Mama Diding--Present With the Lord

 "For me to live is Christ

and to die is gain"

Philippians 1.21

Emi and Ate Bebe's mom died Thursday morning in her bed.  Today we buried her.  

Here is a picture of my mom with "Loreta" a.k.a. "Mama Diding" in 2008.

 Here is Mama Diding on her 70th birthday.  Ate Bebe (left), me and Elijah, and Emi (right).  They are my closest Filipino family of anyone.  We will miss her much!

 Emi says she is known as the "Hugs and Kisses Mama".  She gives huge smacks even to pastors and anyone.  So much love!  This is Nate's brother, Stephen, visiting in 2010.

 My brother, Daniel, and sister, Sarah, also came to visit in 2010.  Mama Diding was known as a faithful prayer warrior.  She said "I always pray for you every day in my quiet time."

 We just got back from America.  I didn't have a chance to visit the first week because I felt so weak and dizzy.  It wasn't until Monday that I finally visited.  Mama Diding had fallen and broke her hip.  Ate Bebe thinks she had a minor stroke when that happened.  I was shocked to see how much her health had deteriorated since she fell.  This is the last picture I have of her (taken last Monday).  This is where she died on Thursday morning, as she had prayed, peacefully in her sleep.

 I had a crazy day on Thursday, since we were supposed to fly with Elijah to Manila for his passport at the embassy.  That morning I went to be with Emi when they took her mom's body.  Then I went with Ate Bebe to the funeral home to help with the coffin.  Among other things, it was one full day.

This picture is on Saturday, all 5 of Mama Diding's kids were there.  It was their first time together in 22 years!  The oldest (in the middle) flew down from Manila on his first plane ride ever.

 The 5 of them wanted a picture with our Becker family.  We feel like a part of their family.

 My mom and dad sent their love from the USA.  I know that would mean a lot to "Loreta", and it meant a lot to the family too.  Thanks!  (If you think the flowers look unusual, these are the most common Filipino flower arrangements for funerals that you will find--very culturally appropriate).

 "We would prefer to be away from the body

and at home with the Lord"

2 Corinthians 5.8

 At her funeral this morning I have to admit, I felt jealous of Mama Diding.  I have such a longing to be with the Lord forever in glory, and she is now experiencing that joy eternally!  No more pain, no more crying!  We who are still in the body are still groaning and longing for that day.  She is free forever!

"Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead

with our heavenly dwelling..."

2 Corinthians 5.2

 We buried her body in the ground today, but she is very much alive with Jesus.  I like the custom in the Philippines of actually standing there and watching them lower the casket and shoveling the dirt onto the grave.  It brings closure.  Everyone throws flowers in the hole where the coffin is lowered, and then they shovel the dirt right then and there.

We will miss you, Mama Diding!  You are a faithful prayer warrior and loving Mama and Lola (Grandma).  You are now receiving the goal of your faith: the salvation of your soul.  Good-bye, until we meet in heaven.

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!