Family Time

I know I know, it's about time I post something new right? Well, I have a good excuse.....my mom, aunt Pat, and Gramps were here visiting me for the past week. And needless to say I didn't want to take any time away from them by being on the computer. It was actually a nice break from email, facebook, blog, and the internet in general. Reminded me of the "good ol' days". When I first saw them in the airport I couldn't contain my excitement. I ran up to my mom and hugged her so tight, I almost tackled her! And yes there were a few happy tears!

They got in at about 11:15 Tuesday night and we finally settled down and went to bed about 2am. On Wednesday we spent the morning at Faith Academy seeing my classroom, meeting my students, attending chapel, and eating lunch. After that we went to one of my most favorite spots in the Philippines.....The Corinthian Spa. Gramps got an hour foot massage while Pat and Mom got an hour full body massage. They didn't have enough therapist so I was unable to get one :-( but that's ok...it gave Gramps and I time to go to Shopwise for some groceries. We ate dinner at a chinese type soup restaurant at Eastwood Mall. On our way their, I almost got pulled over because it was our "no drive day". (This is something where depending on what number your liscense plate ends in, there is a certain day you cant drive...supposebly to cut down on traffic and pollution....uhhh doesn't work) The police waved me down but I just kinda waveed and kept going...don't worry it's kinda ok to do that here. By this time jet lag was really setting in and my fam was wiped out. They were all asleep by about 7:30. But this actually happened most evenings they were here. We left Thursday morning at 4:30am for Subic Bay. Gramps was really excited to see where he used to live and serve 50 years ago when he was in the Navy. A lot had changed in 50 years (duh)...he recognized the road and what used to be the post office...but other than that everything had changed. After being a little dissapointed, we found a cute little restaurant on the beach overlooking the ocean called Harley's. We had a nice Philipino meal, walked in the water, and then headed for home. Friday morning we didn't have to leave quite as early. But because jet lag was still there, we still got up early...like 6...ugh! We were blessed to have a driver every day so that I didn't have to get us lost and I could enjoy talking with the fam more. His name was Rene and he was wonderful! Friday we spent time seeing the city. We visited the American Cemetary,

Ayala Museum, Ft. Santiago, oldest church in Philippines, Greenbelt Mall where we ate at Bubba Gumps and Cold Rock (we ate a lot!!!) Saturday we were out the door with Rene behind the wheel at 5:45 am. We had to catch a boat from Manila Bay to an island about 48 Kilometers west of Manila called Corregidor.

It's the island where Philipino and American troops held their ground against the Japanese in World War II. We took the day tour and it was really an amazing day! I can't wait to go back and spend the weekend so I can explore all the Japanese caves, old buildings, and whatever else I can find. And the view from the island was AMAZING!!!!

Sunday we went to church and Greenhills which is a shopping area that has hundreds of little shops where they sell things for sooooo cheap! Ex: I got 3 American Eagle shirts for $12 total....nice huh? And sadly....Monday morning their plane departed at 7:50 am on it's way to Hawaii where they will spend 4 days...seriously why would you choose 4 days in Hawaii over 4 extra days in smog filled, poverty stricken, hot weather of Manila with me?!?! I mean that's a pretty easy decision right?....haha...but it really was a wonderful week and I think it recharged me enough to make it through the last 4 months until I'm home.

Basketball Bonding

What a great weekend of vanguard basketball!!! We played our rival team Brent on Friday night in their house......and of course we took it to them. As a sweet revenge victory well deserved to them for volleyball, we beat them by 10 points. Our girls played awesome. We were scheduled to play again early Saturday morning, so we planned to stay at the New Tribes Mission guest house. It was 4 girls to a room, and the 3 senior girls were the lucky winners to have their favorite coach stay with them......ME!!!! Even though I set the lights out curfew for 11:15, we finally shut our lights out at about 12:30....whoops. There was pictures taken, "truth" games played, boys talked about, weddings planned, and more things that are unmentionable when girls spend the night together! Although we stayed up late and got up early, all the girls still had enough energy to beat Assumption in a 8am game. It was a fun night that made me feel like I was in high school again :-) We're going to have a busy week this week with games on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. GO VANGUARDS!!!!!

The Year 2007

Well, it's back to school time. My days of staying up late, sleeping in, watching movies, and taking naps are over :-( But I guess I can't complain much since a 2 1/2 week Christmas vacation is more than most professions get. I have the same students and the same schedule this semester. Some things I'm looking forward to in the new year are..... 1) I dyed my hair 2) my mom, gramps, and aunt coming to visit for a week at the end of Jan 3) Erin Jones and Clay Mankins wedding on May 25th where I get to be a bridesmaid along with some of my best friends 4) BEING HOME FOR THE SUMMER!!!!!! 5) going to S. Korea for a bball tournament in Feb 6) sticking to my New Year's commitment of reading through the entire bible 7) falling more in love with Jesus every day 8) seeing the fruit of labor in my students 9) and because of Gods leading, coming back to Faith Academy for the 2007-2008 school year. I pray that in this coming year you all find the peace and joy from the Lord that surpasses all understanding. This comes through His son, Jesus Christ.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Years Eve was great. One of the best I've had. I started the evening by spending time with the kids at the Childrens Home. They played with sparklers, and Aya clung to me scared while they shot off fireworks. From there we went to the Kuhlow dorm for a little pre-midnight festivities. I learned how to play call for your partner rook.....and yes I lost...but hey it was my first time! But I really did enjoy the game. On New Years Eve the majority of the people in the "Faith Bubble" go to campus because it has the most amazing view of the city. On New Year's Eve the people in the Philippines buy and shoot off fireworks to ring in the New Year. And there are also no regulations to who can and can't buy the really big ones. If you have the money you can get them.

So with the view from school we could see the grestest fireworks display you have ever seen....and as far as the eye can see.....that is until there was so much smoke you really couldn't see much of anything anymore. It was no Time Square but it was still amazing. Then finished out the evening back at my place with....of course....another game of cards! For more pictures click here HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!