These past few months have been very interesting for our family as we have begun the adjustment of our family being separated.  All of you know that we are back in Manila embarking on a new ministry assignment for the church.  Most of you know that Jordan is in the states now attending college at Trevecca in Nashville.  Some of you know we are separated by over 8,500 miles which creates a problem with keeping in touch.  Not sure how many know that we have a very close family and this separation has caused a great challenge for us to “stay close”.  

Thank God for modern technology and a great internet program called Skype.  Skype is an amazing web program that allows you to make telephone calls via the internet to another Skype user for FREE.  We were introduced to this concept a few years ago and have been a consistent user since.  

When we knew that Jordan would be staying in the states this summer to begin her college studies, we knew that we would need Skype accounts for everyone to stay in touch more frequently.  Another very cool feature of Skype is the video webcam feature that allows us to see Jordan and her to see us during our conversation.  I know this is not new technology for many people, but now we can truly appreciate how this feature is keeping our family together.  We have set up weekly calls with Jordan and during the calls we get to see our sweet daughter just as if she were sitting down next to us…technology is so awesome.  

So how does this all fit with our family and ministry?  I am not 100% sure this post has a summary or a good ministry story, except to say that we believe that God has provided for our family to be connected even though several thousand miles separate us.  It is very special to be talking to our daughter and see her expressions or the “look in her eyes” or a cute smile or even the tiredness of college life…we even got a tour of her dorm room – these are the “bonuses” that God gives that usually don’t get discussed.  These are the simple ways that a mom and a brother and a dad get to feel connected to Sissy.  We are happy when we see the “computer or Skype phone ring” and notice that is is Jordan calling!  

Wow!!!  Now that just makes my day, and it is always more than a phone call.