the other girls and come bring her home the night that Jerry died.
It is heartbreaking, but God’s glory shines through, the testament of those who cared and loved him here and those who have loved him from afar by giving financially to cover his hospital bills. It is amazing to see God’s family at work.

I'm trying to find the photos of him to post here... check back.

Continued Prayer....

2006-11-26T18:53:00.000+08:00

This is written with a heavy heart as last night we lost this baby boy... Please be in prayer for us.

Thank you.

Baby Jerry Prayer Request

2006-11-25T18:30:00.000+08:00

Hi... Please Pray:
A part of the mission I'm with at the moment has a small childerns home. In June we took in a baby that was born 3 months premature, he was one month when he arrived --He's 6 months old now. In the last 2 months he has spent more time in the hospital than out. We aren't completely sure what is going on with him beyond penumonia, however, because of limited funding and the level of available medical here in Davao, we seem to be hitting the end of the road on what to do next being that there is no know reason why he is sick... or had to get him healthy.

Please pray for the decsions that are being made regarding what my mom and the social worker (and doctors) decide what is truly best for him.
We also have about 8 girls who work in our nursery that are dealing with all emotion and care for this little guy. Pray for their emotional and psychological well being.
Pray for my mom, who is not a nurse and who is having to make these difficult decisions with out my dad around (he was on a 10 furlough, but had to extend it due to a renter issue that is in court).
Thank you.

An Exciting Week

2006-11-11T14:34:00.000+08:00

Well, This week had a few life events both here in the Philippines and in the States.
The week started off with a little girl bonding with her forever family parents. They spent two days at the beach before they left for Manila then back to the the states to meet the rest of the family. This little girl, 1 1/2 years old, is adorable! She was a favorite at Palm Haven and is missed by all those who cared for her while she was in our care. There is rejoicing that her family will continue the love given to her.

The second event of the week was my nephew's birth. Toby James Book was born on Tuesday. He joins his sister and two older brothers to keep my sister and brother-in-law busy! :)

The third event my mom and I attended in a special way. My Grandmother got married! We joined via skype video to see the ceremony preformed by my dad at my grandma's farmhouse in Illinois. This event was Friday Night in the US, but our saturday morning. I made a cake (from a mix I brought from the states) and we joined the fun in our own special way.

Merry Christmas... Yes I know it's October

2006-10-24T19:03:00.000+08:00

I know I've mentioned that christmas has started here... The center one of the malls here in Davao has Christmas decorations ready fo the taking. There are a lot of decorations that are made here for the states, plus there are some other unique decorations used all over the Philippines. I'll try and get some pictures of them. I've even started to throw a few christmas songs on my play list on the radio. Enjoy!

Palm Haven Pool Party

2006-10-17T20:39:00.000+08:00

Hi.
Each month in the Philippines is desginated to serval types of things to raise awareness and have special programs highlighting that thing. October is Childrens month. Palm Haven is required to give recognition to the children that reside with us. Last week the kids sang a song as part of the closing ceremony of the inservice training and today they had a pool party. Thought I'd share the fun we had on this hot October day!

Greetings! -- An Update!

2006-10-08T20:23:00.000+08:00

The following posts are essentially a letter I sent out, but have been broken into sections that Pictures may be added for your viewing.

Two days before September rolled in I saw my first Christmas tree up for this year. A few nights later I saw a couple place with the Christmas lights already out! It's a "ber" month and Christmas can officially begin. We've even had one group of carolers, which really for here is still early! Every place isn't decked out and everything is not in full swing, but the stores are stocked with items for Christmas and people are preparing. Needless to say, Christmas is a big holiday here.
No turning of the leaves here or drop in temperature, however it is typhoon season. Davao City is located in the doldrums too close to the equator to get typhoons, but we can tell when the northern islands are experiencing one, we have cloudy days and nice breezes!

I have been here now for just a little more than half of my time. It's been exciting to see changes happen for the positive with the kids I've been working with. The following posts are individual updates.

Joy

2006-10-08T20:21:00.000+08:00

Joy, 9, is really starting to come out of her shell. I've been at a loss how to really work with her. We still have a bit of a language barrier, but she is at least starting to verbally respond and freely talk to me, even if I don't completely understand, actually I think she's trying to teach me the language and it may be working - she tells me the bisayan word and I guess what it is in English! I've discovered she likes the Disney princess (thanks to a leap pad) and she likes dogs. I brought my little chihuahua with me and she has met Joy... how I discovered she like dogs! So we now take Minnie (my pup) for walks. Minnie is still young, very trainable and a quick learner so I've been teaching Joy how to train Minnie and at the same time Joy is learning to follow my commands and pay attention to details. I only wish the dog were bigger to give her a good amount of resistance, we are working on that.

PJ

2006-10-08T20:19:00.000+08:00

PJ, with mild CP, is such cutie and he knows it. The goal with him is to gain control over his muscles and strengthening his right side that is usually tensed up. Everyone is wanting him to walk which is a very noble goal however he needs to accomplish and do lot of other little things before this will all come together. This is where tough love comes in. He enjoys his time with me, but he has been spoiled a bit and is learning I make him work! He sits up on his own, but would rather engage in activities laying down. The hardest thing I make him do is pull himself up to learn to bear his own weight..

Aldrine

2006-10-08T20:17:00.000+08:00

Aldrine, Blind, has come to trust me and is ready to get out of the house for a walk during our time together. He has been at Palm haven since he was a baby however, he has still yet to "see" where he lives. When we walk he now understands the concept of the cane, but also resorts to listening to my footsteps, he's so smart! We are now going to the different buildings and discovering their location, what they are made of, how big they are and what surrounds them. I just take the time to allow him to discover his surroundings and say what things are as he touches them. He LOVES music. We got him a tape player, but have yet to teach him to use it, but he knows how to listen. The Philippine culture plays an interesting role is Aldrine's upbringing. I'm praising God that a girl is going to follow me who's main focus will be to work with Aldrine. He will be put in home with people focused on his development. As Americans we see people with disabilities as people who can be a functioning in society. Their disability is not seen as something that makes them less human. I've brought to view in working with Aldrine, we have also watched the movie, Miracle Worker, with the Palm Haven staff and they are all seeing that Aldrine can be something more than a disability. Praise God!

The Edge Radio

2006-10-08T19:59:00.000+08:00

I am still working with the Edge Radio on air from 3 to 5 in the afternoons playing Christian music. I now have a co-host on Wednesday to Friday. Our goal is to introduce Christian artists to the listening audience. The churches here ALL use Hillsong (from Australia), which is our number one request, however they really aren't in our format so getting Christians to take the leap to a new style of music with Christian lyrics has been a challenge. I do enjoy just talking with the others at who work at the radio station to give them encouragement that the style we are wanting to play will be heard by the right audience and with the desired result. Also I get to share about my experiences at concerts, meeting artists and things I've learned about different artists. This is why I've tried to go to as many concerts as I could while in the US, there virtually none here. There are Filipino Christian recording artists, but not many in our format, however, I believe it is possible that this group of stations will be a tool for the Lord in making it happen, it will just take time, as all things do in the Philippines.

Close of Letter

2006-10-08T19:58:00.000+08:00

My dad returned to the US on Sept 11 for a 10 week furlough to visit churchs and get supplies to send back. My mom is doing an incredible task of filling in for him while he is gone. They are in constant communication to keep this place running. With the time difference of 13 hours it means late night and early mornings sometimes. There is no one mold for what a missionary does. There are many jobs and hats just on person can do or wear throughout a day or week or term on the field. Missions does not always mean being the evangelist or a teacher. Every mission will tell you that there are roles that need to be filled, and when they aren't it is overwhelming to look at when in the midst of it.

One of the big questions has been over my time here is when will I return. I will arrive in the states in January, but people here are wanting to know when I'm coming back to the Philippines. There are so many areas of need though everyone wants me to come back to work in their area. My intentions for coming were part to see where my involvement could be with the Edge Radio. I believe the Lord has open the opportunity and I have been able to work effectively that I will be able to return to work with the new stations in the Philippines. I don't have my plans laid out quite yet because there are many details that have not been filled in yet. Please be in prayer with me that the Lord will lead and direct plans and details according to his purpose.

Thank you for those who have sent e-mails, it is encouraging to hear from you and know how you are doing. I think of you often and pray the Lord continues to bless you.

In Christ,
Beth

Sunday -- Sunny Day Rainy Evening

2006-09-17T19:57:00.000+08:00

I'm waiting out the down pour or rain at the moment before I attempt to drive out to homebase. The roofs here are tin with out much insulation, so listening to anything is pretty much out of the question.
Today my mom and I attended a new church. Today was the first official service, held in an 'upper room.' It had a steep narrow stair case (with no rails)that led to the open room. There were a few windows and no electric fans, need less to it was hot, but very enjoyable. There were about 35 who attended including all the guests who came as an encouragement as this new church begins. Most of the service was in cebuano, but I don't mind much since I grew up not understanding most of the church services. They do usually sing a few songs in english, for the sermon the preacher will say the text in english and the major points. I pay attention, but sometimes I flip over to just read scripture as it is. It really is exciting to see believers come to gether, especially as a church for the first time. This weekend a team held and evangelistic meeting as part of the kick off... I don't know where it was from but the people sang out loud, with their voices and their hearts to God. There was also a prayer of dedication for the building that they are getting to use for free! There was no concern about a new carpet or fancy lighting --- or any lighting to be exact, their sound system was a kareoke machine (common here) and the communion bread was crackers... they had what they needed...each other for fellowship.

August

2006-08-28T18:00:00.000+08:00

Hi! I'd thought I'd post something to let you know I'm still here.
I've finally gotten on to a pretty much normal schedule. I'm working in the mornings at Palm Haven. I work twice a week with each of the three kids: Aldrine (Blind), PJ (CerebralPalsy), and Joy (emotionally delayed). I've enjoyed getting to know each of them and each also provide challenges. One day a week the Palm Haven Employees have a meeting or 'play seminar.' This is litterally a time of teaching the workers and house parents how to play with the kids and babies they care for... Right now there are 9 kids in the 2 cottages and 6 babies in the nursery. My mom is leading and I assist for the most part that I already know to play. Alot of it is emphasis on how to give attention to the kids and encourageing them to give one on one time and on their level during playtime with the kids.
I spend my afternoons at The Edge Radio. I work on a news report or two to give during the hours of 1 to 4 pm. Recently I've been the DJ from 3 to 4pm. The radio is still getting organized and runs with a very small group of people. It plans become a commercial station. The Davao station is not online, but the Manila station is.. you can check out www.theedgeradio.net for information on the station... and actually the general manager of the davao station is the one who does the website... you can check out the 'news desk' to read my recent news stories.
The weather here is still pretty much the same... warm.. ok hot and rains every day!

2006-08-13T16:25:00.000+08:00

August Letter

2006-08-01T17:00:00.000+08:00

Dear Friends!!!!
Hope this finds you well and enjoying the remains of summer.

Hmmm.. it seems that I've left you hanging on my last letter concerning my mom. I tried to my ability to update myspace with the info as I was getting it and able to do it. I understand some only have Internet access at work and myspace is a spot that is blocked on many networks.. I'm trying to remedy this but haven't had much chance to set something up elsewhere. Anyway.. my mom had surgery in Manila and is now home and pain free (see the bottom of the letter for detailed info). Here's a little of what I've been up to since I wrote last... My parents left Davao 2 days before a group of 12 high school and college kids (including one adult leader) arrived from the US. They came for a 30 day mission trip. They were 11 individuals, most who never met each other from 4 states. Their main objective was to present a True Love Waits program for teens and young adults on Mindanao. In addition to this they were able to complete a few small painting projects at homebase. They ended up presenting their program about 17 times to schools, churches and the AFC staff. Since my mom and dad were occupied in Manila, I was their missionary elision. I was not only doing my part, but those of both of my parents. Since I had assisted with the first group, I was able to step in the roles of leading in areas such as overseeing meal prep and purchasing of food, transportation, finances, scheduling, laundry, projects as well as a companion on their outings. Normally these roles are filled by two people. Half way through their trip my parents did return and my dad came along with us. Especially as we traveled to the Northern part of Mindanao. They were a very enjoyable group. All the members wanted to come and see not only another culture, but to see missionary life, as many of them are considering going on the mission field following school. A 30 day trip is effective because they were able to move beyond jet lag and see the country and culture for what it is as well as learn a lot about themselves and see God work in their lives in extraordinary ways.

We have all had a chance to recover from traveling and are focused on our 'normal' jobs. I was able to contact those at the new Christian radio station in Davao to see if I could assist in any way. They were in need of a news writer and announcer, so for the last two weeks I have been volunteering 4 hours Monday to Friday afternoons writing and announce a minute news cast. This station is just one of several new stations that are being established all over the Philippines. My other job has also started to take form, I'm scheduled in the mornings to work with special needs kids at Palm Haven Christian Children Home. There are three at the moment, all are adoptable. Joy is about 9 years old, she came to AFC without any information four years ago, she's come along way in the time that she has lived as a part of a Palm Haven. I'm working with her by doing normal childhood things hoping that she will learn important social skills. Aldrine is 6 and is blind. In some ways he's a normal boy, but there are some area that are delayed in developing. A lot of what I'm going with him now is getting his trust. The third child is PJ he is 4 and has Cerebral Palsy. He's very bright but is hindered by his inability to control his right side. He is delaying in some other areas as well. I'm playing with him with the concentrating on him using his right hand.

The weather here is pretty stable, it usually rains either everyday in the evening or night.. or may have a couple days with out rain.. and the temperature doesn't vary a whole lot 75 to 89 all year long. Davao is south enough that there are no typhoons here, but will get a breeze and cloudy days. Once noted as the worlds perfect cone Volcano, Mt.Mayon, is located on an Island about 360 miles north of Davao and has been acting up a lot lately. The Volcanologists here are predicting a big eruption soon. I shouldn't be affected by it. The other interesting news here is the return of Filipinos from Lebanon. There are an estimated 30,000 Filipinos who have been working in the Lebanon, since war has erupted many are trying to return to the Philippines for safety. Many are domestic helpers and don't desire to return to Lebanon.

Well, I need to be getting this off to you and going back to Homebase for the night. I love hearing from you and I try to write back personally. I appreciate your prayers too.
In His Arms
Beth

Here's a timeline of my mom's (Dixie) surgery, she is home and pain free!

June13 Mom comes home from Davao Hospital and attempting to contact orthopedic surgeon in Manila
June 14 Mom and Dad fly to Manila
June 15 Mom and Dad visit Surgeon, Dr. Ver in Manila at St. Lukes Hospital. X-rays, MRIs and needed tests are done for the surgeon and Surgery is scheduled for the following Tuesday. The details the surgeon was in town and free, the surgical room and staff are available, the machine that assists in the surgery is to arrive the day before (from Malaysia).
June 19 Mom admitted to hospital.
June 20 A week after released for the Davao Hospital Mom has surgery. 2 discs, one broken the other displaced are removed and new synthetic discs are set into place on the 5th,6th and 7th vertebrae. She's out for the day doesn't know much of what is going on. Surgery is a success, done in 4 hours, estimated to have take up to 8 hours. Main goal for healing is the incision area on front part of neck.
June 23 Mom is released from the hospital with a neck brace to limit neck mobility ensuring proper healing, the same day as president is released from the hospital, so a host of media were present as mom exited the hospital, no picture is available for this site.
June 24 Mom and Dad fly home to Davao. Pain free for the most part.. throat is pained by the surgery, but not the pain she had prior to surgery.
July 13 Mom and Dad Fly to Manila for a checkup. All test come out clear and successful.. Mom no longer has to wear a neck brace and will have another follow up check in a couple of months.

PS drop me a note if you would like to recieve an update like this in an e-mail.

Traveling With CIY

2006-07-04T10:57:00.000+08:00

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Thought I'd put a note on here since I have a quick moment while grocery shopping and sitting at a coffeeshop to check e-mail! We praise God for WI-FI!!!!

I've been traveling with the CIY mission trip to a place in the mountians.. nice to have a break from the heat and into the cool. We are now on the northern part of Mindanao where we will be all week. They are in their last week and have had a wonderful response to their True Love Waits campaign.

They still have a few more presentations and then two days at the beach.. which we are all looking forward to, they conclude their time here by being a church on sunday by being the teachers and preachers for the service, one day in Manila then fly to the states. Pray that their hearts and minds will remain here til they leave and not be distracted by their excitement of returning home after 4 weeks.

My mom remained in Davao and is pain free and recorved from surgery well. My Dad is traveling with us along with our jeepney driver and a new AFC filippino, Andy, who has been a wonderful help as he knows english very well.

I'll write more when I have a chance. God Bless

Returned

2006-06-22T16:41:00.000+08:00

I have returned from a 2 night stay in the city of General Santos aka Gen-san. The group had some wonderful cultural experiences, as well did I. I also have some photos to share, but will work on it later.

My mom's surgery was on Tuesday. She was only in for just over 4 hours and everything seems to be healing well and the main thing now is recovery from the incesion, but otherwise the pain she experienced before is gone. We praise the Lord.

I'll post more later.

Update 3 on 'Mom' (Dixie)

2006-06-15T07:33:00.000+08:00

HI,

Today has some excitement due to the fact that my mom and dad were able to visit the back surgeon in Manila.

God is truly at work! First of all the surgeon is in town, he was scheduled to go to Norway, but visa work didn't go through, he had plans for Tuesday but they fell through today, the OR is available Tuesday as well as his staff. Also there is only one machine for south east asia that aids in the surgery and it will arrive from Malayasia and be ready to use on tuesday.

The blog below describes a newer type of surgery that was done in the philippines by her sergeon earlier this year. This option allows for short recovery time, hospital time as well as less of a problem in the future than other surgical options.

We are praising God who works masterfully when we don't know we even need it. Please continue to keep my family in your prayers that the pain will be tolerated til the surgery and for me as I am hosting the CIY group that arrive in the morning.

To God be the Glory!!!

Update 2 on 'Mom' (Dixie)

2006-06-13T14:00:00.000+08:00

My mom was released from the hospital today and we are now in process to contact a orthopedic surgeon in manila.

This link is an article regarding the surgeon we are trying to schedule with

We feel confident with this recommendation from the Dr.s here and other missionaries that have had back surgeries.

Pray that the scheduling and traveling will go well and that the pain meds will work until we are able to get there.

Davao is about 500 miles south of manila and on a different island so a 1hour and half flight is required, then getting through traffic in manila.

Update 1 on 'Mom' (Dixie)

2006-06-12T04:14:00.000+08:00

Just heard that my mom is coming home from the Davao Doctor's Hospital tomorrow (Tuesday) and has found a surgeon at a Great hospital in Manila (I had several friends who were born at this hospital as well as know of others who have been admitted there for other reasons).

I don't know the exact time frame that everything will pan out. My grandma mentioned to me that the Lord knew what he was doing when he sent me here at this time. For many this trip seemed sudden and in some ways it is, but the Lord works in mysterious ways and it's amazing how he works beyond any of our understanding.

Thank you for your prayers.

Beth

Mabuhay --- Hello from the Philippines

2006-06-10T17:00:00.000+08:00

Hello,
I hope this finds you at a good start to summer. I left the US on May 16 and arrived without a hitch on the 17th. I took a week to recoup from jet lag, the time here being exactly 12 hours ahead of EST. I'd hope to write before now but I've been keeping busy and hope this will let you know I'm here and I still think about you all often. In just a few short weeks that I've been here I've already help host a 15 college kids from Minnesota on a week long mission trip, saw a child from Palm Haven be handed over to a forever family and learned how to get around Davao City with out too many issues--'learning' to drive here.

A week after my arrival, we had mission trip that we had to change the location because of scheduling conflict for their first destination (northern Mindanao). God really blessed us with the change because it meant we didn't have to move for a week, were able to have full kitchen facility (as opposed to having no oven and one gas burner stove) and an adoptive family came as the group left, which would have been complicated if we had been on the other side of the island. It was also good for me to see what people noticed about the Philippines. Since I grew up here a lot things seem rather normal. At the end of their stay we had a day at the beach and my mom and I took them to Manila where we stayed an extra day to shop for things we are unable to get in Davao.

One of my jobs is video taping for the mission. A day before going to Manila a set of parents from Italy flew down to meet and take their adopted son. Jeshua is 5 years old was ready to meet his forever family, I was able to be at the air port for their arrival and meeting. It is truly touching to see families meet their new children and bond quickly. He is also old enough he will remember a bit of living here and of course all those here who know him are adjusting to him being gone.

I have gotten the opportunity to drive my parents vehicle as needed and had to adjust to the eh a... 'different' driving rules. We drive on the right side of the road...but there are the un written rule of the road to survive driving here. Only a few intersections have traffic lights and of those half of them don't work. The other majority of intersections don't even have any sign, much less a stop sign. I've heard people talk about traffic and driving in Mexico and would liken it to that.. however from other friends that have traveled all over the world they say that this is the 2nd worst to India-- only because they have cows in the street. It does appear to be a free for all, but really is more of the battle that you are responsible for yourself getting anywhere, with out being hit in the process by all the other drivers doing the same. Usually in the us we leave a car length between us and the car in front, this is seen as an opportunity for many things so learning to drive rather close to the driver in front, just so you don't end up with 5 cars 'merging' in front of you, is taking some time. There is no opportunity to go faster than 45mph so it's not that big of a deal, just an adjustment.

The house I'm living at is the main office for the mission also known as Homebase and is home to a few other single gals who work for AFC. When we came in 88 we came down here to visit other missionaries for the new year so I remember the road out to the place was mainly a 'dirt' road. Since then they have 'paved' (cement) sections as the population grows and the funds are available.. so almost half of the trip to Homebase is paved. The land is very lush and green and I feel like I'm at the edge of civilization... Ha ha.. we do have electricity so it's really not that bad, but it is the edge of the cell phone range, few TV stations reach there, there is no cable TV or land line phones (we have a wireless one... that is not a cell type phone). Because we are near the equator we have pretty even amount of light through the day all year long. The sun comes up about 5:30 and goes down about 5:30 in the evening. So the country rises early and sleeps early.

Davao has 4 decent malls that are reasonably supplied, but if you are looking for any specialty items, like a mini DV cleaner or cel phone hands free set, it may take a while and even in Manila it may be a search too. About the only American chains for food are McDonald's (of course), Pizza Hut, KFC, Wendy's, Dunkin Donuts, Mister Donut and Kenny Roger's Roasters. The malls all have movie theaters and we get the top 5 or so movies in the US plus they are only about $1 to watch. All in all it's not to bad, but there is a lot about living here that I've always been used to. In the morning when it's clear I can see Mt. Apo (see pic below), the tallest mountain in the Philippines.. and for that occasional day at the beach the ocean and resorts are just a short trip to a island in the bay.

We've been preparing for the next group that will come and stay for a month, since Mom and Dad have a lot of their belongings in the same house that I'm living in we are slowly getting everything cleaned up and moved around among all the other work getting done. Since the climate is hot and humid mold grows on EVERYTHING, so moving things involves quite a bit of time to allow things to air out and clean away the mold.

One other event that's taking way from focusing only on work is my mom is in the hospital. In the week preceding traveling to the Philippines my mom complained of a pain in her neck, right shoulder and arm, the US doctor prescribed pain meds, though continuing on pain meds after returning to the PI the pain progressed to severe where she was admitted on Wednesday this week to be given pain meds and have an MRI done under sedation. It appears she has compression and a slipped disc in her neck. We are looking at having surgery done in Manila, but don't know all the details yet, right now she's getting some much needed rest and great care at a Doctors Hospital in Davao City. Please pray for comfort, healing and discernment on choices that are ahead. Also pray for patience and care for my Dad and I. As we also have a mission trip that arrives on Friday so this complicates who to be where, but we trust God is taking care of the details.
I'd love to hear from you, if you ever happen to be an instant messenger let me know, it's a wonderful tool to keep in touch. My parents live in town where cable, DSL and phones are available, so I have opportunity to be on line.

In His Hands,
Beth

Arrival

2006-05-18T07:23:00.000+08:00

After 6 airports, 5 flights, 4 security checks, 3 airline meals, 2 changes of clothes and one slip down air port stairs: I've Arrived! Whole, Safe, and No lost luggage!

I'm glad to arrive and be with my parents as we all go through jet lag, even little Minnie (my pup) has a bout of jet lag---up at 3 am! It is warm and sunny here and the air conditioning is WONDERFUL! I'll post a picture later of my arrival.

I'll be wrting more when I 'm awake and thinking on a more functional brain, just wanted to post I am here. This week I'm looking at setting up household, which will be a room at homebase (If you are interested in Google Earth coordinates let me know). Thanks for your prayers.

Slowly but Surely...

2006-05-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

I know I've got a bit of a start with this and it's been slow going.. but I'm in my final week in the states and A LOT is getting done this week.

I was out most of last week with the stomach flu, and obviously I'm trying to make up for the time I lost last week.

Pray for focus and clear thinking that this week will not be wasted.