Family
I worked on the blog this time. The most recent experience that Mario and I have was the coming of Tahlia Amores in our lives. Sarah gave birth to Tahlia on 3 February 2010 at 5.27pm and was two weeks overdue. Normal birthing was tried first but since Tahlia was becoming distressed caesarian section was performed as a last resort. The choice was to wait 9 more hours or have the caesarian. The latter was chosen because her heartbeat came to almost 70 in the graph and was not stabilizing.
Sarah requested that I be with her at the operating room so and I was seated close to her head when she was operated on. She requested this so that she will not hear the surgeons and staff talking about the surgery. I usually faint at the sight of blood but I thank God that He gave me courage. I didn’t see so much blood but I saw my granddaughter when they took her out of Sarah’s tummy. She is so beautiful and looked liked his father Andrew Coombridge. Sarah was brave and did very well throughout the surgery. She recovered beautifully. When she came out of the hospital after 3 days, I had to go back to Hamilton for my job as I may lose my job if I don’t report back. My superiors were gracious enough to put my absences as leave options.
At this stage in our life, we are learning how to be “safe” parents. My daughter has her own child now and she makes decisions in consideration to a life given to her. We don’t give her advise without being asked. We wait for her to ask us. If she does not ask, we keep it in our hearts and just continue to pray for her. Everyday I text a verse to her reminding that God loves her so much. I keep on reminding her that she needs God in her life which she does not contradict. We are praying daily that she will return to her relationship with Jesus. We know that this will happen in God’s timing and grace.
We see evidences though of her applying what she has learned from us like orderliness in the home and handling finances. We want to help but she has chosen to live independently and prove to herself that she can do it on her own. Sarah loves her daughter dearly and takes good care of her.
Sarah, Tahlia and Saling at Hamilton Zoo
Sarah and Tahlia have been staying with us for the last two weeks. Both of them are bringing great joy to both Mario and myself. We have had just good times together talking and having fun. We are enjoying Tahlia’s smile and just her presence makes our life really joyful. Sarah is maturing and growing in her responsibility as a mother. She said recently, “Now I can understand what you went through when I was a baby. Thank you and I love you.” Praise God for this stage in our life.
Ministry
Mario and I both work and are involved with International Student Ministries New Zealand (ISMNZ). Mario is serving ISM in the Board of Trustees and as the regional coordinator for ISM’s northern region that presently include Auckland and Hamilton. This requires regular travels for us to visit the team in Auckland. In Hamilton, the semester started with a welcome barbeque for international students. Mario and I attends the regular team meetings in both Auckland and Hamilton. We are also helping a group of Filipino couples at the church we go to in Hamilton by facilitating a study on ‘Growing Kids God’s Way’ and another Filipino group in Auckland who are mostly Mario’s relatives including the family of Erold Sana. Erold is the brother of Elbert Sana (who was discipled by Mario) and Erlyn Sana who are both involved with Reach ministries in the Philippines.
Welcome barbeque for international students
We are having a Japanese girl, Miku, who will be living with us as homestay from 18 April. She is going to do language study for four months with Waikato University.
Prayer requests
1. For Sarah to return to her relationship with God.
2. Physical strength and protection on our travels.
3. Sensitivity in God’s direction for ministry for ISM Auckland and Hamilton teams.
4. For Miku to know Jesus as Saviour while studying in New Zealand.
Much blessings
Saling
