Lessons from Grandma

September 21, 2008

My grandma still isn't doing well. I never know what to say when people ask "How's your grandma?". Sometimes she is doing much better and you think she's gonna beat this thing... then the next day there is something else wrong and the doctors share bad news. So its a good news/bad news situation. Well now she's off the ventilator (Tuesday) and moved out of the Intensive Care Unit (Thursday) to Telemetry to get more cardiac attention. That's good but some of her specialists only work in ICU so she may have lost some of them without ever really having answers. She's also loosing blood into a hemotoma in her stomach. She got 5 units of blood on Monday & Tuesday. Her kidneys are still failing and she's not outputting like she needs to be, but they decided against renal dialysis. The results for the MRIs on her kidneys to see if there's cancer haven't come back. But she's sitting up, eating soup, and drinking tea. Her kidney specialist says she on her way to recovery - soon doctors should be coming in to think about starting physical therapy.

Everything in life happens for a reason - the good things and the bad. Grandma has always taught me things. For instance, she never complains, she's a huge prayer warrior, she always thinks the best of people, she's very encouraging, she's true to her word, she's very generous and lives a simple life, and she gave herself to missions even when her life was threatened. I try to learn from her example and live like her. I'm named after her and I only hope people can see her qualities in me. Even when grandma is lying sick in bed she continues to teach me lessons through her life. Though I don't understand everything that is going on, I don't know what all the medical jargon means, and I don't know what the future looks like. But I know what I'm supposed to do - love on grandma, visit her, and pray for her. That's the way it is in our Christian walk too... we don't know lots of stuff but we have to live by faith and do what we're supposed to do.

Irresistable Revolution 1

On to a new book... one which I've already read and dramatically convicted me. I felt like reading it again - I started it in the Philippines but never finished it, so I started it over again today :) I'm already 3 chapters in and quickly reminded how powerful the book is.

In the midst of talking about how its hard to truly find a Jesus follower, how we stopped living Christianity and now we just study it... how we skip over certain parts of the Bible because we don't want to do what they say... or we don't want to do them to that level (his biggest focus is on taking care of the poor - giving all we have to them). He then quotes Soren Kierkegaard:

The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very esasy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to undersatnd it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the church's prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, the ensrue that we can continue to be good Christians wihtout the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament.

I won't say that I agree completely with everything Kierkegaard said but he makes a good point. We're never going to win the whole world to Christ until we really start living the gospel. This would be dramatic and radical lifestyle changes for myself and so many others. This summer i've learned to cut back so much - lesson especially learned from living out of a suitcase for what's going on 2.5 months total now. I hope I can keep this up and continue to cut back. My life is so much simpler when my "stuff" is simpler. I don't want to collect meaningless things.

I am content. I am satisfied.

"It is among the wealthy that we can find the most terrible poverty of all - loneliness" - Mother Teresa

"Jesus never says to the poor, 'Come find the church,' but he says to those of us in the church, 'Go into the world and find the poor, hungry, homeless, imprisoned,' Jesus in his disguises." - Tony Campolo

When the Bible says "Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" that's not something only to expect to come true... its something to enact and live out.

This post doesn't do the book justice.

You should pick it up and read it yourself....

"Irresistible Revolution" AND The Bible!

Prayer

I'm a worrier, that's right. I like to have things planned out, I like to know what's going on, and I like to know how things are going to end... I want answers. So when I don't have what I like then I get worried. Worry steals my focus and attention - distracting me from what's important. Worry doesn't accomplish anything - prayer does! However that's easier said than done (like most things in life)... because when i'm worried I frequently find myself praying for the wrong things. I pray for my desires instead of God's will, I pray for immediate answers instead of patiently waiting, and I skip praise and go straight to requests. The crazy thing is I am a much better prayer warrior for others than I am for myself. Well now I'm worried to the point that my stomach hurts... I can't eat, can't sleep, can't focus. If there's anything I've learned from Nathan & Jade it's to pursue the Planner not the plan. So that's what i'm focusing on doing.

Here are some of my favorite quotes on prayer:

"Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden." - Corrie Ten Boom

"It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart." - Mahatma Gandhi

"Prayer is the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening." - Mahatma Gandhi

"There is a vast difference between saying prayers and praying" - unknown

"A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing." - unknown

"Pray, and let God worry." - William Law

"To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing." - Martin Luther King Jr.

"Pray does not change God, but it changes him who prays." - Soren Kierkegaard

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
- Psalm 19:14

Grandma

This is my maternal grandma. Her name is Leona Jane but she goes by Jane. I'm her namesake and quite possibly her favorite grandchild but she'd never admit it of course ;) No, probably not because she's got some other awesome grandkids, anyways.

Grandma is pretty sick right now, honestly she's probably really sick. She had a case of the flu and when she started to feel better with that then she started experiencing really bad arthritis pain. She never, never, never complains about anything - like never. So when she said the pain was really bothering her we knew it was serious. She also doesn't take much medicine (because most upset her stomach... she's got quite the miraculous medical history... maybe for another post about grandma) but she asked for some yesterday - another sign that it was serious. Around 10pm i was in the shower last night and told I had to go to her house to call an ambulance with Jewel. Her meds didn't work and she was miserable.

Fast forward to today - around 4am she was admitted and the doctors think she has a kidney infection.

Last May 2009 (when I was in the Philippines) she got her first kidney infection and was in the hospital for almost a week. Her recovery was very slow, her house had to be "handicapped," and she needed help (and still does) with most-to-all of her daily activities. We rejoiced when she got back up to 90 lbs (41 kilos) but now she's probably around 85 lbs, so she's weaker than last time. My mom moved to her house to take care of her for a month and then we took shifts sitting with her during the day.

She's still there now. Mom works 3-11 today so she'll pop in and out to check on her. I dislike hospitals (unless its to see a newborn baby!) but i'm sure i'll make my way over to visit her. She's always more cheerful when she has company, or as least does a good job of hiding her pain.

Feeding me :) Fall 1988

With Jewel, mom and I - Fall/Winter 1988

Grandma and the rest of the Ache Family - Early 90s

High School Graduation 2007

We were both Salutatorians

Feeding Leah - August 2008

Christmas 2008

Sisters - Family Reunion 2009

Leah wanting Grandma's attention - September 2009

Our 21st birthday - 2009

Napping - Christmas 2009

Jewel, Grandma and I - Easter 2010

Meeting Mallory for the first time - June 2010

Everyone that knows her loves her. She is so precious and sweet and amazing. She's the biggest prayer warrior that I know. If she tells you she's praying for you then she means it - multiple times a day I'm sure. Most days she spends her time writing encouraging letters to old friends, family, and missionaries. She's a big giver too, so generous. She has every single fruit of the Spirit - they are so evident in her life. She's been my only grandparent for a very long time (her husband died while I was in kindergarten and my dad's parents died when i was in Junior High.) Please pray for her - for strength, healing, and comfort.

JBC - Round 7

I just got home from my 7th year as a counselor at Junior Bible Camp. I have to say that this year I had the best group of girls yet. There was no crying, little whining, no bed-wetting, no fighting, no homesickness, few tears, and little drama. Nobody's stuff was broken or stolen; they shared and bonded. They slept well at night, lined up quickly and quietly, and obeyed the rules. While we were never the cleanest cabin we didn't lose as the messiest this year either - no bathroom duty for us :) I'm not sure what to attribute this amazing year to other than the fact that the girls are just amazing. I had 14 of them - 5 of which were new campers (4 of which I already knew) and 6 of them I've already had in previous years.

We had awesome times together - at the Splash House (Marion's water-park), carnival day, meals, crafts and classes, down time, and the services. I just love these kids! My church (Brookhaven) had a big group out there this year. There are so many kids that I see year after year and I love it.

Ben, also known as "hot-dog"

He moved away with his sister, Shea

I loved seeing him again & catching up on life

Gracie & Alayna were my campers from 2 years ago

Amanda & Katelyn were also my campers from 2 years ago

I don't know their friend in the middle, haha

Dathan is in a "I'd rather be cool than friends" stage

He always gives me the thumbs down when he sees me

Caylyn wanted Jewel and I as her counselors

But her mom told her not to be "too picky"

My girls

Front: Elaina, Shea, Maddi & Areanna

Second: Olivia, Zoie, Allie, Alayna, Emma & Emma

Third: Chloe, Amara, Kaci & Jessica

Bailey - last year of JBC :(

On to Junior High

MY Elliot Balooza - one of the Henrys

Love love love this kid! He's a fave for sure :)

Emma & Elaina

They led our cabin devos the last night

Ashton being goofy

There's a smile behind that tongue ;)

Getting ready for the service

Chloe and Zoie

Two of the sweetest campers

I had Chloe 2 years ago - her first year :)

You can't separate these three - they did everything together

Including going to the alter to recommit their lives :)

Oliva, Shea & Areanna

Shea & Oliva used to go to my church but moved away :/

Alexander in the Lazy River

Ian and Ashton in the wave pool

Highlights:

Maddi made a commitment to the Lord for the first time

Kaci recommitted her life to the Lord

Jewel prayed with Shea, Olivia & Areanna to recommit their lives

Elaina & Emma lead cabin time devotions the last night

I just love love love Fairmount Wesleyan Campgrounds. Its practically one of my summer homes - last year I was blessed with 4 amazing weeks out there (Junior high, Senior high, JBC, and Family camp) but this year I was in the Philippines during Jr & Sr high.

I'm working in the 18 month to 3 years old nursery at Family Camp again. I'll be a counselor too (which makes camp free, bonus!). I've worked in the nursery there every year for the past 8 or more years. Before that I helped David & Michele with the 4 year olds for 3 or 4 years. So its been years since i've been able to go to evening services - but now there's a young adult track in the mornings which makes the experience even more amazing! We'll have fun afternoon activities and afterglows to bond and fellowship. Then i'll end my night in the early morning at the Abston's bonfire. The Spirit is always so alive at camp - revival takes places, souls are saved, lives are changed, people are called and healed. Worship is fresh and the speakers are bold. I have a great sense of accountability at camp. Sounds almost perfect to me!

The Blue Parakeet

I'm reading this book called "The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible" by Scot McKnight (author of "The Jesus Creed." Its called Blue Parakeet because he told a story of how someone's pet blue parakeet escaped outside, can't be caught, and now no one knows what to do with it. He talks about the grey areas of the Bible, especially the Old Testament laws. His purpose is to call his readers to figure out their pattern of discernment - to know why do I not do what this passage in the Bible teaches?... how to deal with the "blue parakeets" without taming them to something they shouldn't be. We all discern - through God's spirit and the context of our community of faith - a pattern of how to live in our world. NO one does everything the Bible says, I don't care who you are or how firm you are when you say you do, you don't do EVERYTHING. If you say you do, you must say it with the understanding that you live out the Bible culturally and in our day and our way.

I'm not saying this is wrong, I'm not the judge to decide that, but its just something that we should all think about...

Like what about these grey areas?
1. Divorce and Remarriage (Mark 10:11,12; Matthew 5:32; 1 Corinthians 7)
2. Circumcision- now done without spiritual connections (Gen 17:9-1; Acts 15:16-21: Gal 5:6; Deut 10:16; Jer 4:4; Rom 2:28, 29; 1 Cor 7:19; Col 2:11, 12)
3. Style of Christian Women (1 Peter 3:1-6)
4. Sun-centered vs. earth-centered cosmology (Job 9:6, 38:4-7; Prov 8:27-29; Rev 7:1, 1 Peter 3:19-22)
5. Death Penalty (Romans 13, Exodus 22:18, 20; Lev 24:13; Deut 21:18-21, 22:22; Num 15:32-36; Gen 4; Ex 21:12-14; Num 35:6-34; Deut 4:41-43, 19:1-13; John 7:53-8:11; Matt 5:38-39). Some of these passages seem to contradict other passages.
6. Speaking in Tongues (Acts 2, 1 Cor 14:18
7. Becoming all things to all - this is something i'm passionate about so maybe i'll unpack this later in more detail (1 Cor 9:19-23; Paul's adaptability - Acts 17:16-34 and 1 Cor 8, Romans 14:2,3,6)

God spoke in Abraham's days in Abraham's ways (walking between severed animals)
Moses' days in Moses' ways (law and ceremony)
David's days in David's ways (royal policies)
Isaiah's days in Isaiah's ways (walking around nude for awhile)
Ezra's days in Ezra's ways (divorcing Gentile spouses)
Jesus' days in Jesus' ways (intentional poverty)
Peter's days in Peter's ways (strategies for living under an emperor)
John's days in John's ways (dualistic language - light and darkness)

What is good for all these guys is also good for us. But, the precise expression of the gospel or the manner of living of these guys may not be our expression or manner of living. Living out the Bible means living out the Bible in our day in our way by discerning how God would have us living through adaptation. How do we do this - read the Bible and know the Bible and live out its story in our life. We should not seek to retrieve the cultural world (of when the Bible was written) - if we did that we'd be outside stoning people, offering lamb sacrifices, and excommunicating people all the time. Instead we should live the same gospel in a different way in our different day. Read the Bible with tradition instead of through tradition. Of course this isn't simple but its a good plan.

Ancient Words

As a counselor at JBC (Junior Bible Camp) its assumed that we have "everything together," especially spiritually. I totally agree with this but I recognize that there's always allowance for growth. The camp director reminded us at our first staff meeting that this camp is not only an opportunity for the kids to learn and grow, but also for us staff members. I have to admit that camp isn't always an easy or enjoyable time for me, but this year has been great. None of my girls were homesick and there weren't any major fights or sickness (though there were plenty of sunburns and bug bites). This year I was able to have 6 girls that I've had in previous years plus 3 that I already knew - which is awesome because we've already developed a relationship which can continue to be built upon.

Anyways, this year we sang some songs that really blessed me. I can't say that all the songs were lacking spiritual depth in previous years, but this year they touched me where I am at in life.

One particular song was "Ancient Words," you've probably heard it but if not you should look it up. Michael W. Smith does it beautifully. Right now I'm working on reading the Bible straight through. Many times I've started and struggled with Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. But this time I've really enjoyed reading them. I see the spirit moving in the ways of the day and can sense Him speaking to me on how to live those things out now. Yeah, its difficult because we're not called to offer lambs and doves as sacrifices, to build a tabernacle, or only pick up certain amounts of Manna. But I've been through the desert, I've had Mt. Sinai experiences, and I've turned my back on God's faithfulness. So I can see and learn from my story in the Story.

Specifically... God's unfathomable, everlasting, and unconditional love and faithfulness. Let me tell ya, I don't deserve either of those, at all (which you probably already know, haha). It moves my emotions to read about how God continued to love & provide for the Israelites in the desert even when they turned their backs on Him... although He did punish them, allow their enemies to defeat them, and didn't allow that generation to enter the promised land... He was still faithful. He could've killed them on the spot but He didn't. Whoa that's the kind of love that gets me. That's the kind of love I wish I always showed to others. That's the kind of love that turns my life upside-down (changing me) and makes me strive to grow deeper and love harder.

Words of LIfe, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient word will guide us Home

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you.
We have come, with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.

Visayan Kids

Let me a tell you a story...

There was once a girl who went to the Philippines. She visited Visayan Wesleyan Bible College on the island of Cebu. It had been a whole year since she was there, but when she arrived again she remembered that last year it was her favorite place to do VBS. She thought the kids were amazing there. They had such a different mindset than kids on the other islands she had been to. They were more interactive and eager to be involved. They weren't as initially shy as other the kids she had played with. While some of that can be considered personality she was told that it was think that much of it is cultural.

This year when she returned she remembered three kids from last year - Fransis (her absolute favorite kid ever), Brian, and Mary Rose. (These are pictures she took this year ).

Fransis

Brian

Mary Rose

This is a picture she took last yearMichael in red and Mary Rose in striped dress
When she arrived this year with her team she was reminded why she fell in love with these kids. On May 12 they did their first VBS at the Bible college. Michael remembered her and warmed up fairly quickly but he wasn't interested in the games she was playing. She found other kids to love on and they became her new favorites. She was told you're not supposed to have favorites, but she just couldn't help herself but to fall in love!

Dil John on the first day of VBS watching her play with chalk

Dil-John the second day of VBS when he warmed up to the girl
Dil-John fell off the chair and was bleeding and crying. She picked him up and nursed his wounds and held him till he stopped crying. After that he didn't want to be put down and so she held onto that cutie for over an hour. When she finally put him down he continued to walk behind her like a shadow. It was adorable to watch.

She was trying to learn the kids names (and did fairly well!) but there were so many of them. She pulled out this notebook and the kids jumped at the chance to show herthat they could write their own names. These boys are Dorwin and Ezekil. It was a lot easier to remember their names when she could see them written down :) It's also a good exercise for the kids and a chance for them to have pride in showing off their skills to her!

While the team was playing basketball the girl continued to bond and play with her favorite kids. The kids would all scurry up the basketball goal while the action was on the other side of the court. Sometimes she would climb up after them and they would scream and climb faster. They were so ticklish; she would grab their feet and they would try to cling on as they were laughing.

Dil-John had these two homemade guns. It was just a piece of pipe with a rubberband tied to the bottom with string. He'd put a rock in the pipe, stretch out the baloon, and let go as he watched the rock fly. One time he shot the girl in the eye with a little pebble. It hurt and he knew what happened so he felt bad. She couldn't get upset because he was so cute.

Dil-John shot Fransis in the leg with his homemade gun. Fransis was crying and so she went to him. He wanted picked up so she sat down with him and comforted him till he stopped crying. He was tired and just relaxed in her lap for about 30 minutes. When he looked up at her with his big brown, watery eyes she about melted. While she held him she just prayed over him - for his physical safety and health, for food for him and his family, for an opportunity to have a good education, for spiritual growth and maturity, and that the peace and love of Jesus would surround him and his family.

These are the bonding moments she had with Fransis while he sat on her lap. Even though he's not smiling she knows he is happy, and that makes her happy. She loves that little boy and wanted to slip him in her suitcase to bring him home with her. But she knew that wasn't possible so she just loved him hard while she had the chance. This picture represents one of her favorite memories of her whole Philippine experience.

The kids hung around all day even though the girl's team didn't do a VBS - that day the team just painted. The kids only had the bread and juice we gave them for snack and the team's left-overs from lunch. So they found some mango jello to give the kids as a snack, knowing that they wouldn't have food when they went home. They loved it!

After playing super hard all night the kids were so thirsty. The girl didn't have drinks to give them but she found some ice in the cooler and took turns giving the kids some ice cubes. She even got the kids to say please and thank you.

Here she is at the end of the night when the rest of her team joined in playing. You can tell she is so happy doing what she loves.





Jeremy (white) and BJ- Beryl John (green)

Icho (Jericho) and Hannah

Jeremy

This girl had a blast with these kids. She would say their names and they would run. She'd chase them, grab them, and tickle their. Their smiles and joy were contagious, the girl caught it and was filled with love. These kids - Fransis, Stephen, Icho, Luto, Jeremy, BJ, Dil-John, Hannah, Christian, Dorwin, and Ezekil will forever be etched in her heart. Well I know this girl and I know for sure that she will not pass up an opportunity to return next summer and love on these kids again! But until then she is praying for them everyday!

Be still and know that I Am God

Today I started to get stressed about things... things that don't really matter. Our house is so messy, my room still isn't finished, I'm home alone almost all day, and I have so many little errands to run and tasks to do. I feel like I'm running out of time and steam. I have one left until camp - which is actually a lot of time but already I'm starting to worry about that. Last year I wasn't as prepared as I needed to be and I feel like I let my campers down because of that. So, I want this year to be different... but I know it will take time to focus and plan ahead for that. The girls (2nd-6th grade) will have a much better time if i'm prepared physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. So in order to get to that I need to accomplish all my little tasks. I could list them so you understand how much I have to do, but seeing written all together would just stress me out more, haha. I prefer to just have a visual in the back of my mind.

Today while I finished painting my room (yay!) I was listening to praise & worship music on my iPod. I just shuffled the play list and soaked in God's presence. It played through Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Kutless, Casting Crowns, Leeland, Hillson, Jeremy Camp, Phil Wickham, Lifehouse, and Third Day. I was reminded of who God is and of His attributes. It was the best worship experience I've had on my own since that one Wednesday in the Philippines. My strength & focus was renewed, my confidence and reliance on God increased, my stress and anxiety diminished, and my day got so much brighter. The problems didn't go away but I was no longer looking at them as problems.

So, what am I trying to say?
When you're having a bad day find a way to refresh yourself in the Lord. I truly believe this is one of the only things that can result in a real attitude change. When you're feeling down find God's glory and joy instead of your own or the world's. It's not a bad thing to let other people encourage you and fill you up, but make sure your emotional strength is from the Lord. When you listen to music and watch movies... be careful, I know, those things influence you quicker and deeper than you realize. While I haven't given up completely on secular music, I listen to Christian music at least twice as much.

My Besties :)

Aldean's birthday party with some of my besties
Micah, me, Robin, Aldean, May-Anne, Ellen, Grace & Marc

The GirlsMay-Anne
Eating buko ice-cream, chocolate sundaes at the mall

May-Anne, me, and Micah at Aldean's birthday party.
May-Anne, me and Robin on our last day of painting at Onesimo
This girl is great and I miss her so much! She almost always text me in the mornings and at night with encouragement for the day. She came along to paint with us and was so much fun! She always wanted to make sure that I was having a good time. She had the best smile and always made me feel welcome. We had some great conversations about life, love, ministry, and the future. We went to the mall together and just talked and had a great time. She is such an inspiration and a great asset to ministry.

MJEating ice-cream at the mallEveryone wore checkered shorts this day except for Micah
Me with MJ & Lenny at a Pastors conference
It was a very good experience
She taught me the most Tagalog - phrases that were funny, meaningful, or useful (others taught me the mean ones, haha). She lived with Joel and Lenny so she was always around. We spent lots of time together talking and sharing our life stories and aspirations. We're both going through similar phases in life, so that was encouraging to talk about. If I needed a good distraction she was always there, or if I wanted to talk about something she was a listening ear. She tried to teach me how to cook Filipino foods one night, it wasn't terrible but it certainly didn't taste like it would have if she'd done it alone, haha.

Micah Micah, Robin, May-Anne and I at Aldean's birthday party

This girl is awesome! She is one of the only youth that I remember from last year. I talked to her some before I returned and she was eager for our arrival - which made me even more excited. She was involved in almost every aspect of our ministry, especially my internship. She was always at the church with a happy smile and a willing spirit. I could tell she really cared for me. I'm excited for her as she's getting ready to start her nursing job, which will be a great ministry for her. Her English is very good so she was a blessing when we needed a translator for ministry. I miss her so much already! She just got Skype, which is awesome! I know we'll stay in touch and be great friends!

The Boys
Aldean Aldean and I waiting to eatHe actually cooperated in this photoshoot
At his youth service at Bagong Nayon

Mmm I miss this guy a lot! He's the youth pastor at Bagong Nayon. He has a super heart and is so passionate about what he does. It is really inspiring. He taught me so much while we were together and we have tons of inside jokes. I'll never forget the first time that I met him :) My last night there we stayed up all night talking and making memories. He's a great singer and makes really crazy faces sometime. We have a running competition to see who can make the best grades before we graduate - him in the fall and I in the spring. I've talked to him a lot since I've been home and miss him a ton! I got to meet his family and they are really great people, so welcoming and friendly.

Robin
Robin and I next to our paintings at Onesimo He always calls us milk & coffee
This guy was so shy at first but now we're tight! He wasn't confident with his English but he's really good actually. While we were out the group left us alone together to force him to talk to me. Each time we saw each other I forced him to talk to me - sometimes he would just hide his face, look the other direction, laugh and say "i'm shy." He got to the point where he would text me in English and by the time I left he wasn't shy anymore :) He also went with us to paint and do VBS. When we had down time and music was playing he was always singing and dancing. Robin is very talented! He's studying to be a teacher right now.
MarcRobin, me and Marc playing with kids at the extension
We were supposed to paint this day and it didn't work out,
so they decided they wanted to do this instead.

Yellow day, haha
Marc, me and MJ at Bagong Nayon
This kid is hilarious! His nickname is "the magician" because he does lots of magic tricks. I first met him doing ministry at the dump - he was very entertaining. He taught me a trick that i'm suposed to perfect for next year. He convinced that I'm going to bring an American girlfriend for him on my next visit. While I was there he got a tooth knocked out and he's so self-concious about it. Of all the youth, he probably had the best conversational English skills.
DenisDenis and I at Aldean's birthday party
Pretty much all this guy said was "Hey man! what's up man? Man... Man.... Man..." He really wanted me to give him this IWU shirt when I left but it didn't happen. Whenever we were together he always had the whole group laughing. He is hungry all the time and gets crazy the hungrier he gets. Whenever it was quiet and there was dead air we always talked about Denis. He sang a song about catching spiders and was hilarious doing kareoke.

Me with the boys at Cloud 9
Aldean, Zimon, Robin, Marc and Denis.
Richard Richard with me and Megan at De Villa Escuvera
Megan & I got these fancy birds and Richard was jealous
he didn't get one so he held up his camera
Richard, Jerome, and I island hopping in Palawan
At Baker's Hill in Palawan
My team properly refered to Richard as The Man because he treated us so well. He is such a gentleman. We were his first guests in his guest house in Palawan. He welcomed us with a big sign that said "Mabuhay! Welcome to Puerta Princesa Palawan IWU" in the guest house. Our last night there he bought us all full-body massages. Everytime I am with him he always buys me ice-cream. When the whole team was there he was kinda reserved, but when it was just us in a small group he was crazy loud & outgoing! Sometimes he would text me just to ask how I was doing. I met him last year but this year we spent way more time together. He hates the sun but he'd stay out in it when I begged him ;) He's like family to me, I love him, and miss him.