Symanzik Family Update

washing clothing in a river

how many people can you fit in and on a jeepney???

stay on the planks and you won't fall off!!!

laundry hanging up to dry

We were blessed with the opportunity to go to a Bible Dedication this week. Translators have been working over 20 years to learn the language of this tribe and finish the Bible in this language. It was a powerful, moving event. Words fail in describing the power and dynamo experienced as these people rejoiced in having the Bible in their own language - a language they used to be embarrassed of but are now proud of; as they thanked the 'white skins' for coming to their location to work on this for over 20 plus years; as they thanked God for His love....

This is one of my favourite psalms. I was reading it again today and decided to share it on our blog!!!!

Psalm 86

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 86
A prayer of David.

1 Hear me, LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.2 Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you.You are my God; 3 have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long.4 Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. 5 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.6 Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.7 When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.10 For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. 11 Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness;give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.13 For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. 14 Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me-- they have no regard for you.15 But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.16 Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant;save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.17 Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, LORD, have helped me and comforted me.

We've been in our new rental a little over two weeks.
Our internet and phone line were hooked up yesterday. We like this house! The neighborhood is quiet, we are close to school and work, we are enjoying getting to know our neighbors.....

Boxes to unpack

Ben putting books on the shelves

James and Jerard enjoying a moving day meal amongst items

Mikayla and Kirsten eating in the stairwell on moving in day

Kurt and Ben eating at the kitchen counter on moving in day.

Kurt and I eating amongst boxes on moving in day.

Setting up our bed

James holding Jerard's hand while they swing

Mikayla enjoying a reading break after several days of moving,
unpacking, and putting away.

A man who walks around with a knife sharpner pedal set up
sharpening our kitchen knives and scissors at our gate!

This summer has been busy with moving, dentist appointments, and some short family trips. This coming week we will be attending a Bible dedication and going on a one day boat trip.
We are pretty much settled into our new rental house. When our internet is finally hooked up and activated I will post more photos!
Jerard starts 'preschool' this week at Resources For The Blind. He will attend Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. We've hired a kuya to take him (kuya means older brother). He is very good with Jerard and fully capable of carrying him up to the third floor where the preschool meets!
James is our highly active three year old. He's been enjoying having Mikayla, Kirsten, and Ben around this summer to play with!
Kirsten has had several dentist appointments this summer - not much fun, but she's also enjoyed turning 13, our mother/daughter retreat, family vacation, reading and shopping!
Ben passed to his green belt in karate. He is getting taller and we just bought new shoes for him yesterday since he's outgrown his other ones! He is now a men's size 7 and still growing! He turns ten on August 3rd - the day before school starts!
Mikayla has been reading, baby sitting, looking at colleges and other career ideas for after high school. She is glad for friends returning from furloughs and for a friend who moved away coming to visit for three weeks.
Kurt is busy with his projects at work and will be going to Bangkok, Thailand in October for meetings!
I took one class this summer on marriage counseling taught by a visiting professor from the USA. I've been busy organizing our house and being mom to 5 great kids!
We are looking forward to my sister's visit in August! It will be our first visitor from the USA in the four years we've lived here!
Blessings on your day!