But living with a lizard is like living with a spring-loaded jack-in-the-box! You never know when that stupid thing is going to turn up! Good gravy!
No, they are not poisonous or dangerous. They do not attack or bite or even hiss. They just creep and crawl along the floor and the wall--at will! They strut their stuff right in front of you without regard to your personal feelings. They are very selfish and self-centered evil beady-eyed creatures. *shudder*
I've been fighting the lizard battle NON-STOP since we arrived. It's ridiculous! Last year, we had ONE lizard. One. Just ONE! It lived in the closet and we rarely saw it (only flashes as it darted away) and it never bothered us. We did manage to capture and "release" it (into the toilet), but prior to that we lived in complete harmony.
This year, totally different story. The lizards are taking over. I imagine them darting to and fro as I see phantom images of them out of the corner of my eye. I'm not even kidding. I may need therapy after this trip. I have a severe case of the heebie jeebies!
On top of the lizard infestation (yes, 3 is an infestation!), I have ant issues. Ugh. They wouldn't be so bad if we didn't get the mean ones that bite.
I feel like I'm living in the middle of the jungle! I wouldn't be too surprised if a lion or zebra didn't walk through the living room!
Besides the pest control issues, life here is pretty routine, but more fun--because we are in the Philippines! HA! Everything is more fun in the Philippines!!
Trent and I have started taking Sir. Flowers' night school class on leadership. We are studying leadership through the book of Nehemiah.
I recently enrolled in a certificate program through Apostolic School of Theology. The certificate program is Congregational Counseling. It has been a very LONG time since I was a student, but I have been feeling a nudge regarding going back to school and this opportunity opened up and it just seemed like the right fit and the right timing. So, here we go!!
The first week, we were required to read an entire book. Not a huge issue for me, because I am a total nerd about reading. I also had to write a 3-page paper and that was a bit intimidating, as the only "writing" I've done is blogging (doesn't count) and changing my Facebook status (totally doesn't count).
It would appear for the time being that we are all healthy and happy. I have a minor cold that sends me into coughing fits when I talk too much, but the rest of us are all feeling finer than a frog's hair. FINALLY!! Besides lizards, it seems we have battled illness or ailments galore this trip.
We are especially thankful to our partners, family and friends that have supported us and continue to support us! We recently experienced a financial miracle/blessing! We knew we would have to renew our visas for the remainder of our stay and it was our hopes to be able to do this for the same amount we paid last year and had budgeted for this year. However, we were quoted a MUCH higher price. The next day, a pastor friend of ours felt led to send money to our paypal account. Thank you Lord for your provision! I replied to the email thanking him for his support and prayers and told him that this money would help cover an unexpected expense. He replied by sending an additional offering! Thank you Jesus for your goodness and abundant blessings! I am telling you this story because I recently taught my first year students about giving. When we give, God WILL give back. I have been faithful in my giving of offerings, even while here in the Philippines, and God has not held anything back from us, including this huge financial blessing!
Despite the creepy crawlies, we have been blessed and blessed more abundantly while we have been here. God's hand upon us is evident and we are so thankful to be serving Him!
Much love from Manila--until next time,
Am
