This is one of two new posts, so please check the one below also: "A death, a birth and a graduation."
This is my last time to post from the Philippines! We plan to fly out tomorrow and begin our 4-day journey. Please pray for us as we travel with 1 Great God, on 2 continents, with 3 small boys, for 4 days, 5 Beckers, 6 flights, 7 cities, and will we get 8 hours of sleep a night? Pray for grace and strength!
Today, on our last day, we celebrated Luke's first birthday! A year ago I was giving birth at home to this little precious lamb. Nate caught him with his own proud Papa hands. Elijah and Malachi were excited to hear him wake up, so they could start celebrating his birthday together!
We had saved this present from Grandma Bruce for this special occasion. You see the cute guy with his birthday shirt, but you do not see Elijah and Malachi about to rip the wrapping off for him. Fun brothers! Luke had fun drumming the box while his brothers played with the new toys. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
Then at church we dedicated Luke Robert to the Lord! Some of our most special friends were there as "Ninongs" (The Filipino "God-parents" idea). Thank you, Lord, for such precious friends and for this loving community. We will miss you all, but we hope to be back soon!
Pastor Norman prayed to dedicate Luke's life to Jesus, praying that he would come to salvation and live for the Lord.
Luke's little friend, Elleya, was happy to share crackers. What cute buddies in their darling church clothes (thanks, Mom, for the outfit--perfect for the dedication!).
To add one more special aspect to the day, it was baptism Sunday! Elijah loves to see people choose to "follow Jesus." He can't wait to be baptized, but he said, "I want to follow Jesus," a precious declaration from my son's mouth. Yes, Lord, may all our sons put their faith in You at an early age and follow you all their days!
Here's a back view, you can see Elijah is front and center. Here you can also see our church body!
After church we had a little pizza and ice cream lunch at the covered court by Nate's class. It was a little bitter-sweet because it was also our "Despidida" (going-away party). It was very special to be together with our closest friends one more time. They are like our family here.
Luke loved tasting chocolate for the first time. He lasted through the party, but then wiped out for a 3 hour nap. Thank you, Lord, for our boy and for his special first year of life! Now we are ready to fly!
