Island Biking--Filipino Hospitality A Blessing

We saw a place on the map called "Jim's Beach Place", so we kept asking the locals where it was. When we finally got there, we saw a guy named Joel, who was working on construction of this little hut. He said if we wanted we could put our hammocks up on the posts in his hut, and we could even use the C.R. He was so inviting and hospitable, I was really struck by the generosity he taught us.

Joel not only let us sleep for free on the property right by the ocean, he also slept near us in the hut to "bantay" for us (keep watch). Then when he saw us eating chips for panihapon (dinner) he was surprised that we had no better food to eat. His wife came out from the house and invited us to their front porch for homemade dinner!

It was so peaceful listening to the waves on the shore, eating dinner by kerosene lamp. They brought us a huge plate of rice, the staple food here in the Philippines. They also showed their incredible generosity when they offered us this fish soup. I tell you, I looked at the soup with the two little fish staring at me from under the water and I knew I had to ask Nate once more to be my fish-eating hero. When Joel kept telling us that this "isda" (fish) was fresh we knew that he had gone out to sea just to catch it for us. What sweet hospitality, offering us everything they had. I learned that I don't have to wait for everything to be perfect before I have someone over for dinner or for the night; I just need to offer what I do have with a generous heart of love.

Island Biking--God Provides Guides For Falls #2

Next we rode BACK UP the huge hill, or rather walked our bikes up. We cut across the island on bumpy roads and got to see the really rural areas of the Philippines. Everything seemed so simple. It seemed we had stepped back in time again to a place with no electricity, farmers, simple living and cooking over fires. We were so happy to buy some fried bananas from the local people.

We saw on the map that there were three caves and another waterfall on the East side of the island. That was our destination for stop #2, but it was very vacant over there, and we were not sure where to cut across from the road. God provided for us again!

After locking our bikes to each others and stashing them in the bushes, we began to trek on a small pathway. I was startled to hear someone coming and then saw two Filipino men appear from the forest carrying huge knives. We were not afraid, though, because we know that those knives are the useful tools the local people use to do practical things. We spoke to them in the local language, and they decided to become our guides to the caves. I was so glad and knew God provided for us!

The first cave was REALLY dark and small--a hole at the bottom of the cliff. Our impromptu guides told us it is very dangerous in there because there are *****. I didn't know that word, but I tried to act out the motion for bats. I'm pretty sure he meant there were bats in there.

Then they took us to waterfall #2, which was WAY off the place that the map marked it. Good thing we had our guides, or else we would have been searching for hours. I saw a HUGE worm thing on the path, glad it was not a snake. Then the guys jumped in the falls for a swim, and I opted not to get wet again since it was almost dark. These falls were pretty, but they were not as tall or mighty as the ones in the mountain we recently visited. There were also lots of misquitoes and red ants, so I told Nate, "I don't think we should sleep here tonight; it will be so scary!" We did return to our bikes in search for a place to sleep for the night.

Island Biking--Up To The Non-Existant Waterfall

Thursday morning we began a "Plan B" two-day biking trip on a local island. We biked across the city and loaded our bikes on the ferry just as it began to pour rain. God is gracious in holding off the rain for us!

When we landed on shore we began our adventures in conquering the small island by bike. The roads were basically empty and rough, made of clay and volcanic rock? It was so peaceful and beautiful to explore the coastal paths that have been waiting for us this whole time while we lived across the bay in the city.

Our first planned stop was to waterfall #1 (I don't even remember the name of it). No one we knew had ever been there, so we were going to really scope out new territory. We had great fun using the local language to ask for directions and to greet people. We later learned that our map was not exactly accurate.

We biked up this HUGE hill that kept going up-up-up. After every curve I thought, "Surely we are almost there!" but it kept going up. When we got to the top, Nate stopped to ask where the waterfall #1 was while I guzzled the water and swept my dripping forehead with part of my shirt. I could not believe my ears when he found out that the trail we were supposed to take was at the bottom of that hill.

"So we just biked that whole hill for nothing?" I realized this was not only an adventure but a character-building experience.

Nate's answer was: "It was good for our bodies." He is so positive and courageous. We did get to feel the breeze blow our hot faces as we coasted back down the hill we just hiked. Then we bumped over the rough trail to the creek that supposedly trickled from the waterfall we were looking for.

When we got to the waterfall we had to laugh! All we saw was a little stream and then a huge rock wall with absolutely no water flowing down. No wonder no one we knew had ever been there before!

The huge blessing was that there was a clear cool pool of water waiting for us to jump in. I guess it was worth it after all just to feel my body cool down in that pool!

Great-Grandma Ingga

This is my new adopted Great-Grandma Ingga. The first time I went to the village a year ago January, I took a picture of this lady sitting by the tree on a bamboo bench. I remember trying to greet her, but she did not know any English at all, and I did not know her language at all. It was so frustrating not to be able to speak to her!

This time when we went, she became the one I spent the most time with. The reason is that I finally am learning to speak a language she knows! It was so wonderful to hear her laugh when I said something funny, or to be able to translate the stories she expressed. On Sunday morning I had quite a lengthy conversation with her which drew us both to love each other even more. I was trying to teach her how to say "Laugh" because she wanted to try to say some words in my language. The problem was she only had two teeth, so she could not make the "F" sound. She was so cute when she said "Laps" instead of "Laugh"!

It was also really special to sing with Great-Grandma Ingga. I taught her "Ho-ho-ho-ho-sanna! Ha-ha-ha-lelujah! He-he-he-he saved me! I've got the joy of the Lord." She really sang great and learned to clap along with me while we praised God together. Later we heard people singing that same song in the kitchen, so I guess word travels fast! She told me she has 10 children (2 died), 80 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. Wow! Now that's leaving a legacy!

God's Masterpiece--Sometimes Missed By Locals

This is one of the most beautiful, if not THE MOST beautiful, waterfalls I have ever seen. The majesty of this wonder cannot be captured on film or with words. I took this picture on Saturday, if you can believe I was just there! One of the reasons I love this place is that no one is ever there except us. It is so peaceful and natural. The birds sing a beautiful song that should be written into a movement. The thunderous sound of the blast at the base of this fall takes our breath away.

Nate loves to cheer and "Wooh!" when he swims at the base. It is so cold and exhilarating! We have even climbed the rocks to sit at the back of the falls. It is impossible to describe the thrill of knowing the powerful Creator of the falls.

I could not believe my ears when someone told us, "There are people in the local village who have never even seen the falls." What! How could someone miss that when it is just around the corner? (Okay, so it is another rocky hike down to see them). I was so sad when I found out the reason some locals have never seen it. They believe there are evil spirits down there, and they are afraid to go because of the spirits. One time two kids accompanied us there, and the locals were upset that we let kids go there. How sad to think that the fear of evil spirits is preventing people from seeing a masterpiece in creation that points to the Powerful Living God--our Creator! Pray that God will break through their fears and draw people to trust Him completely, even at the waterfall.

What We Saw On The Way To The Village

Getting to the village is lots of fun. It is one of the only places I've been on earth where it feels 100% natural. There are no powerlines (no electricity), people get food off the trees or plant it themselves, and the main highway is a footpath that goes down the canyon.

One of the animals I love to see is the Caribou, or water buffalo. They usually get covered in mud for some reason, and they are hard to get a photo of! On the way to the canyon we saw this guy plowing his field the old fashioned way using a metal piece connected to the water buffalo. I tried to get up-close and personal but the beast kept going and going! He was not going to stop for a pose!

Another part of the hike I love is crossing the fresh river on a handmade bridge. Right after taking a dip in the river to cool off, we cross this bridge, then climb up a steep ladder made from bamboo poles. Hopefully we don't meet someone coming from the other way while we are on these traffic-ways!

Last Day Of School

Yesterday was the last day of school. We could not believe the year was over! It was so sad to say goodbye to our students, especially the ones who graduated or are returning to their home countries. We really have come to love them even as though they were our own. We are so proud of them!

We had a final chapel in the high school where students prayed for those going out and we worshiped God together one last time. Then in the evening Nate and I played music for the high school graduation. Nate played such beautiful prelude music from Bach to Beethoven (and even some of his own improvisations!). We played trumpet and piano for the recessional, but the processional was played by another teacher on bagpipes. It was really regal!

Wow, there were only five seniors, so they all got to have their own powerpoint presentation with pictures and music. They each got their picture in the program and got prayed for individually. Their parents were front and center and even got to be involved through singing or prayer. In my high school graduating class of 500 I was happy just to turn the many pages of our booklet and find my name in small print. Then as my family watched me through binoculars from the huge arena they cheered "Wooh!" when my name was called out loud for one second. That's the blessing of going to a small Christian school! These students are priviliged! Praise the Lord for a great year!

Born Again!!

I am SO excited!!! One of my students just prayed with me to receive Christ! Oh, I am so thankful and I am praising our Great God for giving her new life. She is now born again!

The last two weeks in my 6th grade Bible class I have been teaching the students about the plan of salvation. I used the story about Ronald to ask them what they would say if someone asked them "Are you born again?" Then I taught them the plan of salvation.

On this site I cannot tell all the details, but what I can say is that God has been at work! Every day I speak one-on-one with a student to talk about their relationship with God. Much fruit has been harvested in their spiritual lives this week! I can't wait to tell you more, but for now I must go teach some more! Join me in praising the Lord for His great salvation and mercy in our lives and in the lives of my students, especially the one who just received new life in Christ!

(Why we have had a lull in posting: It is the last week of school! Grading, Final Exams, Last programs, Talking to students about accepting Christ!)

Taking Stanley Training

Saturday Nate and I went on a little training bike ride, up a VERY steep hill (on which I was down to the first and lowest gear!). That was just hill #1. Then from the plateau we biked up yet another hill, but this time we were rewarded with a gorgeous view of the mountain, valley and sea below. From each side of the narrow road we could see the whole city and valley below. Beautiful, God! Your creation is marvelous!

Then we went up even more until we hit gravel and dirt roads. It was a bit hotter up in the village, so we stopped to buy some (safe?) water at the little sari-sari (small store). We KEPT going until the road narrowed into a motercycle path. We thought it was funny how on the map we were using it was marked with a solid line representing a secondary road. "I'd hate to see what the tertiary road looks like!" I thought as we mucked our way through the mud with great effort. We had fun asking for directions along the way and practicing using the local language we have been learning.

We made lots of friends by using the people's language and by introducing them to Stanley. I thought my little 2nd grade buddy who mailed Stanley to me would like to experience the rural life through our adventure Saturday. I can't wait to write all the stories for him about all the Filipino experiences he had! I also want to tell you how happy we were when we just coasted back down a paved road to the city again. More adventures to come...My Nate =)

Two Banquets In One Night

As I told you in the last post, we had a busy weekend. It was wonderful being with the students and sharing fellowship outside the classroom with them. We got all dressed up, but our middle school students got even MORE dressed up! We walked in the room and FLASH! We felt like we had just walked in to the night at the Oscars.

My 6th graders even had made Flat Stanley a suit for the occasion and Carol chose him as her date. After a while you can imagine that stanley found himself lying alone on a table, but I think he was the only one left out the whole night. We had some great skits and improv dramas put on by students and staff. Mr. and Mrs. Becker even got voted to be in the "Party Quirks" game.

The crazy thing was, that after two banquets I still don't think I even ate that much because so much excitement was happening. It was such a blessing to enjoy a memorable evening with each other and with our wonderful students that we love like our own!
The rainbow photo! Beautiful!

Our Weekend and Our Family

This weekend was one of our busiest. I'm sure you can relate, as May is most often a busy month for everyone (much like December). Friday night we were double-booked for two banquets: the high school teacher appreciation banquet and the middle school banquet. We found out one was from 5:30-7:00 and the other from 7:00-9:30, so we went to both! We just tried not to eat too much!

Saturday morning we went on an all day bike ride (or as Nate would say, a walk in the park compared to the bike trip we have planned). I have so many pictures and stories to tell you from all these exciting events, that I can't even think where to begin! Saturday afternoon we went to our Filipina Cebuano teacher's house for a birthday party and then biked home in the rain to change in time for the awards banquet at the high school. Finally we woke up Sunday morning and sang in church for Mother's Day and then got a wonderful nap that afternoon!

Now we are finishing up school and writing exams and grading papers. That is why you have not been able to see our wonderful pictures lately. I wanted to compliment my Uncle Keith's blog (link to left) and how he has kept us up to date with our family events! We really love the photos and the window into life in Nebraska. We are so proud of my mom for her fun bike trip that she organized. We are also so proud of my grandma for the groundbreaking of the international quilt study center with a reading room dedicated to her! We wish we could have been there, but these pictures bring the event to life!

We love you all! Thank you for praying for us and keeping in touch with us!

Flat Stanley In the Philippines

I went to our mailbox yesterday and got a letter from my second grade buddy, Zach, from Missouri. Inside the envelope was a letter and a cut-out of a little boy named Flat Stanley. Zach asked me to show Stanley around the Philippines and take some pictures for him, so I decided to go all out to create a learning experience for Zach. I can’t wait to write the scrapbook and mail Stanley back!

It turns out this guy is famous! Lots of kids have read the book “Flat Stanley” by Jeff Brown. It is about a boy who gets flattened by a bulletin board in the night and experiences many adventures because he is really thin. So since Stanley has become our first visitor to the Philippines (and I know you would love to get mailed here for less than $1) I decided to give him the full tour. Here are some of our pictures together!

It’s amazing how many people we have cheered up because of Stanley! We took him to the mall, in a taxi, to the market with fish; we fed him a mango shake, walked him to school and even let the students read with him in the library. My sixth grade students decided to invite him to the banquet tomorrow night, so they are going to make him a suit to wear. I sure am going to miss Stanley once he travels back to the U.S.
Stanley takes a ride in a taxi
Stanley gets his first taste of fresh fish
Pablo reads to Stanley in the library
Kuya Nate and Stanley slirp Mango shakes together

Musical Photos

Praise the Lord for every aspect of the musical! All our prayers and yours were answered, and more. The Lord was glorified, the gospel was preached, and many people came to hear the message and music. I wrote you an email with more detail, but here are some photos for you to see. Praise the Lord and thank you for praying!

Nate encouraged the kids before the musical by reading the Word and praying with them.

I was sitting at the sound booth helping with technical work, helping direct the drama and working the powerpoint.
At the end of the musical PJ's dad invited people to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord.
We were so thankful after the musical was done; God had answered all our prayers!

Dress Rehearsal Photos

Today the dress rehearsal went great! I pause from time to time and praise God, for I believe He truly is present and is answering many people's prayers. Tomorrow morning at 7:40AM the we will present for the first time "J-Force To the Rescue" for the chapel students (middle school and high school). Then in the evening we will do it all over again, in the dark, for the parents.

We are so excited about what God has done in little lives so far. It is great hearing kids quote their lines, "Jesus loves you." Hearing them singing, "Claim Jesus Christ, you'll live forever in Him!" Wow, we are praising God and praying that HE will be glorified and HE will be known in our city.

Thank you for praying for us. It will be a very busy day tomorrow, so you won't hear from us (besides, you will be likely sleeping anyway!). Please be praying for us and for the kids. Here are some pictures from the rehearsal today. PRaise the Lord!

Charlie Chokes--(Or Does He Really?)

Often as we lay in bed we suddenly hear a scruffing noise up in our attic and down the walls. There is "something" living up there and running around. "Well," I thought, "we are either going to have to get up there and kill him or we are going to have to accept him as part of our Becker family." So we named the unknown creature "Charlie."

Yesterday as we were opening the front door to leave for school I stopped mid-step and dropped my jaw! Stuck in between the glass window pane and the screen was none other than...

"Charlie! It's you! You're trying to reach us and meet us!" I had accepted him so much as part of the family I never even screamed. This is a first for me.

We quickly shut all the glass panes so as to trap him in there and deal with him later. We actually forgot about Charlie until we returned home later that night. Then as Nate unlocked the door, I saw that creepy creature's tail hanging down in the shadows. Oh yeah, I forgot about him.

I heard our neighbor's voices and thought Nate had better bring them over for back-up. I certainly wasn't going to be able to assist Nate in this assasination. Shanon, who grew up in Asia, thought it would be best to trap him between the metal of the screen and then pin him to death. Charlie knew we were after him (by we I do not mean I had any hand in this!). Charlie ran back and forth, up and down until finally Nate and Shannon pinned his little squeaking body.

One more scene chasing Charlie until finally he was pinned and choked to death. I was up the stairs watching from a distance, but once I knew he was dead I was able to record the event here on camera for you to witness. Nate is my hero once again. First he swallowed a live fish for me, and now he captured a sneaky rat for me. What a man! The only problem is that when we went to bed Nate said, "I wonder if that was really Charlie, or if there are more of 'them' upstairs." How do you think I slept last night?

Basketball Dominating Jessica

Today was a first for me (Nate). It was the very first time I watched Jessica play team basketball! Today was Sports Fest for our church (it is Labor Day on May 1 in the Philippines). So, we had the joy of facilitating some fun ultimate frisbee games, teaching the majority of the people how to play frisbee for the very first time.

Then, Jessica played basketball with the Filipinas--it was hilarious to watch! Let me tell you, this was more entertaining than Lebron James and Jermaine O'Neil (notice which O'Neil I mentioned). There is nothing quite like watching 10 super-excited 5 foot even ladies all bunched together scrambling for the ball and fouling each other left and right. Plus, with the amount of traveling some of those ladies were doing on the court, they could have taken a trip to Canada!

I was proud of my Jessica for giving her all out there and making some key assists and baskets and even some rebounds--she was like a center or power forward, at 5 feet 2 inches--it was sweet! I didn't know women basketball could be that fun and humorous!

Go Bananas!--A Cool Creamy Treat Idea

When I was sick earlier this week my nurse (our principal's wife) told me I should eat lots of bananas. She told me that they are really good if frozen. Well I remember freezing grapes with Cheri in college, and those were really yummy treats, so I thought I would try it.

Frozen bananas are GREAT! They are cold and sweet and healthy! Not only do I now have my new favorite healthy alternative to ice cream (which we as Beckers have agreed not to stock our freezer with)...the frozen bananas are REALLY good mixed in with fruit yogurt. So try it! It is the best cool, creamy treat that will keep you going strong!

I had several laughs when looking for pictures for this post because I found two sites that some of you might want to check out for fun. There is actually a banana museum that you can see on www.bananamuseum.com and then check out www.banana.com for recipes and even medical benefits to eating bananas. Go bananas!