Catching Up...

Well, somehow between taking classes, working, being pregnant, and trying to survive life in general, we haven't posted a blog in over 2 months!!!! Yikes! And I keep saying my blogging habits will get better, but we're about to add a baby into the mix, so we'll see what happens! :) Anyway, here's a brief recap of some of the more exciting things that have happened recently....

In September, Julie and our wonderful friend Melissa got to go to Singapore for a few days away. It was a great time to shop and see a new place before the baby comes. Another highlight was spending time with my cousin Angie and her 4 awesome kids... They were missionaries here in the Philippines for many years, but moved to Singapore only 2 weeks after we arrived in Manila. :( So, even though we're not in the same country, it's still great to see them occasionally.
Julie and Melissa
Chinatown in Singapore
Julie and Angie

October was busy with finals and moving to a new apartment! Because our family is expanding, we moved to a different apartment on campus. I have great plans of displaying pictures of our new place, but it's currently covered in dirty dishes and Christmas wrapping paper, so those pictures will come soon. :) Although we miss our neighbors from our old apartment, we're enjoying being in a bigger place where we can prepare for the baby.

In November, our wonderful friend Laura, from Micronesia, came to visit. We had a great time visiting Baguio, shopping in Manila, and spending time with friends from 3rd Wave (South Africa leadership conference in January 2007).
3rd wave reunion with Philippine and Japan participants

Of course, December has been filled with many Christmas parties and services, along with questions of when the baby will finally arrive, are we having twins, etc... :) Brian is still enjoying his work with NYI, and Julie is loving teaching English and giving piano lessons. Over the last few months we have continuously been overwhelmed by God's love and grace through our friendships and opportunities here in the Philippines. We are so blessed by our fellow students here at APNTS and our friendships with the Nazarene missionaries in Manila. It has been the most amazing environment to be pregnant in! We have soooo many people supporting us through gifts for the baby, daily encouragement, and numerous promises of babysitting and help after the baby comes! :) Please continue to pray for us as we look for ways to share Christ's love and prepare for this next adventure in our family. We will let you know as soon as anything happens... which could be sooner or later. :) Maligayang Pasko! (Merry Christmas, in Tagalog)
Baby Shower with Nazarene Missionaries
Recent pic taken at the APNTS Christmas Party