A Month (or so) in Review

March and part of April: connections are bring made and relationships are being built.

• a meeting with missionaries from Finland on how to work together to meet the needs of indigenous missionaries in the jungle,
• had two youth ministry nights in Misahualli,
• had an initial needs assessment (water) in a Napo village,
• met with Pastor Ramiro to plan the next stage in the aquaponics ministry in his (Bella Vista) village,
• made the initial payment for the benches and table for the community outreach center and began painting.
• continued twice weekly Bible studies in our home
• completed installing the lights in the ministry center and
• the wall creating a storage area is also finished.
• we were honored to be witnesses at William’s wedding,
• and have been invited to dinners as well as hosting coffee meetings with the locals.

• Elijah had a short stint in the local hospital with a blocked bowel (no worries, he is completely better!) He has started karate classes in order to have some language practice, socialization and an energy outlet.  He loves it and for $15 a month we are happy too!
• The girls are transitioning more slowly. School is still going well.  Until the ministry center is complete and classes begin here in Paute, they have little opportunity to meet with other teens in our new town. So they are really enjoying our trips back to the jungle, our friends, and the ministries there!
• We were invited to spend Dia Fanesca (Good Friday) with a local family.  We picked apples in the orchard down the road  (A gift from their neighbors) and ate fresh humitas with coffee. Since all women need to know how to make humitas (this is obvious, right?) we are invited to return in May.  This is when the corn is at its best. The Grandmother and Mother will teach myself and the girls. We are so blessed.  

• our steps are ordered by God,
• that we hear and obey,
• that our families back in the States are comforted
• that the seeds planted will be watered, grow, and bear much fruit
• that we will be encouraged and strengthened
• and for his mercy and protection for our family.