Outdoor Education--Taal

I now know what it might be like for newsreporters. They write and take pictures to tell a story that they were not a part of. Nate did a great job getting photos for me and telling me the story. Here is my second-hand report:
The day before they left, Nate and his squad of guys came to our house for pizza lunch. Elijah was thrilled to be with the "students" and to show them his bed and his blankie (and to play basketball of course).

Here's the whole middle school at the airport, ready for take-off! What a great bunch!

In Manila the day of arrival they had a photo scavenger hunt at various historical or cultural locations. Here's Mr. Becker and his squad. They named themselves "Pinatubo Youtubo". (Pinatubo is a volcano).

Sunday night they got to base camp and joined the students from Faith Manila. Monday 1/3 of them went on busses and boats to this volcano--Mt. Taal. There are parts where steam is coming out or bubbling. They had a big hike here--and in the middle is a lake with another tiny island. What a beautiful creation, God!

That night they camped with the ants. I'm glad it didn't rain.

Tuesday they were back at base camp and had sandcastle building contests. There was a lot of swimming that day. Praise God for great weather and for safety.

That day, students also led an outreach to local kids at a school. They had prepared songs in Tagalog (the local language) and taught them about the gospel of Jesus. What an opportunity in a public school!

Mr. Becker's students shared the "Wordless book bracelet" with these guys. The colors tell the story about sin, salvation in Jesus and forgiveness.

Here's the squad after the ministry outreach. They are getting to know each other more and more!

That afternoon they had to prepare their own dinner--chicken from scratch, and I mean from scratch! Here's one student swinging the chicken around (there's a reason for this procedure).

After they yank his head off, they pluck the feathers and prepare the bird to eat. What an education!

Does it look good enough to eat?

Thursday was the third rotation day. They went to a coral reef, learned some marine biology and went snorkeling and for an intro dive. Each night there was a speaker with worship time and spiritual growth. After such bonding and time together outside the classroom, it was time to go home. Friday the boys and I were waiting for Papa's plane to land!!

Thank you, God, for answered prayers, for your love and for teaching these students so much.

Camera Phone Pics

As a photographer it is hard for me to use just a camera phone, but it is good for capturing those moments as just "images" from our normal lives.
Elijah feeds Malachi at a friend's birthday party.

Elijah and Sojo get ready to slip and slide together at Ewan's 5th birthday party.

Nate carries both boys to get a taxi (the pregnant lady lags behind to take a sunset picture).

Elijah pushes Malachi around. This is great for my back, I don't have to do the work of pushing them both while Elijah sits on that blue part by the wheel.

This is how I get groceries with both boys. Crazy! Malachi tries to eat the food, Elijah gets buried, and I zoom around in a cheery voice saying what we are looking for next. I won't tell you about the lines to pay after this circus.

You can see that our milk comes in a box here. You can also see why I don't get my fruits and veggies at the market--it is easier to just do it all in one cart. (I have taken both boys to the market a number of times--that is a whole different adventure/work-out!).

Elijah joins the older girls at sunday school. He wants to be like Laura (love the little man shirt). Classes are mixed grades here for our church sunday school.

Brothers on a motorcycle with trike attached. I later realized they were matching on that day.

Precious moments for Mama to see! Holding hands--Eljiah is helping brother Malachi.

Papa's Birthday

Bonus picture: Midwife checking baby boy #3---brothers are excited to meet him!

Boys Will Be Boys

Our joyful Malachi...full of life!

Silly boy! Up-side-down!

Our daily activity...Check for puddles in front of our house and make an hour of fun.

"Look, Mama, a frog!" (Mama tries to stay calm and keep the frog out of the house).

Brothers in the puddles. This is worth hours of fun, while I just sit in a chair and watch.

We should never repair this road in front of our house. I also like this house better because it is on a dead-end street. The other one had sewage and more traffic going by. Thank you, God.

Malachi loves to try on Papa's glasses.

When your son does this what should you do? Run and get your camera!

This is how we get around town often (but actually there is a different driver!).