Shawn's Visit

Shawn, a friend from our home church, just came for a visit. Even though our time was short (only 48 hrs!), we were so blessed by his visit.

Zach hanging out in a tribal hut
This precious old lady tugs at my heart strings every time we see her.

Ben made a new friend and had fun building things out of sticks and rocks. Just being boys!

It sometimes feels to us that we are not accomplishing anything when we are just hanging around with the people, but I really think that it is during those "down" times that God is doing mighty things in bonding our hearts to theirs.

One of the main jobs in this particular village is shredding down abaka fibers. It looks like the stalk of a banana tree when it starts, but when they are done (MANY hours of tedious work), it is a long, incredibly strong string tied end to end. It can then be sold to be used in weaving.

Shawn was such an encouragement to us in his time with us, and the people enjoyed meeting him as well. He did great in all the different places - and different foods. :)

So who else wants to come visit this gorgeous corner of God's creation?

those eyes...

hanging out in another village - check out the windchimes on the right-hand side. We are in the throes of helping them start a small-scale business to sell these at tourist festivals...pray all the details come together so that they can start making a living!

The kids have been learning a lot more Tagalog lately, and they have a blast in the village with the kids. They get absolutely FILTHY, but they sure have fun. :)

studying the Word together

this is where one of the churches meets - called a bahay kubo here

We had a GREAT time while Shawn was here, but his visit was cut short by a middle of the night call from the States that his father had passed away. Please pray for him and his family as they grieve this loss. Our hearts go out to them.