Friends & Family Fun

What a wonderful gift--my friend, Triscilla came to visit me last week all the way from Ottawa, Canada! We had such a blessed time together relaxing, talking and even going to family events together. What a treasure to have such a special friend!
Another huge blessing--my extended family had a bit of a reunion during the special celebration of my grandmother's achievements in the quilting world. Our beloved family came in from Alaska, Texas and Nebraska to gather together. I was so thankful we got to be a part of this! Thank you, Lord, for our family!
Special Event #3--we did not miss the dedication of Jonas Ethan Caruso at church last Sunday. It was a gift to be there to watch Sarah and John dedicate their new boy to the Lord. We're so thankful for his life and for Sarah's health. What a precious family! It is so wonderful to NOT miss events like this--now that we are HERE!
More friends and fun! My friend, Thea, and I got together to discover we are both pregnant! How fun to be prego together. (I hope you don't mind I posted this one, Thea!)
Two friends and our beloved husbands--how fun to introduce our men to each other. More good times ahead. (Cara I didn't have a picture of us yet!).

Family Fun

Here's two of my loves--my brother and my husband. Aren't they handsome and strong!?
Nathan Daniel versus Daniel Nathan in a game of one-on-one.
Nate and I think it is very COLD here in Nebraska! I was bundled up in two coats and two blankets while I took these action shots! It was a close game! Yay, Honey! Go, Daniel!
Nate and his brothers-in-law--Daniel, John, and Micah. The guys went out to hide easter eggs for the kids (our niece and nephew). It was fun to see them climbing trees and trying to be sneaky!
When was the last time we were ALL together?! Wow!! Such a wonderful day to celebrate the resurrection of Christ together. We praise you again, Lord!

Family Reunites

Here's my whole family waiting for us to arrive at the airport. I could see them from the plane and I couldn't wait to embrace them all!
We ran toward them with huge smiles ready for our hugs! Welcome home!! What a wonderful welcome.
Thank you, Lord, for our wonderful family! Thank you for the safe journey and for this gift to see our loved ones.
BIG HUG!!!! We missed you!!!!

Surprise Shower

SURPRISE!!! I was not expecting to see all these ladies and girls again before we left for the U.S. Nate was all part of the plan to get me to this surprise shower the ladies threw for us. I think I look surprised, don't you?!
I looked around the corner and saw ALL those people there--just for me! I couldn't believe it. I love Nate's face in this one because he is so happy to see his secret was kept and his plan worked to get me there, without having an idea!
I think I even screamed. Everywhere I looked I saw more friends, students, special people. I couldn't believe they were all there for me and loved us so much to give us this surprised. I think my shock lasted for five minutes!

Sue read from Psalm 139. I love that passage! Can you see the little Becker Baby in my belly? How handy that I was already wearing my Sunday dress. That worked out nicely!
I love our diaper cake. Ladies stuck money in the diaper cake and we can use it to buy a rocking chair. How generous everyone was to provide lots of gifts for our coming baby boy!
So much love!! Wow, Lord, you have blessed me so much! I was so glad I got to see everyone one more time before we left. What special memories were made that I will remember forever!
I love this one because look at the little girls! They are so cute handing me presents and watching everything I do and every reaction I have to the gifts. I'm amazed the littlest one even kept a secret, though we rode to church together in the same car! You should see the precious little cards and gifts of money that the little ones gave for our baby. Sweet!

What a great way to end our time here (at least we are not moving for good!). We will miss you, but when you see us again maybe we will have a baby!

Thank you, all! So special!

Nate's Last Teaching Week

On Monday Nate directed two band recitals. It was a time for students to play for parents and teachers so they could share the music they had worked so hard on. I'm impressed with how good they sound and how each year Mr. Becker seems to take them to new levels of music! God continues to provide for us in every way!
I spent the week working in Nate's office and helping him with classes and closure. It was so fun to watch him teaching his elementary students! These kids are having so much fun dancing to the music! He's gonna be such a great dad!
The 4th grade class came in to the music room with presents! They surprised us with this huge card and some cute baby clothes for our boy.
We will miss them but we're excited to see them again next year again when they are all grown up! Good-bye students!

Endurance--A Must Read

My journal entry 03.13.08 3:00 p.m.

Oh! I just finished reading an amazing, unbelievable book! Everyone must read!
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing (Carroll & Graf Pub., Inc, NY, NY: 1959) [13th printing Jan. 2000].

I have been keeping cool in my seventh month of pregnancy by reading of this voyage to Antarctica and the 27 men and their leader--devoted, responsible and excellent at caring for men's lives--Shackleton.

They got stuck in pack ice off the Antarctic coast, drifted north for months living on an ice floe, suffered more than 70 (?) days of darkness during the Antarctic winter, trudged through the wet and icy seas in 3 rescue-life boats--finally made it to Elephant island--where 22 men camped for 4 months while the rescue boat of 6 men took the perilous journey through the stormy, windy, Drake passage with its currents and dangers.

They then landed on South Georgia island--miracle after miracle--3 of the 6 hiked overland--an impossibility never before attempted over frozen razor mountains and glaciers. When they at last, after 17 unbelievable months reached the peak before their goal--the whaling station--they strained their ears to hear a workman's whistle! They made it!!! They then rescued the 3 on the other side and finally the 22 on Elephant Island--3 more months later.

When those 22 guys at last saw their rescue ship I felt like I was there!! Their salvation had come for which they waited and hoped for daily! They always looked for their leader to return and almost thought it impossible, but sure enough he came!! He called out: "Are you all right?" and they knew their leader was back and they were saved. A miracle!

I don't know how any of them survived it without God (maybe some prayed). The Creation of God and all the men saw and experienced of Him makes me in awe of how powerful God is and how much humans can actually survive.

If only we all waited for our rescue and salvation with such hope and anticipation. You would think they would try to go on living, knowing it would possibly come, if ever, in a very unknown amount of time. But daily they made a routine of hiking the hill to look in hope eagerly for their salvation from the island.

We should only wait so eagerly for our salvation and Christ's return--our Savior--our fearless leader--who will not forget us or leave us here but will return--without fail and without a doubt--for our rescue! We should not let a day go by that we don't hike up the hill to look for and wait for our Lord--eagerly hoping for his swift return.

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3.20

Good-bye Photos

Here's our beloved high school students the morning they left for outdoor education.
They put Mr. Becker and I in the center and prayed for us. So sweet!
It was special to hear their prayers for us and for our little baby. What a wonderful group!
Here are the Beckers--all three of us (one inside!).
There they go. One last waive good-bye. I love you all!

Last Day Teaching

Today is my last teaching day. I feel so sad and mixed and emotional. The high school students are leaving tomorrow for outdoor education, so that is why my teaching quarter ends earlier than Nate's (at the middle school and elementary).

I have been teaching here for more than three years now. I feel like it is my second home and I have poured so much time and love in here. I am really grieving this parting and trying to process all my feelings about it today.

It is also strange for me because I am the only person grieving. Normally when we say good-bye it is at the end of the school year when everyone else is crying and transitioning and finding closure. However, this time it is just me. Nate also has his own perspective, yet for him he is still teaching for more than a week and also he is coming back (Lord-willing) to teach again in August. Whereas for me, I am turing in my keys and turning over my classes and my students to others so I can focus on being a mother and wife next August. It is quite a transition for me.

I spent a long time praying and reflecting this morning about Jesus. He can identify with me because he, also, was the only one leaving this world. I imagine how he felt knowing that he had such a huge good-bye to make. Only his was even more sorrowful and intense! He was giving his life!! I am just leaving the country.

But for me, knowing that Jesus, too, left his world (this world) for his other world (heaven)--that is comforting to me. I am soon leaving my world here (the Philippines) to go to the other world, which I haven't been to for a while (the U.S.). It is very very strange for me to love both "worlds" and to be straddling the border of each in my heart at this time.

Jesus is my model at this time. I asked myself, "What did Jesus do at the end of his teaching? How did Jesus spend his last week(s) before he left this world?"

Jesus was teaching faithfully to the very last. He did exactly what the Father showed Him to do, and he loved his disciples to the very last (He was about to show them the full extent of his love).

Jesus first had the crowds gathering at the temple to hear his teaching. That is like me and my time in the classroom--giving my last words and my last messages to my precious students. Then Jesus withdrew and spent focused time just with his close disciples. He shared much with them and also processed the transition he was about to face as he was about to give his life. That is how I feel I will spend these next two weeks--focusing in on a few people--my husband and how I can help him, the friends closest to me and the Lord Himself. Lastly, Jesus spent his last hours in intense prayer and time with His Father. I see myself doing this too--having solitude at the end of our time here and spending much time praying and seeking God.

I imagine how Jesus felt, knowing that he was leaving his disciples on this earth and trusting that they would carry on the work of all He taught them. (He also sent the Holy Spirit!). That makes me feel better too, knowing that I am not abandoning my students, but I am entrusting them to the Holy Spirit to care for them and help them to live out all that I taught them. I have to let go of them and leave them, and I have to trust that what I taught them will be fruitful by the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

It truly is a big day for me. A day of transition. A day of good-bye. A day to reflect and remember what Christ did for us. A day to praise God for the time I had teaching and for the love I have for my students. A day to persevere to the very end and to be faithful to this calling to the last minute.

Today, Lord, I give you my all. I give you my heart and my emotions. I am placing my trust in You. I place my students in your care and pray that you will help them to carry out your will and all that I taught them these three years. Help them to follow you faithfully all their days, and may you leave your Holy Spirit at work here to bring much fruit for your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Our New Nephew!

Sunday, CST at 6:15p.m. in Omaha, Nebraska, our new nephew was born!! Jonas Ethan Caruso weighed in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. Very healthy!!

It is a MIRACLE to see this new little person--and it is Sarah's and John's son! Oh, it is amazing. Thank you, Lord, for your blessings! Such great news!

This photo is just precious. PRECIOUS! Meeting their new little brother--Clara peeks over Peter's shoulder with delight: "Isn't he so cute?!" I can't wait to spend time with these precious little Caruso children!
I love this photo!! Peter and Uncle Micah in hospital gear. So cute!

I was SO surprised since the C-section was rescheduled on Friday to get an email yesterday from Micah! I just checked my email really quickly after lunch (Monday for Philippine time) and I got one from Micah titled, "Jonas is born!" I was thinking, "WHAT?!"

I opened the email and Micah reported that Sarah went into labor on Sunday at church and after several hours, they delivered her healthy boy by C-section!

When we say, "Lord-willing" it is for a reason! Truly the Lord knows the plans He has for us and he knows EXACTLY when and where each little person will be born.

Thank you for praying as Sarah recovers (she's doing well). Thank you for praying for this wonderful little boy.

Sarah and John wrote a post on their blog with an album if you want to see it (click the link to Caruso Clan to the left).

Praise the Lord!

Sarah's Baby...Not Yet

Hello everyone,

My sister, Sarah, was scheduled for a C-section on Friday. However, on Thursday the doctors tested something and found her boy's lungs are not fully developed. Therefore, they re-scheduled the C-section/delivery for March 3rd, a week from Monday.

Praise the Lord that there are tests that can help us to know the best decision for the health of Sarah and her boy.

Please pray for her this week, and especially on March 3rd that the Lord will deliver a healthy and fully developed baby boy for Sarah and John's family. Pray also for continued good health for Sarah and for her recovery from surgery in a week.

We praise the Lord also for our growing boy! He is now 29 weeks and weighs almost 3 pounds! He is kicking a lot and poking his little body parts up so we can see him moving. Our doctor's report yesterday was very good. A strong heart-beat, healthy body parts and active fetal movements! We are praising God for such good health for all of us! Thank you for your prayers for these two precious little baby boys!

Outdoor Education 2008

This year for the annual middle school outdoor education trip, Nate led a squad, along with the other students, to "Totally Taal" on Luzon island. They all flew to Manila and had several great learning experiences. The theme was to teach students how to live totally for God, how to make the most of every relationship--with others and with God, and to know more about how God has made each person special.
Here is Mr. Becker with his squad leading worship together at an outreach. They went to a local Filipino village to share the gospel using bracelets, basketball and music. Students were stretched in their faith to realize the importance of sharing God with others.
Here is one of the student leaders on Nate's squad. It is so great to see the growth of these students from year to year. This one I taught when he was in 6th and 7th grade, and now in 8th grade he is leading worship! Praise the Lord!
Their squad was called the "Kilmanjaro Kruisers". All the squads gave a fun introduction that first night together at base camp.

Totally Taal

Here's Mr. Becker's squad--the Kilmanjaro Kruisers. It was great to see them get to know each other, themselves more and God more. They had to do everything together, so they really learned a lot. This year I did not go because of the pregnancy, but Mrs. Templin filled in as the female leader.

The students took these boats across a lake to where a volcano, Mt. Taal, was there in the middle of the huge lake.
They hiked quite a bit to get to the crater here. Can you see the steam bubbling out of the earth? What a hot place! There were other places with bubbling mud and steam vents. It is a good thing the steam is being let out, or I would be afraid it would blow! Very hot and quite a marvelous creation.

There is a lake in the middle of the volcano and a small rock island in the middle of that. So you have an island (Luzon) in an ocean (Pacific) with an island (Mt. Taal) inside a lake (Lake Taal) with an island (small rock) inside a lake (crater lake). A unique wonder in the world.
Can you see the students like ants hiking around the crater lake? They had to learn about perseverance and helping each other. What a beautiful day to meet with their Creator.
If you wanted to see the really cool steam vents and bubbling mud you had to swim across a moat. One lucky student got to sit in a raft and carry a bag full of all the shoes. The others were just glad for a swim after a hot hike, even if they did get all wet.
That night as they worshiped God and learned more about Him, they enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Then they camped in these tents made from tarps. Thankfully it did not rain. Praise the Lord for this wonderful day.

Chicken Cooking Lessons

The morning at base camp was spent preparing for lunch. Each squad got two chickens. It was their job to kill it, clean it, prepare it and cook it. Then, and only then, would they have some lunch! These guys don't know what's about to happen!!!
After students would swing the chicken around by the feet to make it dizzy, they would put his little neck between a bar and the ground. Then simply pull up fast (make sure your feet hold tight or you will have problems!). There you have it, folks! Just DON'T LET GO or he will run around "like a chicken with his head cut off."

Does this boy look like he feels bad for the bird?
After you stick the chicken in boiling hot water (no head), the students had to work hard to pluck all the feathers off. You don't want to eat feathers for lunch do you? Then help out with the tedious task.
I will spare you the photo of the intestines being taken out. There is Mr. Becker and his boys cooking their two chickens. Wow, these guys are cool.
It turned out yummy! "We're good cooks" they thought. One girl had to run away crying, but Mr. Becker had to teach her that is how we get all cooked chickens. Yes, we do have to kill them first.
How many girls do you see in this photo? Exactly. Well, that memory will go down with them forever!

Happy Birthday, Nathan Daniel!!

Today, Feburary 2nd, is my wonderful husband's birthday!! I love him so much. His name, Nathan, means "gift of God." Truly, he is a gift of God to me! I praise God for him every day! He is so special and wonderfully made.

If you want to wish Nate a "Happy Birthday" just leave a comment below. He will love to hear from you!

Also, please pray for him this week (Sunday-Friday) because he is leading the middle school on outdoor education. Pray for health, safety, wisdom in leading and spiritual opportunities with others. Pray also for me as I will remain home for the first time--our longest time apart! Thank you for your prayers!

Happy Birthday, Honey! I love you!