WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

When we moved to Manila we prayed for an opportunity to build bridges with our neighbors. Last Easter, I invited two families for an Easter dinner at home. No one showed up at 6:00 p.m. as agreed upon. So Leo had to fetch them. It turned out they were very shy to even show their faces. It puzzled me that night. Finally after two attempts, they finally came over and we had a simple dinner get together. I tried solving the puzzle.
The neighbors we invited are the caretakers and helpers of a family friend. It was beyond their imagination perhaps that they will be invited to a dinner especially that they are the only ones invited. They know my in laws well as she is the owner of the place the family friend is renting. Bu then again, they are used to being called to serve, to do some chores and to take care of the property.

Last Sunday, it was harvest time, two of the neighbors opened up to a witnessing opportunity when Leo and his sister purposefully visited them to share the love of Christ. The two heard the gospel before but they are not quite sure of their relationship with Christ. And they are in the point of deepest need for Christ as they struggle with their being poor and having nothing. Beatitudes came alive. I do think it is time to open a home fellowship with my neighbors. My cooking prowess will be put to test again.

THE PAPER CHASE VS CHOCOLATE HILLS

FEDEX came last Friday with a package from the lawyer who was working on our visa requirements. After paying the application fee, Leo called the US embassy for the earliest interview appointment and he got May 19. The trouble is we had some trip scheduled on May 20 to Bohol. Bohol is a very promising tourist spot where the famous Chocolate hills are and where one can do snorkeling in a beautiful marine sanctuary. It is also the place where Tarsier is found.

So the dilemma is whether we will push through or not knowing anything can happen after, like we may be asked to submit more PAPERS, we struggled for a while since Bohol has been planned with some of our small group members (doctors), but then we said we will decide after the interview We will just take our chance on the boat. The struggle is there everyday, actually, thinking that we will be away from home for a while, from beautiful beaches, from people close to our hearts…but then, we were promised more homes, more families and more places…we only need to follow the ONE who called us.

connecting God and Work

Last April 9-10, we conducted a seminar on Connecting God and Work. Leo created a module for the Mary johnston Hospital Residents and Consultants. There were around 20 doctors who attended. It was a full-pack day from 11:00 a.m. to almost 10:00 p.m. but we felt that it really helped the doctors see their work as important in God's overall plan...that their work is not just to rake in so much money but as a place where He can be served to the fullest. In one of the sessions Leo gave an opportunity for the doctors to have a relastionship with God. They enjoyed the DISC most. It was a learning experience for us too...time to evaluate and re-design the module...

alay lakad

some people may not have the means to participate right now in this walk of faith, however, they are willing to join in no matter what. my aunt will swipe for one way air tix to SD for Leo and me. on one condition: that we first stay in their place (VA) before heading to SD. looks like more and more people are joining us in this walk of faith.

No worry, no wrinkles

applied the principle of "worry not", and it worked. No wrinkles and heart burn.

an exam on anxiety

I just taught a contact the value of not worrying about food or clothing ...today, we just had an exam on it...actual...

Hall of faith

the heroes of faith are great inspiration for us at this time...

josh is in town

Had dinner at the Lao's with a visiting friend from baguio City. Joshi is his name. We had Kare-Kare, Tilapia and Lechon Manok. Pistachio ice-cream was our finale. It was good to see him again. Made us so nostalgic for Baguio, our Dream Team and friends. We ended by going to Market Market. Ian was there too.