Happy Birthday Reuven!

Last week, Thursday, September 21 was Reuven's 8th birthday. His previous birthdays were usually celebrated in the church with the church's children and young people. We always had an enjoyable celebration because of the fellowship and my mother-in-law usually would cook and prepare the food. And I tell you she is a good cook. I had not taste the most delicious foods anywhere in my life. Not even here in Thailand. The young people and the Sunday School teachers would organize a children's party and games. Everyone would have a great time eating, talking and just being with everyone.

Last Wednesday, we had a very simple celebration. We were not able to invite our neighbors because we really didn't have money to spend for the celebration unlike Jillian's. And besides, it was still raining cats and dogs and the coup was on its peak. The only people who came were the other Filipino who where learning the Thai language with us and our Filipino teacher and her niece. They brought with them cake and Narlin prepared pancit canton. Why pancit canton? Because Reuven missed pancit canton and that is the only food he really liked for us to prepare. (No spaghetti please!)

Although we missed the usual way we celebrate his birthday we are thankful to the Lord. Some friends from the church remembered his birthday and gave the gift last Sunday. Some friends emailed us and sent their greetings. Tita Nori, Tita Dadai and Lola Toti called us up to greet Reuven for his special day. He timidly and in a shy voice would reply "thank you." Just like ordinray children, he wished that he would received many gifts. But he also said that it was still okay if he would not receive a gift.

Reuven is a very smart boy. Most of you who was with him know this. He is a fast learner. Narlin and I have a hard time reading Thai, he actually read Thai better. We always bring him when we go to the supermarket because can read the labels of the goods we were buying. Living in foreign land is tough for the grown up, I could only imagine that it is tougher for our children Please remember our children in your prayers.

By the way, Reuven had written three children books. Ate Precy (Caronongan)was asking for the first book because she want to publish it in the near future.