Merry Christmas from the Philippines

We arrived safely in the Philippines a week ago, but hit the ground running and have had little time to write or blog (although we HAVE had time for a couple of games of Balderdash and Settlers of Catan with Lawrence)!


a well-photographed visit

Our first day in Manila was our friend Noel's last, so we spent the day hanging out and catching up. He has had quite the past couple of months (check out the link to his blog on the right of this page). We went to SM City (the mall) and had lunch, did a little Christmas shopping, and rode giant motorized fuzzy animals.


our trusty steeds

After Noel left, we drove to Matabunkay Beach Resort for a brief Brion (Katrina's mom's family) reunion. We enjoyed beautiful views, sandy beaches, and snorkeling the reef there. Since returning, we have spent much time Christmas shopping (true Lao family and Philippine Christmas tradition) and even more time sitting in Manila traffic (just kidding...mostly :-D). The traffic, and sheer NUMBERS of people out and about in Manila has proven to be a bit of a shock to me, I think. I am continually amazed that so many people operate so successfully in such close quarters! We spent a day with the staff of her church having fun around Manila, and another enjoyable day with some of the extended Lao family.

Katrina's family has all been wonderful and welcoming, and I have truly felt welcome and at home everywhere that I have gone. Tonight at 9:00pm is the candlelight service at Katrina's parents' home church - Grace Christian Church. After the service, our family will gather to read the Christmas story and exchange gifts - also a Lao family tradition.

As Katrina and I won't have the chance to write each of you and wish you a very Merry Christmas, we hope that each of you will be blessed as you seek to worship this year through your own traditions. We rejoice in knowing that we are exalting the same name.

Peace. Shalom. Paz. Salaama. Kapayapaan. 名 和平.