Tough trip

We all know Murphy's Law and are all familiar with the concept that things are never what they seem. So, Why does it still surprise us when things crop up that change our plans?

This last trip in was full of surprises and new challenges. Suffice to say, we learned more about culture and how that affects house arrangements and the use of land. We are incredibly thankful for Peter (an Ilokano believer) who was a huge help to the guys. With Peter there they were able to clear up miscommunication and to satisfactorily come to new agreements regarding housing and land.

Russ and Peter

            The guys hiked while their stuff got brought in by these carabao (water buffalo) 

Please be praying as Peter left on Friday to buy/ship lots of building materials into the tribe. Erik, Dad and myself will be heading up later this week to spend 2 weeks there working on my new house. 

Headed out

Yesterday Chuck, Erik, Russ and Peter started the 3 day trip to the village. Once they get there they hope to get quite a lot accomplished before they need to head back out to meet with a translator friend here in Manila.

I think its as packed as its going to get

Please be praying along with us for:

Safety as they travel

Good meetings with the Ga'Dang people to clarify certain details

That they would be able to get a good start on things there before needing to head back.

That good relationships would begin to grow from this early time

And always, that they would be good testimony even without being able to really communicate with the people.

Shovels, rice and cooking pots

What do you buy to feed 3 men for 2 1/2 weeks with no fridge? Also take into account that they will be working on building a house so a 5 course culinary work of art is pretty much never going to happen. So something simple, quick and can be kept for long periods outside of a fridge.

It looks like a lot of canned food for them! Tuna, corned beef, mackerel, ramen noodles, oatmeal and a lot of rice! Lots and lots of rice. 

So I have been on a shopping expedition for the last week or so, buying shovels, food, saws, cooking pots, mattresses, mosquito nets. Not to mention pricing really exciting things (sarcasm doesn't translate well in typing) like roofing, cement, PVC pipes and obscure tools that I'm not quite sure what they're used for. But I'm sure I'll find out! :-)

So all in all, its been exciting.... and more fun to come!

Check this out

Jonathan and Heidi are very gracious friends and fellow missionaries here in the Philippines. When you live in another culture you can view things critically or positively; the whole half full or half empty mentality. Jonathan and Heidi see the best even in hard circumstances. 

I can completely empathize with their latest blog and thought you all would like to see a glimpse of life here.

So check it out and see a few examples of ways to travel. :-)

ps. blogger is not letting me format things right now so please bear with me.

Goodbye

Around Christmas time 15 1/2 years ago she came to live with us. She was so small at 3 months old that she fell asleep in my lap on the way home. Her name was Sheba but I re-named her Guess and she was my 13th birthday present. She was my constant companion, hiking buddy, protector and sympathetic listener. With Guess at my side I was free to wander the woods knowing no harm could come to us, and that we could always find our way home.

Some people may laugh and dismiss that she was just a dog, but she was loved very much and is missed everyday. 

Arrived safe and sound

Would you believe that after switching planes a million times and traveling a zillion miles for three months that my luggage actually arrived when I did?! Ok maybe that's a bit of exaggeration but my luggage did indeed show up at the same time and place as myself so that's awesome.

This is  quick picture Jodi and I took right before leaving for BWI.

As you can see the difference is pretty crazy. I left snow and 30 degree weather for 80-something degree weather. 

I'll post more as I get settled in, and cooled off. :-)

Some fun times

I finally got back pictures from our Fall ride. Good times with good friends. A lot of good memories to take back with me.

Since the camping/ride took place over the Halloween weekend the horses couldn't escape of few of the pranksters. TPing horses is always good fun, (for someone) but I don't think she is amused.