Gourmet food?

I guess in some circles last night's meal at the dining hall would be considered gourmet food. The cook is good at what he does! I am joining Mary Jane and family at the dining hall while they are here. Yesterday for lunch, we had pork menuedo. Very delicious. Of course, rice goes without saying. Then last night we had battered and fried squid. I LOVED IT. (I like my squid crispy as opposed to leathery.) There was a noodle soup/type dish on the side. No vegetables for that meal. Guess the menuedo had the vegetables for the day. The meals are simple, but creative and tasty. Papa has continued eating with the Bill Eberts (using a Criderism here!) as fish is often a part of the meals at the dining hall.

Busy!

I don't have time to post new pictures, maybe later. Yesterday was a full day of just being with Mary Jane and kids. We went to a new supermarket in Antipolo. Whew. If I don't mention the heat often enough, you may not understand the effect it has on us. Exhausting. Just sitting - not moving- I have sweat dripping off my face. Tomorrow, we are go to Mary Jane's home/church for Sophia's dedication and the lunch at a Chinese restaurant in QC. The van's AC isn't working and so we are anticipating the worse. Pray for us. Each day is now getting booked solid with seeing friends and churches.

Papa's lectures, along with Dr. Jack's, are going well. Everyone asking if and when we can come back and stay. That's hard because the need is great here.

For those who know this place, I am planning to meet up with Carol K. and go to Divisoria on Monday. :) Pray for survival! ;) What I won't do to get a deal ... and gifts for my kids and grandkids!

I would like to get to Greenhills for pearls, but we'll see.

Yo, James

Would you please make sure Dan & Jen get to see my blog when they are over?

Tuesday on the Hill

They have arrived!
Mary Jane, Israel and kids arrived last night. We had to scrounge around for food but eventually they were fed. We decided not to set up a kitchen here at our old place and just order food from the dining hall at the school. That should work fine now.

Phones not working.... since Oct last year. Seems someone has stolen the fiber-optic cable near by. UGH. That was part of our problem with getting hold of MJ and her with us.

Papa and I went up to see the sunrise off the balcony yesterday and we also saw the moon. I blew a zillion smoochies up to it, so be sure the grandbabies all get their smoochies from Grammy! I miss you all.

Cedar, the middle child of MJ and Israel, is a bit active! ;) Bouncing off the walls better describes it. Jared is a lover of books. Sophia is scared of us... we'll see if we can do better today with her. Saturday is Sophia's dedication at their church and we will also celebrate her birthday which is Sunday.

oops

Ok, when posting, one should put them in last to first. So when viewing the pictures start at the bottom and work your way up! ;) I'm learning!

Manila

Hey ya'all. It's 4:30am Manila time and we've been up an hour or so. But, we did go to bed quite early, so it isn't as bad as you would first think.

I don't think I've mentioned the heat yet. It is a large factor in our day. Yesterday, while at the chapel meeting, they asked all in the back to move forward to make room for others. I moved up with our guest Paul Campbell and in moving we were farther from the fans. After just one song, I was getting faint and we made a bee-line back to our other seats. We have also made a point to carry water with us at all times. They are telling us 3 weeks ago, the heat was unbearable. We are thankful the rains have begun and have helped bring the temps down some.

I have pictures from our trip and the gathering on Hilltop yesterday. The one set is of the CR in the Japan airport. Some of you will get a kick out of them.

I spoke to the Pastors wives yesterday so there are some shots of us ladies. It's been such a fun trip so far. Lots of friends to visit with yesterday. The little kids are now grown up and the next generation is starting. I tear up when I see the faithfulness of these dear people coming regularly to meet with the community of faith under such difficult circumstances. It is humbling.

Mary Jane and family should be arriving today. We are making arrangements to have food from the dining hall brought up to us. The old house has been vacant too long to try to start doing food prep. I am going to try and wipe some walls down today and get rid of the mold.

I'm leavin' on a Jet Plane

Well, in a few more hours Papa & I will be up in the air. We'll be stuck in Detroit for about 5 hours. UGH. As you can see in the picture to the right, I've packed some fun! Stay in touch through email. I would suggest that you email us both in case we have a hard time getting on line and can only ck one.

Oh, and check out the family photo of J&L with Gabe!!! They'll be watching over our place while we are gone.