Day #2--Part 2--The Real Community

After a morning at the pool, we left Nate there for the staff retreat and came home for naps. Then we walked down to Emi's house, and they met us in the street outside! They were wearing the clothes Sarah brought that Peter and Clara had shared--do you guys recognize them? What a fun meeting together!

Sarah meeting Emi's mom--I posted this especially for my mom to see.

Daniel gets the welcome hug--she is so happy to see Sarah and Daniel in her home!

The group--this photo is practically unreal for me to see--can this really be true?!

James made a welcome sign in the library--I love the backwards L in Daniel's name.

Daniel getting the tour upstairs in Emi's house--I love the view--it looks so real. This is the real Philippines!

Emi's husband, Edgar, was there to welcome us wearing the Nebraska shirt my dad once gave him! How thoughtful! And Eunice Marilyn is there wearing Clara's shirt--the connections are being made more and more--how fun to be all together!

Sarah is so happy to meet Lavelle, and the feeling is mutual. I post this also for my mom--who is happy to see her daughter meeting her sponsored girl.

This picture is full of info, but I focus mostly on Ate Inday in the blue--pregnant with twin boys, due any moment. I prayed for her and said, "Maybe they'll be born tomorrow".

Walking through the neighborhood...

The sisters just finished up a Bible study and were sipping tea--Emi on the left, then Ruen, and Weng-Weng (also sisters) and then me and Sarah (sisters!). All sisters in Christ--how special.

While the sisters were bonding, Daniel was playing with James and the kids in the street.

Just a captured moment with my son and brother--Daniel and Malachi--Strong arms and tiny baby--I love it!

This captures the experience in a small way, with the muddy streets and walking on the water pipes on the edge.

More of our sisters were gathering to meet my family...Daniel is wondering where the men are.

Ah-ha! Daniel found the men--they were hanging out inside Grace's sari-sari having Bible study on Matthew 6: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. And all these things will be added to you as well." They loved meeting Daniel and invited him to basketball with them. They are so inclusive and welcoming.

Daniel jumps in and makes friends immediately--sipping on some pop in a glass cup. I love seeing him immersed in the Filipino culture.