Partners, Old and New

We are so thankful for our tribal partners, and we are also thankful for our partners in the States who make our work possible. One of our partners in the States took up a collection at their VBS last year and sent it to us to use for a retreat for our tribal partners.

 For scheduling reasons, we had to wait until Philippine summer break (April/May) to do the retreat. We were able to go to a rustic little beach resort a couple hours from where they serve.

 It was a wonderful time of worshipping together, being refreshed by studying His Word, strategizing for the coming year and also playing & laughing together. I'm also thankful for one of the teachers at Faith who came and stayed with our kids so that I could attend the retreat as well and reconnect with the ladies.

What a blessing to be able to spend this time together with our tribal partners!

Another significant trip this month was one that Steve took. He brought one of the leaders from the Bugkalot church with him and traveled to another island by boat to attend a conference for leaders of other tribal churches on that island (it's a different tribe than the Bugkalot).  

 They have expressed interest before in partnering with us and the Bugkalot to reach the Agta tribe in Bicol. These meetings were the next step in that possible partnership.

Pat, the Bugkalot leader who accompanied Steve, shared from his heart about the Bugkalot church's experience in sending out some of their own to reach the Agta and how the partnership with us has gone. It was such a blessing to hear from his perspective all that God has done through this partnership. Please join us in praying for these tribal leaders as they consider the next steps for sending out some of their own to partner with us and the Bugkalot in Bicol.

Oz n Cuznz

No, I'm not having issues with my keyboard; obviously "Oz n Cuznz" is talking about a recent trip to Oz (Australia!) and a visit from our cousins. :)

Mikayla and I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Australia with Faith Academy's touch rugby team.  The team has never traveled before to compete, but they were better this year than ever before, and it was a great opportunity.

 We spent a couple hours touring Syndey on our way through to the Sunshine Coast (where we competed). This pic is of the two of us under the Harbor Bridge, looking across at the Opera House. Incredible!

 Mikayla was one of the girls who volunteered to share at a couple chapel services while we were there. Here she is speaking to a group of about 700!

 We were only in Australia for 3 full days (plus a half day in Sydney), and we played 7 games in 2 days!  It was a crazy whirlwind but such fun!

 Our girls enjoyed getting to know the girls on the other teams as well as learning a lot about rugby.

 I was the designated team trainer for the trip and refreshed my nearly-forgotten skills for taping ankles and wrists.

 Here Mikayla is sharing in another chapel service. She did a great job - so very proud of her willingness to step up and be used by HIM in this way!

 Our final day on the Sunshine Coast, we took a hike along the coast, spotted sea turtles, and saw some spectacular scenery.

 I was so very blessed to be able to share this experience with my precious daughter.

 One of the evenings on the way back from dinner, a couple in our group spotted a python along the road.  Of course what else will they do besides catch it and bring it in to the living room for some pictures! :)

While Mikayla and I were gallivanting in Oz, Steve and the boys enjoyed their spring break by doing some mountain biking and hiking with friends.

Quite the diverse group representing USA, New Zealand, Scotland, and Switzerland!

A couple days after spring break, my sister and her family arrived for a visit!

 The cousins had a BALL reconnecting. It had been almost 2 years since they had seen each other, but they picked right up where they left off.

 So thankful for our family and the memories we are making together!