Rachel Writes

 We're heading to our vacation on Wednesday. It starts with a soccer tournament in Manila. We'll cheer on Micah's girls' soccer team. Then on the following Tuesday, we travel further north to the lovely area of Baguio. I'm very excited, but... My heart is heavy because of the problems in Japan. I have to admit, most of my sudden rush of emotions was brought on by a text from a friend that says we should stay indoors for 24 hours. What?! I scramble to my computer. What in the world is happening now in Japan? Nuclear leaks. Ahhh! Now what? Radiation is not something that I am prepared to fight. (By the way, I cannot find the exact article that was the source that says people of the Philippines should stay indoors for 24 hours, so I'm not sure how accurate the news is...) So now I'm back to thinking about mortality and the illusion of control over our lives. It's not all drab. I know this will make me more thankful for today, for my kids, for the mome...

Here's a link of the kids modeling their bird hats. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akOQ4-iIkgw

There's not a season of spring here in the Philippines, but like any place in the world, the cycles of nature are still visible. And because I grew up in 4 season Pennsylvania, I have a place in my heart for this season of new life. Our eggs have hatched! (There are 2.) I briefly contemplated entitling this blog The Babies Have Arrived, but thought that a slightly cruel joke to play. No, my baby is supposed to come in July. Until then, the kids and I are loving watching these little birds grow up in their home on our laundry line. Jungle Jerseys . I love these 2 Jersey calves that frolic down our city street and into an adjacent empty lot that Sojourner refers to as our jungle.  It's a very small patch of land, but it is covered in banana trees and tropical flowers. Check out sister cow below chomping on a coconut hull. Not exactly corn fodder, eh Dad? I am so grateful for animal friends to observe and learn from. Sojourner, Whitaker, and I go out animal watching every...

Twice a week, the kids and I wash the motorcycle. They love it! What big helpers. Soj hard at work Both pausing to strike a pose And now, back to work again I've truly enjoyed washing vehicles since youth group and sports teams' fundraisers. Ah, great memories of water play while washing and holding up a sign in the middle of a small town PA intersections. It's great to make new washing memories. Kids make many things more fun.

 Can you believe that this innocent little fellow has been shouting at Mommy and kicking her lately? Now, I'm telling tales on Whitty just because he's so lovely. And because it's absolutely normal for a 2 year old (In 3 months!) to do this. So I'm not worried, but it is more emotional effort to be patient through the "NNNNOOOO!"s. Whitaker is a lovely boy.  Here Sojourner is smiling with her friend, James , our Tuesday morning play-fellow. James brings new energy to our house. Energy is much appreciated. Here Sojourner is playing her new favorite game-- "Help, there are sharks!" She continuously slides and pulls herself up for 20 minutes or so. It's awesome. I'm reading  Suffering and the Sovereignty of God .   It's a free PDF book compiled by John Piper about just what the title says. It's heavy. I meet with a group once a month to discuss. There are varying viewpoints represented. Maybe I'll get the nerve to type more ...