Talents for God

The girls were in a city competition reciting poetry, singing, drawing, and public speaking. They competeted against other schools. Many of our students won awards. For many of them it was an emotional event. They were so proud to have done so well and they gave the Lord the glory for it all. The gentleman playing the guitar is one of the house parents. It was a fun event watching all these girls pour their hearts into their presentation and displaying such wonderful talents. The photo of the group of students were from another school, but it was cute to see how they were all dressed for their dance presentation.

New Home Part 1

I am really enjoying my new home. I finally have my room together with the essential items. I furnished my room with a bed, nightstand, and a wardrobe closet. The room just had bare walls-no closets. I found the bed skirt and pillow cases at the dispensa. That is where we go to shop for groceries in Jalapa. Vanessa my roommate did not think I would find one there, but the Lord knew what I needed. It was great. I found it but at the time I thought it was something else and then when I got it home it was the bedskirt I was wanting and the colors matched the curtains that were already there. God is so good. I found the rug I placed in front of the bed and the cover at a store that is like a thrift store when I went with the teachers to buy a new shirt for our uniforms. Our kitchen has a bar where Vanessa and I usually sit and work on the computers. As you can see we have our water bottle for our drinking water. The livingroom is were we do our devotions and prayer with the team. It's like our quiet room, although I find I spend most of my time in my room. We did set up my computer once in the middle of the room and watched a movie.

New Home Part 2

I am going to do this in two parts since it is difficult to load pictures. I am settled and content in my new home. I am getting used to the new sounds and sleepy through the night. The surroundings are very beautiful, but everything is locked. The gate up front is locked with a padlock and we have a giant metal door that is locked at all times and all the windows have bars on them. I feel like I am in a fortress sometimes. :o) The entry way as you come in the door is very pretty. The stairs go to the roof where the water tank is. That also has a metal door that is locked. Every room inside the house has a window and doors that lock. I found that very interesting. I don't find I spend much time outside partly because of the rain and partly because there is so much to do when we get home and it gets dark at 7pm. Although Vanessa and I have decided to get some chairs so that we can sit in the front yard and enjoy the plants when we eat. God has been so good to provide just the right things at just the right time. Blessings...

Mountain Top Experience

I can't believe I've been here almost two weeks. It has been somewhat of an adjustment but doing very well. I visited a couple of families on the mountain top where the families have little to no food and drink water that looks like mud water. We had to climb up the mountain to get where they were. A team from the United States was here and I joined them on the climb to their homes. They gave a little girl a pinata and it just happened to be her birthday that week. Isn't it amazing how God works those things out. The woman said that she had a dream the night before and saw the team coming to her home. She was so welcoming. I got chills knowing that she was praying and God sent a whole team with food and love. We prayed for her husband and the family and then we climbed down the mountain. I was moved by the reality of how wealthy (materially) we really are compared to others in the world. And yet realizing the wealth of faith this woman had that God would visit her in a dream to let her know He was coming.

Getting Ready to Leave

Well, I only have 3 more days until I fly to Guatemala. I have been enjoying my time with my brother. Yesterday we spent part of the day looking for a Notary to sign some documents before I leave. Today I will be making sure all my bags are under 50lbs and that I have all the items packed that I want to take with me. I have also been updating emails and phone numbers in my computer since I will not have my phone after Saturday. My brother said we will be going to a play on Saturday. I love plays...what a treat on my last days here. It may be a couple of weeks before I will be updating my blog, but know that I will update as soon as I get settled. Blessings to you all....