Or…alternative title, “How We Were Almost Arrested Doing Kids Ministry”! OK, a tad dramatic, but yes, we did have a bit of an interesting experience with the TSA as we were leaving the United States. I am just now over the trauma enough to talk about it. OK, a tad dramatic again… When we were… Read More We Are Back in the Philippines!
Yes, I realize Christmas is less than 5 days away, so last Sunday should not have shocked me. But let me preface this by saying, I never want to hear anyone whine and cry about having to wait in line at Walmart for 10 minutes again. OK? I was part of an intrepid shopping team… Read More ‘Tis the Season…
It’s American Thanksgiving here in the Philippines! What does that mean for us? It means the bank is open, the mail is delivered, and every store is open. Some restaurants, primarily owned by foreigners, offer Thanksgiving specials that cater primarily to other foreigners, but for the most part, it’s business as usual. Recreating a “traditional”… Read More Thanksgiving Is Sort Of Here!
I stink at condolences. I have a hard time sounding truly sympathetic, even when I really am. Everything I say sounds forced, fake, or inappropriate. While some people have the gift of compassion, and can say just the right thing, quote the right scripture, and offer the perfect comforting sentiment, I have a hard time… Read More Gone Too Soon
A man was stranded in the ocean. As he struggled to stay afloat, he knew he needed help, and fast. A large boat approached, and the captain yelled, “I’m here to help you!”. “What a relief!” thought the drowning man. The captain said, “Hold on, I have something to give you, it will help!” He… Read More How (Not) To Give After A Disaster
One of the more popular comments we get from people about living overseas is “You are so lucky! You are living my dream! What an incredible way to live!”. They’re right, it’s pretty darn amazing. When we made the decision to move to the Philippines, we knew there would be issues, inconveniences, and life would… Read More 20 Things No One Told You About Moving Overseas
Well, we made it through Typhoon Haiyan (locally called Yolanda, not sure why it’s called something different locally, but that kind of sums up life here…it makes no sense sometimes!) We woke up to cloudy skies that slowly made way to the partly sunny skies we are more accustomed to this time of year. A… Read More Bittersweet Thankfulness
This morning, we woke up to cloudy skies, a light breeze, and cooler temperatures. All three of these things are rare here in Davao, and they are normally welcomed with open arms and celebration (“Yay! Only 80 degrees today!”), but it’s eerily reminiscent of almost one year ago. December 6, 2012, Typhoon Bopha roared onto Mindanao,… Read More Typhoon Haiyan
Fall is in the air! Well, that’s what I’ve read on Facebook anyways. We have had some rocking evening thunderstorms over the last few days, which have helped clear and cool the air, but otherwise, it’s just business as usual. 85 degrees during the day, 75 degrees at night. The Christmas decorations are going up with rapid… Read More Here Comes Fall! Or So I’ve Heard…
So here’s one for the “never a dull moment” file. Last Saturday after our kids Saturday ministry, my awesome teaching partner Vergie and I were chatting, eating, and recovering from class like we always do. Every week, kids still pass by her place, popping their little heads in to say hello, and to see if… Read More The Great White Peacekeeper
Beware the Comfort Zone! 