When the lights go on at night we get some pretty amazing visitors!
Everyone hits the books
Even our cats are homeschooled, Tommy was learning about George W. Carver and all the amazing things he taught others about peanuts and sweet potatoes.
Nature
The second generation hard at work!
Nature
I just heard a man...
I just heard a man speak about the word responsibility and it has changed the way that I look at what we (we as the Folkertsma family and you) do here in the Philippines. I have been struggling for awhile now with the why me God question. Oh don’t get me wrong I get what we do to a certain degree but why me, that has plagued me. I guess that I have been feeling bad for myself lately, honestly. I look around and see how well the boys and Joy are doing here and how they are beginning to blend into life here while I am not and won’t ever really. I think different, talk different and if those other two change I will always look different and stand out like a sore thumb. Everything is a struggle for me here right now and I wondered why me until today. The man said when he was is the Vietnam War he was told by his leader that they (he and the leader) with 3 others would stay back and cover for the rest of the unit as they retreated. He asked “Why do we have to do it?” To which his leader said that it was their responsibility. “Our responsibility? Why?” Was his next questions and the answer to those two questions have changed my perspective on why me. He said “Responsibility is really two words, response and ability. We have the ability so what is our response?” I may not be the best candidate for the position that I am in but I have the ability and I responded. I have been blessed with vision both for construction and programs (a dreamer) and the ability to see it through (getter done attitude). I am done asking why me and now asking do I have the ability and am I responding with it? Thank you for joining us in the journey!
Sharp tooth
This is the fish with the blue-green bones. The fisherman just cut his line instead of trying to get the hook past all those teeth.
Butterflies
Artwork
Some of the artwork of the visiting neighborhood children
New Skill
Boaz learning how to harvest bananas. This was purposely done slowly because the flower coming towards the camera is part of our fence and it has lots of thorns. Plus you don't want your bananas to get bruised coming down.
https://www.facebook.com/adam.folkertsma/videos/786109211512788/
Trusses
Trusses all finished! Would have been done a week ago but ran delays threw things off. Now on the cleaning and painting the rest of the metal materials for the boy's room.
Stink Bugs
At least this stink bug is colorful. Yes he flies and one of his defenses is to spray something stinky.
Joy's Flowers
Joy's love for flowers has made our place a butterfly haven which I think has sparked her love for butterflies. It is hard to know which came first though.
Mango Trees
One of our mango trees is starting to flower in preparation to bear fruit! This is only the second time this tree has done this and it has been years since the first time. Maybe this tree is good for something besides just shade after all, we will have to wait and see. It is the big tree to the right of the house, regardless we will keep it for the shade.
Flowers
Flowers! There is always something in bloom here.
Bugs
A Note
I just heard a man speak about the word responsibility and it has changed the way that I look at what we (we as the Folkertsma family and you) do here in the Philippines. I have been struggling for awhile now with the why me God question. Oh don’t get me wrong I get what we do to a certain degree but why me, that has plagued me. I guess that I have been feeling bad for myself lately, honestly. I look around and see how well the boys and Joy are doing here and how they are beginning to blend into life here while I am not and won’t ever really. I think different, talk different and if those other two change I will always look different and stand out like a sore thumb. Everything is a struggle for me here right now and I wondered why me until today. The man said when he was is the Vietnam War he was told by his leader that they (he and the leader) with 3 others would stay back and cover for the rest of the unit as they retreated. He asked “Why do we have to do it?” To which his leader said that it was their responsibility. “Our responsibility? Why?” Was his next questions and the answer to those two questions have changed my perspective on why me. He said “Responsibility is really two words, response and ability. We have the ability so what is our response?” I may not be the best candidate for the position that I am in but I have the ability and I responded. I have been blessed with vision both for construction and programs (a dreamer) and the ability to see it through (getter done attitude). I am done asking why me and now asking do I have the ability and am I responding with it? Thank you for joining us in the journey!
A New Fence Post
The fence post that we put in 13 years ago cracked at the base. It wouldn't be a big deal except it is the one the gate closed and locked into. I think that we put plenty of cement under ground but the top was a little light. I don't think that I would have replaced it right now if I wasn't going to pour a cement sidewalk around one side of it. One project always helps you see another one that could or needs to be done.
School Supplies
Elementary school supplies for the first day (June 4th) ready to be handed out. We got supplies for 35 students, 30 full scholarships and 5 just supplies. High school material list isn't out yet, we will get that hopefully Monday. Then back to the closest big town and then pack them all up and hand them out. Thank you all who sent art and school supplies last year, maybe you can spot a few!