The Major Tribe

Naomi went with me to the open market called the "palenke" the other morning. She was my "kasama".  A "kasama" is the person that goes with you on an outing or does something with you that you might otherwise have to do by yourself.

I enjoy going to the market on saturday mornings!  It’s a great opportunity to get some fresh fruits and veggies for the weekend.

As we stepped out of our apartment building Naomi said a cheery "Hello!" to a little 6 month old baby boy.  I asked her who he was and she just said, "That’s Mathew."  She skipped along the busy, dirty streets like she didn’t have a care in the world.  As I talked with Naomi I was so amazed at her ability to adapt to this culture and her delight at just being in the Philippines.  She is always so kind to all the people that want to greet her when we go out.

She casually talked about how old she will be when we go back to America and what we might do.  Not with longing in her heart but with a spirit of adventure.  I share that spirit of adventure with her but I also like to think she gets it from me.

I am compelled more and more to capture my thoughts on life.  Not just life here but the life that we have in Christ.  I realize these days are precious, challenging and adventurous.  I thank the Lord for Naomi. I thank the Lord that He called our family to this life and for the strength that He provides!  May His name be glorified to the ends of the earth!

T

The jeep ride home!

Love,

Bana for the Major Tribe!

Weddings remind me that our amazing God ordained this institution for His Glory and for our good. We had the privilege to take part in a wedding for our friends Jane and Ken.  Jared and I served as "Ninong at Ninang" in the wedding.  In Filipino weddings it is typical to have several sets of "Ninongs" or God parents.  Jared wore a traditional shirt called a "Barong Tagalog."  There are many styles and types of materials for the Barong but this particular style is for formal occasions like weddings.

The most common color of dress for a Ninang to wear is cream or white.  This as you all know is very hard for an American because that is a big no-no in the States.  I went shopping with a Philippina friend of mine and I kept saying, "Are you sure that I should wear white?"  I was glad that I did because that was the color everyone else was wearing.

All the the girls looked so beautiful in their dresses!

This little boy looked so cute in his Barong!

My sweet friend Jane!

 Congratulations Jane and Ken! We had a great time and got plenty of Tagalog practice!

Love,

Bana for the Majortribe!