Elijah's First Fall Down a Set of Stairs

by PJ

Elijah fell down a set of two stairs today at the park for Jim’s daughter’s birthday. It was concrete. He can independently come down from one step but not more than that. He needs room to take some steps to get his balance once he’s landed, which he didn’t have at the park today. So he fell on his stomach at the bottom of the stairs. His hands were out and, praise God, he didn’t hit his mouth or head on the concrete. Just hands and tummy. He got up and cried. I asked him to give me a high-five and thank God it wasn’t worse. He cried for a little bit, then I dusted him off and he continued to play.

Tibayan #4 for tibayan 4

By Frances

We decided about 2 weeks ago that we’d try to have another baby. It all happened the night before I talked to PJ in bed…

I couldn’t sleep, for some reason all I could think about is having another baby. I thought really but then a joyous sensation filled me with wonder, excitement, and impatience. I thought of all the pros of starting to try for another. It’s funny because just a few days prior PJ and I had a talk and I again mentioned getting pregnant in D.C and having the baby here in L.A. making Elijah and newborn almost 3 years apart. Then I told PJ what if we had the baby there and he said sure, but then i said we can’t what about health insurance, and he plainy said God will provide. Those 3 words at the time meant little to me because I’d rather him do research on Kaiser in D.C.

Fast forward a couple of days: as I tossed and turned in my bed thinking of trying for anther baby now. I thought I want at least 2 more. I’m 26 going on 27 in December making me 27 when i have the next one (Lord willing). We could have the baby in D.C. family would visit. We’d be home 2 months after I give birth. I feel physically and mentally ready. Elijah would be 2 when the baby is born (what we orignally wanted). AND GOD WILL PROVIDE. It dawned on me that is exactly what my beloved husband said but I didn’t even give it a second thought…how foolish! It’s almost like i had a major epipany. I was so happy and content that I came to a conclusion, I wanted to wake PJ up and tell him my reasonings and then start trying tonight! What joy.

Fast forward to today: We are waiting to take the pregnancy test. I want to wait until I miss my period but dental surgery will force me to act fast and see if I’m, pregnant. Tomorrow morning I will do a home pregnancy test. How exciting. PJ thinks I’m already pregnant…perhaps.

Tibayan 4 goes to camp

By Frances

I was so nervous taking Elijah up the mountains, where there are lions, tigers and bear, oh my! Praise God it went well, we had a great time and it was just great meeting new people that you just have an instant bond because of the love of Christ. Elijah was for the most part well behaved, he didn’t want to eat anything so i totally had to budge and feed him anything- he ate funions, unfortunately. All the campers loved him and he made new friends. Daddy worked and mommy and baby would go back to our cool cabin (we were spoiled!) and relaxed, Elijah usually napped and i read. I ate tons, i perhaps gained weight Meet great people like Tita Cynthia, Tito Bert, Jason, Tubbs, Francisco, Eric, Rowena, Nate, Brian, and reunited with family (Sam, Ate Marissa, Uncle Rick, etc). One of the most memorable was reading my book (Above All Earthly Pow’rs) and my devotions on Isaiah 53, another was PJ and Jason rapping, oh that was so fun!!! Another was their unforgettable crazy funny skits, FBC is very talented and fun with their creative ways.

PJ didn’t want to do the rap skit but since i was encouraging the guys to continue pressing him–he caved in, and I’m sure he didn’t regret it. The campers were so psyched and went up to him after and were impressed and totally caught off guard. I loved it and enjoyed seeing my husband enjoy himself in that way. I was also excited to see that some of the campers felt more comfortable around him and it opened doors for them to come and ask questions or just plain talk. Jason was great and kept praising PJ for his lyricism but Jason too had great lyrics and a great “rap voice” if there is such a thing. They both did great and I was thankful to God that he created rap music to be enjoyed in Christ, and although many enjoy it out of Christ, there is still common grace all around, what an amazing gracious God.

I had an opportunity to have good conversations with Nate about church culture in a Postmodern world and talked to Rowena about marriage and how to counsel one of her family members. I praise God for good conversations that are so fruitful, ONLY by God’s grace.

I hope we will see some of them sometime, it were a load of fun. Tubbs is hilarious! PJ and I had a great time remembering and replaying Tubbs moments. Some were elbowing the trees, the truck being “HOT!”, the akward goodbye, etc. I pray we can keep in contact with some of these guys. I was already thinking “who can marry them?” assuming they are not…i don’t think they are. Anyways, I loved it and we had a great time. Praise God for an answered prayer.