Padens in the Philippines

Less than a week to go here in Manila! We have been really blessed the last almost 3 years to have been here in Manila. Saying goodbye is never easy, even though we seem to have a lot of practice at it! We will really miss all of the friends we have made here. Please be praying for our last week. There is so much to finish up and many goodbyes to say. This is the last week of school for the kids and then we fly out on Sunday June 2nd. Also be praying for the flight. Luke is not a good traveler and we have many days of traveling ahead of us! We are a little nervous about the flight ;) We are excited to share that God has provided, through a supporter, a van for us to drive while we are home!!! This is such an encouragement and confirmation for us as we set off to the unknown yet again. We may not know what lays ahead, but we are trusting the One who called us to take care of us- as He always has. Thank you for your prayers for this! I have to keep this short as we are SO busy pa...

Luke (8 months), Josiah (5), Caleb (9), Nhaya (almost 11) Some big changes coming for the Paden Family! When we come back this summer we are going to stay for 6 months. Then when we go back to the Philippines- January 2014, we will be reassigned to Davao on the southern island of Mindanao. "Davao is also the largest city in the Philippines in terms of land area. The highest peak in the Philippines,  Mount Apo , is located in the city." * Yes, we are staying with PSC SEND (Philippine Sending Council). We are moving because PSC would like to expand to the whole Philippines, not just Manila. Opening an office on the second biggest island would be one way to accomplish that. Gilmer is from Mindanao (although way up north from where we will be) so he speaks the language. We have already seen a big interest from those in Davao and look forward to sending even more Filipinos as missionaries. We are excited, as well as nervous, about the changes. There are so many...

Time flies when you're having fun! So they say, right? Well, I think it flies even if you are not always having fun. That's what it feels like lately to us. Things just keep going, and happening, and then we look at the calendar and notice it's almost March already. Yes, we have been very busy. Four kids will do that to you I guess! Gilmer is also busy with his ministry now that the Filipino summer is quickly approaching (April and May) and 7 short term teams are going out soon. We are excited for the teams that are working hard to raise their support and finish their training. What a privilege to be a part of helping them see what God is doing around the world and be a part of that. We are scheduled to come home this summer for a short Home Service!!! Meaning we will leave here the beginning of June and be back the end of July so the kids can start school August 1st. We are very excited about it, as we haven't been home for over 2 1/2 years. Please keep this...

Psalms 33:20-22 We wait  in hope for the Lord; he  is our help and our shield.   In him our hearts rejoice,  for we trust in his holy name.   May your unfailing love  be with us,  Lord ,      even as we put our hope in you. Our PSC Family November is already here!!! We have so much to share with all of you, I don't even know where to start. If it seems like we dropped off the globe for a while, we are sorry about that. Keeping up with the day to day things are overwhelming enough and unfortunately things that are not basic necessities (like sleep!) get set aside for a while. Thankfully I think we are all adjusting to our new life with four kids. It's much faster passed than before! Adding a infant to the mix of an already busy life requires some adjusting. I'm looking forward to the Christmas break and a little down time. Let me take you back some months before we get to the recent news. I never h...

Gilmer Luke Paden Luke was born August 1st, at 7:19am. He was 7 pounds and 6 ounces and 20 inches long. Everything went well with the scheduled c-section and we were able to go home last Friday. Julie and the baby are doing well. The rest of the family (Nhaya, Caleb, and Josiah) were ecstatic to meet their new brother and can't seem to hold him enough. Thank you all for your prayers for a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. God has truly blessed us with another little miracle!! Priceless!  Getting ready to leave the hospital. Josiah enjoying his new brother! Caleb and little Luke Can you tell Nhaya is a little excited :) Blessings, Gilmer, Julie, Nhaya, Caleb, Josiah, and Luke Paden SEND International- Philippines