Rachel Writes

Big guy ready to party Early morn, and I'm up and soaking the chicken in egg. Ready for my friend Ling-Ling to fry them. I fill a few more water balloons, gather crayons and markers, and finish the birthday sign. Today is it, the long awaited birthday marked by an 80 day countdown. Whit is up by six o'clock. He gives me a big hug. "Can I help, Mama?" Now there is a moment I'll hold in my heart.   And there are more. Whit walking the line as he carries our supplies out to the school covered court (he is a bit of a Monk-- the Tony Shalhoub kind). Whitty's enthusiasm over the games (Everyone actually is a ninja). And his blinking when faced with the stay-lit candles. We love this guy. Whit, we're so glad you are a part of our family.

Yesterday, I was scared to go to the post office. I felt afraid to drive, unsure of where to park, and not up to the cross culture stress. But, no more. Today was the post office challenge. And I nailed it.  The lucky recipients of packages and letters. (1) Mumbles-a birthday present, (2) Ashley in Korea, and (3) My Mama-- Happy belated Mothers' Day! I saddled up and drove to the middle of the city. What I had forgotten was... There is parking all around the entire building! So easy to park. (especially for a motorbike. Zang!) 40 minutes and 4 windows later, I managed to mail these letters and package. (And I got to laugh with my fellow Filipino countrymen and women about the slowness of the system-- bonding!) Yay! Victory!