A Day At the Zoo

It's great going to the zoo in winter because so few people are willing to risk the cold to see the animals. The good thing about Omaha's zoo is that many exhibits are indoors. They also have a great I-max theatre where we were able to enjoy some 3-D fun.

Outside the zoo we found this great photo opportunity with Peter, so I had to include this photo find.

Inside the zoo we enjoyed seeing the indoor desert dome, the aquarium with Peter's favorite jelly-fish, and the replica barrier reef that looks similar to the real thing in the Philippines.

Later that night we all enjoyed what was my first 3-D I-max experience. We all watched "The Polor Express" with the funny glasses on. Even Peter tried to reach out and grab the ticket that was flying toward us. What a fun evening of memories!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everybody! Jessica and I had a fabulous time yesterday for Christmas. We slept in and wrapped all of our presents at 10:30 in the morning. That's right, we wrapped our presents on Christmas Day--talk about procrastination!

We had Christmas brunch and fellowship at the Bruces' house. Then, we opened presents in the early afternoon. After that, Jessica, Micah, John and I played a game of Settlers' of Catan.

Later in the afternoon, we drove to Lincoln for an annual tradition. Every year, Jessica's grandparents host the "Sing For Your Supper" extravaganza with the extended family. This was my very first opportunity for a "Sing For Your Supper" experience, so I was very excited and interested in this famous family event.

Twenty four of us arrived at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Lincoln last night. We first were served a scrumptous Christmas dinner! Then, after we all had our fill, we transfered over to the Sun Room for the family concert.

Everyone who brought an act or a song put their name in a hat, and then everyone performed their songs in random order.

Several of us played a silly song on a strange combination of instruments; one person played recorder, another played the harmonica, I played my trumpet mouthpiece, Jessica played violin, and others played on boom whackers!
Jessica also played "The First Noel" on the violin while I accompanied her.

My favorite part of "Sing For Your Supper" was near the end of our time together when we sang several Christmas carols together. The women all sang "Away in a Manger" and all the men sang "We Three Kings". We wrapped up the evening by singing "Silent Night" together in the dark--it was beautiful!

As we left and said good-bye to our relatives and Jessica's grandparents, we had tears in our eyes because we do not know the next time we will be able see them. Even so, we are thankful for this joyous occasion and for the tremendous love in our family!

I Am an Uncle!

I am so happy now that I am an uncle. When Jessica and I returned from our trip on Friday, we were greeted by little Peter and Clara, Jessica's nephew and niece. And since I am now part of the family, they are also my relatives!

Peter was so adorable as he was playing different games and running around. We told him that we had brought back a saxophone, and he suddenly became very interested. So, I got out the saxophone and gave him a mini-lesson! He even was able to play a few notes (okay, they were more like squawks, but it was wonderful nonetheless!).

Jessica and I are amazed how much of a learner Peter is. When we are telling him something, he looks at us and listens intently to every detail. He also was a major help when we unloaded the car on Friday!

And Clara is learning how to stand up and walk. She is growing every day--what a joy it is to watch her develop!

Yes, my new nephew and niece are star kids AND students--I love them loads and loads!

Our crazy week in the Midwest!

This is Nate. I decided to get back to blog-writing after eons of absense!

We have now made it full circle back to Omaha. What a wonderful week of seeing people, laughing, and making new memories the week before Christmas!

It all started when we flew from the Philippines into Omaha last Thursday evening. Last Friday and Saturday were crazy wedding days in Chicago with Stephen and Joy, the bride and groom! We also had some quality time with my other siblings, especially when we played Settlers of Catan (I love that game!).

We stuck around in Chicago area on Sunday & Monday, mostly to spend time with my favorite parents in the whole world! But, we also saw some other quality people, like Trisha, Katie, Dave, Barrett, Suzanne, Allison, and Suzanne :) Fun, fun!

On Tuesday, we said goodbye to my parents (sad) and then visited with one of my former professors at Taylor U, at Ivanhoes. Jessica and I also drove around the campus in the snow--how romantic!

Then, off to Indianapolis, where we had a fabulous dinner and visit with the Merricks (we love you guys!).

Wednesday was a low-key day at Kevin & Kim's--their bed was so comfy! That evening, we visited my sending church, MCOG, and then went caroling afterwards. By the end of the evening we were in the famous hot-tub with Kevin and Dave--that was some real bonding!


Thursday was another day of good-byes and hellos, as we said good-bye to the Schuesslers, Lockes, Callahans, and Gloria. We also picked up a ton of music resources at J.W. Pepper for our music students in the Philippines.

Then, we were off for Illinois. We stopped in Peoria to visit with Chris and Janelle and their family--it was so good to see them again after so long!

And, yesterday, Friday, we arrived back home again in Nebraska--whippee! Now we are enjoying ourselves before we go with Jessica's family for a fun evening on Christmas eve!

Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings along the way and for such a wonderful trip! We praise Your name for family and friends and for Your direction in our lives!

Ornament of the Year

Today we were blessed to visit with several close friends from Indy. The Lord has blessed us with so much love and support from among His Body. Let us tell you about some of them.

Ernie and Thelma love the Lord and faithfully pray for us. They have blessed many others in the church with their love and generosity. One of the ways Ernie loves to bless others is through his gift of woodworking.

Ernie has a little workshop in the back yard, which he perfectly organized to make use of every square inch. In the summer he has a little fan that blows cool air on him. In the winter he has a little heater to keep him warm while he carves ornaments with his scroll saw.

Today we got to drop by and see his latest creations. Ernie has created many amazing things out of a piece of wood, but one of my favorite things was an ornament of a U.S. postal truck.

Everyone loves to get a letter in the mail, but in the Philippines we do not get to see that symbol of a letter at all: the U.S. postal truck. Ernie took a photo of one and then created his own ornament out of his photo. I call this one his “Ornament of the Year”!

While we were standing in their home a U.S. postal truck even drove up to deliver mail right then, and I noticed how precise Ernie’s design was. His ornament even had the exhaust pipe and frontal mirrors! Ernie was generous enough to give us a few of his pieces of artwork, so we are thankful that every time we look at his creations in our Philippine home we will think of the love he and his family have shown!

Some Photos of the Wedding

We made it to Indiana and have seen many beloved friends. We got to sleep in! Praise the Lord! Now we have a chance to download some photos for you to enjoy. These are from the wedding in Chicago we just went to. Enjoy!

DON'T THEY LOOK LIKE BROTHERS? L-R NATE, STEPHEN (BEFORE HE MARRIES JOY), AND CHRIS

THE BECKER COUPLE WITH THE NEWLYWEDS (ALSO MR. AND MRS.BECKER)

ENJOYING DANCING WITH MY PRINCE CHARMING!

THE WHOLE BECKER FAMILY TOGETHER FOR CHRISTMAS 2005!

On the Road Again

We are leaving Chicago for Indiana in the morning. It is amazing how much you can do in a few days! We have enjoyed every minute in Chicago, the "Windy City".

Yesterday we enjoyed my first Christmas celebration with the whole Becker family. It was so special and wonderful even to have the bride and groom there! Everyone was together, but it was sad to wonder when the next Christmas together will be. Thankfully I still have Christmas with my family to look forward to this coming weekend. (I am not able to post my own pictures of the celebration from this computer).

We have had the blessing of visiting with close friends who live in the area and catching up with them. We are still adjusting to the reality of being here. It feels even more like a dream to me than you would have thought our wedding week would have been. Being a different place and season in such a whirlwind travel makes it hard to process all that is happening so quickly. Time to rest and pack. Pray for our safe travel to Indy, "The crossroads of America!"

Winter Wedding

We're blogging from the cold city of Chicago. We'll have to get some pictures posted later of the wedding. What a blessing to be with Nate's family and many friends. We are trying to soak it all in like a dream when you awake.

The bridesmaids carried lanterns down the aisle, the musicians sang a gorgeous arrangement of the Lord's Prayer, and my man Nate looked so handsome and sharp in his tux! The Lord blessed us with so many wonderful conversations with people we miss. I'm pretty tired right now after dancing the night away, but I just wanted to let you know we are thankful.

My prayer: Thank You, Lord for Stephen and Joy. Thank you for their love for you and for others. Please bless their marriage and keep them faithful to You and faithful to each other. Use them to lead many to You. Thank you for letting us be here even though it was a long way to travel. To Your Name be the glory, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Prayers Answered

We are back to the homeland! Praise the Lord! What a long day as we went back in time. We waved to Sam in Japan and landed in the snow up North. BRrrr!! I felt sick for a while but God gave me great grace to recover in time to say hello to everyone. A SURPRISE appearance from Daniel all the way from Chile! Wow, I was shocked. All of our bags made it. We enjoyed Valentino's pizza...and Breyers Ice cream. Now we are mailing all the items that we offered to hand carry for other co-workers. We are also repacking so we can get to the wedding in Chicago tomorrow (rehearsal tomorrow, wedding next day). We will be away from internet (sorry for the lack of photos and quality entries). This is life on the move.

"For unto us a child is born..."
"A Savior is born...he is Christ the Lord."

Thank you, Lord for safety, health and family! Praise Him for His Salvation through Christ!

Pray for Departure

It is crazy! We are leaving in a couple hours and we haven't packed a thing. We have been busy with the musical, grading, giving exams, teaching the last classes, organizing for our early departure, collecting packages for other people and I just finished putting in the grades for the report cards.

NOW, I have to rush home, get everything and hope I don't forget anything. Once Nate finishes teaching band he will help me do a BLITZ pack and we've got to get to the airport.

PRAY FOR US!!!!!!!!! WE are so exhausted. We are tired and just think with jet lag and snow how we will feel. We are also EXCITED! We can't wait to see loved ones. Oh we are pumped. So pray for God's grace!

MOM...I don't think I will have time to email you!!! I hope you read this!!! BRING COATS to the airport. We are going to freeze. Our bodies are used to life in the tropics. Remember to get us at the airport (of course). And we have TONS of MAIL to send out on behalf of many here, so maybe we can organize a P.O. run sometime soon. (P.S. Sorry for the public memo here! We've got to go soon)

LOVE YOU TONS

Musical Performances a Success

The musical Friday and Saturday night was a great success! Many people heard the gospel message presented through song and drama. The students themselves also learned about Jesus through preparations and performances. We praise the Lord for this wonderful opportunity and for all His answers to prayer!

Here are a couple photos from the evening. As directors we did not get to take photos, so we will get those from others at a later time. For now just imagine what you can from these two photos. I wrote you a more detailed update on email, so I will keep this brief.

Remember that Jesus was born to save us from our sin. He will come again to reign forever as King! Glory to God in the highest!

Preparing for the Show

We've been excited and busy preparing for the musical performances for the elementary kids. Nate and I have a wonderful time working together with the kids. I help direct the kids on stage with choreography and Nate directs all the singing and actions in the choir. We both have been busy coordinating with all the things directors do. What a joy to work together with my man!

The Lord is blessing us in many ways. We ask your prayers for tomorrow and the next night (Fri and Sat--Philippine time). Pray that it doesn't rain (see blog entry below!). Pray for our health and strength and for all the kids. We want to see Jesus lifted up!

Here are some photos of the preparations: Colorful skirts for "Jesu Cristo"--the Bread of Life. Fans for "King of Kings". Nate directing the choir and Jessica teaching the celtic dance. See you soon I hope!

My Taxi-Boat Experience

After a long day of Saturday shopping, I took my cart out of the mall and said “Oh no!” Not only was it Christmas rush shopping, (which I’m sure you can relate to), it was also raining! That means there is a huge line of people, or more like a crowd, waiting to get the first taxi. No, waiting can’t be the right word. How about pushing and competing?

With a huge cart of stuff I was no where near getting a taxi. The minute people pull up in a cab there are more people pushing at the door and knocking on the window to jump in. Being a white person, it is handy that people usually try to help me in order to get a tip. Well today is the day to give out tips to the first guy to find me a taxi!

Sure enough someone pushed to the front for me, claimed a taxi for me, and unloaded my stuff for me. He got his tip and I got my seat.

Once inside the taxi I realized we would be jammed in traffic for quite a while. Bare-chested boys knocked on my window begging for money or just being silly. Vans and taxis cut us off as we tried to weave through bumper-to-bumper chaos.

My boat experience began when we tried to plow through a street that had flooded with rain-water. You know it is deep when you can feel the water flowing under you. Out my window was a sight almost like this photo I found on the internet of an Indian monsoon, only it was dark outside, the taxis and jeepneys look a little different, and there was not as much space between cars.

We finally got home, and Nate was there to help me unload the bags. I was thankful we made it through the river in our taxi-boat, because if we had stalled I don’t know what I would have done with all those bags!

Frank’s Fancy Birthday Party

When we got invited to one of Nate’s student’s ninth birthday party we had no idea how fancy it would be! We were given directions to third-grader Frank’s neighborhood, where we were to meet at the clubhouse. When I hear the word clubhouse I think of my dad’s country club. Well, this was not far off from that!

I didn’t know a place like this even existed in the city. I am becoming more accustomed to the simple living and unorganized neighborhoods with partially gravel roads. This neighborhood had mansions and gates with yards and decorations. As my jaw dropped at this small culture shock, I was reminded of the verse from Psalm 49: “Do not grow overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases, for he will take nothing with him when he dies…”

To sum it up, this little boy had all the friends in his class, plus other Filipino kids, plus all their siblings and parents, plus some extra adults like his teachers. There were at least three servers of a long buffet, two DJs, four entertainers (including a clown, dancers, game people and a magician), and probably more workers in the kitchen. There were numerous give-away prizes for the kids for every game, and the place was decorated like a wedding reception.

Little Frank was all dressed up in his spiffy suit, while some of the other kids were dressed ready to go swimming in the enormous pool afterwards. WHERE DID THEY GET THE MONEY FOR ALL THIS? “They must not be a mission family,” we thought.

Sure enough we found out that he is one of our “business kids” at the school. The sad part to all this wealth was that his dad actually lives and works in S. Korea while the rest of his family lives in the Philippines. Every month his dad comes down for a week or two to visit, but other than that he is doing business in another country. That explains the lavish birthday party, but that saddens me.

The last small detail I want to tell you is for any of the MOMS READING. See the photo with that streamer thing hanging from the ceiling? It is a very traditional party thing here and one that you should try (I forget what it is called)! There is a frame like lattice and then streamers hanging down. Inside the mess of streamers are several prizes for kids. Like a piñata, someone pulls the string up and down. When the lattice lowers, the kids reach in to try and grab a prize. They love it!

Combined School Chapel

Friday morning, about 150 students and staff gathered on the covered court for a combined school chapel. Nate and I spent hours and weeks preparing with students to help lead this chapel. It was wonderful to hear Nate speak on Worship: What is worship? Who do we worship? Why do we worship? How do we worship?

What I liked most about this chapel was how many students we involved in the leading. I worked closely with my high school worship leading class to prepare to lead with instruments and voice. The guys on the team were such servants carrying everything from here to there and getting up early to pray and lead.

The middle school team did a great job with the sign language for “Shout to the Lord”. We were able to teach the student body that worship can be more than just singing.

We also had 29 students reading scripture. Nate helped to facilitate the speaking at the microphone. The cutest part was hearing little first graders telling people to praise God on “the melodious harp and lyre” (Psalm 81). How precious to hear praises on the lips of children.

The Highlight To a Busy Day

Yes, like most of you could agree, we are pretty busy these days. It's hard to believe in two weeks we are flying out! We have lots going on between now and then, including classes, rehersals, a combined school chapel, and the elementary musical!

Today was a busy day. I taught my two Bible classes, helped Nate with his Elementary classes, taught two other classes and then helped with a rehearsal after school. We're on our way to our Cebuano lesson now, and then we will have dinner before a much-needed rest! Whew! I bet your list is just as long. What was the highlight to your day? (Post comment below for fun!)

The great highlight of our day was when our friend, Dan, stopped down from Manila. He was one of the few people who watched our romance unfold at training in Florida, where Nate and I first met. Dan and his wife were there for us too in Texas when I was in school and Nate was visiting me. We all four have had some great laughs and talks over games and food.

This time was just a brief break for us, but what a blessing. We got to hear Dan's updates and catch up with each other. Hopefully sometime we can visit them up in Manila! What a fun break to our busy day. Thanks, Dan! It was worth it!

Surprise Invitation

On Thanksgiving Day we were busy teaching at school. That night we went to the mall and ate out at a restaurant, just the two of us. It was a fine first Thanksgiving as a married couple.

The next day, however, we got a surprise invitation from our principal and his wife to join their family for Thanksgiving dinner! Wow! We could not pass that up. So here we thought we were not having a traditional meal, but instead we had everything you could want!

We enjoyed fellowship with many people, plus we had the following traditional items:
Rolls, cranberry sauce, stuffing (incredible!), and a real turkey. The turkey had been given by some contacts at a local farm. I have actually seen the turkey, so I’m sure not many of you could say you once saw your dinner alive. It was a tough one but, our hostess said, probably more similar to the first turkeys served on the first Thanksgiving.

The fun part was when they said we were having pie for dessert. We do not have pumpkin, so this was more like squash pie. However, someone had just recently come from the U.S. and brought a packet of real dream whip! What a treat. I’m sure like all of you, we were stuffed. It was worth it.

Bonifacio Day

Today we are out of school because we are celebrating a Philippine holiday called Bonifacio Day. It is actually supposed to be on Wednesday, but the president said it would be Monday so we could have a three day weekend. Hey, I'm up for that!

Nate and I had a much needed rest. We just rested and relaxed and played two games of "Settlers of Catan". Nate won both games. He is very good at that game and hopes to face some family members when we get back for Christmas!

Following is what the internet said about Bonifacio Day for those who are interested. I didn't have time to read much about it, but here is a brief quote or two and a photo of a memorial statue.

"NOV. 30 in the church calendar is the feast of Saint Andrew the apostle. If you look at those old-fashioned calendars printed on newsprint with blue and red ink, the ones that even have the phases of the moon above the dates, you will find Spanish names of saints for every day.

On Nov. 30, 1896 the stork brought a baby boy to Santiago Bonifacio and Catalina de Castro, they looked at the saint of the day on their calendar and named him Andres. We celebrate Bonifacio Day every year on Nov. 30, a date that is sometimes confused with National Heroes Day."

"This is the day to remember our hero, Andres Bonifacio, who led the Filipinos to fight for their freedom from the Spaniards in the late 1800s."

Earthquake of Magnitude 5.6 Rocks Southern Philippine City

I was sitting in the teachers' lounge Friday before band class and suddenly I felt dizzy. My feet were resting on the bottom of the computer desk and I realized the desk was moving too.

"Joanna! Do you feel that?" I called to someone to see if it was just me feeling dizzy or if my dizziness was due to the fact that the whole earth was moving under me.

"Yeah, I see the flowers moving. We're having an earthquake," Joanna validated my hypothesis.

I am from Nebraska, so when something is happening like that I have not been trained to think "Hmm, maybe it is an earthquake." I've even lived in L.A., California, and even there I never experienced an earthquake.

Last February I had my first one when I also felt dizzy. That taught me that when I feel dizzy one possibility other than sickness is an earthquake.

Sure enough I found this report on the internet about the earthquake. Of course here where we live was not the epicenter. Don't worry, we are all okay. (P.S. The title to this entry is taken from the title to the following article)

MANILA, Nov. 25 (Xinhuanet) -- A magnitude 5.6 earthquake rocked General Santos City in southern Philippines around 1:30 p.m. (0536GMT) local time Friday but no damage was reported, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
Ferdinand Taglucop, Phivolcs science analyst in Southern Mindanao, said the tremor's epicenter was traced at 115 kilometers southeast of General Santos City and had a depth of 15 kilometers.
It was tectonic in origin, he said. It was felt at intensity 2 in Davao City, the biggest city in Mindanao.
The Hong Kong Observatory reported earlier that an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit sea waters south of the Philippines at 13:36 p.m. (0536 GMT) on Friday.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the epicenter of the quake was initially determined to be 5.9 north latitude, 126.4 east longitude, about 160 kilometers south-southeast of Davao, Mindanao Island. Enditem

Happy American Thanksgiving!

Here in the Philippines it is just a normal school day. We had blue skies and hot weather; workers were mowing the grass outside. Students took a quiz, and practice went on as usual.

Over in America most people have the day off and will be watching some football on television. It will likely be chilly and cozy with people wearing sweaters and slippers. Most importantly Americans will be gathering with family to feast on turkey and pie!

We want to wish you a Happy American Thanksgiving! The things I will miss the most are: being with my family, games with cousins, singing with the fam "Praise God from Whom all blessings flow...", eating my mom's delicious traditional chocolate pie, and being cozy all day inside.

I am also thankful for many things!

--Salvation in Christ
--a wonderful husband and marriage
--a loving and supportive family
--a great partnership team
--being healed from sickness yesterday!
--getting to talk to Sarah, John and Peter on the phone today
--joy in ministry
--"for health and strength and daily food"
--serving with gifts in music and worship
--the Word in my own language (both OT and NT)
--the ability to read and write

Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
Amen

"Be Still and Know That I Am God."

Psalm 46.10 "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

If you are wondering where we get the energy to be involved in all of these exciting activities and ministries, it comes from God. He has given us great joy in our marriage and minisrty. We love our students and the people we work with.

It is great also to remember that the Lord is the One who will be exalted in this nation and every nation. It is He who goes forth in power and might. We can rest in His loving arms and be at peace. We can fall back on His shoulder and be renewed by Him.

Nate was home from school today sick, so I taught his classes and mine. Now I myself feel I need a rest, so I am heading home to be with my man. Pray that God will renew our strength and that He will give us health. Pray also that we will remember to take time to simply enjoy being still and knowing that He is God.