Springing Toward Summer

Well, here in the Philippines, it already feels like summer. It always feels like summer. But we still refer to May thru August as “summer”. Martha and Jonathan expect Dad, the teacher, to lighten up on the school work. We’ll see. But this summer does offer us a special treat. Hannah is coming ‘home’. And she’s bringing a classmate, Alli, who will stay with us for a month. This will be her first time outside the United States, so we will be planning some exciting cultural experiences for her.

Hannah will be staying until early August. She and Martha will take a 10-day trip to Japan in late July. This is an organized mission trip, where 25 MK’s (missionary kids) will be attempting to share their testimonies to people in Tokyo. Hannah and Martha will spend an extra few days for sightseeing.

Hannah’s mission trip to Bosnia was incredible. Bosnia still suffers the scars and memories of the recent Bosnian war, just ten years ago, where nearly every family lost loved ones. She, along with a dozen other Liberty University students, spent several days doing service projects in Bosnian neighborhoods. The Lord used each one to make contacts with Bosnian people. The local missionaries will follow-up these contacts. Hannah said she grew spiritually, as she saw God work in amazing ways to bring them into contact with people in whom God’s Spirit was obviously at work.

David still has his job, which is a good thing in this economy. 5% of the workers in his company have lost their job. Fortunately, David was not among them. He recently spent a weekend with Hannah at Liberty University and also visited with Bill and Judy in Roanoke. He also stays up late on Friday nights playing computer games with Jonathan via Skype. Technology is amazing.

Sara is still looking for a job in Fort Worth. She has a short-term summer job waiting for her at Neiman Marcus, but she has another possible job that may open up for her at a Christian organization. I would appreciate your prayers for her in regards to a job/ministry. We talk with her each week. Sara continues to stay at the home of our dear friend, Peggy, who, in her late 70’s, spends all her time ministering to others thru volunteer organizations.

Martha and Jonathan, of course, are stuck here with Dad. Both continue to do well in their studies. We were in Manila a couple of weeks ago and they were able to spend a few days there hanging out with friends. Each morning we have a “Character Time” where we focus on ways to become more like Jesus. We have a long long way to go. We’re memorizing Ephesians 4:17-32. As we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ, may we be faithful to “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”