Greetings once again from Bolivia...for now anyway!!! I'm excited to report that I've gotten some confirmation on my trip to Argentina. I still need to make my travel plans (as my departure date depends on whether I fly or go by bus), but I did hear from the director of the English Village today with more information and a schedule so that I can begin making some plans. I'm very curious about it all and SUPER excited about this opportunity! It does mean that I will miss the camp that my church participates in each year during Carnaval...yet, I'm looking forward to trying out something new!
To be honest...right now the main three things on my mind are...the Argentina trip, Tara Dakin (the intern coming to do children's ministry), and Jr High Camp (which starts this Wednesday and goes through Friday). Those are certainly plenty of things to keep my mind occupied as they entail quite a bit of planning (and the need for many substitutes)! Chelsea and I laugh that I'll be able to relax more in March...I pray that I don't have to wait that long!!!
Although I'm making this a short up-date this week (due to the fact that it's 11:30 at night and I need to get to bed), I really appreciate your continued prayers for these things (particularly those mentioned above as well as diligence in getting tasks done one step at a time). I'm enjoying so many different aspects of ministry currently, but I also don't want to get run down. I'm not always good at making sure I get the rest that I need. This weekend, several of the SAM women are going to stay at a local hotel for the night in order to have a Spiritual retreat and time of prayer together. Even though a part of me feels like I don't have time for such things...the bigger part of me recognizes the importance of it. It should be a good time of rest, relaxation, reflection...and most importantly a chance to bask in God's presence!
Before I forget...thank you for praying for VBS at my church! We had WONDERFUL weather the whole week and many children came! On Sunday morning...at the closing program, we had 108 people in our tiny sanctuary...more than half were children! It's was amazing!! I'll be sure to upload some pictures soon (I need to get them from a friend of mine as I forgot to take my camera). Thank you once again for all of your prayers on behalf of those of us here!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
January 27, 2010
Well, needless to say, I'm a couple of days behind this week! I usually try to update my blog on Monday mornings, as I don't have to be at school until about 11:30. However, about once a month I go to the SCCLC school board meeting on Monday morning and then sometimes struggle to get my blog updated at another time. I have a great deal to tell you about this week, but I'll try to stick to the most important aspects...
1. This week, starting today, we are having a Vacation Bible School at my church. The theme is "Como ser util en la familia" (How to be useful in the family). It is not unusual for us to end the week with close to 100 children! We will be having VBS Wednesday through Saturday of this week from 4-5:30, with our closing program on Sunday morning. Please pray for the children who will be attending as well as those of us who are teaching/leading. Also, please pray that the rain will hold off until next week (it's rainy season here...when it rains, it floods/gets really muddy, and the kids end up staying home).
2. Next week, February 3-5, is the Jr High Camp for the students here at the school where I teach. I have the pleasure of going along as a counselor. I'm looking forward to spending this time with them. The following week, February 8-12, is the High School Camp. There will be a special guest coming down from the states to speak in both of these events. Please pray for the speaker, the counselors, and students during this time.
3. Arriving on February 4, is an intern who will be working with SAM, particularly in the area of children's ministry, for 4 months. I've been asked to coordinate her time here and am looking forward to ministering alongside her in several of the things that we have planned.
4. Also coming up, from February 14-28, is something called the English Village in Cordoba, Argentina. It is for those in South America who are interested in missions and who may feel called to ministry in an area where English is predominantly spoken or used. These missionaries can attend this workshop, placing themselves in an all English environment for 2 weeks of training, instruction, and fun. SAM has asked me to attend as one of the instructors so that we can get an idea of what this type of workshop is like, with the hope that possibly one day we could do a similar event here in Bolivia. I'm still working on getting all of the details worked out (including substitutes at school for those two weeks), but I'm SUPER excited about this opportunity!!!
5. Changing the subject now and looking a bit farther into the future...next school year, the elementary principal and her family will be returning to the states for furlough. The director of the Learning Center has asked me to take her place for the year, serving in that role, and I have accepted the responsibilty. It will mean that I will be returning to school full time...although the director did give me permission to take one morning off a week (which I will appreciate as my weekends are usually full of church and children's ministry). I will also need to be diligent in managing my time, possibly even cutting back in some of my other ministries outside of school, in order to make time for this new role. It is an honor to be asked and I'm excited about how God will use me next year. The director still needs to talk to the board before it becomes official, but it isn't likely that there would be any problems there.
6. Finally...after giving you quite a few things to be praying for...I have a HUGE answer to prayer!!!! Praise the Lord, after a couple of years of it being on the market, someone finally made an offer on my condominium in Eden, North Carolina. We have settled on an amount that will allow me to pay of the current loan and pay the realtor, therefore basically breaking even...for which I'm extremely grateful! Assuming that the buyer gets the loan that she needs, we just need to figure out the best way to get the paperwork completed!
Well...I guess I've filled you with quite an eye-full for now. Thank you so much for your continued prayers for the work that God has called me to here in Santa Cruz!
1. This week, starting today, we are having a Vacation Bible School at my church. The theme is "Como ser util en la familia" (How to be useful in the family). It is not unusual for us to end the week with close to 100 children! We will be having VBS Wednesday through Saturday of this week from 4-5:30, with our closing program on Sunday morning. Please pray for the children who will be attending as well as those of us who are teaching/leading. Also, please pray that the rain will hold off until next week (it's rainy season here...when it rains, it floods/gets really muddy, and the kids end up staying home).
2. Next week, February 3-5, is the Jr High Camp for the students here at the school where I teach. I have the pleasure of going along as a counselor. I'm looking forward to spending this time with them. The following week, February 8-12, is the High School Camp. There will be a special guest coming down from the states to speak in both of these events. Please pray for the speaker, the counselors, and students during this time.
3. Arriving on February 4, is an intern who will be working with SAM, particularly in the area of children's ministry, for 4 months. I've been asked to coordinate her time here and am looking forward to ministering alongside her in several of the things that we have planned.
4. Also coming up, from February 14-28, is something called the English Village in Cordoba, Argentina. It is for those in South America who are interested in missions and who may feel called to ministry in an area where English is predominantly spoken or used. These missionaries can attend this workshop, placing themselves in an all English environment for 2 weeks of training, instruction, and fun. SAM has asked me to attend as one of the instructors so that we can get an idea of what this type of workshop is like, with the hope that possibly one day we could do a similar event here in Bolivia. I'm still working on getting all of the details worked out (including substitutes at school for those two weeks), but I'm SUPER excited about this opportunity!!!
5. Changing the subject now and looking a bit farther into the future...next school year, the elementary principal and her family will be returning to the states for furlough. The director of the Learning Center has asked me to take her place for the year, serving in that role, and I have accepted the responsibilty. It will mean that I will be returning to school full time...although the director did give me permission to take one morning off a week (which I will appreciate as my weekends are usually full of church and children's ministry). I will also need to be diligent in managing my time, possibly even cutting back in some of my other ministries outside of school, in order to make time for this new role. It is an honor to be asked and I'm excited about how God will use me next year. The director still needs to talk to the board before it becomes official, but it isn't likely that there would be any problems there.
6. Finally...after giving you quite a few things to be praying for...I have a HUGE answer to prayer!!!! Praise the Lord, after a couple of years of it being on the market, someone finally made an offer on my condominium in Eden, North Carolina. We have settled on an amount that will allow me to pay of the current loan and pay the realtor, therefore basically breaking even...for which I'm extremely grateful! Assuming that the buyer gets the loan that she needs, we just need to figure out the best way to get the paperwork completed!
Well...I guess I've filled you with quite an eye-full for now. Thank you so much for your continued prayers for the work that God has called me to here in Santa Cruz!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Well, as promised, this up-date has a few pictures of the annual conference for SAM's Bolivia field. We were able to get out of the city for a few days to go to a nearby resort (only about 20 or so minutes out of the city). You may remember seeing photos of this place in past entries, as I have been there a couple of times for conferences/retreats. It's a beautiful place and I was delighted to be going there again! We had a wonderful time together! I thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship with other SAM missionaries (and some friends that went along with us). It was particularly special for me that my friends Jeff and Beth HAuse (with their children) returned to the field around Christmas time and so were at the annual conference. We had a great time catching up on old times...I had not seen most of their family for about a year! It's great to have them back!!!
This year, we had a speaker who came down from the home office to share with us. Typically we also have guests or teams that come to lead worship and work with our children. However, this year, we decided to do all of these things "in house" so to speak. We formed a worship team out of those of us on the field...as you can see in the picture below, I was one of the singers! A fellow SAM missionary, Jenna Weigner, led the worship times and kept us all organized. I thoroughly enjoyed these times...and the songs that she picked! It was great! There were still programs for the kids as well while the adults were meeting...but this time there were a couple of "SAM kids" (children of missionaries on the field) who are in college now, but were here visiting their parents for Christmas break. They were willing to teach the kids and did an excellent job!!!
All in all, we had a great time! It was very refreshing to have that conference to come back to...and that added to reviving my spirit for the ministries waiting for me here. Last week, I spent the better part of the week studying for the final exam for my online course. I also had to finish up the paper that I had been working on. I'm very excited to say that I have now finished the class!!! I think the exam went well and I'm glad to be moving on! It's a good feeling to have accomplished yet another of these courses. For the last month or two...while not in the states and at conference...I sort of put some of my ministry on hold so that I could wrap up this class. I'm thankful to now be able to dive back into those things.
Well...I guess that's it for this week! Thank you so much for your continued prayers!
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Well, I must admit it seems a bit strange to have written January 4, 2010 as the title of this blog entry! The new year has definitely begun...and for me, is off to a running start!
I apologize for not writing an update before now...too much of the good life at home with my family! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and in general, just enjoyed being home. As usual, saying good-bye was difficult. I returned to Bolivia on Saturday (January 2nd). In the Miami airport (where I met up with a few other SAM missionaries for the flight to Bolivia)...one of my friends commented that a missionary's life is one of good-byes...and sadly that is the case. It seems like there are always good-byes to be said, some of them harder than others...either I'm saying good-bye to those I love here in order to go to the states, or I'm saying good-bye to those I love in the states to come to Bolivia, or often there are even friends on the field to whom I'm saying good-bye as they return to the states. So, it does tend to feel like a life of good-byes. For many missionaries, that prompts them to become more closed when meeting new people...with those missionaries, it's hard to break into their inner shell and figure out what it is that really makes them tick. I also see this with a lot of students at my school...their way of coping with the constant good-byes is by placing walls and distance in their lives. I've never been very good at this. Occasionally I try...but don't usually succeed. However, I'm not sure that I really want to either. I'm not convinced that's always the answer to recovering from the hurt of being apart. It was hard for me to return...because I miss my family. Yet, I know that God still has many plans for me here in Santa Cruz...He's not finished with the work to which He has called me...not at this point! So...I'm back...and...happy to be back...there was a lot to come back to! My friends the HAuses are back on the field!!! I'm so excited to be serving with them again! Chelsea is back from the states as well! There is a new family too, that has been here for about 3 months...they are a GREAT family...a wonderful addition to our field...and the mother of the family (whose name is Amy) and I have already decided we're going to be best friends!!! Like I said...a LOT to return for! This week...SAM has a conference for all those currently on the Bolivia field. We had a kick-off meeting tonight...and tomorrow morning will be meeting at a local resort (about 30 minutes outside of the city) in order to get away until Friday! I get to sing on the worship team which we formed especially for this event...and am really enjoying the practices and the chance to worship with these friends. Please pray for our time together...that God would speak to each of our hearts.
So, although it was hard to leave my family behind...I'm glad to be back in Bolivia. I feel a new sense of refreshment and am ready to take off running once again. For that I am extremely thankful! I appreciate so much all of your prayers and well wishes! Thank you too for the gifts and Christmas greetings which many of you sent! I enjoy hearing about all that is happening in the lives of your families. Blessings in the new year!
Well, I must admit it seems a bit strange to have written January 4, 2010 as the title of this blog entry! The new year has definitely begun...and for me, is off to a running start!
I apologize for not writing an update before now...too much of the good life at home with my family! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and in general, just enjoyed being home. As usual, saying good-bye was difficult. I returned to Bolivia on Saturday (January 2nd). In the Miami airport (where I met up with a few other SAM missionaries for the flight to Bolivia)...one of my friends commented that a missionary's life is one of good-byes...and sadly that is the case. It seems like there are always good-byes to be said, some of them harder than others...either I'm saying good-bye to those I love here in order to go to the states, or I'm saying good-bye to those I love in the states to come to Bolivia, or often there are even friends on the field to whom I'm saying good-bye as they return to the states. So, it does tend to feel like a life of good-byes. For many missionaries, that prompts them to become more closed when meeting new people...with those missionaries, it's hard to break into their inner shell and figure out what it is that really makes them tick. I also see this with a lot of students at my school...their way of coping with the constant good-byes is by placing walls and distance in their lives. I've never been very good at this. Occasionally I try...but don't usually succeed. However, I'm not sure that I really want to either. I'm not convinced that's always the answer to recovering from the hurt of being apart. It was hard for me to return...because I miss my family. Yet, I know that God still has many plans for me here in Santa Cruz...He's not finished with the work to which He has called me...not at this point! So...I'm back...and...happy to be back...there was a lot to come back to! My friends the HAuses are back on the field!!! I'm so excited to be serving with them again! Chelsea is back from the states as well! There is a new family too, that has been here for about 3 months...they are a GREAT family...a wonderful addition to our field...and the mother of the family (whose name is Amy) and I have already decided we're going to be best friends!!! Like I said...a LOT to return for! This week...SAM has a conference for all those currently on the Bolivia field. We had a kick-off meeting tonight...and tomorrow morning will be meeting at a local resort (about 30 minutes outside of the city) in order to get away until Friday! I get to sing on the worship team which we formed especially for this event...and am really enjoying the practices and the chance to worship with these friends. Please pray for our time together...that God would speak to each of our hearts.
So, although it was hard to leave my family behind...I'm glad to be back in Bolivia. I feel a new sense of refreshment and am ready to take off running once again. For that I am extremely thankful! I appreciate so much all of your prayers and well wishes! Thank you too for the gifts and Christmas greetings which many of you sent! I enjoy hearing about all that is happening in the lives of your families. Blessings in the new year!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
December 5, 2009
Well...since I didn't get a chance to update my blog last week and this Monday is looking pretty busy...I decided to go ahead and write a quick update today!
The most important thing I want to mention briefly, is that the country of Bolivia will be having their presidential elections tomorrow. The elections here are typically held on a Sunday and in order to keep the peace, there are several laws in place prohibiting meetings (including church services) and campaigning throughout the weekend...and on Sunday, we aren't allowed to be out driving around. People vote close to their home, so they walk there to take care of that...but other than that most people will be staying close to home. I'm looking forward to having some time to work on my seminary class...I plan to spend the better part of the day writing the rough draft of my exegesis paper. It will also be a good opportunity to spend some time in prayer for the country and the elections that are happening...please join us in praying for this need as you think of Bolivia or me throughout the weekend!
My trip to the states is quickly approaching and I frequently find myself dreaming about the things of which I am MOST excited...spending time with my nephew Wesley, seeing my sister's pregnant belly (since I missed it the first time), spending time with my family in general (especially my parents while I'm at the beach with just the two of them), eating at the Cheesecake Factory with friends from church, eating out at all my favorite places in general, shopping with my mom, seeing my dog, etc. I'm sure the list could go on...but these are a few things that are frequently on my mind! My flight is set for December 15 in the morning. I'll be flying to Miami first, then after a few hours layover there, I'll fly on to Raleigh-Durham, NC...getting in at about 11:00 at night. Emily and/or Christopher will be picking me up from the airport. I will then spend a few days with them until my dad comes down to pick me up (most likely on Friday). However...before I can go on vacation...there are a lot of preparation for things that I will miss here for which I need to find replacements. Please pray that I'll be diligent in using my time wisely in order to leave things well when I head home.
I don't think that I get the chance to express this often enough...and I'm not very good about getting thank you notes written (maybe that should be one of my New Year's resolutions)...however, I do want to say that I am so very thankful for all of your financial and prayer support. I've been hearing a lot recently about how the economic situation is taking it's toll on the mission as a whole as well as several friends of mine who are currently raising support. Yet, I feel so blessed to be able to say that thanks to all of you, my support is right where it should be. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your faithfulness in this area. I appreciate it more than you could ever imagine and praise the Lord for each one of you!
The most important thing I want to mention briefly, is that the country of Bolivia will be having their presidential elections tomorrow. The elections here are typically held on a Sunday and in order to keep the peace, there are several laws in place prohibiting meetings (including church services) and campaigning throughout the weekend...and on Sunday, we aren't allowed to be out driving around. People vote close to their home, so they walk there to take care of that...but other than that most people will be staying close to home. I'm looking forward to having some time to work on my seminary class...I plan to spend the better part of the day writing the rough draft of my exegesis paper. It will also be a good opportunity to spend some time in prayer for the country and the elections that are happening...please join us in praying for this need as you think of Bolivia or me throughout the weekend!
My trip to the states is quickly approaching and I frequently find myself dreaming about the things of which I am MOST excited...spending time with my nephew Wesley, seeing my sister's pregnant belly (since I missed it the first time), spending time with my family in general (especially my parents while I'm at the beach with just the two of them), eating at the Cheesecake Factory with friends from church, eating out at all my favorite places in general, shopping with my mom, seeing my dog, etc. I'm sure the list could go on...but these are a few things that are frequently on my mind! My flight is set for December 15 in the morning. I'll be flying to Miami first, then after a few hours layover there, I'll fly on to Raleigh-Durham, NC...getting in at about 11:00 at night. Emily and/or Christopher will be picking me up from the airport. I will then spend a few days with them until my dad comes down to pick me up (most likely on Friday). However...before I can go on vacation...there are a lot of preparation for things that I will miss here for which I need to find replacements. Please pray that I'll be diligent in using my time wisely in order to leave things well when I head home.
I don't think that I get the chance to express this often enough...and I'm not very good about getting thank you notes written (maybe that should be one of my New Year's resolutions)...however, I do want to say that I am so very thankful for all of your financial and prayer support. I've been hearing a lot recently about how the economic situation is taking it's toll on the mission as a whole as well as several friends of mine who are currently raising support. Yet, I feel so blessed to be able to say that thanks to all of you, my support is right where it should be. THANK YOU SO MUCH for your faithfulness in this area. I appreciate it more than you could ever imagine and praise the Lord for each one of you!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
November 21, 2009
Have you ever had the feeling that things were just not turning out as you planned...yet it's SO obvious that God is in the middle of it all??? That pretty much describes my week/weekend.
First of all...
The trip to San Ignacio de Velasco to do the workshop fell through...they weren't able to organize it in time. I had a feeling that was going to happen, as I had quite a bit of trouble getting in touch with the contact person there. I'm still hoping to go and do that at some time, but it probably won't be until January or February. However, I was still in great need of a vacation, so Chelsea and I decided to escape to Samaipata a town about 3 or 4 hours from here in the mountains. It's beautiful there and we even decided to splurge a bit and stay in one of the nicer accomodations!!! I'm really excited!!! We're getting ready to head out of here...so I won't make this a very long update. We plan to return on Wednesday so that we'll be here for Thanksgiving dinner with SAM.
Second of all...
Yesterday, Saturday, I decided to take 3 of the newest SAM women to get their nails done and do a bit of shopping. We left about 9:30, picked up the other two and then went and got our nails done. To make a long story short...on our way to the market where we were going to do some shopping...I was involved in an accident. Let me start by clarifying that it wasn't a bad accident and no one was hurt. An accident in the states usually involves informing the police and an exchange of insurance information and that's about it. That is not the case here. It involves a lot of arguing back and forth...trying to keep the police department out of it...using insurance agents to be the go between (if you're fortunate enough to have insurance, which I am, thanks to my SAM family and supporters)! Anyway, I won't bore you with all the details...however, the guy basically saw a car full of North Americans and decided he'd hold out for trying to get full compensation (something that almost never happens here). It was more my fault than his...so I expect to pay more, but both sides are somewhat at fault. Anyway, the insurance guy tried to settle with him...he refused, holding onto full compensation...which meant there wasn't anything else to do but get the police involved. I then spent the next couple of hours in the police station answering questions and filling out forms. In the end, they impounded both of our cars until Tuesday when they could come to a resolution on the situation.
I could see God's hand in the whole situation in several ways...
While I was standing on the street with the guy...scared to death, with 3 women that are still learning their way around...a fellow SAM missionary, Bev Smith, rode by. She stopped immediately and stuck with me to the end (and offered to go back and finish the process/pick up my car on Tuesday with the insurance guy)!!! I was SO grateful to have her there!!! She did all of the discussing and decision making! The insurance guy was also a HUGE help...kind, compassionate, understanding, comforting! Finally, the fact that I don't have my car for a few days isn't deterring our vacation. The HAuses vehicle was just sitting at the base as they're still in the states, so the mission gave me permission to use that...and we're on our way!!! I'm so excited!! Please pray for continued safety!
SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!!! I'll send an update with pictures when I'm back! Hugs to all and a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
First of all...
The trip to San Ignacio de Velasco to do the workshop fell through...they weren't able to organize it in time. I had a feeling that was going to happen, as I had quite a bit of trouble getting in touch with the contact person there. I'm still hoping to go and do that at some time, but it probably won't be until January or February. However, I was still in great need of a vacation, so Chelsea and I decided to escape to Samaipata a town about 3 or 4 hours from here in the mountains. It's beautiful there and we even decided to splurge a bit and stay in one of the nicer accomodations!!! I'm really excited!!! We're getting ready to head out of here...so I won't make this a very long update. We plan to return on Wednesday so that we'll be here for Thanksgiving dinner with SAM.
Second of all...
Yesterday, Saturday, I decided to take 3 of the newest SAM women to get their nails done and do a bit of shopping. We left about 9:30, picked up the other two and then went and got our nails done. To make a long story short...on our way to the market where we were going to do some shopping...I was involved in an accident. Let me start by clarifying that it wasn't a bad accident and no one was hurt. An accident in the states usually involves informing the police and an exchange of insurance information and that's about it. That is not the case here. It involves a lot of arguing back and forth...trying to keep the police department out of it...using insurance agents to be the go between (if you're fortunate enough to have insurance, which I am, thanks to my SAM family and supporters)! Anyway, I won't bore you with all the details...however, the guy basically saw a car full of North Americans and decided he'd hold out for trying to get full compensation (something that almost never happens here). It was more my fault than his...so I expect to pay more, but both sides are somewhat at fault. Anyway, the insurance guy tried to settle with him...he refused, holding onto full compensation...which meant there wasn't anything else to do but get the police involved. I then spent the next couple of hours in the police station answering questions and filling out forms. In the end, they impounded both of our cars until Tuesday when they could come to a resolution on the situation.
I could see God's hand in the whole situation in several ways...
While I was standing on the street with the guy...scared to death, with 3 women that are still learning their way around...a fellow SAM missionary, Bev Smith, rode by. She stopped immediately and stuck with me to the end (and offered to go back and finish the process/pick up my car on Tuesday with the insurance guy)!!! I was SO grateful to have her there!!! She did all of the discussing and decision making! The insurance guy was also a HUGE help...kind, compassionate, understanding, comforting! Finally, the fact that I don't have my car for a few days isn't deterring our vacation. The HAuses vehicle was just sitting at the base as they're still in the states, so the mission gave me permission to use that...and we're on our way!!! I'm so excited!! Please pray for continued safety!
SO MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR!!!!! I'll send an update with pictures when I'm back! Hugs to all and a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
November 16, 2009
Four weeks from tomorrow I'll be boarding planes and bouncing around in airports (and even cars) until arriving at my first destination, my sister's house in Graham, NC. After a couple of days there, I'll be heading on to my parent's house in Franklin, VA...going to the beach for a week with them and awaiting the arrival of my sisters and their families so that we can celebrate Christmas together!!! I know I always get SUPER excited about going home...but this time I feel even more excited about it! I don't know if it's because I've extended the trip a little more this year than I normally do...or if it's because I feel so anxious for a vacation...but regardless, I'm counting the days!
However, as anxious as I am to get there...I still have several things to accomplish here before I'm ready to go. The most immediate event coming up...is a workshop that I'm hoping to be teaching in San Ignacio de Velasco (SIV). You may remember several years ago, that I spent two months in SIV working with a summer team that was here. It is a town that holds a special place in my heart. I was asked to go and teach a workshop for Sunday School teachers there during Thanksgiving vacation. I have assisted in a few of these workshops that other members of SAM's children's ministry team have done...but this will be the first time that I have led one on my own. I'm a bit nervous about it...trying to get all of my ducks in a row. I'm getting ready to go visit with a friend of mine who has led many of these workshops so that she can help me prepare. I covet your prayers for this week as I prepare as well as next weekend when I hope to be leading the workshop (that we get all of the final arrangements made as far as time/place, and that people will come and learn through this event).
We're also getting to the end of the school year here in Bolivia. So, that means that there are kindergarten graduations as well as high school graduations just around the corner. I know quite well a couple of students in both of these grade-levels. Please pray especially for two people in my church, Sebastian (kinder grad) and Diego (high school grad), as they finish this chapter in their lives and begin to start the next one.
Sorry to cut this short this week...but I have a lot I hope to accomplish today and need to get going! I'll be sure to send an up-date about the conference...with some pictures as well! Thank you in advance for lifting these things up to our Heavenly Father!
However, as anxious as I am to get there...I still have several things to accomplish here before I'm ready to go. The most immediate event coming up...is a workshop that I'm hoping to be teaching in San Ignacio de Velasco (SIV). You may remember several years ago, that I spent two months in SIV working with a summer team that was here. It is a town that holds a special place in my heart. I was asked to go and teach a workshop for Sunday School teachers there during Thanksgiving vacation. I have assisted in a few of these workshops that other members of SAM's children's ministry team have done...but this will be the first time that I have led one on my own. I'm a bit nervous about it...trying to get all of my ducks in a row. I'm getting ready to go visit with a friend of mine who has led many of these workshops so that she can help me prepare. I covet your prayers for this week as I prepare as well as next weekend when I hope to be leading the workshop (that we get all of the final arrangements made as far as time/place, and that people will come and learn through this event).
We're also getting to the end of the school year here in Bolivia. So, that means that there are kindergarten graduations as well as high school graduations just around the corner. I know quite well a couple of students in both of these grade-levels. Please pray especially for two people in my church, Sebastian (kinder grad) and Diego (high school grad), as they finish this chapter in their lives and begin to start the next one.
Sorry to cut this short this week...but I have a lot I hope to accomplish today and need to get going! I'll be sure to send an up-date about the conference...with some pictures as well! Thank you in advance for lifting these things up to our Heavenly Father!
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