Smiles

Smiles are everywhere here. People can smile for different reasons, but I am reminded of our Father in Heaven who has smiled upon us by sending His only son Jesus Christ.
-Mark

Our Temporary Home

"The Eternal God is our dwelling place, and underneath are His everlasting arms;" Deut. 33:27
Until we find a home to rent, we're very thankful for a place to live here in the guesthouse. It's a comfortable, air conditioned two bedroom apartment, with kitchen, sala (living room) and bathroom.

Why is there a trash can in the shower? It's full of water in preparation for brown-outs when the water is also turned off.


Two of our dishwashers in action!


Mark and Michael work together on a puzzle in the sala.

Trike Ride

 

One of the several ways to get around here is by 'trike.' 

Sort of a mini-taxi built from a small motorcycle (100cc) with a sidecar/cabin attached. 

 

 

Our family of 5 could squeeze in, but we've seen them with far more people! 

 

 

Cost was about 50 cents for all of us to go to market (price negotiable). 

They don't have much excess power and slow WAY down when going uphill.

-Mark

A Day in Paradise

Fellow workers here have been INCREDIBLY welcoming and hospitable to us. We've been with a different family every day since we've arrived for meals, trips around town, and great fellowship. Today our host family took us to the beach - Paradise Beach. We had a fabulous time!

We traveled on a boat like this one 15 minutes from Davao.







Amy and Michael ride behind our host family




The water was beautifully clear - great for snorkeling. Here's Elise with a couple of friendly children!







We enjoyed some barbecued chicken and rice for lunch. It was served on banana leaves!














Michael made friends with a tree lizard.






















Our host family rented a little boat and let Michael join the ride.
























Here's the food and banana leaves up close. It was yummy!




The boat ride cost 15 pesos per person - the equivalent of 30 cents.


It was a wonderful break from the busyness of the city, and all our settling in. Thank you guys for a very special day!

Welcome to our blog!

It's been several weeks now since we left our home in Savannah, on our 11,000 mile journey* to live here in the city of Davao in the Philippines. We'd like to give you a glimpse of that journey before we begin to share a window into our lives here in our new home. We hope you'll enjoy your visit to our blog, and that you'll check back often for news and photos!
(*4,000 miles by car to Seattle, then almost 7,000 miles by plane from Seattle to Davao!)

May the 26th
With the capable help of Joe, Andrew and Clay, we moved the remainder of our household goods out of our home.




Friday, May 29th
The bittersweet day we left Savannah. We had stayed several days at the home of Joe and Mary, enjoying their incredibly gracious hospitality and flexibility while we finished cleaning our home to prepare it for the renters. They blessed us enormously.




May 30th-June 1st
We stayed with our dear friends, Hank and Jane, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. They took us out on the lake several times in their boat, and we all got to do some tubing! It was fantastic spending time with you guys!






Thursday, June 4th
The Grand Canyon. What an amazing opportunity to visit this place of beauty.
"O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all: the earth is full of Thy riches." Psalm 104:24






Monday, June 8th
A dream come true for Lego-crazy Michael! A loving relative sent us all to Legoland for the day. We all had a great time!

Wednesday, June 10th
The crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge on our way to see the magnificent California Redwoods.















Friday, June 19th
Happy 13th Birthday, Amy and Elise!





June, 2009
We enjoyed special time with family and friends

Picnic with Mark's family








2nd cousins unite!

on our way

A furious game of Dutch Blitz with Judy










Fourth of July fun!


Michael and Kevin in water balloon wars

Packing our suitcases for the trip - using Space Savers, a gift from thoughtful friends!

Wednesday, July 8th
Saying goodbye at the Seattle airport

Some snacks and books from Grandma and individual movie screens helped pass the 11 hours of flight time.

During our orientation in Manila with our guide at Fort Santiago, learning some of the Filipino history.















After a stop in Seoul, Korea, we arrived in Manila at 1 A.M. on Friday, July 10th. Here's a jeepney full of coconuts

















Most of our luggage - we traveled with 10 checked bags and 5 carry ons









We're here! We arrived in Davao on Friday, July the 17th.

Elise does some drills in the soccer clinic she and Amy are involved in each morning this week at the school adjacent to the guesthouse.

Amy poses by some Bird of Paradise flowers.