birthday blessings...

this weekend, I had my first chance to really get out of Manila - Lorrie, Joke (directors), Mier and Shiomar (2 of the staffers that are my age that Michael and I have really connected with) and Michael went up to Batangas to stay in a little guest house at Matabunkay Beach. What a blessing! So great to relax, be in the quiet and hear the birds and the wind in the banana leaves and eat fresh bbq'd fish...amazing. We hired a boat on Monday to take us to a more remote beach...it was spectacular, so refreshing in so many ways. Got to collect amazing shells and go swimming and take pictures and just run around enjoying God's creation.

i've got one (very full) week left here...it's busy, but it's incredible. So much to say, but must run for now - thank you for all your birthday greetings and continued support, it really means the world to me!