Playing Catch-up

We have definitely been feeling like we have been playing catch up for the last couple weeks - catching up in school (6 days/wk+), catching up on paper work, and now I am making a small attempt to catch up on the blog.

First, a very special woman went to be with Jesus yesterday.  Jen's dad's mom passed away peacefully and is now rejoicing in the throne room. We are rejoicing with her, but it is still hard to say goodbye.  My dad was here in the Philippines when she passed, so he changed his ticket and will return early to the States to perform the funeral.  As a result, he won't be able to come down here next week like he had planned; we had all been very much looking forward to his visit so that makes it doubly hard.  Appreciate all your prayers during this time.  This pic was taken on our last furlough in 2009. 

In the midst of playing catch-up, we have been pressing ahead with several trainings with our Bugkalot tribal partners.  We have a couple different "venues" for our trainings, and this is one of the most peaceful.

 This is the "new" group that just arrived in May and are still in language and culture study time.  They are progressing well, and they will have their language exams this month as well as their "story exams" to see how well they know the Bible stories they will be teaching.  Pls continue to pray for this group as they prepare to begin teaching as soon as possible (for some it will likely be in January if they pass all their exams!).

 This is a common sight around here - these little "tricycles" (tiny motor scooter with a side car) haul several bamboo sala sets at a time.  It is amazing what they can fit on that little vehicle!  Coincidentally, we have been feeling a little over-loaded our ownselves these past weeks, so my heart goes out to the poor little scooter. :)

 The kids had a ball decorating for Christmas last weekend.  They are getting so big!  Steve and I mostly just sat and watched them do it all.

 Our newest teammate arrived safely!  Thanks for praying!  Little Kadesh (boy) was born 2 weeks ago after a tough labor and delivery so we are super thankful for his safe arrival.

 The kids are still wakeboarding from time to time.  Our schedule is crazier now, so we don't get out there that often, but we enjoy it when we do.  I put together a few recent pics in case anyone is interested.  I think you should be able to click on the photo to enlarge it if you want to see the pics better.  Ben is riding now as well, but he doesn't really do any tricks or hit any obstacles so I didn't take any recent pics of him.

Really would appreciate additional prayers right now as we are feeling a little overwhelmed at all that is going on at once.  Pray that we would place our burdens at His feet and rest in His perfect peace.