A Death, A Birth, & A Graduation

 This was a full week, with packing, saying good-bye, finishing up grades and concerts, and writing tons of emails to prepare for our time in the U.S.  To add to the emotional side of the already mixed feelings I felt, my son's 4 year old friend died and was buried.

 It was so sad to see Elijah (pictured in orange) and Jerard's twin brother, James (pictured to E's left) throwing rocks on the grave to help bury their little buddy.  Elijah came with me to one of the viewings, and he really took some time to process Jerard's death.  Then he traced his hand in the guest book and waved good-bye.

 Here is Jerard's little "Barcada", as the Philipinos call it--his group of friends.  Elijah is hugging his friend James.  How sad to have little kids like this have to stand in front of their friend's grave.  Give these little people grace, Lord, and also may they know you love them.

 Then at the opposite end of the emotional spectrum, there was Ate Emelita, ready to give birth any minute.  Some ladies in my Bible study had been gathering clothes to help with her 7th baby (9th pregnancy).  One of our partners in the U.S. sent the money to help pay for her labor and delivery. 

 Just a couple days after the funeral this little guy was born!  I couldn't have been more on a roller-coaster of events!  What a healthy guy!  I got a text that she was in labor.  Then a few minutes later I got another text "Gawas na!", which means he is out already!  I couldn't believe it!  The head started poking out in the taxi, and she waddled in to the doctor at the public hospital just in time for him to slip out with no pain!

 Praise the Lord that I was able to be here, and for His provisions.  This sister in Christ wanted to choose a name that showed how God had blessed him more than any of her other babies, that he would also be a blessing.  Interestingly, before I got there she had already chosen a name: Jesse!  It is very Filipino to name a baby after someone who had a part in the birth.  I am honored! 

 Jesse and Jessica both mean "Wealthy one" or "Blessed one."  Jessica meets Jesse!  Am I ready for a fourth?  Um....let's wait until the big trip around the US with 3 small boys is over to find out if I am ready or not!  Praise the Lord for this bundle!

 Then to end it all, the high school seniors graduated!  This class is extremely special to me because they were once my 6th and 7th grade Bible students.  Through 7 years, Nate and I had the opportunity to invest in them spiritually and intellectually through teaching music and Bible and worship leading.  What a wonderful bunch of kids, many of them hoping to go on in ministry and serving the Lord.

Nate was so handsome in his Filipino barang (the traditional shirt you see the men wearing).  He was invited to give the opening prayer.  I am proud of this man.  Nate, you worked so hard and now you are done with another year!  Thank you, Lord, for this blessing also!  We have so much to praise You for!