Family Affair

Yesterday, my friend Ariel was in Bontoc. (Ariel was the student who accompanied me from Calvary Gospel School of Ministry the day the motorcycle broke down.) He was visiting our church since the school is on break between trimesters. His plan was to stay in town overnight so he could catch a bus in the morning to go home to visit his family. We took the opportunity to invite him over for dinner in the evening.

We played a couple games of Skip-Bo. (He won the first and did well in the second.) As we were just sitting down to supper, Pastor Rudy, the owner of the motorcycle showed up. (The motorcycle started right up for him and he was able to drive it home the other day without any problems. Operator error, I guess.) So he joined us as well.

As we were talking after dinner Ariel made a comment that I found interesting. He talked about how much he enjoyed our family. He mentioned how most Filippino parents do not give much attention to their children. They work hard and when they come home, they have dinner and go to bed. He really liked that we spent time talking with our girls and playing games with them. I would have dismissed his compliments as flattery, but he mentioned it several times. It seemed like a new concept for him. He said how he wished his parents had done that and how he hopes to spend time with his children when he has a family.
We have also had fun as students who board in town have dropped by to visit. Three girls in particular have shown up a couple of times. Their parents live in a village about 5 hours away. Saturday, they came over and watched a movie, ate some popcorn, and played a game with our girls. (One actually colored with Annalise while the others played.)

I am reminded of the time I spoke in Can-eo when we were here last year. I was teaching about the Father-heart of God. Pastor Rudy was translating. I mentioned how much I love my daughters' affection - their hugs and kisses. When he translated this, the audience began laughing. I did not understand. Rudy explained that here it is not common for parents to hug or kiss their children. I remember feeling sad for them as they are missing such a wonderful blessing.

I suppose this is one of the benefits of ministering as a family. We are given the opportunity to show others how a family can work. Of course, our family has no claim to the prize given to perfect families. But we do enjoy time together and are not scared of showing affection. May God use this imperfect family to bless the people around us.


Grace,
Tom