New Beginnings

Last week Wes (one of the missionaries) and I started a Bible study with two kids: Ricardo and Carolina. I should post a picture with them, they are absolutely adorable and I think are 10 and 12. We've been reading a children's Bible storybook with them and they seem to be really enjoying it and Ricardo has the biggest grin on his face when we arrive, when it's his turn to read, and when he has something to say in response to the story...so cute. Anyway, I just love their interest and enthusiasm about the Bible stories and I pray that the time we spend with them helps to open their hearts and minds to what God has in store for them.

This Sunday the church is going out to Villa Maria, the slums, where we usually have vacation Bible school-like activities, to have a garage sale type event. We have been gathering clothes from people in the church and friends and are taking them out there to sell (at very low cost) to the people in that neighborhood. The profits are going to be used to help fund the activities that usually go on out there and perhaps other local needs. I just want to ask for special prayers for this event because we will be coming into contact with many new people and need to be especially intentional about our time there.

Today, Wednesday, is my little sister Cathryn's Birthday and she's officially an "adult"! I can't tell you in words how much I love and adore my lil sis. She's incredibly friendly and loving and at times, I'll admit, wiser than me. One of the hardest things about being here is not being able to squeeze her to death like I would when I came home from college. Well, Cathryn I hope you have an absolutely amazing 18th birthday filled with too many smiles and laughs! I love you!!