Around 4 this afternoon we kept hearing fire engine sirens blowing. Frequently. A lot of them.

One of the apartment buildings near our office was on fire.
A unit on the 24th (?) floor of Parc Royale was on fire.

When Kenji and I walked home we could see bright, orange flames coming out of the building.
Fire engines closed down the street and firemen were gathered around outside the building.

From home I could see the smoke flowing out of the building.
Even later that evening (around 9?) the fire started up again.

From what I heard -- no one was hurt -- and most of the residents were able to get back into the building the next day.

A couple I work live in this building, but their unit was okay. They mentioned that in the time they've been here (less than a year) they've seen a number of fires in our part of town.

I've never lived in a high-rise before. Seeing the flames coming out of the apartment started me thinking ... "What will you do if there's a fire?"

I guess it's time to start making up my "in case of emergency" plans!

I remember when walking around the lake in Orlando, Borghy used to say something like "These are my flowers from God."

I've been encouraged to take notice of the different ways that God "woos" me.
Every day I walk to the office I walk through cars, jeepneys, FXs, motorcycles, construction, buildings -- concrete and steel all around me.

And every day I notice this one little spot.

Right there in the middle of all the construction is this little bit of God's beauty breaking out from the sidewalk.

It's like God's sweet reminder and hello to me each morning.

Today I had the opportunity to visit a group of people working on making stories from the Bible accessible in Filipino Sign Language.

The three Filipino men working on the project suggested this sign for my name. Making an "A" with your right hand place it to the one corner of your mouth then move it the other corner of your mouth. They said it was because of my smiling face and dimples. I gladly accepted my new signing name.

Even though I was still getting over jet lag and was terribly sleepy, I was so glad for today's visit.

Today, the group was reviewing the work that had been done on a story based on Isaiah 53. It was fascinating watching them evaluate the passage and share their ideas on the best way to communicate it in their language. Every time a see a group of people working on translating God's Word into their own language -- I'm just amazed.

So you may wonder as I had, what does a Bible for Deaf language communities look like?

This group is working on preparing videos of signers signing the stories in Filipino Sign Language (FSL). They have a small video studio set up in the office where they sign the stories in FSL. They then review what's been recorded and determine if it's a good translation or if there are any revisions that need to be done.

There are over 100 sign languages around the world.
Each of those language communities determine what method communicates best to their group.
I've heard of other Sign Language communities that use "live" animations. Others have used illustrations of people signing. There was also one that I saw that used a writing system of symbols that represented signing motions.

I'm thankful for the chance I've had over the last several years to learn more about the Deaf community and about the need around the world for Bible translation in each of the different sign languages. I've been blessed meeting people who have a heart for seeing this work done and seeing Deaf communities included in having God's Word in the languages that speak to their heart.

Have you been to the Singapore Airport?
It's amazing!

I really don't think I would mind if I had to have a super long layover in Singapore.
It's the most impressive airport I've been in so far. They know how to keep people entertained while waiting.
Orchid gardens. Koi ponds. Gaming areas. Movie theaters. TV areas. Massage chairs. Amazing!!!

Somewhere during my trip in the States I started to get sick. I think it was my allergies that started up in Dallas. That, or getting caught in the rain in Chicago.

Anyway, on the trip back to Manila I had to fill out a "Health Questionnaire" when we landed in Japan. Because I had nose congestion and was coughing I had to go the health clinic and get checked out. They swabbed my nose, mouth and took my temp. I had to wait 15 minutes for the test results.

What was nice was that I used the bathroom in the clinic and since I was the only one there I had it all to myself. I was able to wash up, brush my teeth -- all the things I normally have to do with all the other female passengers from my flight.

I was given the all clear and was able to get back in the line to go through immigration.

I think I amused the guy when I asked if I could take a picture. I'm pretty sure that he's smiling behind his mask.

Aware that this time I may not return for a long time.
Who knows when I'll be able to come back again.
It's always hard to leave home.
Always hard to leave family.

But the last few weeks have been busy. Tiring.

My time home has been an incredible gift and such a blessing. I got to see all my family. I got to spend time with my new born niece. I got to see friends and family that I've really missed. I got to connect with colleagues.

But, so much crammed in to such a short amount of time.

So, in a way... I'm looking forward to being back in Manila.
To being back home.

How is it possible to feel such a strong pull in so many different directions?

Twelve hours and nine minutes to Nagoya.

I am soooo thankful for how God has totally gifted me during this trip with wonderful opportunities that could have only been timed by Him.

While here stateside I am attending some meetings with the team of communications people serving Wycliffe International. Those meetings are here in Dallas.

What a blessing! This week my cousins - Leilani and Jeff - had their first baby... Isabella Grace!
I arrived at the Dallas airport from Chicago the very day that they were discharged from the hospital and on their way home.

It was such a sweet, sweet gift from the Lord that I could spend that precious time with their family. It was so great to see them and their baby. When I left them in January I thought I wouldn't get to meet their little girl until she was 2 years old. What a wonderful surprise that I could be there her first week at home!!

Congratulations, cousins! I love you very much and am so excited for your family!
Love and hugs, baby Bella -- Nia loves you!