Welcoming Family

Well, it has been a while since we have entered blog-world.  This last month has been a good one, and we have had several highlights.  (You can see the "Everyday Miracles" tab above for info on recent births.)  For two weeks in February, we hosted Merrill and Lois (Nolan's parents) from the U.S.  Even though I think they really came to see the 4 grandchildren, they also spent time with the adults.  It was so good to catch up face to face.  Our kids loved seeing them and had a daily countdown two months before their arrival.  Just before they arrived, we sat down and made a list of all the fun activities we have done in 7 months...and we crammed most of those in the two weeks my parents were here.  We went to the beach, to the mountains, crocodile parks, shopping malls, and lots of other top spots in Davao.  My mother also was able to help at the clinic doing prenatal appointments, and she helped during a birth room shift. My parents didn't get too much downtime, as our kids kept them playing games, reading to them, going on walks, etc.  Salem and I are so excited to have parents who love God and leave a lasting legacy of following Christ.  We already miss them, but we were so thankful to get to cherish them for a couple of weeks and make yet some more amazing memories.  Grandpa and Nana - thanks for coming to see us!  I have attached a slideshow of their vacation here.  If you are reading this via email, you will need to connect to the blog to see the slideshow.

The title of this post is "Welcoming Family".  One additional highlight for us this last month has to do with one young lady we have been working with the last 6 months.  We have established a relationship with this single mom, Aime, and her daughter, Elisa Mae.  A couple of days ago, Aime gave her life to Christ.  We welcome her to our Christian family.  We are excited to be able to help disciple her and help her start a new way of living.  Please join us in praying that Aime would accept the lifestyle God wants her to have and she would begin to view herself as God does.  We are so happy that God answers prayers!  Below is a picture of Aime. (right)

Salem had a super-busy month in February.  She had few days (if any) of rest.  She continues to work hard and grow in the ministry God has given her.  I am so proud of her!  One opportunity God keeps opening to us is working with the Badjao people (an outcast people group).  Salem is working on a blog highlighting some of these open doors.  Please be in prayer for us in maximizing this opportunity.  As far as the details...you will have to wait for a few more days - we want to include pictures!