We had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends in the Philippines. My husband’s childhood friend and Nathan’s Godfather got married on this beautiful private island in the southern part of the Philippines. Nathan was the ring bearer, with my assistance, and my husband was the best man. We spent three days on this breath taking beach resort. It was truly an experience and to the point where you are pinching yourself saying – “Am I truly here”.

We were fortunate enough to take a month off and spend quality time with Nathan and my in-laws. Our days consisted of hanging out at home, going to the pool, meeting friends for lunch or dinner, and weekends at the beach - island hoping. The freshest fruits, vegetables and seafood constantly surrounded us.

This was Nathan’s second trip to the Philippines and he adapted very quickly to the environment and amazed us with his memory for places, people and things. As soon as he got to his grandparent’s home he immediately ran down the stairs to the playroom.

The malls in the Philippines have these drop-in play gyms that are similar the play areas at IKEA. However, no one just leaves their child, as everyone seems to have a nanny, who watches over their children as they play. I hired a special education teacher for the month to assist us with Nathan and to give my husband and I some down time. She is a family friend and someone I have worked with over the years when I would go to the Philippines to do outreach for the indigenous children in Davao City and surrounding provinces. She actually helped me build a preschool in her hometown of Bagio Oshiro. I felt so blessed to have someone we could trust and understand Nathan’s needs and wants. I brought tons of his TEACH tasks, Hand Writing Without Tears material, and his favorite activities so he could maintain some structure to his mornings and then his afternoon’s were free for swimming, playing, going to the mall, etc.

We had so much fun that we got a bit run-down and Nathan came down with a horrible flu (fever and stomach) the last week. I thought Nathan was on the mends and then I got sick the day we were flying home. It was horrible – I wanted to get home to my own bed so bad that I suffered as we all dragged ourselves to the airport. This trip we used miles and upgraded to First Class or I don’t think I would have made it through the flight.

Just as we got to sleep and I was awakened by Nathan vomiting all over me…. Let’s just say it was a flipping long 12-hour flight home… (And, luckily, God gave me the sense to pack extra clothes for all of us in our carry on luggage). These are the moments your marriage vows are truly tested…. through sickness and in health!