(Just a typical day with the kids. Picture #1 shows the random things Isaak might do to any person napping on the couch. Picture #2 shows our cuddle-bug Isaak next to Kendall and our little climber Jakob)
You read it: aguacate lady has been MIA for about a week. We had to resort to buying overpriced avocadoes at the beach today out of pure necessity...
This week was a bit different, because we had two visitors: Lindsay came to research for a book she is writing, and Jody came to check out Makarios. Kendall and I were able to take them to Chichigua on Wednesday after school. This was the first time either one of us went to a village without another staff member to be our guide. Of course, we had to hit up one of our favorite families en la casa de Jeson. Jeson's dad speaks about 7 languages, but he wasn't there to chat with us. We had a lovely time visiting with Shasha (mom) and all SIX of her kids. As usual, she offered us everything she could, and was disappointed that we couldn't stay for dinner! I will try and get a picture of their family soon, but they are definitely dear to my heart. Sarah, one of Shasha's daughters, took us on the grand tour of Chichigua. We walked the perimeter of the village, where I saw Wilson and Marleini's house. These two beautiful siblings go to our school, and they come from a family which basically knows no Spanish. The entire house was maybe a 10x7 foot room with a bed, little table with a tv, and some burners on the floor. I just stood outside until Mom invited us in. Picture this: Marleini + Wilson + 2 siblings were on the bed along with about 3 other students from the preschool watching a soap opera or something. They just all made room to sit with us, and Mom was on the floor making something that looked like beans. Little did we know, she was roasting peanuts, and gave all 4 of us our own little bags as a gift! It was so sweet, especially since she seemed to make a little village business selling peanuts and popcorn. Despite the obvious language barrier, she welcomed us into her home to sit and play with her children, and she gave us food, too!
On Saturday, I went with some of the staff to Santiago for a little seminar on Islam. The speaker came from "Closed Door Ministries," and he was a great represenative for his mission organization. He has been living in Jordan with his wife and now 2 kids for about 8 years. He obviously has a heart for Muslims, and spoke about how God is moving in the Middle East. I found the class very informative. He also gave a call to the Dominicans there to come be missionaries in that area. Due to the poor American reputation in the Middle East, it can be very difficult for us to minister to Muslims, because there is a cultural barrier there to break down. The speaker, Scott, stressed how much more accessible Latinos can be to Middle Easterners simple due to their appearance and culture. It was a very interesting perspective, and I am glad I was able to attend.
We also went to a place of dreams in Santiago: the mall! Actually, it was fairly normal, but the two highlights included 1) having a frappuchino-type beverage at a cafe, and 2) seeing Benjamin Button in the movie theater. Fun time.
Today was another lovely day. We went to church this morning,then Ashley, Kendall, Jody, and I went to Sosua for a dia tranquilo en la playa. Nothing at all was accomplished, and that's why it was perfect.
I am starting to actually make some lessons and teach the children... It's scary! Who in their right mind would put me in charge of a child's education? Well, Ashley Sienkiel would. My class' teacher and my roommate asked if I would be interested in doing some lessons, so I am giving it a go! It's a lot of fun, but it's a little scary standing in front of the kids and teaching in your second language. I worry over little things, like the length of activities, or if the kids will even stick with me. It's weird. So far, I enjoy bible lessons over letters. Who would have thought?
I praise God right now for giving me a new hunger for his word. This has not always been the case for me! I am reading more and more, and continuing to desire to read. I am planning on starting the bible from the beginning as well. I can be a total chicken when it comes to the Old Testament, but it's so important to see the heart of God through his covenants. I have been digging the prophets (namely Isaiah) lately, but it's time to start from "In the beginning..."
Let's see, some things to pray for... Sharla is planning on moving with the twins in May to Santiago. This could be a really great thing for them. She really wants to spend quality time with them since the adoption might take another year. She also wants to get them into preschools in Santiago and have them closer to "Nana" and "Papa." Pray that everything falls into place with their move. Sharla needs to purchase a car, and start to get things moved into an apartment in May. Pray for our staff as we all find out what everyone's long-term decisions are concerning working here for a longer period of time. As for me, things are wonderful right now. I am currently working on memorizing some scripture in attempt to write God's word on my heart and mind, so pray me through that! I definitely go through waves of laziness, but I want to continue this growth of scriptural knowledge...
Love you all. One month until I get to visit!
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