Today is a day of miracles because...ta-ta-da-daaa...I got my visa!--or temporary residence permit as they like to call it. It's been frustrating and annoying all the trouble we've had because of trying to get this little sticker for my passport. Joy and I are finally leaving to East London tomorrow instead of today as was planned. But I don't really care because I have my visa.
Yesterday we were at the visa office all day. A sweet lady found my application papers that were lost and no one else could find. She helped us take care of the papers and said to call the next day at noon. Then we would find out if I had a visa or if I had to leave the country in 30 days. I admit was praying that I would just get a visa and that they wouldn't think up some reason to kick me out of the country.
So today rolls around and we can't get in contact with this lady so we decide to go ahead by faith to the office. Our bus tickets to East London were already booked so we needed to know. We're in the car racing down the road as we only have a small window of time before the office closes. Gabe passed me his phone and I repeatedly tried calling her. After the 4th or 5th time she picks up and Gabe talks to her for a while. Then, YES! She tells us to come in to the office because they've approved my application and I have to come and get my little sticker. Oh, that was such a happy and relieving moment. I don't have to leave the country in 30 days.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
East London...I'm On My Way
I know it's December, the month of Christmas and all...but I don't really feel christmasy!? Any suggestions? Well, it's usually like this for me and sometimes I don't feel christmasy till after Christmas. Is that crazy or what? But I figure it's not really how you feel that counts, but how you make others feel. I was just thinking, maybe I should try to give others lots more hugs and kisses. You know, share the love? Then I remembered I still have laryngitis...scrap that plan. Oh well, I'll just have to think of something else.
Anyway, this December will be a little different for me. I'm going down to East London. Noah, Joy, Steve, and I are going there on a road trip. Apparently lots of people from Gauteng go down there for the holidays, and we're going there after them to tell them about the real meaning of Christmas. Whoopee, an adventure for me at Christmas-time! A big thanks to our home for letting us go even though it leaves a small team for all our other work. GBY.
Noah and Steve left on the bus this evening, I think it's a 10hr or more ride. Joy and I will join them on Friday if all goes well. Tomorrow morning I'll be going into the office for my visa, so as you can guess I'm praying that all does go well and according to His plan. I've never been to East London before so I'm excited to go. It's also where Steve spent most of his childhood so he's anxious to show me the town, where he grew up and all. I think it'll be fun.
Anyway, this December will be a little different for me. I'm going down to East London. Noah, Joy, Steve, and I are going there on a road trip. Apparently lots of people from Gauteng go down there for the holidays, and we're going there after them to tell them about the real meaning of Christmas. Whoopee, an adventure for me at Christmas-time! A big thanks to our home for letting us go even though it leaves a small team for all our other work. GBY.
Noah and Steve left on the bus this evening, I think it's a 10hr or more ride. Joy and I will join them on Friday if all goes well. Tomorrow morning I'll be going into the office for my visa, so as you can guess I'm praying that all does go well and according to His plan. I've never been to East London before so I'm excited to go. It's also where Steve spent most of his childhood so he's anxious to show me the town, where he grew up and all. I think it'll be fun.
The Joys of Teaching
Life is full of surprises and changes. I finally have a classroom and I'm so happy! I've been teaching Kiara for two years now and for that whole time we never had a classroom. It was always the living room, the dinning room, or my room, but never a proper room where I could teach. But now my dream has finally come true.
I also have a brand new pupil--Brendan, Kiara's new little brother. He's almost 4 months. I know that's kinda young, but who says he can't learn? So far he can hold his head up, stick his toes in his mouth, and of course make the scariest poop packages you've ever seen! He's so lovely I wish you could see him. He smiles more than any baby I've seen so far.
Things are so different now being with the two of them. Kiara takes being the big sister really well and loves to help. She likes watching when I change his diaper and then throwing the used diaper in the trash. (So funny the things that make little ones happy!) When Brendan wakes up from naps he's usually content to amuse himself by playing games like: "let's see if I can get my toe in my mouth". Reading is the most important subject with Kiara right now and when little man is busy I get more focused time with her.
Now Reading is a whole 'nother subject. I'm so excited and thrilled to see Kiara progress in reading. I always knew tiny guys could learn how to read, that's what I was told. But I never really got to see it till now. Kiara can read! I think I have to say it again because I'm so happy. Kiara can read! It's like a teacher's dream to see the results of what you pour into that little one. There's so much more she can do and I'm so proud of her, reading is just the latest thing right now. We have a little book just for her that I write words and sentences in. Then we draw a picture about what I wrote, and she gets to color it after reading. She's a little shy and whenever I encourage her to read to others she's a little hesitant. But when she gets the courage to read to others a page from her book, she gets all excited and a little proud too. Oh, it's so cute to watch!
In spite of all the little frustrations, times of fatigue, poopy diaper after poopy diaper, or the constant "why,why?", teaching is fun--and I'm proud to be a teacher!
I also have a brand new pupil--Brendan, Kiara's new little brother. He's almost 4 months. I know that's kinda young, but who says he can't learn? So far he can hold his head up, stick his toes in his mouth, and of course make the scariest poop packages you've ever seen! He's so lovely I wish you could see him. He smiles more than any baby I've seen so far.
Things are so different now being with the two of them. Kiara takes being the big sister really well and loves to help. She likes watching when I change his diaper and then throwing the used diaper in the trash. (So funny the things that make little ones happy!) When Brendan wakes up from naps he's usually content to amuse himself by playing games like: "let's see if I can get my toe in my mouth". Reading is the most important subject with Kiara right now and when little man is busy I get more focused time with her.
Now Reading is a whole 'nother subject. I'm so excited and thrilled to see Kiara progress in reading. I always knew tiny guys could learn how to read, that's what I was told. But I never really got to see it till now. Kiara can read! I think I have to say it again because I'm so happy. Kiara can read! It's like a teacher's dream to see the results of what you pour into that little one. There's so much more she can do and I'm so proud of her, reading is just the latest thing right now. We have a little book just for her that I write words and sentences in. Then we draw a picture about what I wrote, and she gets to color it after reading. She's a little shy and whenever I encourage her to read to others she's a little hesitant. But when she gets the courage to read to others a page from her book, she gets all excited and a little proud too. Oh, it's so cute to watch!
In spite of all the little frustrations, times of fatigue, poopy diaper after poopy diaper, or the constant "why,why?", teaching is fun--and I'm proud to be a teacher!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Adorable
I was feeling a little sad that I haven't been putting up any pictures on my blog. It looks a little empty...So I decided to share some of my favorite cutie animal pictures with you!
"Just a little stretch..." 
"Heeheehee, no one will find me here!"
"Who cares if you're wrinkly? I still love you."
"This suit is a little tight but just what I need. I've always wanted to have spikes and look fearsome."
"Ooohhhhh, I just love you!"
"Just a little stretch..." 
"Heeheehee, no one will find me here!"
"Who cares if you're wrinkly? I still love you."
"This suit is a little tight but just what I need. I've always wanted to have spikes and look fearsome."
"Ooohhhhh, I just love you!"As You Pour Out…
Sometimes when talking and pouring out to people special things happen. I’m naturally very shy, so going up to complete strangers and talking to them has never been easy. Just yesterday though, I got to go witnessing at the university. I hadn’t been out personal witnessing in a long time and I felt a bit nervous about how I would do. This time was different; okay I did feel a little shy, but it wasn’t that paralyzing and nerve-racking fear. Usually my stomach gets in knots, my heart races, and my hands tremble. None of that this time, I felt perfect peace and I didn’t even have second thoughts about approaching people.
It was almost time to go home when I starting talking to this one guy. I gave him a tract and told him about our work and a bit about my life and background. He in turn told me about how he discovered Jesus and what he was now doing. We talked about the country and the economic and political situations in the world. He told me how he loves to teach and was just getting ready to give a Bible class to his students that evening.
Just when I thought it was about time to leave he offered to pray for me. I was a little surprised as I had been offering to pray for the different people I had met and now someone wanted to pray for me! I said sure, we sat down and he took my hand and started praying for me. It’s nice to have people pray for you, but it’s even more special when it’s a complete stranger. He prayed an amazing prayer—amazing because mentioned things in his prayer that I had not even told him, he must have gotten it in the spirit. I think that to know things and to pray prayers like that you have to be really close to Jesus. It felt like there was an angel telling him what to say and what I needed prayer for.
Something similar actually happened to me earlier this year. I never got to write it down but I never forgot it and never will. A few of us had attended a wedding party/event being organized by our friend. She had wanted us to help at the event and witness to the people. We agreed to be there and we helped as waiters. We were also all dressed up as people from Bible times. Imagine a headdress and long robes and you’ve got the picture. It was fun serving drinks, talking to people, and making sure there was enough food and snacks. People were really intrigued by our strange dress and were very eager to talk. We got to witness to a good number of people that day.
Later in the evening we were supposed to keep the coffee table running. I remember thinking that there were so many people. Between Joy, Gina, and myself we barely managed to keep the table going. Just as we’d put down new coffee cups and saucers they’d be gone! But it was fun and people were so appreciative and sweet, they kept on thanking us.
A little later I was putting out new dishes, things had calmed down and the girls went to take care of the food. A lady came up to get coffee and her and I started talking. She inquired about our dress and nationalities. Most people that day thought Joy, Gina, and I were triplets and possibly from the Middle East. I explained that our parents are French and Filipino and that we were all full-time missionaries. She was so impressed when I told her about our work and she shared what she was doing as well.
I don’t really remember how it happened, she came around the table and we kept talking. Then it was almost like she started prophesying, she starting asking personal questions and saying things that she couldn’t have known. She held my hands and told me how precious I was and kept blessing me for serving the Lord. Then she started praying for me holding my hands all the while. I felt like it was Jesus right there, someone knew everything about me, my faults and weaknesses, my doubts and fears, and was praying for me and strengthening and encouraging my spirit. It was so powerful I had tingles all over my body and I started crying.
I was going through a really difficult time spiritually and emotionally and was tired of fighting the battles. I would never have told a complete stranger all these things, but she already knew! It’s hard to find words to describe the whole thing. In her prayer she said, “She loves you so much Jesus and she just wants to serve You with her whole heart. You bless her Jesus, You give her the desires of her heart. Help her not to get discouraged, strengthen her faith. Bless her for giving to others every day even when she gets nothing in return. Bless her for the little things she does every day, the things that nobody knows about but You know Jesus. You see her heart and You know she loves you more that anything.”
I cried and cried, how could she know what I felt, how did she know what I was thinking? Jesus was the only person I had really told about the little things and the struggles I faced each day. I just felt His love so strongly as the spirit spoke through this woman. It was truly amazing!
When she finished praying she squeezed my hands. I wanted to hug her and thank her for her prayer. She reached out saying, “we can hug we’re sisters”. I thanked her and we hugged, I was still in awe at what just transpired. She squeezed me tight then we both acknowledged our need to be elsewhere. She went to get coffee and she was gone. It was like the Lord anointed her for something special, to pour out to someone else but now it was done and she was back to her normal self. I went back to serving and I didn’t get to see her again, or say goodbye. I haven’t seen her since but I know that Jesus sent her to touch my life in a special way, and to let me know His love for me. I won’t forget that lady and I will always be grateful to her and to her willingness to obey the Lord even in the little things like: praying for a stranger.
It was almost time to go home when I starting talking to this one guy. I gave him a tract and told him about our work and a bit about my life and background. He in turn told me about how he discovered Jesus and what he was now doing. We talked about the country and the economic and political situations in the world. He told me how he loves to teach and was just getting ready to give a Bible class to his students that evening.
Just when I thought it was about time to leave he offered to pray for me. I was a little surprised as I had been offering to pray for the different people I had met and now someone wanted to pray for me! I said sure, we sat down and he took my hand and started praying for me. It’s nice to have people pray for you, but it’s even more special when it’s a complete stranger. He prayed an amazing prayer—amazing because mentioned things in his prayer that I had not even told him, he must have gotten it in the spirit. I think that to know things and to pray prayers like that you have to be really close to Jesus. It felt like there was an angel telling him what to say and what I needed prayer for.
Something similar actually happened to me earlier this year. I never got to write it down but I never forgot it and never will. A few of us had attended a wedding party/event being organized by our friend. She had wanted us to help at the event and witness to the people. We agreed to be there and we helped as waiters. We were also all dressed up as people from Bible times. Imagine a headdress and long robes and you’ve got the picture. It was fun serving drinks, talking to people, and making sure there was enough food and snacks. People were really intrigued by our strange dress and were very eager to talk. We got to witness to a good number of people that day.
Later in the evening we were supposed to keep the coffee table running. I remember thinking that there were so many people. Between Joy, Gina, and myself we barely managed to keep the table going. Just as we’d put down new coffee cups and saucers they’d be gone! But it was fun and people were so appreciative and sweet, they kept on thanking us.
A little later I was putting out new dishes, things had calmed down and the girls went to take care of the food. A lady came up to get coffee and her and I started talking. She inquired about our dress and nationalities. Most people that day thought Joy, Gina, and I were triplets and possibly from the Middle East. I explained that our parents are French and Filipino and that we were all full-time missionaries. She was so impressed when I told her about our work and she shared what she was doing as well.
I don’t really remember how it happened, she came around the table and we kept talking. Then it was almost like she started prophesying, she starting asking personal questions and saying things that she couldn’t have known. She held my hands and told me how precious I was and kept blessing me for serving the Lord. Then she started praying for me holding my hands all the while. I felt like it was Jesus right there, someone knew everything about me, my faults and weaknesses, my doubts and fears, and was praying for me and strengthening and encouraging my spirit. It was so powerful I had tingles all over my body and I started crying.
I was going through a really difficult time spiritually and emotionally and was tired of fighting the battles. I would never have told a complete stranger all these things, but she already knew! It’s hard to find words to describe the whole thing. In her prayer she said, “She loves you so much Jesus and she just wants to serve You with her whole heart. You bless her Jesus, You give her the desires of her heart. Help her not to get discouraged, strengthen her faith. Bless her for giving to others every day even when she gets nothing in return. Bless her for the little things she does every day, the things that nobody knows about but You know Jesus. You see her heart and You know she loves you more that anything.”
I cried and cried, how could she know what I felt, how did she know what I was thinking? Jesus was the only person I had really told about the little things and the struggles I faced each day. I just felt His love so strongly as the spirit spoke through this woman. It was truly amazing!
When she finished praying she squeezed my hands. I wanted to hug her and thank her for her prayer. She reached out saying, “we can hug we’re sisters”. I thanked her and we hugged, I was still in awe at what just transpired. She squeezed me tight then we both acknowledged our need to be elsewhere. She went to get coffee and she was gone. It was like the Lord anointed her for something special, to pour out to someone else but now it was done and she was back to her normal self. I went back to serving and I didn’t get to see her again, or say goodbye. I haven’t seen her since but I know that Jesus sent her to touch my life in a special way, and to let me know His love for me. I won’t forget that lady and I will always be grateful to her and to her willingness to obey the Lord even in the little things like: praying for a stranger.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Internet
Ahhhh, the little things in life we take for granted. Like internet. Sigh. Our new house is not completelly set up yet and one of the things we don't really have is internet. Right now all the people with desk ministries share one tiny little G3. It's expensive but we have to do it for the work. I don't have a desk yet so I can't set up my ancient laptop. So right now I'm at a cyber cafe...yoohoo! Contact with the outside world, ooohhhh! Yeah, it's things like that, that I take for granted untill I don't have it anymore. It's a bit expensive to be here but I thought it was worth it to write you. Don't give up on me though. I love you!
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