Happy New Year! The last two months of 2023 were filled with loads of family time for us.. in more ways than one! I was able to participate in our church's Family Fiesta Night - a night to honor all the incredible volunteers who have faithfully served throughout the year. The theme was disco prom and was a great excuse to get all dressed up, even with a baby bump! I had a blast getting to spend time with our Deaf community, learning new signs and building into my relationships. At the beginning of December, Caleb was able to take a day off from school and we surprised Paul with a family trip to the Manila Ocean Park. Paul loved seeing all the fish, especially the jellyfish, and enjoyed being able to run around and explore. We stayed in a hotel attached to the park and had our own aquarium wall!! Paul has not stopped saying "bye bye fishies" since our visit.
As I'm sure it did for many of you, December came and went in the blink of an eye! Faith Academy wrapped up the first semester of school with loads of concerts, plays, and sports. Caleb was in charge of the alumni soccer game again this year - it's always fun to have alumni come back and play against current students. We went up north to Baguio for a few days to spend some time with Caleb's parents during the Christmas season. It is significantly cooler in Baguio, resulting in long sleeves, fun playing outside (without all the sweating), and fires every night. This was our first time in Baguio and we are so thankful for the time we were able to have away from normalcy. We were able to go on a short hike, explore nature, and play mini golf - one of our favorites!
A few days before Christmas, my parents and sister arrived in Manila! We spent our time baking cookies, playing games, going to church, visiting Destiny's Promise, and so much more. It was a joy to see Paul interact with them, as it had been close to a year since we were all together last. It was also a gift to introduce my family to my doctor, show them the hospital where I will be giving birth, and to have them see baby girl on the ultrasound. It can be difficult being so far away, but having opportunities like these make the moments even more special. Seeing as our families don't often get to be together, we took some time to take family photos!
I have continued interpreting on Sundays and was "promoted" to fast songs this month. I was able to serve the past 2 weeks, but have decided it's best for me to pause my volunteering until after the baby comes. I'm excited to continue learning from the interpreters and Deaf each week! School has resumed for Faith and Caleb is in full swing with teaching again. This semester is different, with it's own challenges, as his co-teacher is on furlough and Caleb will be on paternity leave for a few weeks come March. We trust that God will be with Caleb as he prepares for each week as well as creates sub plans for his time away. Caleb is excited to continue teaching this wonderful group of 5th graders!
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