A Celebration of Friendship

Our life-support system whenever we get winded by life's blows

"When I'm worried and I can't sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

"When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings

"I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings"

That song somehow rang truer last Christmas as we nestled back into our life in Penang. This album is a salute to those enduring ties that we count as our blessings. On this last trip to the Philippines, we got to renew bonds, revisit shared memories. Seasons do come and go, we are nudged move on, but we leave our hearts in familar harbors...

Happy New Year!!!

http://www.backtothebible.org/devotions/bible_guides.htm


Begin the New Year with a new reading plan. I particularly like the chronological plan, which I've been following for 4 years now... Check out some other options on this website.

Les Nubians - Temperature Rising

House favorite.. what can I say? The sisters are in themselves the persona of every nation (pardon the pun). Their website write-up says it as so:

"Multi-cultural sensibilities come naturally to Les Nubians. Born to a French father and Cameroonian mother, Helene and Celia learned how to sing at a young age. Inspired by a backstage meeting with jazz singer Abbey Lincoln (who encouraged them to "do it-the greatest thing in the world is to be a singer!"), the group pursued their music relentlessly. Their debut "Princesses Nubiennes" was a successful amalgam of the music they'd experienced during their life travels, combining their African roots with jazzy nuances, funky rhythms and a hint of British soul, all delivered in their uniquely elegant French style. A long and varied list of musical influences are attributed to Les Nubians' distinctive sound, including Miriam Makeba, Ella Fitzgerald, the Fugees, Fela Kuti, and Jazzie B of Soul II Soul

According to Celia, "Music is a great way to transmit a cultural background. Making this record was, in part, a way for our generation to give tribute to musicians we've looked up to and see that their music gets the recognition it deserves."

Les Nubians had their work recompensed by a 2004 GRAMMY AWARD nomination for the track "J'veux d'la musique" in the Best Urban Alternative R&B category, along with Outkast, Erykha Badu, Kelis and Music Soulchild.

A Pinoy's Life and Language, Part 1

http://tomatot2.multiply.com/journal/item/97
What can I say? I'm homesick, and yet I'm not... What I mean is that I miss the people, although I don't miss the smog, 'pulitika' and the ever-rising Meralco bill. In honor of that indomitable Filipino spirit, I'm posting this link to Ivy's hilarious blog, plus some of my fave pinoy jokes:

Here and now, Jonathan Chua (who's a STAR contributor) has compiled some __-isms for inclusion in that much-awaited book, to wit:
• I won't stoop down to my level.
• Hello? Bulag ka ba? Bingi ka ba? Are you dep?
• 'Yung STD, baka sa maruming toilet lang niya nakuha yan.
• We are lovers, not fighters.
• My brother is not a girl; he's a gentleman.
• That's why I'm a success, it's because I don't middle in other people's lives.
• Don't judge my brother; he's not a book.
• Kapatid ko pa rin siya. We are one and the same.
• I don't eat meat. I'm not a carnival.
• Eto na po ang pinakamaligayang pasko at manigong taon sa inyong lahat. (During her acceptance speech at a Metro Filmfest awards night where her bioflick, directed by her late father Temyong Marquez, won an award.)
• Sumasakit ang migraine ko.
• Ang tatay ko ang only living legend na buhay!
• Period na talaga; wala nang exclamation point. (When asked on S-Files if her present husband, Adam Lawyer, is her Mr. Right.).
• At a talk show after her break-up with Derek Dee, Melanie was asked if she had some words for Derek's mother (whom she partly blamed for the separation). "Oo nga," said Melanie, "pero i-English-in ko para maintindihan niya." She looked into the camera and, with the peremptoriness of royalty, said, "And to you, Mrs. Dee, I have two words for you. Ang labo mo!"

Our Penang Christmas, Year 2

It's our second Christmas here in Penang. We had a whole new crowd at our table this year: the Harrises, Jun Kheng, and his dad, Boon. I got to roast my own turkey as we used to in Riverside. It was a simple, silent night... (until Joe had the bright idea of downloading upcoming movie trailers). At midnight, we gave each other our presents, saving the rest for the morning.

We thank the Lord for family, for simple joys, and most especially for the stark reality of that first Christmas morning two thousand years ago: the King of kings, born in a manger so we might have the riches of heaven.

Merry Christmas!!!

The Story of A Family

The album, just as its subject, is a work in progress.

Most of these photos were taken at Christmastime, sent as greeting cards to our family and friends.

Jenny's Debut

Jenny turned 18 last August 23, but we decided to delay celebrating her debut so some of her close friends from Alabang could join the festivities.

We chose an Indian Restaurant, Spice & Rice, in the historic area of Penang, just a stone's throw away from the famous Clock Tower and Fort Cornwalis. The ladies wore the Indian bindis on their foreheads, we dined on curries, drank lassi, and had a jazz band for ambiance. Jenny danced the traditional 18 roses with her dad, brothers and friends. It turned out to be such a joyous [bordering on giddy] celebration that I even forgot to cry!!!

Please check out Jenny's album at http://jenhen.multiply.com/photos/album/18 to view the photos of that night...

Kevin and Jialin

The TRUE purpose for our US trip was to say farewell to a wonderful friend, Jialin. She left Penang to be wed to the dashing NewYork lawyer, Kevin Nah. It was a beautiful ceremony...Needless to say, my heart skipped several beats.
It has been a difficult process to let go of such a gem, my newfound friend in a new homeland. But I watched as Kevin wooed Jialin, prepared a new home for her, and lovingly catered to her needs. Most importantly, I saw the hand of the Lord on their lives. He orchestrated that their paths should meet, intertwine, and finally be joined into one.

Kevin and Jialin, I wish you both the best...Always remember that you have a home, a cheering squad, a church-family across the globe.

Additional Photos @ http://evelynjuan.multiply.com/photos/album/34

New York -- 1st Encounter After 18 Years

This was my first taste of New York after being away for 18 years...The last time we visited that city, Jenny was 16 months. Jonathan was 2 1/2 years old. The twin towers were still standing... So much has changed since then...

Sabina's 5th Birthday

Last September 5, my little princess Sabina turned 5 years old. This is how we celebrated her big day... Funny how it seems to mirror my own birthday celebration 35 years ago. Some traditions do die hard. (Thank you Mama! I love you!!!)

prophesy

Hi Dustin,
I only got a small portion of your prophesy, but here it is anyway. Please email me at this site or on idamariesvdh@yahoo.co.uk if you get to watch this. Thanks again for all your help.
Ida Henson

Jose Antonio's 15th Birthday

My son turned 15... Please check out his album at Fifteenth to see how we celebrated it:)

I'm so blessed to have had him for all these years. First he was my angel, then my sweet boy, and now a budding artist. No matter how old (and famous) he gets, here's hoping that he'll always be one of my best buds.

Time Passages

Well, I'm not the kind to live in the past
The years run too short and the days too fast
The things you lean on
Are the things that don't last
Well, it's just now
And then my line gets cast into these
Time passages
There's something back there that you left behind
Oh, time passages
Buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight

Hear the echoes and feel yourself starting to turn
Don't know why you should feel
That there's something to learn

My Son's View

Here's another take on our last trip to Manila... same camera, different story. For a closer look, check out: http://jose8.multiply.com/photos/

Merry Month of May

A bit belated, but here's the entire month in a nutshell...

To the MODERN-DAY Dad...

Actually, it applies to the moms too ;b

You know you're a MODERN-DAY Dad when...
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You go home after a long day at work you still answer the phone in a business manner.
7. You make phone calls from home; you accidentally dial "9" to get an outside line.
8. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies.
10. You learn about your redundancy on the 11 o'clock news.
12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home.
13. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of the screen.
14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
15. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)
17. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
20. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't #9 on this list.

STROKE: Remember The 1st Three Steps

Thought I'd be a responsible citizen and post this "pass-it-on" I received in my mail. Dunno how accurate it is, but it really might save a life...

20 March 2006
My friend sent this to me and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree. If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks. Seriously.. Please read:
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall - she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) and just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes. They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food - while she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening. Ingrid's husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital - (at 6:00pm, Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today. Some don't die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.

It only takes a minute to read this...

A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hours he can totally reverse the effects of a stroke...totally. He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours, which is tough.

RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the "3" steps, STR . Read and Learn!

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.

Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK . to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE
(Coherently) (i.e. . . It is sunny out today)

R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.

{NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue... if the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke}

If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 9-1-1 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.

Mother and Daughter

http://w22.photobucket.com/widgets/dynamicflash.php?featuretype=bucketstrip&featurename=MomJenny&pa=/b348/idahenson/


My daughter's turning into a lady right before my eyes. I wish time was like this bucketstrip where at the click of the mouse, I could switch directions and backtrack. :'{

Since You've Been Gone (The 1st 24Days)

This is what life's been like without the big J.

As a famous character once said... "Without you, even my thumb tastes flat."

Prayer Team 2

A new batch of visitors came to help plant seeds of prayer in our beautiful city. Lino, Tet, Gretel and Tess are from Baguio; and Jo, Lyte and Lani are from La Union. This was my first time to meet most of them, but it felt like I had my family over for a visit.

I think they had a good time touring the sites, even going as far as Langkawi... and yet this proved to be the weepy-est group to date. We laughed and cried at every meeting: at our small groups, at the services and even on pizza/video nights!

Thank you all for dropping by. Maybe you'll be back to stay longer next time?

Henson Kids Off to Manila

Start:	May 23, '06 9:00a
End:	May 24, '06 12:00a

They're going home to attend the much-awaited Campus Harvest. They leave Penang on board Air Asia to KL, then take Malaysian Airlines flight MH704 arriving in Manila at 3pm-ish.

Hey Nineteen!

Jon's nineteen, what can I say?
Here's how we spent the day.
A far cry from the usual bustle.
Life...

Matsuwaki Weekend

Really love you guys!

I have a visitor!!! My good friend Elaine took some time off from her hectic Singapore schedule to blaze new trails... at the Penang malls! (Larry flew in from Manila a few hours after to rescue his wallet.) Hahaha! Thank God for friends who remain the same through the years...

Home Alone

What do we do
When we're down with the flu?

We copy other people's blogs, that's what!

So here's my version of Inna's blog: "50 Questions"

Thanks, Inna (And Kat)!

-------------------------

1. Your name spelled backwards:
Nosneh Oirad Eiram Adi (Seems to brings me back to my moorish roots)

2. Last incoming call on your phone?
If Skype counts, that would be my sweetums calling from Atlanta.
Not counting Skype, JonathanH looking for his wallet, which he left at home. Now he has to drive home w/o a license

3. What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?
"Picha Pie" by Parokya ni Edgar... it's my first time to listen to it. Goes to show what 6 months away from the motherland can do to one's musical preference. Well, it's in good company, soon to be shelved in the same playlist as Yoyoy Villame's "Magellan"!

4. What's your favorite restaurant?
Still Circles @ ShangriLa Manila, babaw ba? Question is, nandoon pa ba?

5. Last time you swam in a pool?
Sunday noon with Sabina, kaya yata I'm sick now.

6. Britney Spears is a skank. Agree or disagree?
Had to look that one up in the dictionary! I'll tell you when I meet her in person.

7. How many kids do you want?
5 is good, but 6 would be a blast.

8. What type of music do you dislike most?
Noisy, screeching heavy metal.

9. What was the last thing you bought?
Groceries to last till the weekend.

10. Have you ever ridden on a bike?
Yes, and it would be nice to get one for here... soon enough.

11. Does someone have a crush on you?
I hope my hubby still has a crush on lil' ol me.

12. Ever made a prank phone call?
Of course! That's what the teenage years are for.

13. Closest friends?
Masyadong marami yata...bt they know who they are.

14. Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving?
No.

15. What shoes are you wearing right now?
Just like Inna: "None. My house slippers are on the floor (except my slippers are by the back door, Malaysian style). I have my feet up on the chair with me."

16. Do you have a garden?
Nope, but there's a rock face with monkeys and snakes right in back of my house.

17. (No questions #17?)

18. Do you really know all the words to your national anthem?
Of course! Plus the Panatang Makabayan, both old and new versions.. Even downloaded it for my sweet Sabina's sake. We sing it at least once a week, right palm on the chest, hehehe!

19. Bath or shower, morning or night?
Showers: morning, noon, mid-afternoon and night, most days. I'm the cook, yaya, and laundrywoman in this house, so showers cool me down.

20. Best movie you've seen in the past month?
I plan to watch "Inside Man" so that'll probably vie as 'best-to be'

21. Favorite pizza toppings?
anchovies, tomato, garlic and capers

22. Chips or popcorn?
Buttered popcorn @ Muscle Beach GB3 cinema!!!

23.Favorite Color?
Blue.

24. What did ur last text message you received say?
SuPeng: HeyHEARDu'reSick? Here'sPrayinU'llGet BETTa soonRestlots+Tcare:-) cya thurs! *Hugz*

25. Have you ever seen Beauty and the Beast?
I have yet to see the one On Broadway...

26. Orange juice or apple?
Orange.

27. Who were the last people you went out to dinner with?
Mi Familia...

28. What did the last text message that you sent say?
Thanks. Sorry no small group tonight cos I don't wanna infect you. Can I take Panadol every 2 hours?

29. Lucky number?
A million bucks?

30. Last time you ate a homegrown tomato?
Hahaha! That would be a dream.

31. Have you ever won a trophy?
Do medals count? Mostly academic. Unlike my kiddies, there's not an athletic bone in ma body.

32. Are you a good cook?
Yup, when I'm in the mood.

33. Do you know how to pump your own gas?
Nope! In the first place, I wouldn't go to a self-service station. Pero lately, my sons do it na.

34. Do the Chinese really use cats in their food?
What would Kowloon be without that rep?

35. Sprite or 7-Up?
My gosh, there's 100Plus here, so addictive. Mike G. swam in it while he was here.

36. Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school?
Yup, 13 years. Scholastican to the bone.. Kinder to 4th year hs.

37. Last thing you ate?
Devoured a mini pac of M&M Peanuts!

38. Ever thrown up in public?
Aray, yes... 'Twas a weekly routine before I met the Lord. Public toilets, side of the road, kleenex boxes, even on the entrance ramp of Rustan's supermarket. Hahahaha!

39. Would you rather find true love or be a millionaire?
I think I've made my choice already.

40. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Yup, and look what i got. %>

41. Think fast, who (or what) do you hate right now?
Can't say it publicly. Gotta pastoral rep to protect, hehe.

42. Who was the last person you visited in the hospital?
Joseph B. When he was still under the knife... oh, and Crickette's dad those same days.

43. Where were you for Valentines day?
Tapos na ba? Shucks, missed it yata. Oh, yah, I cooked lamb for mi familia.

44. When was the last time you laughed?
Today? Yesterday? We hav a happy house.

45. What's your favorite animal?
Dog. My baby Tiny. He died while i was on my honeymoon.

46. What was the name of your first pet?
Can't remember, basta it was a parrot.

47. Who is the second to last person to call you?
Abby from Citibank, Alabang. They changed cards on me so now I can't withdraw from the ATM till my new one comes.. life...

48. Is there anything going on this weekend?
Larry and Elaine Matsuwaki are coming to Penang to visit us and speak at the service!

49. How are you feeling right now?
Sick.

50. What do you think about most?
My sweetheart, my kids, my mom, dad, sisters, and my friends in Manila.

The Webbs in Penang

They came to visit us last February 11-13 en route from Dubai to Singapore. We felt like a million bucks, having them ALL to ourselves!

The Harrises Were Here Too

Juray Was Here!

It was like living in a dream, those few days we had Juray here. Iloilo...Baguio...Manila...Lipa... and now Penang. All the places and all the years we've been together meld into a blur, yet the feelings stay the same. It felt like old times once again...

Five-Week Adoption

Mike was here! For those who were griping and wringing their hands wondering if he'll ever come home... We've sent him BACK-LAH! (As we Malaysians would say it, hahaha!)

Thank you, Mike, for bringing home to us here. We hope to borrow you again in the near-future.

Makin' Faces

http://w22.photobucket.com/widgets/dynamicflash.php?featuretype=bucketstrip&featurename=faces&pa=/b348/idahenson/


Need I say more?

The Birthright

http://churches.everynation.org/default_ministries.asp?id=773
Jim Laffoon has written a stirring devotional on Esau. It is a timely word for me as I've been stirred by the same passage this past week. It also comes in the wake of a very vivd dream I had last night of warfare in my family and our (Manila) church -- Matrix, sci-fi effects and all.

Filipinas

Jojo and Jonathan on their recent trip to the 'Pinas' ... See Jon's photos for a glimpse.
Link

Penang Featured on EN.org!

http://churches.everynation.org/default_churches.asp?nc=8426&id=756
I received this link from my good friend, Thelma Bowlen. It's the Prayer Link for Penang and features a short story on how we got to where we are now.

Please keep us in your prayers!

Valentine Crafts

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/craft-templates/feature/valentines-countdown-ms/#links
Happy Hearts Day Everyone! Go on and spread that love around. We all need to be reminded everyday that we ARE loved...

"We love because he first loved us." 1John 4:19

The Good (and SLOOOW) Life

A typical day-off here in Penang... [Warning: May cause drowsiness.] Hehe!

2004 Family Photos

The Object of MY Affection

And every time I close my eyes
I thank the Lord that I’ve got you
And you’ve got me too
And every time I think of it
I pinch myself ’cause
I don’t believe it’s true
That someone like you
Loves me too

What Does Love Mean?

I guess we've all heard the Victory wedding script often enough to remember these lines (or some version of it):

"The most misused and misunderstood word is 'Love'. We hear expressions like 'falling in love'. But we fall in holes, not love."

And "Love is a commitment..."

One great practice introduced (by Pastor Steve, I believe) was to substitute your name in place of the word LOVE when reciting the famous passage in 1Corinthians 13... "(Ida) is patient, (Ida) is kind. (Ida) does not envy, (Ida) does not boast, (Ida) is not proud. (Ida) is not rude, (Ida) is not self-seeking, (Ida) is not easily angered, (Ida) keeps no record of wrongs. (Ida) does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
(Ida) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

Whew! Now, that's a sure-fire way to get a good laugh... or guilt-trip. Pinocchio, step aside!

Well, the world does have an entire array of definitions of love. And here are some of the cute ones right out of the mouths of babes:

---- What does Love mean?
A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, What does love mean? The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:

When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love. Rebecca- age 8

When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth. Billy - age 4

Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs. Chrissy -age 6

Love is what makes you smile when you're tired. Terri - age 4

Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK. Danny - age 7

Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss. Emily - age 8

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)

If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate. Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)

Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday. Noelle - age 7

Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well. Tommy - age 6

During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore. Cindy - age 8

My mommy loves me more than anybody . You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night. Clare - age 6

Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken. Elaine-age 5

Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford. Chris - age 7

Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day. Mary Ann - age 4

I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones. Lauren - age 4

When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you. (what an imagination) Karen

Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross. Mark - age 6

You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget. Jessica - age 8

And the final one -- Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, Nothing, I just helped him cry. ----

It just goes to show that DC TAlk was right... "Love IS a VERB" It's what compelled our Lord to make the climb to Calvary.

Jojo and Jonathan fly home to Manila via KL

Start:

Jan 27, '06 07:00a

They'll be there for a week, leaving the rest of the family here in Penang. It's a week-long holiday here due to the Chinese New Year... which is a good opportunity for them to renew their driver's licenses and do my grocery errands, and meet up with a thousand and one friends (and eat sisig at Dencio's in Tagaytay, haha!). The other boys are SOSOSOSO envious.

Jojo turns 41

Start:

Jan 26, '06 07:00a

We already celebrated the occasion the other night with a family dinner at Mario's... It's uncanny that we still have a Mario's resto here in Penang that we go to for those types of occasions. But unlike the one in the Philippines, this one is Italian.

I Can Only Imagine

http://www.andiesisle.com/icanonlyimagine.html
Psalm 73 is a plaintive cry I find choked up in my throat every so often... There are seasons in life when you wonder if the things we strive for is really worth the toil. There are certain questions that beg answering, certain inconsistencies and mysteries of life and living. These are the times when we can only look up and exclaim, "Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Approaching the New Year

The days between Christmas and New Year should be dubbed as a season all in itself. So much happens during this time. Most families go on trips abroad. We stayed put, and it seemed like we were vying for the title of "The Most Happening Place in Penang."

PS You can see Jenny's version of this album on her page:
fabregas

The Every Nation Website

http://churches.everynation.org/
Excerpt from "2005: The Year in Pictures" : "During the course of this year, Pastor Jojo Henson moved from Manila to plant a new church in Penang, Malaysia. Other new church plants in 2005 include: Istanbul, Turkey; Doha, Qatar; San Jose, California; Denver, Colorado; Orlando, Florida; and the Philippine cities of Dasmarinas, Trinidad, and General Santos."

Pastor Steve's Site

http://www.stevemurrell.com/
This is the "office" my dear hubby punches into daily. And now, I'm hooked too. It's a sure cure-all for those missionary blues. Thank you Pastor Steve.

What are the chances?

http://www.lovecalculator.com/
In keeping with the Valentine theme, I'm posting this link. It calculates the probability of your relationship working out based on your names. Jojo and I scored 52%...68% if I include middle names,haha! So you be the judge...

Happy Ever After...

Jojo and I began receiving texts from friends in Manila early in December, such as: "We're at our D12 Christmas tea party at BIZU. Thinking of you.." (from Danette), and “We’re at the senior pastor’s Christmas Party at the Fort. We miss you.” (from Juray).

Christmas just isn’t the same out of Manila, and I ached for my friends and the traditions we keep. I missed Deborah's ornament exchange, our Alabang Village tour-cum-dinner, the progressive dinner we have with the Saisons and Kuehns, and the Fort Sambang Gabi. I tried to replicate some of those traditions here, but “there was no one to play with me.”

I began to despair around the 20th, and then Gia called out of the blue and surprised me with a visit. Shortly after, the Yuen family arrived. Po Seng preached our Christmas service. Our missionaries from India and Myanmar came for Christmas dinner. I ordered turkey… Everything was fine with my world.

Oh, and the Fabregas kids came to visit on the 28th, but that's another story...

Our Penang Christmas

Here is a glimpse of our Christmas celebration. Gia and family arrived on the 22nd, and the Yuen family on the 24th (Po Seng preached at our Christmas service). We had a grand time!