We Praise You God!

Wow, My God is an amazing God! Those are the words that come to mind when I look over the blessings of Lilia's Place in the last couple of months.

December was a wonderful month. We spent the holidays with our sons, Jake and Chandler. It was so comforting to have our family back together on one continent. God even blessed us with a day of snow in Houston! We also had the pleasure of visiting extended family and friends in Arkansas, Alabama and Mississippi. During our travels we had the opportunity to share our work with several congregations. The outpouring of love and support was humbling. We were blessed beyond expectations!

Speaking of exceeding expectations, our Lilia's Place team, the Downtown youth, headed by our team leader, Alaric Del Rosario, continued the great works of Lilia's Place. Doug and I have always said that Lilia's Place is not about us, but about the sharing of God's love to others and this was evident during our furlough. The team did a street feeding, a Christmas party with the Cebu Missionary Foundation (CMF), where they served over 1200 kids, and a Christmas dinner for the Children of Cebu Foundation. God was truly glorified in all they did! We are so proud of them.

We shared some sad goodbyes with our sons and headed back to Cebu on January 3rd. God had blessed us while we were home on furlough and we were anxious to get back and expand our work and to see our darling Remi! Since our return we have been very busy! I immediately began teaching my classes again at the Cebu Bible College, a job I love and students I adore! Our family also attended the wedding of our dear friends, Jobert and Desiree, on the island of Ilo-ilo. Doug and I were principal sponsors and Lilia was a beautiful flower girl.

Cebu City has an annual ten day celebration called Sinulog. During the celebration we were not able to do the street feedings because our families had been relocated to an unknown location. We were concerned that we would not see some of our families again, however, God had it all under control. After the celebration we were able to reconnect with our families and to continue our street feeding and our diaper and milk ministry. I thank God daily for the CMF! It is through their support and guidance that Lilia's Place has been able to make the street families our primary outreach ministry. We know God is going to continue to use this partnership to make a difference in the lives of many!

Our January visit to the Children of Cebu Foundation was spectacular! It began with a devotional from our team members, Cheryl and Onassis. The kids then enjoyed a delicious meal of spaghetti, fried chicken, fruit salad and a brownie provided by Mark and Debbie VanDyke. Next, the children got to select a pair of "Crocs" donated by Loving Soles of Houston, Texas. It was the first time many of them had ever had a chance to select shoes that fit them properly. The evening ended with each child receiving a Christmas box of goodies especially for them donated by Sugar Grove Church of Christ in Meadows Place, Texas and Valley View Church of Christ in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Even a blackout, or a brownout as they are called here in Cebu, could not put a damper on the evening. The radiant smiles of the children illuminated the darkness! Thank you to all of our above mentioned partners for making this a special evening for our little friends. You put a smile on the face and heart of these children.

This past weekend we made our monthly trip to visit the orphans in Negros. It was so good to see them again. They also enjoyed getting the Christmas boxes! Mamart, who is usually very stingy with his smiles, couldn't stop smiling! He especially loved the socks and "Spiderman" underwear. He put the socks on immediately and couldn't quit looking at the underwear. I think he wanted us to hurry and leave so that he could put them on. It was touching to see that although their boxes were filled with toys, including a watergun, the socks and underwear were what appealed to him the most. We helped to sponsor Wenyljane for her upcoming prom in two weeks. She likes the date her teachers have chosen for her. Her date is going to be one lucky young man because I am sure he is going to have the most beautiful girl at the prom! The living arrangements for the Dolino children have changed. They are no longer living with their great uncle and aunt but are all living together in a small home provided by the boss of one of the older girls. Junivel will be looking after six of her younger siblings. It will not be an easy situation but along with our support and the monthly support given by Richard Emperado from sponsoring congregations in the states, they will be able to stay together as a family and make ends meet. Please keep this family in your prayers. They have been through much tragedy in their young lives and they deserve some happiness and peace that only God can provide.

Some really exciting news to share is that we have leased our second Lilia's Place Home! This home will be used as an outreach center where we can distribute donated clothes, shoes, diapers, and medical supplies. We plan to do Bible studies, church services and feedings. Please keep this ministry in your prayers. We will keep you updated on the progress as we begin setting up this week!

As you have read our update I am sure you will join me in saying, "Thank you God for abundantly blessing Lilia's Place! You are an awesome God and we praise you!"