Summer Break

Journal Entry: July 3, 2008

Beulah House Front Entrance

After our arrival from Thailand on May 1, I stayed behind in Manila for one week to spend some time with my only daughter, Obedient One, and my only sister who was also home from the US to spend a few months in the city.

On May 8, Obedient and I boarded our flight to Bacolod City. Obedient had decided to take a vacation leave from work to be with us for ten days. The last time we were all together as a family was last Christmas.

Upon arrival at the new Bacolod International Airport on May 8

A lot of things had changed since then. My eldest son First-Born got married in March, and his wife, whom I have named God-Given, lives with our family now.


When I left for Thailand in September last year, I was in the middle of sorting out stuff. House repairs were left at a standstill. Ernie and I planned to renovate our kitchen and turn it into some kind of a ministry kitchen, where people who wanted to come for worship, prayer, and intercession could have access to coffee and snacks, as well as have freedom to prepare their own meals. I also planned to rearrange my Gethsemane garden.

My to do list was getting longer each day; it didn't seem that two months would be enough.

First on that list was getting to know my new daughter-in-law, God Given. I had only met her once before, during a dinner that our family had with her last December. As First-Born's wife, she already has a special place in my heart, but I also wanted to develop a meaningful mother-daughter relationship with her.

The next thing on my agenda was to get to know her family, whom we had not met yet! We were thinking of preparing a special meal at home for them. God Given comes from a big family - she has eight sisters and brothers, not to mention her parents. Ernie and I wanted to at least move on with the repairs that were half-finished, including the painting of the new walls and ceilings. Plus, there were light fixtures to be installed, furniture to be rearranged, my area rugs, quilts, and breakable decors to be taken out of storage ... to give our home that personal touch and warm, cozy atmosphere once again, before inviting friends over.

We don't have a big place, but one of the things that my husband and I really enjoy is having friends and loved ones come over. We have opened our home, Beulah House, for a special ministry of worship and intercession, and so this is one regular event that we look forward to. But we also love it when friends come for a simple meal or a cup of my specialty coffee, or even just to be alone at a quiet spot in our living room or garden. I want to be available for someone who needs a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a word of prayer and encouragement. Guests are also welcome to stay for a few days if they need a place to stay.

There were other things on my list.

My sister-in-law was having a big celebration of her 60th birthday on June 9, and her daughter had asked me to help her make it really special.

There was a grand affair on July 1, the first presidential investiture at the university where my husband serves as a member of the board of regents. The president of Maejo University, together with two vice presidents, two college deans, and a team of dancers were to be among the special guests for this momentous event.

I wanted to give a baby shower for my daughter-in-law who was due to give birth toward the end of October.

Several Ancient Paths seminars under Family Foundations International (FFI) were scheduled in Metro Manila for the first week of June, and since I had been away for some time, I also knew that my involvement as one of the seminar coordinators in this ministry was part of God's assignment for me at this time.

My two dogs, Patches and Sammy were due for their medical check ups. While we were away, Patches had developed a skin problem, and when we arrived she had several bald spots on her once beautiful and shiny fur. Dachshunds are quite sensitive, and it is possible that our long absence has caused this. Our vet scheduled her for weekly medicated baths.

I was also looking forward to spending some time with friends, just to reconnect and touch base.

--0--

How fast time has flown!

Two months have gone by so quickly. Tomorrow, Ernie and I leave for Manila. We will spend one night and most of Saturday with our daughter Obedient, before taking our flight back to Thailand on Saturday night.

It is unbelievable that God had given me the strength and ability to accomplish these past 60 days!

The ministry kitchen plans were put on hold, but I was able to do most of the things on my list, and more.

We were able to help First Born and God-Given with some repairs in their bedroom.

I found a new dentist, who was a real answer to prayer. I had asked God to lead me to someone who had commitment and compassion, and He did!

We had a great get-together with family and friends. It was good to spend time one-on-one with some of my friends -- Ruby, Miriam, Melanie, Arlene, Buddy, Trudi, Pat, Weng, Marilou, Tina, Pris, Baby, and Jenny. A group of my friends from church even gave me a welcome lunch, just a few days after I arrived.

With friends Pris and Tina

I went to Manila on June 6-9 to coordinate a Biblical Principles of Finance seminar with a group of business people from New Life church in Alabang, Muntinglupa City.

Upon my arrival in Manila on June 6 for the Finance Seminar
with my friends Trudi, Ruby and Arlene. (I'm the 2nd one on the left.)

Celebrating after a week of seminars at a Greek Restaurant,
this is me with Pearlie and Trudi

I went back to Manila from June 12-18 to spend some more time with my sister and daughter.

With friend Bolet and her dog, and my only sister, at our Manila home

We were able to spend a lot of time with Ernie's side of the family.

At Ernie's sister's vacation house at their fish farm

Our family celebrated Mother's Day, as well as First-Born's and God-Given's birthdays. My plan to have a fun-filled baby shower for God-Given successfully pushed through.

Our family: Obedient, Ernie, me, God-Given, First Born, and Worshiper

Patches' fur has started to grow back beautifully, and we gave both our dogs as much tender, loving care as we could give them.

Patches and Sammy resting after a walk

After a big storm hit our region a few weeks ago, my second son Worshiper, helped me prune and trim the vines and bushes which were damaged by the strong winds, giving my garden a brand new look.


God-Given and I got to spend a lot of quality time: during early breakfast, while preparing dinner together, during family mealtimes, shopping for clothes, and on several occasions that our family went to the beach for lunch. I have genuinely enjoyed her company and discovered her to be a sensible young woman, teachable, God-fearing, and having a deep love for God and for her husband.

Lovely photo of God-Given and First-Born!

I enjoyed spending many hours in Elim, my prayer room, one of my Father's precious gifts to me.

My prayer corner at Elim room

It is nearly midnight now, and my bags are still unpacked. There's stuff all over the room. Tomorrow I will finish packing, and after I put away my things everything will be neat and ready for our departure again. I might even have some time to take one more look at my garden. Patches and Sammy will also have one more trip to the vet.


As soon as we get to Manila, we will go straight to my friend Grace's brother's home in Alabang Hills where she will be celebrating her 4th of July birthday. Some of Ernie's side of the family from LA will be there. Obedient and my own sister will also be joining us.

With my friend Grace

My niece Missy and her son Ezra

My nephew Jay and his son Jared, and my daughter Obedient

We will arrive in Bangkok just before midnight on Saturday, then wait till Sunday morning to board our flight back to Chiang Mai.


Dearest Father, You have shown me once again that my life is in Your hands. I just want to thank You for being with me in all the seasons of my life. I cannot imagine what I went through these past two months, but every minute of it was beautiful and meaningful. Thank You...thank You. Words are not enough. You knew my heart's desire. I could feel your love and Your care, and Your loving provision of all my needs. Thank you, my Abba. Thank You. I entrust my dear children and homes to You. Surround them with Your hedge of protection. Thank You. Even before I asked, You have already answered.