We are excited that our kids do miss the Philippines. To no surprise, they all miss it for different reasons. For example, Rebekah longs to get back to somewhere warm. For Abigail, she looks forward to the “special” father-daughter dates we used to have. For Luke, he really misses his best friends Ty and David & climbing coconut trees. For Jonathan, he just looks forward to being back in the village.
Our kids have loved their time here in the States, especially experiencing new things. Can you imagine being five years old (Luke) and for the first time seeing a real fire truck? What about snow sledding for the first time (both Luke and Jonathan)? What about going for the first time to a week-long church camp (both Rebekah and Abigail)? All the pictures of our kids (in this update) were taken at a Children’s Museum. As you can tell, they had a great time.
As our time draws to an end here in the States, we are starting to see our kids’ hearts being torn. They have built so many friendships and they hate to say “good-bye.” As you already know by a previous update, our good-byes have already started. It will be especially hard for our kids to say good-bye to their friends at Jenison Bible Church, as well as to family members. We treasure your prayers for our kids during this time. Here are some specific prayer requests just for our children:
– they will continue to desire to return to the Philippines, even though it will be hard to say good-bye to their friends and family here;
– they will adjust well to both the climate and culture;
– they will renew their friendships with their Agutaynen friends;
– they will be able to communicate in the Filipino language;
– they will continue to see their part in the ministry.
Thank you for praying for our children.