well that stinks!

Okay so I had every intention to take tons of pictures of all the things that are differant about my life here than yours there where ever there might be. But of course the power went out for a week strait and then no internet for a nother three days and then I was struck with illness and well time has gotten away from me and it's been almost three weeks since my last post.
Well here is at least a little info on what is going on and I promise to get the camera out this week and post them soon!
Today we had join service. This is when all the churches come to the campsite and we worship and study together. I love joint service because I get to see many people that I don't normally get to see. We attend a service on Sunday's but there are two other services that we miss. So this gives us a time to visit with the many other believers here on the islands.
We had two child dedications today as well. It was a bitter sweet time. One family was whole and one was not. The whole family was all smiles and their joy we could see was so sweet! But the mother of the other boy was well not so. You see her husband died last year. She is raising three boys all alone now. Talk about needing a church to help raise this and the other two boys! The older boys are hard working and very nice boys. It is hard for me to think that they are now the men of the house. They work to support their mother and sibblings. So much for such young boys who are the ripe ages of 15 and 18. Definatly gives me perspective.
On a lighter note, there is one little girl that Justin and I have fallen in love with. Her name I can't remember because I call her tank. She is the only child who from the beguining was not afraid of us but rather making faces at us and even fake punching with Justin. She is missing her front four teeth and she is a bit on the stalky side. She is funny and always makes me smile. Today she wanted to hold my hand as we walked up the stairs. And while we were all eating the shared lunch she was sitting next to the dinuguan (blood soup) and kept dipping her fork into the serving bowl to retrieve just one more little piece. I couldn't stop her simply because it was just so cute! She lives with her aunt and uncle. I am not sure why, maybe her family has died, or something like that. I am just amazed at how she is still a happy little girl.
There are tons of stories like her's here. I know five boys and one little girl who's parents died within a year of each other and now the brothers are raising their little sister who is 7 years old. I heard that the oldest brother is only 22. Can you imagine being raised by your five older brothers? Or at the age of 22 raising your little sister and younger brothers? these people have so many hardships and yet they still trust that God will take care of them, that He will provide all that they need. Faith like a mustard seed in the One True God is what get's them through the day I am sure because with out it depression and dispare would overwhelm them.
Makes not having electrcity for a week not so bad ay? God really doesn't give us what we can't handle. He is also right there for us to cast our cares on. Praise Him for He is so good to us!
Well that is just another day here on the islands.
come back soon for pictures.
Blessings!
erin:)