Current Plans

Just so y'all have a chance to take a look at our plans, we thought we would publish them. Of course, everything is subject to change. But here are our current plans.

• September 4: Leave Salem and begin the journey to Manila, Philippines.
• September 6-7: Shalom Center, Manila
• September 8-26: Niac, Philippines - Valley Cathedral Childrens' Home
• September 26 - October 4: Baguio, Philippines - working with local churches
• October 4: Bontoc & Can-eo - working with local churches
• October 29-31: Shalom Center, Manila
• November 1: Leave Manila bond for Salem, Oregon
• November 5-8: Debriefing
• November 8: Leave Salem and head for home

Since we have started this blog, we have tried to make an entry each day. We are not sure what the availability of the internet will be as we travel. We will do our best to keep you up to date, so continue to check in daily. We would also love to hear from you so we can catch up with what is going on with you before we leave. It would be a great way to spend our free time this weekend.

May God bless all of you for the prayer and financial support you have provided. This journey would not be possible without you allowing God to work through you.

Happy Birthday, Alayna!

Today we celebrated Alayna's birthday. She is 8 years old! Some things were planned by Lisa and I. Some things just happened that way. But whatever the source, it made for a memorable day.

For breakfast, Lisa brought her a waffle with ice cream and candles. At the morning break COD joined us and Lisa served cup cakes. COD then left for an outing for pizza. Awards and more cup cakes followed when they returned.

Later, when they checked the mail slot, there was something mysterious there (in addition to a birthday card from Grammie and Papa). A note that promised surprises if she followed the clues. There were 8 (hmmm, a funny coincidence) clues directing her and her friends to various places around the campus until they found some birthday presents (and popsicles).

Then there was the dance party: an end of school celebration hosted by our friend Shirley (Miss Hospitality - the Hostess with the Mostest).

Quite a day for the birthday girl!

Tom

Commissioned

Tonight at The Rising, our Tuesday night service, the Crossroads Discipleship Training Class was commissioned for our outreach to the Philippines. It was a great send-off. The COD kids lead the worship. The training director shared some encouraging words for the class and the base before his wife danced. It was a beautiful presentation of prayer. Then, of course, prayers were offered on our behalf.


Our departure is just around the corner. Classmates are making preparations. In class we are all giving presentations as practice for potential opportunities in the Philippines. Lisa and I will present tomorrow, but there were some stirring presentations made today.

Our classmate, Emerald, had to fly home for an unexpected medical procedure yesterday. But we understand she is doing well and expects to return on Thursday. Please pray for the physical well-being of our team. As a team, we have already faced a number of medical issues, including an arrow to the head. God is bringing us through all of these issues, and so many more, but we rely on the prayers of others on our behalf.

Grace,
Tom

Good-bye Grandma & Grandpa

My parents left for an across the country tour back home this morning. It was a good week with them. What a blessing to be able to spend some time with them before we head to the Philippines.

Grace,
Tom

Silver Falls

We really wanted to make a special day out of Grandpa and Grandma's last full day with us. So we headed downtown . Salem has a beautiful carousel downtown. (The girls went there after the World Beat Festival.) Grandma was much more relaxed about this ride than she was anything that is offered at the ropes course!



For lunch we went to McDonald's. The girls were very excited. It has been a long time for them to be without those golden arches. Grandpa and Grandma helped us celebrate Alayna's birthday since they won't be with us next week.


Then it was off to Silver Falls. What a beautiful place! This is a must see if you ever make it to this part of the country. We hiked the path around behind South Falls. Then back up to the creek to get our feet wet.


When we got back, Lisa and I did a quick sort through our things. Grandpa and Grandma are driving our van back to the midwest for us as they tour the country. So we are sending along all of the stuff we don't expect to need when we depart for the Philippines. Sort of a pre-packing shakedown.

Only 9 more wake-ups until we head over the Pacific on the next part of the adventure!

Grace,
Tom

Salmon Falls

Today the COD class went to Salmon Falls. Grandma and Grandpa were asked to go along. Because they were short of staff today, I was asked to go along as well. So I played hookie for the last part of class and went to play.

It was absolutely beautiful! The kids had a great time climbing on the rocks and playing in the water. Grandpa even enjoyed climbing on the rocks while Grandma played in the water.






Grace,
Tom

Needs a Bit More than a Kiss

Tonight we got to tour Salem Hospital Urgent Care. The doctor looked at our adorable 5-year-old with blood down the side of her head. I think the doctor thought we were joking when we answered his question, "How did this happen?"

As nonchalantly as possible, I replied, "She got shot with an arrow." Several of the young people on base have entertained themselves with homemade bows and arrows and one of the young archers accidentally struck her.

The doctor said, "A little lower and it would have been a bad story." (Of course, we had already thought about this and expressed our gratefulness. You know the line, "It's always fun until someone puts out an eye.")

Annalise was very brave. She had stopped crying before we were alerted and didn't cry anymore even when the doctor stuck the seemingly huge needle in her scalp to numb the area. A couple hours after the accident, she happily walked out of the exam room sporting 3 stitches and waving her 2 stickers. The only time she was sad was when we told her she wouldn't be able to play in the river when her class goes on their outing tomorrow.

Now, 3 out of our 4 girls have had stitches and all of them have occurred in the last 2 1/2 years.

English Language and Culture

Tonight the Korean ELC students presented some of the things they have learned. Some of their presentatins were reflective. Others were downright comical. Everybody had a good time. It was a reminder that our time here in Salem is drawing to a close.

Grandma & Grandpa on the Ropes

Wow! Mom did the Flying Squirrel! Can you believe it? She still can't!

Rainy Day

Grandma and Grandpa are getting the full Oregon experience: beaches, whales, and seals yesterday; constant drizzle today.

Grandma made herself very popular with the COD kids as she handed out McDonald's toys she had brought for all of them at the end today's classes.

Grace

Grandma & Grandpa are Here!