Fabulous Teachers Conference In Manila

We just returned from a fabulous four days in Manila, where we attended a teachers’ conference for international schools. There were about 1200 teachers and administrators attending the conference from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. It was incredible to learn from our fellow international teachers and hear about their experiences in other countries.

We learned so much, we cannot even remember all of it, let alone share it with you. We sharpened our teaching skills through ten workshops, sessions and three keynote speakers. Nate took some classes on music and dance in the classroom, so I couldn’t pass up joining him for the social dancing 101 class! I also learned a ton about technology in the classroom, drama, social behaviors of girls and learning issues for the gifted student.

In addition to all this wonderful learning, we enjoyed many cultural dances put on by the Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Bayanihan. Our eyes were glued to the stage as we watched the beautiful cultural dances and costumes and listened to the live Filipino music. They may be coming to the U.S., so check out their website for events and shows.

My final favorite part of this conference was the dates Nate and I enjoyed while we were in Manila. I had been missing America, so we of course had to stop at the California Pizza Kitchen for a Friday night date. Nate bought me a rose for our outing and we just talked excitedly for hours about all we had been learning.

We also were invited to a fancy dinner on the last night of the conference in the beautiful five-star hotel where it was hosted. We enjoyed dressing up and feasting followed by a lovely dance, where we put into practice the steps we had learned in class.

Our last date was this morning at Starbucks with our friends, Dan and Ellen. We finally got together with them for a double-date after having met them at training in the summer of 2004. In Manila there are 47 Starbucks Cafés whereas in our city there are none. We enjoyed our fellowship and frappuccinos until finally I got America out of my system and I was ready to fly home. What wonderful blessings the Lord has lavished on us!

Nate Places Third in 3K--Track & Field Day

We’ve got to get to the airport in about 30 minutes to fly to a teacher’s conference in the big city. Before we go I have to tell you about track and field day! If you look at the previous posts you will see that we had the last one cancelled due to a tropical depression and loads of rain! Today was sunny and hot, a great day for this community and school event.

Nate and I decided to join the yellow team and run the 3K first thing in the morning. We had to run through the gate, down the road, past the Filipinos in their neighborhood, into the cemetery, up the hill, around the bend, up the hill again and back down to return the way we came. Then as people cheered us on we had to run through the hands giving us “five” and to the track where we would complete one lap and finish.

Nate was competing with the young guys and came in a great third place with a time of 11:19. I, on the other hand, actually finished in 20:25 because I had not trained. I thought I was last with the two fourth graders, but I later heard there were some little kids behind me. So at least Mrs. Becker didn’t get beat by ALL the kids. I ran just to get some exercise and a wake up call for how hard it is to run up hill in the heat! Whew!

My goal was to finish even if I had to walk. My inspiration was my sister who, when living on the Arctic circle in Alaska, raced on the arctic tundra. She was taken by helicopter out to a random place and then told that there would be money for the first three places. She had her feet sticking in the mud and she was exhausted. She didn’t think anyone was behind her. Sarah had to walk or run to get there, but she was determined to finish. Little did she know she ended up getting third place and $100! Sarah, thanks to your inspiration and determination I was able to finish this 3K race today! Congratulations to Nate who placed 3rd in the 3K! Yay, Honey!

Tame Your Tongue

Just yesterday two of my sixth grade girls got in a big (middle school size) fight because they were calling each other names. I was there to mediate and talk one-on-one to the leader, and I have been praying that they will continue to grow in character and in Christ.

It just so happened that Nate would be speaking this morning about James 3, where it talks about the deadly poison the tongue can spread. I decided to re-write a song I once learned about the tongue to try to teach my girls to watch their words, which can harm the other person. Here’s a sample of the verse I dramatized during chapel with the girls in mind:

“What’s that you called me? At my feelings you’re pokin’?
Well, you’re just dumb, and you’re too outspoken.”
Now she’s crying and her heart is broken,
But I said I was only jokin’
Then someone with the love of Christ
Stood in front of my face
She said, “Watch your mouth, preserve your life”
And she put me in my place….
You’ve got to tame your tongue…(the song goes on)

Nate did such a great job of dramatizing from memory James 3 and then preaching a great message about the tongue. We just pray that the students (and us!) will continue to follow God’s Word in being careful with words.

Proverbs 13.3 “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.”

Creation of Contrasts

Here we are in the Philippines! It is hot, sometimes rainy, but usually sunny. It is green and blossoming. In just a few weeks (around Easter to be exact) the sun will be directly over our heads at a 90 degree angle.

Here is my Grandpa's photo from today in Nebraska. What a contrast! What a white world of snow that I miss! I think of the Psalm 147.16 "He spreads his snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes." What a creation of contrasts God has made! I called my mom today at 10:30 am and for her it was 8:30 pm. Wow, God is creative.

I put these photos on here partly so I could look at them anytime I want (since I know many of you have already seen these photos), but I also want to compliment the wonderful photography of my Grandpa and my uncle Keith (see link to left). Truly we have quite a talented family! Well, I'm off to my Cebuano lessons (Maayong Gabii-good night...or for you it is day now!)

Happy Birthday, Micah!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICAH!

Today is my brother, Micah’s, golden birthday. That means he is 19 on the 19th! I miss him lots and want to attribute a blog in honor of his birthday!

At our church we have a special offering for people whose birthdays are in that month. The birthday celebrants can give an extra thanksgiving offering to the Lord in gratitude for their life. Today I gave an offering to celebrate Micah and to give thanks to the Lord for him.

Here is a picture when Micah and Nate first met this summer before our wedding. Micah was so welcoming of Nate into our family! We got to hang out a lot this summer playing games and going to Daniel’s baseball games. Wow, I miss those mems!

I wonder when the last time I was there to celebrate your birthday with you, Micah. I was in Canada for most of your recent birthdays and in the Philippines these last two birthdays. If I were with you and Kimberly (who I think you are now celebrating with) I know that we would have a big party for you and we would probably go out to eat at one of your favorite restaurants.

Here is a photo for you to imagine it--all of us together for your birthday! I praise God for you and I love you, Micah! Happy Birthday!

All-Day Bike Ride In the Rain

We woke up at 5am to get a good start for our all-day bike ride, but when I listened to the sound on the roof I said, “What is that sound?!”

Nate said, “It’s rain, Babes.”

I asked my adventurous husband, “What do you want to do about that rain, Honey?”

He gave a witty reply, “Well, neither of us is the wicked witch of the west, so we probably won't melt!”

I was going to show my husband just what a trooper his lovely wife could be! I got out the blue emergency ponchos and decided not to worry about my favorite pair of running shoes. I wrapped everything, including the camera, in plastic ziplock baggies, and off we rode on our bikes into the pouring rain at about 7:05am.

At first I thought, “Wow, this rain actually cools us off a bit. I guess it’s better than being in the hot sun.”

We raced tricicabs, jeepneys and busses through the wet streets of the city for over an hour. At about 8:30am we stopped in a small local bakery for a snack. When the owner found out where we had just ridden our bikes from he was surprised at these crazy foreigners who were riding so far in the rain!

After another hour of riding, my bum had become bricks and my thighs were pillars. My soggy jogging shoes each held about 1 2/3 cups of rainwater. My cold bare legs were no longer cheerful about the non-stop tropical rain. Would I be able to keep up with my strong, athletic husband?

Every kilometer my knees grew weaker. I didn’t think I could turn the pedals one more time. The gap between me and Nate increased, and my speed decreased. Soon we had to make another stop inside a half-completed barn where the animals kept dry from the rain. Again the locals peeked out their windows and smiled at us wondering what we were doing out in the rain!

Finally we rolled into the next city after riding in the constant rain for a total of 50 kilometers. We ate lunch at Chow King, where I actually got to use a hot hand-dryer to warm up my pickled feet. I didn’t want to leave, and I didn’t think I could ever make it back home the same way we came, but I knew I would at least try.

I tried, and I failed. Actually my knees failed. I had the cardiovascular endurance to go home, but my knees would not take me one more kilometer. As we rested under a shelter we decided that we would try to flag down a truck to take us back home. It was our first time hitchhiking, but we knew it would work in this culture.

Eventually some guys, who had been watching us nearby, approached us to help. I’ve learned that is the key to doing things—ask the locals to help. They flagged down a bus for us, loaded our bikes, and waved us goodbye as Nate tipped them.

I was so glad we took that bus home! I know I whimped out on Nate, but I didn’t think that I could stick it out just “for fun.” Nate was so loving and understanding as he gave up his plans to care for my weak body. I was glad to know that I was able to keep up with him for 66 kilometers (about 45 miles?), but I don’t think I will be going on any all-day bike rides again anytime soon, especially in the rain!

Swimming With the Fishes

Today, on the first day of spring break, several of us teachers and even some students took a boat trip out to a nearby island. Rachel's parents flew from New York to visit, Jim's daughter came from California to visit, so we got invited along on the $4/person day trip at sea!

We actually went to the same place where Nate and I got engaged last February. That is a special coral garden full of memories. We snorkeled and swam with the fishes! I wish you could see all the beautiful creations God has put in the sea! I love seeing all the colored fish and schools of fish, jagged fish and up-and-down fish. The starfish on the bottom are blue or some even have chocolate chips on them! (Be careful not to eat!)

We enjoyed a great day relaxing, swimming, reading in the hammocks on the beach and taking naps. We got quite a bit of sun, but we also enjoyed reading books and resting from a busy quarter.

I prayed all day that I would not see a snake. After our time on the beach we took the boat over to another snorkeling reef. Nate and I jumped in with the others, and not too long after that first plunge I spotted the slithering sea snake! I poked Nate's arm and pointed to the striped snake. If it weren't so poisonous and deadly I would actually be able to notice the beautiful movements through the water that looked like a graceful ribbon. But after almost running in to four jelly fish and getting stung by the plankton, I decided I had enough of the sea for one day.

"Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths..." Psalm 148.7

Tropical Depression Cancelled Track & Field

Today was supposed to be our annual track & field day. It is a great event including everyone from Kindergarten to 12th grade. The moms and dads get out of work to come watch the kids race. Nate and I were even going to compete in the 3K event. Unfortunately, the meet was cancelled due to a tropical depression (what does that really mean?).

Yesterday it started to rain hard in the morning, which it usually just rains in the evening. It rained all day and all night very hard. It turned out that the "Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) monitored a tropical depression (TD) estimated at 400kms east of our island with maximum winds of 55kph near the center. It was forecast to move toward our city at 13 kms per hour." The center of the storm actually hit our city at 7pm last night.

For a week I watched a Filipino worker paint the lines to the track. All his hard work was washed away in the storm yesterday. Thankfully we were offered a ride home in the downpour, but this morning I had to roll up my pants and wade through the flooded streets to get to my class on time. Whew! I praise the Lord that the river near our house didn't flood and destroy our first level of our home! God is our Protector of the storm!

Isn't God Amazing?!

I am online trying to find a picture to go with the verse 1 Corinthians 15.51-52 “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will all be changed.”

I got totally sidetracked when I saw this incredible picture of a total solar eclipse from Antarctica. Then I got even more sidetracked when I found this guy's website who has been all over the world tracking total solar eclipses and other incredible things that God has done. I thought I would get even more off track and write a blog about it so you can check out his pictures and his story about going to Antarctica! http://www.moonglow.net/eclipse/2003nov23/updates.html

He explains: "What is a total solar eclipse? Well, through an amazing coincidence in geometry, every few years the Moon blocks out the Sun creating a solar eclipse. The Sun is 400 times the size of the Moon, and 400 times as distant, so they appear to be the same size when viewed from Earth. When the orbit of the Moon takes it between the Sun and the Earth, the shadow of the Moon is cast upon the Earth. If the Moon is close enough to the Earth, someone located near the middle of that shadow will see the Moon exactly block out the Sun in a spectacular show. This is a "Total Solar Eclipse", arguably the most spectacular show in astronomy."

What We Saw On Our Bike Ride

Yesterday after a wonderful breakfast of french toast topped with manderin oranges, Nate and I decided to go on a bike ride. This is one of our favorite things to do together as a couple (among many other things!). Nate estimates that we ended up riding about 8 miles, and it was just about the heat of the day. Nate also estimates that the sun was hitting us just about directly, so that explains why I was SO THIRSTY!

We have a great city to bike in because we can see the traffic for one minute and then explore down trails by the river the next minute. We raced Jeepneys down the street and cut in between taxis. We explored the narrow paths through the squaters quarters. We coasted down paved hills and then bounced up and down the rough back roads. Everywhere we looked we felt we were truly in the Philippines. What a beautiful place!

I loved exploring by the river on the trails paved out where motercycles had ridden. Sometimes we can see the local caribou or a man tending a flock of sheep. We watched boats floating down the river and children playing by their huts in the dirt. We could feel our hearts racing as we pedaled around the city on bikes. What a great day we had to enjoy God's creation!

Students Are Seeking Truth

The best part of my day was teaching 6th grade Bible. My students were so hungry for the truth! They had so many incredible questions. I am teaching them how to study the Bible on their own. As they practiced studying with the passage John 19 the students raised their hands with questions.

I told one student that Jesus actually knew he was going to rise again before he even died. Another student overheard and said, "Really? I never knew that." Then I went on to explain John chapter two. The 6th graders are so excited about the Bible! I am praising God all day long.

My favorite question today was from my thinker-student, Christy. She asked, "If it was God's plan that Jesus would suffer, then was what Pilate did wrong?" I knew a yes/no answer would not satisfy her. All day we discussed the question: in class, at lunch, and after school. Her ride was pulling away as I began to tell her about Romans 9. I praise God for these opportunities to teach students to find the truth within God's word. May they put their trust in Him forever!

P.S. This is a photo of a papyrus fragment from the gospel of John 18 when it tells about Pilate! Wow!

Why Do the Innocent Suffer?

I have been teaching my students the book of Job. The question this book raises is "Why do the innocent suffer?" After going through a whirlwind of suffering, Job never finds out why (though his 'friends' try to tell him it is his sin or for discipline). God only speaks to him out of the storm and puts Job in his place. God really assures Job that he has not been abandoned and that He is sovereign over everything. All Job needs to do is trust God in faith.

I read the list of things Paul suffers in 2 Corinthians 6: beatings, imprisonments, riots, hard work, sleepless nights, hunger, poverty.... I asked myself and God, "If I truly experienced all this and more for a long period of time would I be able to persevere in my faith?" I know other people like Jospeh, Job and Jesus have gone before me and have persevered, but how do I know I will stand firm until the end?

God encouraged me that through suffering I can focus not on the circumstances but on His character. I can focus on the glory to come. I pray that I will remain faithful to the end, and I pray for those Christians who are suffering all over the world right now. Let us remember: 2 Cor. 4.17-18 "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."