Mother's Day, Random Recent and Last week of School

Here's some random recent pics starting at the end of Elijah's birthday and just before Luke's birthday.  I post this one for my mom so she can see the fun of getting the package for Elijah's birthday.  

Nate and the 3 boys! 

 Mother's Day was a very special one for me--maybe even my best one ever.  Nate woke up early, got the boys ready and made breakfast.  (Notice he put the "I love mom" shirt on Luke that we got from the Becker clan when Elijah was his age).  Cute how he dressed the older two in matching shirts (presents from Grandma Becker--thank you!).  

Look at the card Elijah is holding...amazing.  Nate got paper, markers and scissors and had the boys do an activity to make me cards, all while I got to sleep in!  Excellent!  Then later they each got me a balloon and you cannot see my roses in the picture because Luke is blocking them, but very lovely.  I can imagine how cute the picture would have been of them all on the bike each holding a balloon and Nate holding flowers.  Precious!

On his own initiative Malachi noticed the dishes needed to be washed, so he got an apron on, moved a chair over to the sink and actually spent an hour washing dishes with bubbles.  So sweet! Little servant.  Love you, Malachi!  This guy is only 3! 

 Luke got a haircut finally, so I had to take his picture.  He loves to play piano and play the "Low notes".  What a musical guy!

One day E and M were playing nicely without fighting for more than an hour.  Wonderful blessing--thank you, Lord!  I thought it was SO cute how they decided the couch cushion was a big ferry boat and they had loaded all their cars onto the boat--working together and sharing.  Photo moment!  (We do not have photos of all the other fights and grabbing, so let's remember this is a unique photo moment!).

This was our last week of school.  Here Mr. Becker is leading the high school instrumental music class final performance.  I'm so proud of my man!  So handsome! 

 I loved the flute "octet" (though one girl was missing).  There was a great variety of ensembles and music.  Well done! 

 A unique chance to have a brass ensemble--they also played for the graduation ceremony.  I loved the Tuba--so smooth and a great foundation.  These instruments still remind me to praise God for His provision of each one (and the stage also!).  Thank you, Lord!

The other day Malachi spent literally 45 minutes in his room trying to dress himself.  He kept saying, "Mommy, close your eyes, don't look!"  When he finally presented himself I was so proud of him!!  His socks were on inside-out, but it was the first time he ever put socks on himself.  He even chose a matching outfit--I was impressed!  The best is how he preferred to have the buttons going down the back, I couldn't bring myself to make him switch it.  What's the big deal anyway?!  I let him wear it like that the whole day.  Precious boy! 

Graduation!  Congrats!  So fun to have watched these students grow for the past 8 + years.  Now they will part ways and go on to various paths.  Pray they will keep in Step with the Spirit and follow Him wherever He leads.

Mr. Becker got to present the music award to Josiah.  Great job!  

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!

April Was A Full Month



The Women's Livelihood Center
was dedicated in April.



Pastor Norman and Pastor Alvin led in the prayer
and Scripture reading.

The left side of Weng-Weng's house upstairs
is the room where the ladies will make
cards and other projects.  This house was built
with donations from some of our readers here!
Praise the Lord for using this house for His glory!

Here's the ladies who are excited to be a part.
Feel free to order some cards online with Care Channel International.

Nate also kept busy preparing for the "American Pop Forever"
high school musical performance.

Students had fun learning about oldies songs from the US.

Nate's favorite part was the music of course!  The jazz band!

You should see this guy directing from the piano!  It is so fun for me
to see him totally in his element!

Here's a view of the singers/dancers and musicians.

Here's my favorite view of Nate's hands in action.

Now to change gears, this is posted partly for my Mom and grandparents.
Here you can see Lavelle's name in the program for her graduation!

Lavelle gets escorted in by her proud father.

Here's the fam!

Lavelle smiling with her classmates as they perform a graduation song.

Lavelle and her parents!

Me and the fam!

Mom, this one is for you!  She carried this around so proudly!

Lavelle's classmates.

Me and Lavelle!  She did it!  Praise God!