Symanzik Family Update

This year, with turning 50, I decided to make a lifestyle change and eat healthier.
I've switched my diet to mostly vegetarian - and try to follow the "90% rule" which means 90% of what I eat each day is unrefined fruits and veggies!
It's easy to do here with all the wonderful fruits and veggies that can be easily obtained at the market.
I feel healthier and have gotten back to the weight I was before having babies!
If you want to read more about the 90% rule, check out Dr. Joel Furhman's book, "Eat To Live" or visit his website http://www.drfuhrman.com/

Wow, time flies! I hadn't realized it'd been 8 days since my last post. Sorry, I don't like to go that long between posts!

We've had a sinus infection virus attacking each of us in varying degrees. Mikayla was sick enough to have to miss the High School Retreat that they annually take early in the start of the school year. Just yesterday she was finally starting to feel a bit better.

Kurt has been busy working on programming needs for the Asia Area. He's also been helping friends of ours with their website for their ministry. Check it out at http://www.reachinternationalhealthcareandtraining.com/
(or better yet - wait at least 24 hours from this post to check the new website. If you check it now it will be the old site.)

We are thankful to be here on the mission field and appreciate all your prayers!

I'll post again sooner than 8 days from now!!!!:)

Houses vary widely in construction around here.
But here are some recent house pictures I took......

Near the wharf are many houses built of wood and bamboo
on stilts over the ocean water.

A house on Samal Island.

Another house on Samal Island. Samal is a quick ferry boat
ride across the bay from Davao City. It has some nice beaches.

A model village house at Eden Nature Park

All of my kids have enjoyed black coffee while being young. James is no exception. If Kurt or I are having coffee he asks for it too!

What could be better than a coffee break with Starbucks in the
mug, Tigger by the side, and Winnie the Pooh on the mug?

"Starbucks.....ymmmmm!"

Coffee break on the steps!

Today, for the first time since Jerard had his siezures back in June, he stood! And he practiced walking motions a bit! He was able to tolerate standing and the walking exercise for a total of about 10 minutes.

I am so thankful to God for the improvements Jerard is making in his motor skills with receiving physical therapy three times a week.

As I watched him standing I started thinking and reflecting....

He is a strong, tough little guy who's been through a lot.
The name 'Jerard' means "brave spearholder, brave spear warrior." I find that a wonderfully fitting name for our Jerard.

He has had to be strong and a fighter.
In Joel 3:10 the ending of the verse reads
"...let the weak say, "I am a warrior."
That is what Jerard is saying.

For the title of this blog I quoted lyrics from an Elton John song. I am just amazed at all the struggles Jerard has faced and how he has come out strong after each problem. God has special plans for this little guy, and while it is challenging being the Mom of a special needs child, I can truly say I am thankful he is in our life.

"I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor,.......I'm still standing after all this time, Picking up the pieces of my life...."

Please keep him in your prayers. Specifically pray that he will regain the ability to suck. It is very hard to get fluids in him as he does not like to suck on a bottle or sippy cup.