It's been weeks now since I last blogged... and I can't remember what's happened during that time?!
I turned 34.
Last Friday was my birthday. It felt like I celebrated for weeks thanks to fun, thoughtful friends. It was a fun birthday filled with so many blessings. Sweet words of love and encouragement. A fun party. 2 delicious cakes. Fazoli's. Movie. Laughter. Friends. Lots of surprises.
Church.
Okay. After a year and a half I've finally decided on a church to regularly attend. This was really, really hard for me. There's a great church that I had visited a few times. It's a smaller church so there was an incredibly warm and welcoming feeling whenever I would go there. They have awesome worship music. And they have a WONDERFUL ministry for youth. They have a great vision for young leaders and live it out consistently. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to be consistent and commit to being there in the midst of travel. And, while I can understand Tagalog, I found it difficult to really, really focus and really learn during sermons. So, I decided that (for now at least) I'll plug into the church I started attending when I first arrived in Manila. The teaching is GREAT and it's in English. And, I think I'm in most need of that right now.
Dry Spell
I returned from my last trip on June 18th. I haven't travelled anywhere since then. Boy, I've missed it. I've enjoyed being home and having some "routine" in my life. But, at the same time it's been hard! I've missed working face-to-face with colleagues. I've missed the fun of being in new places and meeting new people. To be honest, I've struggled with staying motivated and focused sitting at my desk day-to-day. Who knew that I'd miss the hectic travel so much?!?!
The Dry Spell is Over!!!
Finally! Just last week I was given the opportunity to visit a part of the Philippines that I've been hearing about for years. PALAWAN.
When most people hear "Palawan," they think of its beautiful beaches, pearls and its paradise-like getaways.
When I hear "Palawan," I think of April 1998. During that month there was a celebration of the Kagayanen New Testament. MY plans were to move to Manila and join the Monsoon team then and help them document the grand events. Well, plans change. God's ways are beyond ours. And for that I am thankful. I am thankful for 2008-2009, the lessons I learned then, and how God has and continues to use that time for HIS GOOD.
And, I am so thankful that now I have the chance to visit this place and see what is happening among the churches there.
Not Alone!
This trip to Palawan is a work trip. BUT, it still should be fun! It feels like I rarely get to travel WITH colleagues. I will be traveling to Palawan with colleagues who work with Monsoon and Sa Bawat Wika. Yay!!! Looking forward to traveling and working with others!!
BY THE WAY: We'll be there for their first mission conference -- "Go Glocal: Empowering Palawan Christians to Become Globally Minded and Locally Active!!!!"
DECISION TIME
OH... and I'll be in Manila for at least another year. Yup. I committed to continue working with Monsoon at least until February 2012. I'll blog more about that later.
And... I guess that's about it...can't remember anything else.
Must be the aging thing.
Hahah!
