Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you for your prayers last Friday when I took my class on the mission trip to the Santos Pamba School! God heard them. We had a wonderful time. My students had been praying all week that it would be sunny and not rain. It didn’t rain until we were in the bus on our way home! I had been praying that this first visit to Santos Pamba would be an eye-opening experience for my students and that they would walk away changed. Prayers were answered!
We had 15 adults go with us, including my new Principal and his wife, as well as my Director’s wife, and many parents. Pablo also went with us. When we arrived I assigned each student with an “amiguito” from Santos Pamba to be buddies for the day. We then sang songs (Pablo played the guitar). My class presented the Christmas story play and we talked about how Jesus is the best Christmas gift ever. Afterwards we did a Christmas art project with them and then went to play games outside. We brought balls and big parachutes to play with. We then had lunch all together. The day went by quickly and soon it was time to leave. My students gave their amiguitos little Christmas candy bags and hugged them goodbye. Many of my girls cried because they didn’t want to leave their amiguitas. When we returned to school I had them journal and write about what they observed that day and learned from our trip. These were some of their precious comments:
“I observed that my buddies’ shoes were ripped and many of the kids were not wearing socks. Thank you God that I always have socks.”
“I was nervous to meet the kids because they are poor and I knew that my heart would be sad for them, but God helped me not be nervous and comforted my heart. I love my new friends and hope we can keep visiting them.”
“We need to love poor people like the kids at Santos Pamba because God loves them just as much as He loves us.”
“The gift that my buddy gave me (a paper angel) is the best Christmas gift ever because I know he made it with his heart. He doesn’t have very much, but he spent time making me a special gift.”
These are just some of their comments. My purpose of the trip was accomplished, Praise God! My students feel in love with the kids at Santos Pamba, and most importantly, they learned to love those who are unlike them. They are eagerly awaiting the next trip we will have to Santos Pamba.
Thank you for your prayers and constant support! Above are some pictures from our mission trip.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
November pictures
The Santos Pamba School teachers: Amanda, Mary, and Soledad
Last weekend at Rancho de los Pinos
Pablo singing at Santa Maria Quichua Alliance Church
At Santa Maria Quichua Alliance Church
My little Native Americans and Pilgrims
3rd Grade Class Picture (with Amy their ESL teacher)November update
Dear Friends and Family,
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Phil. 1:3
That is true! Thank you for your constant encouragement, support, and prayers for me. You are each a vital part to my ministry here. I could not be here without your prayer and support backing me. Thank you very much!
It has been a long time since my last update. So much has happened that I don’t know where to begin! First of all I want to thank all of you for your prayers for my health. I found out that I have allergies now here. I have to take medicine daily, but I’m feeling a lot better. Thank you for your kind emails and many prayers.
School Update:
As I wrote last time, I have a very challenging class this year (see my class picture above). Every day I have to seek the Lord for patience and wisdom on how to be the best teacher for each of them. I have a PRAISE- my new boy who is ADD accepted Jesus a couple of weeks ago! Praise God! That is the reason I am teaching at the Alliance Academy. I pray that the Lord will continue to use me as He wants there. For Thanksgiving my class has the tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Feast for the Ecuadorian maintenance workers at our school. The purpose is that the students get a chance to thank them and appreciate those that serve them daily. They each made cards and all of the parents brought food. We had our feast on Tuesday. My students also did a play about the first Thanksgiving. (see pictures) I can’t believe November is coming to a close and that Monday will be December! On December 5th it is Independence Day for Quito, Ecuador. There are many cultural traditional events that will take place over the weekend- including bullfights! We are having a special celebration at our school for the kids. A couple of weeks ago I was asked to have a student teacher in January who is from Cedarville University. It seems like just yesterday that I was a student teacher!
I continue to have the Bible study with the new teachers. We are doing a Beth Moore study about the Tabernacle. It has been incredible! Everyone is enjoying the time of fellowship and growth together. This weekend we are all going to the beach together for Thanksgiving vacation!
On a personal note: Many of you already know this, but I have been dating an Ecuadorian named Pablo Flores. We met at my school. He teaches guitar. Pablo is a very gifted musician. He leads worship at his church, which I go to every other week. He is a wonderful man of God and is passionate about my ministry also. When I go to the Quichua churches he joins me and is able to share his gift of music with them, which has been a blessing. It has been wonderful to serve the Lord together. When my family was here this summer they met Pablo. He will be coming home with me for Christmas so I hope many of you can meet him!
My roommate Laura got engaged in October! She will be getting married here in Quito on June 20th. It has been very special to be a part of her life during this time. My dear friend Cheryl (who lived here in Quito and moved back to Canada) came with a team and stayed an extra week with me! It was God’s perfect timing. She was such an encouragement to me and our time together was very refreshing. It was just what I needed.
Safety: The crime in Quito has been increasing a lot lately. There have been many crimes and threats happening to people I know. Please pray for my safety and that the Lord will continue to protect me as He has and that I won’t live with fear.
Ministry Update:
I have been visiting different Quichua Alliance Churches with the Shafers and Pablo. My friend Cheryl brought a team here from Canada and we were able to work with them at Santa Maria and El Tejar church (above are some pictures). Pablo and I have also been helping with a new church plant that his church has in the south of Quito. Pablo has been helping with worship. There are only 15-20 people at the church right now, so we have been going to encourage them. This past weekend Pablo and I went to visit a Quichua church that is in a very poor and dangerous neighborhood (Rancho de los Pinos). This church has been struggling for members because the people have very hard hearts. Many are alcoholics, in gangs, are robbers, etc. There were only 2 adults, Pastor Juan, and 12 kids at church. Pastor Juan asked Pablo and I to do a children’s service since there were mainly kids. Pablo played the guitar and we taught them Bible songs. I then taught a Bible story about how God is always with us and we don’t have to be afraid. I had brought toothbrushes, shirts, and mittens with me that had been donated. The children were so happy to receive gifts. We had a wonderful morning together. (see picture above) After the service Pablo and I had a time of prayer with Pastor Juan and the church leaders. It was a very special time.
Santos Pamba Update: The school year has gotten off to a great start. The students are all loving school and never want to go home! I haven’t been able to visit the students during the school day yet, but I have been meeting with the teachers. Every other week I have them over to my house for coffee and a time to share teaching ideas with them and pray together. (see picture of them) We now have purchased doors thanks to donations and are working on getting windows now. Last week Pedro Pablo had a meeting with Compassion International. Sadly, they denied our site until January. They had 10 applicants and could only choose 2 for October. We are trusting that this is God’s will and will continue to pray and prepare for January. I am planning on bringing my new class on a field trip/mission trip to Santos Pamba in a couple of weeks. Please continue to pray for the ministry at Santos Pamba and for the children.
Quick Summary:
Praises: health, student accepted Christ, school year at Santos Pamba going well, spiritual growth occurring during Bible study with teachers, God is continuing to use me here daily and open the doors for ministry
Prayer Requests: patience and wisdom with my students, ministry at Santos Pamba and the children, be able to purchase windows soon, safety
Thank you for your support! I love and appreciate each of you! May God continue to bless you.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Phil. 1:3
That is true! Thank you for your constant encouragement, support, and prayers for me. You are each a vital part to my ministry here. I could not be here without your prayer and support backing me. Thank you very much!
It has been a long time since my last update. So much has happened that I don’t know where to begin! First of all I want to thank all of you for your prayers for my health. I found out that I have allergies now here. I have to take medicine daily, but I’m feeling a lot better. Thank you for your kind emails and many prayers.
School Update:
As I wrote last time, I have a very challenging class this year (see my class picture above). Every day I have to seek the Lord for patience and wisdom on how to be the best teacher for each of them. I have a PRAISE- my new boy who is ADD accepted Jesus a couple of weeks ago! Praise God! That is the reason I am teaching at the Alliance Academy. I pray that the Lord will continue to use me as He wants there. For Thanksgiving my class has the tradition of hosting a Thanksgiving Feast for the Ecuadorian maintenance workers at our school. The purpose is that the students get a chance to thank them and appreciate those that serve them daily. They each made cards and all of the parents brought food. We had our feast on Tuesday. My students also did a play about the first Thanksgiving. (see pictures) I can’t believe November is coming to a close and that Monday will be December! On December 5th it is Independence Day for Quito, Ecuador. There are many cultural traditional events that will take place over the weekend- including bullfights! We are having a special celebration at our school for the kids. A couple of weeks ago I was asked to have a student teacher in January who is from Cedarville University. It seems like just yesterday that I was a student teacher!
I continue to have the Bible study with the new teachers. We are doing a Beth Moore study about the Tabernacle. It has been incredible! Everyone is enjoying the time of fellowship and growth together. This weekend we are all going to the beach together for Thanksgiving vacation!
On a personal note: Many of you already know this, but I have been dating an Ecuadorian named Pablo Flores. We met at my school. He teaches guitar. Pablo is a very gifted musician. He leads worship at his church, which I go to every other week. He is a wonderful man of God and is passionate about my ministry also. When I go to the Quichua churches he joins me and is able to share his gift of music with them, which has been a blessing. It has been wonderful to serve the Lord together. When my family was here this summer they met Pablo. He will be coming home with me for Christmas so I hope many of you can meet him!
My roommate Laura got engaged in October! She will be getting married here in Quito on June 20th. It has been very special to be a part of her life during this time. My dear friend Cheryl (who lived here in Quito and moved back to Canada) came with a team and stayed an extra week with me! It was God’s perfect timing. She was such an encouragement to me and our time together was very refreshing. It was just what I needed.
Safety: The crime in Quito has been increasing a lot lately. There have been many crimes and threats happening to people I know. Please pray for my safety and that the Lord will continue to protect me as He has and that I won’t live with fear.
Ministry Update:
I have been visiting different Quichua Alliance Churches with the Shafers and Pablo. My friend Cheryl brought a team here from Canada and we were able to work with them at Santa Maria and El Tejar church (above are some pictures). Pablo and I have also been helping with a new church plant that his church has in the south of Quito. Pablo has been helping with worship. There are only 15-20 people at the church right now, so we have been going to encourage them. This past weekend Pablo and I went to visit a Quichua church that is in a very poor and dangerous neighborhood (Rancho de los Pinos). This church has been struggling for members because the people have very hard hearts. Many are alcoholics, in gangs, are robbers, etc. There were only 2 adults, Pastor Juan, and 12 kids at church. Pastor Juan asked Pablo and I to do a children’s service since there were mainly kids. Pablo played the guitar and we taught them Bible songs. I then taught a Bible story about how God is always with us and we don’t have to be afraid. I had brought toothbrushes, shirts, and mittens with me that had been donated. The children were so happy to receive gifts. We had a wonderful morning together. (see picture above) After the service Pablo and I had a time of prayer with Pastor Juan and the church leaders. It was a very special time.
Santos Pamba Update: The school year has gotten off to a great start. The students are all loving school and never want to go home! I haven’t been able to visit the students during the school day yet, but I have been meeting with the teachers. Every other week I have them over to my house for coffee and a time to share teaching ideas with them and pray together. (see picture of them) We now have purchased doors thanks to donations and are working on getting windows now. Last week Pedro Pablo had a meeting with Compassion International. Sadly, they denied our site until January. They had 10 applicants and could only choose 2 for October. We are trusting that this is God’s will and will continue to pray and prepare for January. I am planning on bringing my new class on a field trip/mission trip to Santos Pamba in a couple of weeks. Please continue to pray for the ministry at Santos Pamba and for the children.
Quick Summary:
Praises: health, student accepted Christ, school year at Santos Pamba going well, spiritual growth occurring during Bible study with teachers, God is continuing to use me here daily and open the doors for ministry
Prayer Requests: patience and wisdom with my students, ministry at Santos Pamba and the children, be able to purchase windows soon, safety
Thank you for your support! I love and appreciate each of you! May God continue to bless you.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Downtown Quito with my family
Santos Pamba School building
My mom and Ken playing duck duck goose with the Santos Pamba kids
Activity with the kids at Santos Pamba
The kids with their new wool hats that my mom made
My roommate Laura's birthday party at our apartment
At Santos Pamba church service with the teachers
My good friend Pablo playing a special worship songfor the Santos Pamba church service
New School Year!
I have been back in Quito now for 2 months! Forgive me for not writing an update sooner. Life has been very busy. I returned the beginning of August- with my family! They stayed for two weeks. It was wonderful to be able to show them around Ecuador, introduce them to the people, and visit churches that I have been working with. I loved having them here with me. They left on August 19th and I had one week to get my classroom ready for school to begin again at the Alliance Academy International. I lost my voice that week and sent an email out asking for prayer. God answered prayers because my voice came back the day before school started! However, I continue to be sick. Right now I have a sinus infection that won’t go away. Please pray for my health and that the Lord will restore it quickly.
Here are more details about what has been going on:
Alliance Academy: I am teaching 3rd grade again this year. This year I have 15 students, of which 4 are American, 2 are Korean, 1 is Chinese, and 8 are Ecuadorian. I have a more challenging class this year. I have one student who does not speak English, one student who is extremely ADD, and one special needs student who is at a 1st grade level. God is testing my patience daily, but I know He has put each student in my class and will give me the wisdom to be the best teacher for them. Please pray for me!
This year I started a Bible study, along with my friend Cherie, for the new young single women who work at Alliance. There are 9 of us. We meet on Sunday nights for dinner and then Bible study. It has been wonderful to build a community and be in the Word together. Please pray for us, and that they Lord will teach us and lead us during our time together.
Santos Pamba School: Thank you to everyone who has sponsored a child’s education. School started September 2nd. We have a new kindergarten teacher named Soledad who is wonderful. Soledad is a senior in college and studies in the afternoons. She is working with Amanda and Mary. I am meeting with the teachers every other week to give them ideas, and encourage them. There are 12 kindergarten students, and 30 preschoolers this year. I am in the process of taking their individual pictures. They each received a new backpack for school (thanks to a sponsor!), new uniforms (thanks to a sponsor!), warm hats (made by my mom), and a toothbrush (thanks to Dr. Kadzik in Gig Harbor!). We were able to purchase all of their textbooks using money from sponsors. The moms and dads are very grateful. Thank you for investing in the future of these children, and most importantly, joining me in prayer for them.
God’s faithfulness and provision never ceases to amaze me! We are finishing the 2nd level of the school still. The classrooms have been moved to the 2nd level because the rooms are bigger, however they are not finished yet. There are no doors or windows. The students are cold from the wind that enters. We brought this need before God and WOW He provided again! The next day I received a donation from a sponsor! God is so good! We also need to buy/have made 15 desks and chairs for the kindergarten classroom, and tables for another room, which is used for tutoring. I am working on getting these things done.
Compassion International Update for Santos Pamba: Pastor Pedro Pablo and I are on a waiting list to have a meeting with the Director of Compassion here in Ecuador. It’s October now- when they promised we could get the paperwork started for the site. Please pray that we will have a meeting soon.
Quick summary:
Prayer requests:
-wisdom for leading Bible study for new young single women
-health restored 100%!
-meeting with Compassion International for Santos Pamba site
-wisdom and guidance to be the best teacher for my class
-balance in my life with school, friends, the Bible study, Santos Pamba- that I will say no to things that I don’t have time for
Praises:
-God’s continued faithfulness and provision
-new teacher Soledad for kindergarten at Santos Pamba
-many new young single teachers at Alliance
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for me. I feel them! Above are some new pictures. I will post more soon. God bless you all!
Here are more details about what has been going on:
Alliance Academy: I am teaching 3rd grade again this year. This year I have 15 students, of which 4 are American, 2 are Korean, 1 is Chinese, and 8 are Ecuadorian. I have a more challenging class this year. I have one student who does not speak English, one student who is extremely ADD, and one special needs student who is at a 1st grade level. God is testing my patience daily, but I know He has put each student in my class and will give me the wisdom to be the best teacher for them. Please pray for me!
This year I started a Bible study, along with my friend Cherie, for the new young single women who work at Alliance. There are 9 of us. We meet on Sunday nights for dinner and then Bible study. It has been wonderful to build a community and be in the Word together. Please pray for us, and that they Lord will teach us and lead us during our time together.
Santos Pamba School: Thank you to everyone who has sponsored a child’s education. School started September 2nd. We have a new kindergarten teacher named Soledad who is wonderful. Soledad is a senior in college and studies in the afternoons. She is working with Amanda and Mary. I am meeting with the teachers every other week to give them ideas, and encourage them. There are 12 kindergarten students, and 30 preschoolers this year. I am in the process of taking their individual pictures. They each received a new backpack for school (thanks to a sponsor!), new uniforms (thanks to a sponsor!), warm hats (made by my mom), and a toothbrush (thanks to Dr. Kadzik in Gig Harbor!). We were able to purchase all of their textbooks using money from sponsors. The moms and dads are very grateful. Thank you for investing in the future of these children, and most importantly, joining me in prayer for them.
God’s faithfulness and provision never ceases to amaze me! We are finishing the 2nd level of the school still. The classrooms have been moved to the 2nd level because the rooms are bigger, however they are not finished yet. There are no doors or windows. The students are cold from the wind that enters. We brought this need before God and WOW He provided again! The next day I received a donation from a sponsor! God is so good! We also need to buy/have made 15 desks and chairs for the kindergarten classroom, and tables for another room, which is used for tutoring. I am working on getting these things done.
Compassion International Update for Santos Pamba: Pastor Pedro Pablo and I are on a waiting list to have a meeting with the Director of Compassion here in Ecuador. It’s October now- when they promised we could get the paperwork started for the site. Please pray that we will have a meeting soon.
Quick summary:
Prayer requests:
-wisdom for leading Bible study for new young single women
-health restored 100%!
-meeting with Compassion International for Santos Pamba site
-wisdom and guidance to be the best teacher for my class
-balance in my life with school, friends, the Bible study, Santos Pamba- that I will say no to things that I don’t have time for
Praises:
-God’s continued faithfulness and provision
-new teacher Soledad for kindergarten at Santos Pamba
-many new young single teachers at Alliance
Thank you for your continued support and prayers for me. I feel them! Above are some new pictures. I will post more soon. God bless you all!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
June Pictures
My students with their amiguitos
Precious kids
My students leading the Bible story time
Eating with amigos
My class at the Alliance- end of the year picture
Look how much the house has grown!
June Update
God is continuing to move here in Ecuador! It is exciting to be a part of it. Here is an update about what has been going on the past month:
MINISTRY:
In May a group of dentists came from Washington, along with Margie Snodgrass. The Lord used them to help many people with dental needs and through that they saw many people come to the Lord! I was going to travel with them for 4 days, but plans changed and I stayed in Quito with one of the team members. I was able to spend a day with Margie (my Pastor’s wife), which was very special and encouraging.
Two interns arrived in May to work with Mark and Cheryl Shafer. Jonathan, 23, is from Idaho and is here until October. Meylin, 22, is from Nicaragua and is here for a year! Our team is growing! They are very excited about serving the indigenous communities here. Jon is learning Spanish right now. Meylin has been preaching in many of the churches and encouraging pastors. We have become very good friends. I am excited to work more with them when I return in August.
SCHOOL (ALLIANCE):
I have now finished my 2nd year of teaching at the Alliance Academy! I can’t believe it! This school year seemed to have gone by very fast. My last week of school was very busy!
I took my students to Santos Pamba for our last mission trip on June 6th. My students planned everything- they sang songs, had snack, watched a Veggie Tales about how God is always with us, shared Bible verses, lead a time of games, a craft, and ate lunch together. My students bought lunch for their amiguitos. My students did everything! I was very proud of them! We have now begun a tradition of Elementary Mission Trips! You are never too young to serve the Lord and my students are a testimony to that! I praise God for using me to connect my school (upper class) with the Ecuadorian community. When it came time to say goodbye, my kids were crying. They didn’t want to leave their amiguitos. They begged me to take them next year. Two mothers told me that they want to organize trips with the kids on Saturday next year with me. All of the students cheered and were excited about that idea. I love that they have built relationships with the kids at Santos Pamba and want to continue! May the Lord continue to use me as His instrument.
We had a Father’s Day breakfast on June 9th- I made cinnamon rolls from scratch for the first time! We then had a 3rd grade end of the year field trip, where we went ice skating. The last day of school I had my class over to my house for a pancake breakfast and time of closure. It was very special. We had a time of reflection about our year together and they shared their favorite things. Guess what they all said first?? Our mission trips to Santos Pamba and becoming friends with the preschoolers. I cried. My goal and my prayer came true-my students were impacted by those experiences and learned to love those who are different from them. I pray that they will never forget the lessons learned through going to Santos Pamba.
We have a new Elementary Principal now! I look forward to meeting him in August and trust that he is an answer to our many prayers for a new Godly and qualified principal. Thank you for praying. I already found out that I have 15 students next year. Two new students that don’t speak English!
SANTOS PAMBA:
The FIRST school year will end on July 4th. I met with the teachers yesterday. I am so proud of them for all the work they have done this year to get the school started. Next year they want to have Pre-K, 1st, and 2nd grade! (what we call Pre-preschool, Preschool, and K). We are in the process of looking for 2 more teachers. We need a Pre-K teacher and a 2nd grade teacher. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR CHRISTIAN TEACHERS! There are many parents in the community who have heard about our school and want to send their kids their next year. Praise God! Many of the families are non-Christians! There are already 20 students registered for 1st grade next year, which Amanda and Mary will continue to teach together. I am in the process of interviewing a Pre-K teacher right now and thinking to only start with 8-10 students. Our goal is to have the kids enter in Pre-K and continue in the school for the next grades. This way the school will continue to grow. Many of the students this year are staying for 2nd grade next year. With new students entering the school, I am in need of new sponsors! Please let me know if you are interested in helping a child go to school next year, for only $100.
Construction continues! The second floor is almost finished. (see pictures) This week a church team from Atlanta is coming to help finish the rooms and paint. These rooms will be used for classrooms next year for the school, and also for the Compassion tutoring program which will begin in October.
I met with Pastor Pedro Pablo and an accountant today about hiring a bookkeeper to manage the finances of the church, school, and future Compassion program. The accountant is a strong Christian and his ministry is to help pastors administer their churches well. He is going to have his intern, Rosio, be the bookkeeper of Santos Pamba and work alongside her to train her well. This is a huge answer to my prayers! I will now not have to worry about managing the bank accounts of the church and school. Praise God! Ramiro is an answer to prayer and he is excited to be a part of our team, along with Rosio.
I am returning to Gig Harbor on Tuesday, June 24th. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you and reconnecting. I have plans to visit my grandparents, but other than that, I will be around Gig Harbor! I would love to see each of you! I will be in the US until August 5th.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. You are each a blessing to me and to many here in Ecuador!
MINISTRY:
In May a group of dentists came from Washington, along with Margie Snodgrass. The Lord used them to help many people with dental needs and through that they saw many people come to the Lord! I was going to travel with them for 4 days, but plans changed and I stayed in Quito with one of the team members. I was able to spend a day with Margie (my Pastor’s wife), which was very special and encouraging.
Two interns arrived in May to work with Mark and Cheryl Shafer. Jonathan, 23, is from Idaho and is here until October. Meylin, 22, is from Nicaragua and is here for a year! Our team is growing! They are very excited about serving the indigenous communities here. Jon is learning Spanish right now. Meylin has been preaching in many of the churches and encouraging pastors. We have become very good friends. I am excited to work more with them when I return in August.
SCHOOL (ALLIANCE):
I have now finished my 2nd year of teaching at the Alliance Academy! I can’t believe it! This school year seemed to have gone by very fast. My last week of school was very busy!
I took my students to Santos Pamba for our last mission trip on June 6th. My students planned everything- they sang songs, had snack, watched a Veggie Tales about how God is always with us, shared Bible verses, lead a time of games, a craft, and ate lunch together. My students bought lunch for their amiguitos. My students did everything! I was very proud of them! We have now begun a tradition of Elementary Mission Trips! You are never too young to serve the Lord and my students are a testimony to that! I praise God for using me to connect my school (upper class) with the Ecuadorian community. When it came time to say goodbye, my kids were crying. They didn’t want to leave their amiguitos. They begged me to take them next year. Two mothers told me that they want to organize trips with the kids on Saturday next year with me. All of the students cheered and were excited about that idea. I love that they have built relationships with the kids at Santos Pamba and want to continue! May the Lord continue to use me as His instrument.
We had a Father’s Day breakfast on June 9th- I made cinnamon rolls from scratch for the first time! We then had a 3rd grade end of the year field trip, where we went ice skating. The last day of school I had my class over to my house for a pancake breakfast and time of closure. It was very special. We had a time of reflection about our year together and they shared their favorite things. Guess what they all said first?? Our mission trips to Santos Pamba and becoming friends with the preschoolers. I cried. My goal and my prayer came true-my students were impacted by those experiences and learned to love those who are different from them. I pray that they will never forget the lessons learned through going to Santos Pamba.
We have a new Elementary Principal now! I look forward to meeting him in August and trust that he is an answer to our many prayers for a new Godly and qualified principal. Thank you for praying. I already found out that I have 15 students next year. Two new students that don’t speak English!
SANTOS PAMBA:
The FIRST school year will end on July 4th. I met with the teachers yesterday. I am so proud of them for all the work they have done this year to get the school started. Next year they want to have Pre-K, 1st, and 2nd grade! (what we call Pre-preschool, Preschool, and K). We are in the process of looking for 2 more teachers. We need a Pre-K teacher and a 2nd grade teacher. PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR CHRISTIAN TEACHERS! There are many parents in the community who have heard about our school and want to send their kids their next year. Praise God! Many of the families are non-Christians! There are already 20 students registered for 1st grade next year, which Amanda and Mary will continue to teach together. I am in the process of interviewing a Pre-K teacher right now and thinking to only start with 8-10 students. Our goal is to have the kids enter in Pre-K and continue in the school for the next grades. This way the school will continue to grow. Many of the students this year are staying for 2nd grade next year. With new students entering the school, I am in need of new sponsors! Please let me know if you are interested in helping a child go to school next year, for only $100.
Construction continues! The second floor is almost finished. (see pictures) This week a church team from Atlanta is coming to help finish the rooms and paint. These rooms will be used for classrooms next year for the school, and also for the Compassion tutoring program which will begin in October.
I met with Pastor Pedro Pablo and an accountant today about hiring a bookkeeper to manage the finances of the church, school, and future Compassion program. The accountant is a strong Christian and his ministry is to help pastors administer their churches well. He is going to have his intern, Rosio, be the bookkeeper of Santos Pamba and work alongside her to train her well. This is a huge answer to my prayers! I will now not have to worry about managing the bank accounts of the church and school. Praise God! Ramiro is an answer to prayer and he is excited to be a part of our team, along with Rosio.
I am returning to Gig Harbor on Tuesday, June 24th. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you and reconnecting. I have plans to visit my grandparents, but other than that, I will be around Gig Harbor! I would love to see each of you! I will be in the US until August 5th.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. You are each a blessing to me and to many here in Ecuador!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Quick Santos Pamba update
Today I had a meeting with Pastor Pedro Pablo and Amanda, one of the teachers. They told me that over the weekend the parents painted the cafeteria and kitchen! Yeah! I will send pictures soon. They have begun construction on the second floor. The last day of classes will be July 4th. Also, another blessing- UNICEF donated food to Santos Pamba and now they are feeding the preschoolers 3 times a week! :) God is faithful and continues to provide!
Saturday, May 17, 2008
May Pictures
Kid's Choir at Santa Maria
May Update
The last month has been very busy. I am finally having time to write an update. Here’s what has been happening lately…..
COMPASSION approval for Santos Pamba!
Pastor Pedro Pablo and I met with the Director of Compassion International for Ecuador in the beginning of May. He told us that in October they will begin a project at Santos Pamba!! Praise God! Thank you for your constant prayers and support. God has heard your prayers!
In the meantime, we have to find over 100 kids to be a part of the project and have to finish the construction of the house (cafeteria and kitchen). We still need to install lights, and paint the cafeteria. The kitchen needs to be furnished and plumbing/sinks installed. Tables and benches also need to be made for the cafeteria. The rain is beginning to slow down finally. We are going to begin construction on the retaining wall by the church. There is still a lot to do, but God keeps providing and we are trusting in Him! Let me know if you want to be a part of finishing this project. It’s exciting! God has big plans for Santos Pamba, and this is just the beginning.
Preschool update:
ALL of the preschoolers are now sponsored! Praise God! Thank you to those who are joining me in prayer for the preschoolers and investing in their lives.
We have just been approved by the Ministry of Education as an official school in Ecuador! They encouraged us to find a Quichua teacher so that the students will learn their native language, as well as Spanish and hopefully English. Pastor Pedro Pablo is in the process of looking for a Quichua teacher for next year.
I had the two Preschool teachers to my home for dinner a couple of weeks ago. Mary, the teacher’s assistant, has not graduated from high school. She comes from a poor indigenous family. I’ve been encouraging her to go back to school so that she can be a role model for others. She always tells me no. However, GOOD NEWS! She decided to go back to school and get her GED! Mary does not have the resources to pay for this. She has 5 children in school, and is in her late 40’s. If you would be interested in helping Mary finish high school, please let me know.
The first school year at the Santos Pamba Preschool is ending soon. It is amazing how much the kids have learned with Amanda and Mary. They are wonderful teachers and truly dedicated to teaching these kids and most importantly, sharing God’s love with them. Many parents want to continue for next year- but we need another teacher! Please join us in prayer that God will provide another teacher for the next level (called 2nd grade here, but really more like kindergarten/1st grade).
Ministry Update:
At the beginning of May, Dave and Marilyn Shaw, with their daughter Becky, came to work with Santa Maria Quichua Alliance Church. I was able to spend 4 days with them. I worked with them last year when they were here in October. We did home visits in Santa Maria and encouraged the brothers and sisters. I was their translator. It was very humbling to see the homes and receive their hospitality. They fed us in every home, even though they do not have the means to provide for themselves. We went to be a blessing to them, but left being more blessed. We also took a road trip to Quitocucho where I lived for a week last summer. We visited the church members and had cafecito with them. For their last weekend, Dave preached at El Tejar Alliance Church which is the main Quichua church in Quito. I translated for him! It was in front of over 100 people. I was shaking in the pew before I had to go on stage. As soon as I stepped on the stage, I stopped shaking and had a complete peace from the Lord.
Margie Snodgrass and some dentists from Washington are here working in small villages named San Miguel and Cajabamba. They will be here until May 31st. On Thursday night I am going to travel south and spend 4 days with them. I will be returning Sunday evening. I will let you know how our time goes.
School (Alliance) update:
I am quickly finishing up my second year of teaching. It has flown by! I have a wonderful class this year, just like last year. It will be hard to let them go to 4th grade! We are going to go to have a day with their preschool “amiguitos” one last time on June 6th. My students don’t want to go to 4th grade because they want to keep going to the preschool! I love how they have fallen in love with them. I thank God for the opportunity I have had to expose these kids to poverty, the indigenous culture, and life outside their comfort zone. They have learned to love everyone just like Jesus. My last day of school is June 13th.
I had my last children’s hospital visit with the high school students on Wednesday. I decided that I am not going to be a part of that ministry next year. I feel that the Lord is leading me in other directions. There are many new young teachers coming to teach at the Alliance next year! I’m excited! I am the “big sister” to 2 of them and will be helping them get settled here. I have been asked to lead a Bible study next year for the young, single woman staff at my school. I am praying about this. Please pray for wisdom for me. I feel honored to be asked, but am not sure if it is what God wants me to do. Another change at my school is that we are getting a new Elementary principal. Please join us in prayer that the Lord will provide a qualified and Godly new leader for our Elementary.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers! May God bless you.
COMPASSION approval for Santos Pamba!
Pastor Pedro Pablo and I met with the Director of Compassion International for Ecuador in the beginning of May. He told us that in October they will begin a project at Santos Pamba!! Praise God! Thank you for your constant prayers and support. God has heard your prayers!
In the meantime, we have to find over 100 kids to be a part of the project and have to finish the construction of the house (cafeteria and kitchen). We still need to install lights, and paint the cafeteria. The kitchen needs to be furnished and plumbing/sinks installed. Tables and benches also need to be made for the cafeteria. The rain is beginning to slow down finally. We are going to begin construction on the retaining wall by the church. There is still a lot to do, but God keeps providing and we are trusting in Him! Let me know if you want to be a part of finishing this project. It’s exciting! God has big plans for Santos Pamba, and this is just the beginning.
Preschool update:
ALL of the preschoolers are now sponsored! Praise God! Thank you to those who are joining me in prayer for the preschoolers and investing in their lives.
We have just been approved by the Ministry of Education as an official school in Ecuador! They encouraged us to find a Quichua teacher so that the students will learn their native language, as well as Spanish and hopefully English. Pastor Pedro Pablo is in the process of looking for a Quichua teacher for next year.
I had the two Preschool teachers to my home for dinner a couple of weeks ago. Mary, the teacher’s assistant, has not graduated from high school. She comes from a poor indigenous family. I’ve been encouraging her to go back to school so that she can be a role model for others. She always tells me no. However, GOOD NEWS! She decided to go back to school and get her GED! Mary does not have the resources to pay for this. She has 5 children in school, and is in her late 40’s. If you would be interested in helping Mary finish high school, please let me know.
The first school year at the Santos Pamba Preschool is ending soon. It is amazing how much the kids have learned with Amanda and Mary. They are wonderful teachers and truly dedicated to teaching these kids and most importantly, sharing God’s love with them. Many parents want to continue for next year- but we need another teacher! Please join us in prayer that God will provide another teacher for the next level (called 2nd grade here, but really more like kindergarten/1st grade).
Ministry Update:
At the beginning of May, Dave and Marilyn Shaw, with their daughter Becky, came to work with Santa Maria Quichua Alliance Church. I was able to spend 4 days with them. I worked with them last year when they were here in October. We did home visits in Santa Maria and encouraged the brothers and sisters. I was their translator. It was very humbling to see the homes and receive their hospitality. They fed us in every home, even though they do not have the means to provide for themselves. We went to be a blessing to them, but left being more blessed. We also took a road trip to Quitocucho where I lived for a week last summer. We visited the church members and had cafecito with them. For their last weekend, Dave preached at El Tejar Alliance Church which is the main Quichua church in Quito. I translated for him! It was in front of over 100 people. I was shaking in the pew before I had to go on stage. As soon as I stepped on the stage, I stopped shaking and had a complete peace from the Lord.
Margie Snodgrass and some dentists from Washington are here working in small villages named San Miguel and Cajabamba. They will be here until May 31st. On Thursday night I am going to travel south and spend 4 days with them. I will be returning Sunday evening. I will let you know how our time goes.
School (Alliance) update:
I am quickly finishing up my second year of teaching. It has flown by! I have a wonderful class this year, just like last year. It will be hard to let them go to 4th grade! We are going to go to have a day with their preschool “amiguitos” one last time on June 6th. My students don’t want to go to 4th grade because they want to keep going to the preschool! I love how they have fallen in love with them. I thank God for the opportunity I have had to expose these kids to poverty, the indigenous culture, and life outside their comfort zone. They have learned to love everyone just like Jesus. My last day of school is June 13th.
I had my last children’s hospital visit with the high school students on Wednesday. I decided that I am not going to be a part of that ministry next year. I feel that the Lord is leading me in other directions. There are many new young teachers coming to teach at the Alliance next year! I’m excited! I am the “big sister” to 2 of them and will be helping them get settled here. I have been asked to lead a Bible study next year for the young, single woman staff at my school. I am praying about this. Please pray for wisdom for me. I feel honored to be asked, but am not sure if it is what God wants me to do. Another change at my school is that we are getting a new Elementary principal. Please join us in prayer that the Lord will provide a qualified and Godly new leader for our Elementary.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers! May God bless you.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Falling Wall
A wall by church, where the kids play during recess, is collapsing! The rain has caused the dirt to become very loose. It is a HUGE danger. The home that you see at the top of the wall is in danger of falling. To build a retaining wall will cost around $5,000. Please pray for the rain to stop so that the construction can begin and that God will provide the finances and workers.New Preschooler Photos
On Saturday I went to Santos Pamba and got to see the preschoolers. We sang songs and played games. They also each received a toy from a donor. We had a great morning together. I love being with them! Praise God it didn't rain. Tomorrow I am having a meeting with the teachers at my house. Please continue to pray for the preschool and that God will provide for the needs. Thank you! ONLY 1 MORE PRESCHOOLER NEEDS A SPONSOR!! Are you interested?
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
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Rain, rain go away!
God is good, all the time. He never ceases to amaze me daily here in Quito. What a privilege it is to be a part of God’s work here. Here’s an update of what happened in March:
Santos Pamba Compassion Project Update: With the donated money, we are working on finishing painting the Compassion International house and are ordering tables to be made for the cafeteria. This Saturday the 5th I am going to Santos Pamba with the Architect and his team of workers. They are going to install donated kitchen cabinets, two toilets, and two sinks. They are also going to help finish painting! Pedro Pablo recently talked to the Compassion International representative about our site and said that they are going to visit within the next two weeks! Be praying! There are still many things to do before the program can run smoothly- buying utensils for the kitchen to cook the food, plates, etc., getting chairs and tables in all of the rooms for homework help centers, building shelves for a pantry, etc. The congregation of Santos Pamba church is very dedicated to this project, and knows that with the support of Compassion International, the future generation of children in this community will be impacted for Christ! Please continue to pray for the work in Santos Pamba and the Compassion International visit.
Preschool Update: Things are going very in the preschool. The teachers, Amanda and Mari, continue to be very dedicated to teaching and being examples of Christ to the 21 preschoolers. Finances are tight daily, but God is providing. I am still in need of 5 MORE SPONSORS for the education of 5 preschoolers this year. Please let me know if you are interested. Many of the preschoolers have been sick with colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia due to the cold, rainy weather right now. Please pray for health for them.
Karlita Update: Sadly, I have no update on Karlita. I have no way of communicating with her family because they do not have a phone in their home, and their cell phones were robbed. I have no idea what happened with the debt they owed to the hospital from her care in February. The social worker from the hospital that has been working with me can not get in touch with her family either. Please continue to pray for Karlita’s health and her family.
Ecuador update: The weather has been very harsh here. It will not stop raining. On the coast, there is flooding. Many people have lost everything they own, crops have been destroyed, and now sicknesses are spreading due to standing water. Here in Quito, the rain has caused landslides and rivers to overflow. On Monday a river overflowed and caused a main road to collapse. School has been cancelled for the past two days. Please pray for the rain to stop and for the many lives that have been affected by this weather. Thank you!
Quick summary of praises and prayer requests:
Praises:
-God's continued provision and faithfulness
-Health- my voice is back and cold is gone!
Prayer Requests:
-Compassion International visit to Santos Pamba
-Rain to stop and quick recovery
-for 5 more sponsors for the preschoolers
Thank you for your constant support and prayers. I appreciate them very much. Thank you for being a part of my ministry here and for joining with me. May the Lord continue to bless each of you!
Santos Pamba Compassion Project Update: With the donated money, we are working on finishing painting the Compassion International house and are ordering tables to be made for the cafeteria. This Saturday the 5th I am going to Santos Pamba with the Architect and his team of workers. They are going to install donated kitchen cabinets, two toilets, and two sinks. They are also going to help finish painting! Pedro Pablo recently talked to the Compassion International representative about our site and said that they are going to visit within the next two weeks! Be praying! There are still many things to do before the program can run smoothly- buying utensils for the kitchen to cook the food, plates, etc., getting chairs and tables in all of the rooms for homework help centers, building shelves for a pantry, etc. The congregation of Santos Pamba church is very dedicated to this project, and knows that with the support of Compassion International, the future generation of children in this community will be impacted for Christ! Please continue to pray for the work in Santos Pamba and the Compassion International visit.
Preschool Update: Things are going very in the preschool. The teachers, Amanda and Mari, continue to be very dedicated to teaching and being examples of Christ to the 21 preschoolers. Finances are tight daily, but God is providing. I am still in need of 5 MORE SPONSORS for the education of 5 preschoolers this year. Please let me know if you are interested. Many of the preschoolers have been sick with colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia due to the cold, rainy weather right now. Please pray for health for them.
Karlita Update: Sadly, I have no update on Karlita. I have no way of communicating with her family because they do not have a phone in their home, and their cell phones were robbed. I have no idea what happened with the debt they owed to the hospital from her care in February. The social worker from the hospital that has been working with me can not get in touch with her family either. Please continue to pray for Karlita’s health and her family.
Ecuador update: The weather has been very harsh here. It will not stop raining. On the coast, there is flooding. Many people have lost everything they own, crops have been destroyed, and now sicknesses are spreading due to standing water. Here in Quito, the rain has caused landslides and rivers to overflow. On Monday a river overflowed and caused a main road to collapse. School has been cancelled for the past two days. Please pray for the rain to stop and for the many lives that have been affected by this weather. Thank you!
Quick summary of praises and prayer requests:
Praises:
-God's continued provision and faithfulness
-Health- my voice is back and cold is gone!
Prayer Requests:
-Compassion International visit to Santos Pamba
-Rain to stop and quick recovery
-for 5 more sponsors for the preschoolers
Thank you for your constant support and prayers. I appreciate them very much. Thank you for being a part of my ministry here and for joining with me. May the Lord continue to bless each of you!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
February Pictures
CLASS MISSION TRIP: VALENTINE'S PARTY
AT SANTOS PAMBA PRESCHOOL
JUNGLE TRIP WITH HIGH SCHOOL
CONSTRUCTION ON SANTOS PAMBA
God's Continued Faithfulness
So much has happened in the past few weeks! Are you ready to hear?
Jungle Trip with High Schoolers: (see pictures)
February 2nd – 5th I went on a mission trip with the high school students from my school. Thank you to those who prayed for us! We had an incredible trip. Nothing went wrong! I was so proud of the high schoolers. They put on a children’s program with clowns, puppets, songs, a Bible story, crafts, and games. We went to three small jungle villages: Pano, Campana Cocha, and Achidona. We saw over 400 children! For many of the high schoolers, this was their first exposure to the jungle and poverty. We had to bathe in the muddy river, sleep on the floor, etc. It made me think back to the many mission trips I went on in high school and how they changed my life. I pray that this trip changed their lives also.
Santos Pamba Preschool Update: (see pictures)
As I shared in my last update, the architect Antonio Naranjo sent 3 of his workers with me on January 26th to work on the Compassion House. They put in the electricity, and painted 2 of the classrooms! Antonio also was able to get come kitchen supplies donated. Praise God for this connection. He wants to continue to help. Next weekend, he is sending a team with me to finish painting, start building the retaining wall, and to install 2 bathrooms! God has been providing!!
The Lord is SOOOO good! Remember the retaining wall and how it is an emergency because the wall is collapsing? The Lord responded to this need and moved in the heart of a Foundation. They donated money to build the wall and help finish the house for Compassion to come!! PRAISE GOD! When I shared this wonderful news with the Pastor, his response was, “God is faithful. When we come before Him and submit to Him, He provides if it is His will.” This is confirmation again that the Lord has BIG plans for this ministry in Santos Pamba. God is going to do BIG things once the Compassion International house/program gets started! I’m excited to watch how lives will be changed for Christ!
The cafeteria and kitchen are almost finished being built in the Compassion House. With the donated money, I am going to work on getting tables made, and buying supplies for the kitchen. It has been amazing to watch how dedicated the members of Santos Pamba church are to this ministry. In March, Compassion International will be coming to see our site again and we’ll see if we get the final approval. Be praying!!
I am working on getting each preschooler’s education sponsored. I only need 5 more sponsors!! If you are interested in supporting a preschooler and helping them go to school, please let me know!
Preschooler update:
A couple of weeks ago I took one of the preschoolers to the doctor because the teachers were concerned about her. A bad smell was coming from her nose. I took her to the father of a teacher at my school- connections! He recommended us to other doctors. The first doctor was a nose doctor who looked up Diana’s nose and pulled out something an inch and a half! Yuck!
Then, we went to a pediatrician. He did a physical on her and told me that she is not the correct size for her age. Her head, hands, and height are not correct for her age. I have to take her to some further exams next week. Please be praying for Diana.
Karlita update:
Remember my little Karlita who we got the wheelchair for? I just got back in touch with her family. I had been trying to call them, but their cell phone was robbed. Karlita is in the hospital! On Monday night her mother called me and told me that Karlita was in the emergency room. She has severely advanced pneumonia and is malnourished. She is still in the hospital. Please pray for her. The doctors said it is pretty serious. If you would like to donate towards her medical bill expenses, please let me know. They need support!
School: (see pictures)
Things are going very well at the Alliance. I just finished a fundraiser for Socks with Love. We filled 3 big barrels full of socks for kids. I am going to give the socks to Mark and Cheryl to bring to villages in the south that are up in the mountains (Quitocucho, San Bartolo, Cajabamba, etc).
On Valentine’s Day my class went on a “mission trip” to the Santos Pamba preschool. It was a wonderful day! My students led the whole program- singing, games, an art project, decorating heart cookies, and a drama about loving others. I was so proud of them! God has given me the opportunity to mold my students to love others and become future leaders. My students have truly fallen in love with their amiguitos at the preschool. Everyone was excited to see each other again. I thank God for the opportunity to work at the Alliance Academy and bridge the gap between two classes/worlds. I love that they support my desire to involve my class in my ministry. My class is already begging to plan another trip for March!
Summary:
Praises:
-God’s provision for Santos Pamba
-my wonderful school and the opportunity to mold my students to love and serve others
-new sponsors for preschoolers
Prayer Requests:
-for Karlita and Diana
-for sponsors for the preschoolers
-my health: I have lost my voice and can’t talk at all! Pray that my voice comes back soon!!
Thank you for your constant support and prayers. May the Lord continue to bless you!
Jungle Trip with High Schoolers: (see pictures)
February 2nd – 5th I went on a mission trip with the high school students from my school. Thank you to those who prayed for us! We had an incredible trip. Nothing went wrong! I was so proud of the high schoolers. They put on a children’s program with clowns, puppets, songs, a Bible story, crafts, and games. We went to three small jungle villages: Pano, Campana Cocha, and Achidona. We saw over 400 children! For many of the high schoolers, this was their first exposure to the jungle and poverty. We had to bathe in the muddy river, sleep on the floor, etc. It made me think back to the many mission trips I went on in high school and how they changed my life. I pray that this trip changed their lives also.
Santos Pamba Preschool Update: (see pictures)
As I shared in my last update, the architect Antonio Naranjo sent 3 of his workers with me on January 26th to work on the Compassion House. They put in the electricity, and painted 2 of the classrooms! Antonio also was able to get come kitchen supplies donated. Praise God for this connection. He wants to continue to help. Next weekend, he is sending a team with me to finish painting, start building the retaining wall, and to install 2 bathrooms! God has been providing!!
The Lord is SOOOO good! Remember the retaining wall and how it is an emergency because the wall is collapsing? The Lord responded to this need and moved in the heart of a Foundation. They donated money to build the wall and help finish the house for Compassion to come!! PRAISE GOD! When I shared this wonderful news with the Pastor, his response was, “God is faithful. When we come before Him and submit to Him, He provides if it is His will.” This is confirmation again that the Lord has BIG plans for this ministry in Santos Pamba. God is going to do BIG things once the Compassion International house/program gets started! I’m excited to watch how lives will be changed for Christ!
The cafeteria and kitchen are almost finished being built in the Compassion House. With the donated money, I am going to work on getting tables made, and buying supplies for the kitchen. It has been amazing to watch how dedicated the members of Santos Pamba church are to this ministry. In March, Compassion International will be coming to see our site again and we’ll see if we get the final approval. Be praying!!
I am working on getting each preschooler’s education sponsored. I only need 5 more sponsors!! If you are interested in supporting a preschooler and helping them go to school, please let me know!
Preschooler update:
A couple of weeks ago I took one of the preschoolers to the doctor because the teachers were concerned about her. A bad smell was coming from her nose. I took her to the father of a teacher at my school- connections! He recommended us to other doctors. The first doctor was a nose doctor who looked up Diana’s nose and pulled out something an inch and a half! Yuck!
Then, we went to a pediatrician. He did a physical on her and told me that she is not the correct size for her age. Her head, hands, and height are not correct for her age. I have to take her to some further exams next week. Please be praying for Diana.
Karlita update:
Remember my little Karlita who we got the wheelchair for? I just got back in touch with her family. I had been trying to call them, but their cell phone was robbed. Karlita is in the hospital! On Monday night her mother called me and told me that Karlita was in the emergency room. She has severely advanced pneumonia and is malnourished. She is still in the hospital. Please pray for her. The doctors said it is pretty serious. If you would like to donate towards her medical bill expenses, please let me know. They need support!
School: (see pictures)
Things are going very well at the Alliance. I just finished a fundraiser for Socks with Love. We filled 3 big barrels full of socks for kids. I am going to give the socks to Mark and Cheryl to bring to villages in the south that are up in the mountains (Quitocucho, San Bartolo, Cajabamba, etc).
On Valentine’s Day my class went on a “mission trip” to the Santos Pamba preschool. It was a wonderful day! My students led the whole program- singing, games, an art project, decorating heart cookies, and a drama about loving others. I was so proud of them! God has given me the opportunity to mold my students to love others and become future leaders. My students have truly fallen in love with their amiguitos at the preschool. Everyone was excited to see each other again. I thank God for the opportunity to work at the Alliance Academy and bridge the gap between two classes/worlds. I love that they support my desire to involve my class in my ministry. My class is already begging to plan another trip for March!
Summary:
Praises:
-God’s provision for Santos Pamba
-my wonderful school and the opportunity to mold my students to love and serve others
-new sponsors for preschoolers
Prayer Requests:
-for Karlita and Diana
-for sponsors for the preschoolers
-my health: I have lost my voice and can’t talk at all! Pray that my voice comes back soon!!
Thank you for your constant support and prayers. May the Lord continue to bless you!
Monday, January 21, 2008
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