Balloons and Soap Boxes

This is the title of the message Thomas gave at my parents' church today. The church warmly welcomed us to share about our time in the Philippines and our plans to return. They have been announcing our visit for the last several weeks, put a large display with our picture in the foyer, and even put our name on the sign in front. The church is in my hometown and, besides my parents, includes many who have known me since I was little. In each of the services, the congregation gathered around and prayed for us. Even though my mother just got in late last night from Zurich where she accompanied my uncle on his last flight as an American Airlines pilot she stayed for all three services. She even had us over for dinner. Yes, we are so blessed by the love and support shown by so many! We are very thankful for each of you.

Lisa

There's No Place Like Home

Our family has really enjoyed the opportunity to gather with so much of our family the last few weeks. But we are still in need of a home in the Philippines. The couple of places our friends were checking out for us are not available. Please continue to pray...
Lisa

Christmas at Grammie and Papa's

Annalise shares some fashion tips with those not so fancy family members...
Katelin and Alayna share a hug...
Annalise and Samantha share a couch...
Papa and Alexie share a tickle...
Adriana shares a smile...

Matthew shares some silliness...
Samantha and Alayna share a hug, too...
Grammie and Alayna share Papa's chair...
Katelin and Adriana share a viewpoint...

Sharing the time with family making memories...

Lisa

Merry Christmas

To our family and friends near by and far away,
May your heart be filled with the Love that was sent to a little stable so it overflows and you must share the good news not only of a little baby but the rest of the story too.

Merry Christmas
To our Korean friends: Sung Tan Chuk Ha
To our Tagalog speaking Filippino friends: Maligayang Pasko
To our Ilokano speaking Filippino friends: Naragsak a Paskua
To our Nepali friends: Krit Yesu Ko Shuva Janma Ustav Ko Upalxhma Kardik Shuva
To our Brazilian friends: Feliz Natal
To our Mexican friends: Feliz Navidad

No Room at the Inn

We are still in need of housing in the Philippines. No, it's not that the place is too crowded but although the rent price did lower some we feel the need to find a more economical option. Please continue to pray with us that God will provide just the right place for our family. Our friends are currently looking into a couple other options for us. One we did see and another we only saw from the outside. Both have beautiful views of rice fields.

The Answer is YES

Yesterday, our girls portrayed angels in our church's Christmas program. We hope after many years of playing this role garbed in white they will become more angelic. Annalise kept the crowd entertained being the littlest angel on stage. The joy of ringing a blue bell and waving a ribbon as she danced about...there is just a way a 5-year-old can do it unlike those that are older and more experienced. More exuberance, let's say.

As I've shared with some of you before, God frequently speaks to me through His youngest cherubs. One of their songs asked what answer would you give should God ask...the chorus involves the enthusiastic refrain "the answer is YES!" Mary said "yes" even though she had to be overwhelmed at the thought of what lay ahead and certainly not all her questions were answered. There are moments that we feel that way about our "yes". But what else can you say?
After the program we enjoyed visiting family and friends. We are trying to spend time with as many as we can while we have the opportunity. The internet is a great connector but it is difficult to hug with an ocean between you.
Today our family celebrated our Christmas together. The girls were certainly dressed more for Christmas in the Philippines than the cold part of the world we currently call home but Christmas dinner was All-American pizza with plenty of cheese.
Lisa

Grandma's House

Even though the girls thought it would never come, it was finally time to go to Grandma's house. We had a great time with my family enjoying good food and company as we celebrated Christmas.

A robe for Alayna's doll...

Horse wrapping paper for Adriana...

A tickle for Josiah...

Polka dots for Annalise...

A hug for Grandpa...
A pose from Alexie and Jordan...

A video of memories for Grandma...

And the joy of God's salvation for everyone...

Grace,

Tom