Tidbits

How do you celebrate Independence Day in a country that is not your own? Well you have to be creative that’s for sure. So, you look for fireworks which you can’t find, sing the National Anthem at the breakfast table, make decorations for everyone to wear including the dog, call home to be reminded of how everyone else is celebrating, roust up some bar-b-que sandwiches and watch a patriotic video on the internet.

We spent a great week with Diana’s sister Donita last week. Donita is always quick with a funny story and can keep our children entertained for hours. While we did a few touristy things, most of her time was spent just being an Aunt – hanging out, playing games, drinking frappés, watching the Euro Cup and doing a bit of shopping. Presently Donita is on the second leg of her trip visiting with Diana’s other sister in Houston and getting to know our new nephews and niece recently adopted from Ethiopia.

Christina and I had an interesting father/daughter conversation the other evening. I have to tell you I walked away very impressed with her insight and the acrostic she came up with in the moment. Life here isn’t perfect, but we are learning some profitable lessons along the way.

B – elieve the Bible
I – gnore bad thoughts
B – e not afraid
L – et yourself worship
E – ntrust your heart to Jesus

With the help of our Spanish teacher, a Mexican church leader, a missionary from Guatemala, and an MK from Chile, four study books have been completed on the book of Matthew – Spanish of course. We believe they are a nice complement to the Bibles for a number of reasons: 1) they provide culturally appropriate, life related questions to fuel thought 2) they give a good opportunity for continued follow-up – four booklets 3) they can lead into personal meaningful conversation and further study. The acid test is how the Lord uses them, but on our part they are dedicated to Him. (View the Matthew study here.)