Happy New Years

I have never quite seen a New Years Eve show like the one Manila just put on. It was an amazing way to go in to the new year.  Tons of families from Faith Academy headed up to school (as it is on a hill) to join together in basketball games and in fireworks viewing.  People sat and stood on a ledge that over looks a good chunk of the city, to watch the already polluted Manila fill the sky with explosions of fireworks as far as the eye can see ~ we were even warned to make sure our windows were closed to avoid all the smog that would enter our homes. It was incredible! I love being part of a community that comes together like this to celebrate a new year.

I was excited to see some kids from Gentle Hands, a orphanage that I have recently been visiting, also up at Faith for the firework show. It was neat to sit with those kids and silently pray for them and for the year to come, dedicating it to the Lord.


This break has been good. On top of having an adventure with friends up north to some filipino rice terraces and caves, I spent some time reflecting.

This year has been crazy.  I graduated from college with many tears, celebrated the beautiful wedding of my brother and sister in-law, said my goodbyes, and then moved to the Philippines for my first year of teaching. Although this year has been filled with the unknown, it has been an awesome journey ~ especially since I know I'm not alone.  I couldn't be happier than where I am now. I truly feel the Lord's pleasure right now and hope that you might feel that too.

Blessings on this new year 2013!

Fireworks across the city

Rice terraces in Sagada