I now know what it might be like for newsreporters. They write and take pictures to tell a story that they were not a part of. Nate did a great job getting photos for me and telling me the story. Here is my second-hand report:
The day before they left, Nate and his squad of guys came to our house for pizza lunch. Elijah was thrilled to be with the "students" and to show them his bed and his blankie (and to play basketball of course).
Here's the whole middle school at the airport, ready for take-off! What a great bunch!
In Manila the day of arrival they had a photo scavenger hunt at various historical or cultural locations. Here's Mr. Becker and his squad. They named themselves "Pinatubo Youtubo". (Pinatubo is a volcano).
Sunday night they got to base camp and joined the students from Faith Manila. Monday 1/3 of them went on busses and boats to this volcano--Mt. Taal. There are parts where steam is coming out or bubbling. They had a big hike here--and in the middle is a lake with another tiny island. What a beautiful creation, God!
That night they camped with the ants. I'm glad it didn't rain.
Tuesday they were back at base camp and had sandcastle building contests. There was a lot of swimming that day. Praise God for great weather and for safety.
That day, students also led an outreach to local kids at a school. They had prepared songs in Tagalog (the local language) and taught them about the gospel of Jesus. What an opportunity in a public school!
Mr. Becker's students shared the "Wordless book bracelet" with these guys. The colors tell the story about sin, salvation in Jesus and forgiveness.
Here's the squad after the ministry outreach. They are getting to know each other more and more!
That afternoon they had to prepare their own dinner--chicken from scratch, and I mean from scratch! Here's one student swinging the chicken around (there's a reason for this procedure).
After they yank his head off, they pluck the feathers and prepare the bird to eat. What an education!
Does it look good enough to eat?
Thursday was the third rotation day. They went to a coral reef, learned some marine biology and went snorkeling and for an intro dive. Each night there was a speaker with worship time and spiritual growth. After such bonding and time together outside the classroom, it was time to go home. Friday the boys and I were waiting for Papa's plane to land!!
Thank you, God, for answered prayers, for your love and for teaching these students so much.
Here's little Becker boy #3, growing so big inside me. I am 30-31 weeks in this pic. 
The close-up. I feel the biggest with this pregnancy. 
Thank you, Lord! May he be born safely and healthy. Our little blessing is in your hands. 
Papa and Malachi getting ready for bed together. 
Unusual to have Malachi falling asleep next to Papa. I had to get my camera fast for this tender moment! Cozy! 
Malachi is growing tons! He's learning to talk more and he likes to draw chalk (I drew the rainbow!). 
I love to see Nate reading with our boys. Elijah loves to read books like his Mama. 
Over the break we got to go to the waterslides as a family. Malachi really loved going "again" with Papa. 
So happy! I love these guys. 
Elijah is becoming quite a little swimmer. 
I love this pic--the brothers slide together! 
