Dragon Boat Festival

It was a nice sunny Sunday here in Davao City. Our neighbors asked if we would like to go check out the Dragon Boat Festival. It is the beginning of the festivities here in Davao for the Kadayawan Festival. The next two weeks will be full of celebration, plenty to eat and some fun things to do and see. It is a time of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. Davao City is known as the Fruit Basket of  the Philippines. I LOVE THAT!!

We headed to the Santa Ana Wharf and were pleasantly surprised to find the races well underway. The event was very well organized and it was fun to cheer for the hometown team! 

The boats were sent down from Manila. The teams consisted of men and woman who trained hard. There were all male teams, mixed teams, races with 10 rowers and races with 20. Each boat was equipped with a drum at the helm to help the rowers find and keep an effective rowing rhythm. Hmmm, still not sure about the man standing in the back? Steerer? Coach? I will have to study up on it!

It was fun experiencing something new. Click here if you would like to see more pictures of the day. Some snap shots around the wharf and surrounding area. We are a bit sunburned and ready for bed early! I am grateful for fun neighbors and think new things to discover are something wonderful! 

3's the perfect # for me!

I woke up early this morning and just spent time praying for my kids. Such warm beautiful emotions fill me. They are my favorite people. We had the privilege of all being under one roof this summer.

I love the little things, random hugs, numerous jokes, funny faces, hanging out shooting hoops, movies in the ladder room, skateboards, bikes, guitars, watching the sunset and just those quiet conversations. I love watching them interact with each other and with L. Such unique special relationships. Even though we all seem to going different ways, they will always be a constant  reminder in my life of God's goodness and faithfulness to me. Being their Mom is the best! Looking through pictures I am amazed at the life we have had to this point! From PA, to Jersey and back to PA again...Niger, Philippines and many points in between.

Trip to NZ

Hangin in the park

Blitz in t he Phils

BUBBLES

Swimming in the Niger River

Oh, the joy of gingerbread houses!

Jersey kids

Getting  the sheep for the special Nigerien celebration...hospital opening!

Watch out, crazy croquet!

Back in PA

Climbing a Baobab tree at Parc W

The good, bad and the ugly. What hardships we have conquered and what interesting things we have seen. The people we have met along the way will forever be part of our story. Such a rich life. And it is just the beginning....talking to my kids I am thrilled to see where life leads. Such optimism, so many dreams! So thankful for these precious gifts! Being a Mom is something truly wonderful!

Thank you for letting me reminisce. It is a new strategy to find JOY in these transitions of family of 5 to 4 now to 3 for the moment....