What a wonderful day!
Today was Sabbath. Which meant no work. Only rest.
We had a chance to talk with the kids before breakfast this morning via Skype. It was so great to hear their voice. Both are well.
Emily finished her First Grade Language Arts this morning and is now in Second Grade. We are very proud of her. Caleb was quite confused with the delay in transmission which turned into him repeating “I Love You” over and over again. It was awesomely sweet to hear.
Irma and Sergio are treating us so very well. We are definitely not going hungry. Breakfast was awesome! Scrambled eggs, refried beans, and toast.
After breakfast, Sergio opened la cerreda (the store) so I could buy a hat from them. Quite a blessing that was.
Sergio then took us on a tour of Huapoca. He showed us la comida y dormitorios y baños. They were amazing. Very clean. Nicely built. It was as nice – if not more so – than the camp I went to as a kid.
He also showed us the converted dormitorio where he and his family (wife and five children) lived prior to being promoted to camp directors. They were very humble beginnings, and really drove home the point that when you are faithful to the call, God will provide for you.
We then walked down the trail to the ropes course. The trail was lined with verses from Salmo (Psalms) 121 — one of my favorite Psalms.
We then walked back to Casa Loma for lunch (chicken stew and rice).
After lunch, Steph and I spent some time debreifing with MJP. What a great time of talking through ministry and what might be next for us. God is birthing a vision in us, albeit slowly, for what is to come.
We then had our team small group discipleship time. We looked at Joseph. (I will be digging deeper into that story in the morning. There are some leadership lessons there that I feel lead to glean and share.)
We then walked down to Rio Papigochi. What a beautiful place. So peaceful. I hope to go back each day we have left here.
We then had dinner. Sergio grilled ribs, rib-tips and strip steak. We also had tortillas, rajas con queso, and a few different appetizers.
After dinner, we talked in depth with Sergio and Irma about the ministry here and their needs. Really seeking to understand why we’re here now and what we can do to assist in the future.
We had a wonderful, long visit with them. I am going to intentionally spend the day with Sergio tomorrow and seek to understand more about the ministry and the need.
We also have learned that their oldest daughter is a student at John Brown University in Siloam Springs. We are excited to meet her on Saturday, when she comes home for the summer. She (and Irma) will also be spending time at RETO with us next week. We have opened our home to them on Vaiana’s breaks or when the family comes to visit.
I am excited to spend intentional time with Sergio in tomorrow as well as the arrival of the campers for dinner (Steph will be assisting Irma) tomorrow night as well as worship.
More to follow when we can share.
Thank you for your continued prayers.