a different kind of Thanksgiving

Mercy House - Philippines

First Thanksgiving without Dylan and I was pretty sure it would prove to be an emotional challenge.  But the beautiful thing is that we had made plans over a month ago to spend the special American day with North Carolina friends who had started an orphanage several years ago up by Tagaytay.  It was the perfect setting.  Away from what had been the more self centered tradition (for lack of better words) of cooking and feasting amongst ourselves we were going to share the day with a bunch of beautiful orphans.  Honestly, could it get any better than that? It's hard to think of it being any better than that.  We got to [in one day] get to know these beautiful kids and the Esquivel family themselves. How many of the Medlin kids can you spot in the bunch?  If you can't, even better. 

TAAL LAKE - Tagaytay

Hands down my favorite family pic [unfortunately minus Dylan].  It stinks up here. I hear it's because of the sulfuric remnants from the volcano.  Maverick didn't think he could handle the stench.  Oreo is out like a light.  The ever present wind blew my hair nearly straight up.  It's authentic.  It's real.  It's perfect.

This is probably the coolest place just outside of Manila.  Up in the cooling hills probably 20 degrees cooler than the concrete jungle. A near perfect escape from the chaos.  Population density non-existent.  Thus, much cleaner. A bit safer. A more pleasant place to breath.  Fresh air.  Quieter.  Let's retire here, Babe. Only thing is the concept of retirement isn't in the Bible.  Good thing. There's no time to waste.  There are billions that still need to be told about Jesus and the TRUTH of the gospel.