Sunday, February 26, 2006
"...we might buy them for some of the boys at Hacienda of Hope"
From the story that I got, my friends were shopping in one of the nice anchor stores in the mall where I used to be the manager. As they were just walking through the store they notice a great sale on nice white dress shirts. They looked through the bin and discovered that the sizes were all too small for either him or any of their grown sons ...but the prices were almost unbelievable! They were about to walk off, when it dawned on them that some of these shirts would no doubt fit someone at the Hacienda of Hope. So ...long story short, Mickey got this nice dress shirt for his recent birthday.
Now, I can not find the adequate words to express the emotional feelings of gratitude in this 14 year boy for this new white shirt and tie. Having a new white shirt and tie is a first experience for him and he looked so proud of it as he wore it to church today! Mickey has lots of good characteristics like honesty, responsibility, good work ethic, studious and now it seems he is developing a wonderful sense of self respect ...thanks in part for the couple who were walking together in the mall, followed their hearts and helped someone they have never met have something he might never experience without them. Our deepest expression of "Thanks" goes out to this couple!
In the past several months, Mickey has been asking questions about becoming a Christian. He is learning of the commitment required of someone dieing to themselves and living for Christ. He appears wanting to be absolutely sure of this big decision before acting. Thanks in advance for those of you who will offer a little prayer for him. Because of the wonderful grace of God and the personal sacrificial giving of some of you reading this, we believe Mickey has a very bright future.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Breaking the Pinata
As a part of our big birthday celebration, the kids took turns trying their sk
ills at breaking the Pinata. After being blindfolded and spun around three times, the object is to take the pole and break the swinging decorative pottery jar filled with candies and little gifts. Here Andres is unsuccessful, but later Catalina shows everybody how its done!
ills at breaking the Pinata. After being blindfolded and spun around three times, the object is to take the pole and break the swinging decorative pottery jar filled with candies and little gifts. Here Andres is unsuccessful, but later Catalina shows everybody how its done!
Two Family Birthdays are Commemorated
Since Maria and Miguel's birthdays are only two days apart, we decided to choose Sunday,
February 19th to celebrate both. The whole afternoon was dedicated to these two in honor of their special places in our family. Maria's birth date is February 18 and Miguel's is the 20th. Maria received a special heart shaped necklace besides books and toys. Miguel got a nice white shirt and necktie along with new books and a special compass. Do you remember when you turned five years old or when you turned 14? Those are special times in a child's life that should be remembered as being safe, happy and contented days ...surrounded by people who love you dearly! We try our best to be there for these children that God has sent our way. But it couldn't be a reality without the financial support of so many of you reading this ...thank you for pledging and following through with your monthly contributions to help God in caring for these abandoned children! If you would like to join in financially to help us, please contact the Twickenham Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama (256) 881-7373Saturday, February 18, 2006
Carnival at HoH!
In all of Latin America there is a tradition called "Carnival" This is how we celebrated it with the kids! Everyone (including this photographer) gets wet before it is over! 
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Construction Evolvement
Construction is evolving each day and changing the landscape of the whole campus. It won't be long until the roof will be built, creating a finished look from a distance. As soon as the roof is complete we will be able to install all of the exterior windows and doors to "dry in" the house. Then many interior projects will be cleared to start and the exterior brick "point & tucking" can be complete. Sidewalks will be formed and guttering installed. Our crew is working like a real team, having worked together in building the exact house next to this one. The momentum is picking up as we go forward in the building process just like we hoped it would as we were in the planning stages. Watch for more progress pictures in the weeks ahead.
Friday, February 10, 2006
A Special Sports Day at School
Each year the local school system starts the sports season during a special day of celebration. It starts with a parade of all the children around town and ends up at the school. Then after several speeches from local townspeople and school officials the games began!
As I was taking these pictures, all of the kids looked around to a runner carrying a torch, who ran up to the large platter to light the flame. To my great surprise, it was our own Cristhian lighting the flame! I knew that our Pamela was to be one of the class queens, but the family had kept this surprise from me. In the pictures, you will see Cristhian lighting the flame and Darwin, Jhon and Jorge playing soccer with "daddy" Martin watching very intently at his boys during the game.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Our Family Group
This is a picture of our total family group after services today. We thought it might be a good time for another picture of our group while members of my family could take the shot. We are standing in front of the auditorium of Cayambe Christian Center. Thanks to Bellevue's rental of their auditorium space, we are seeing a great start to the new congregation of the Lord's church. There has been an average of 39 people present at each service since starting. There are several Bible studies being conducted each week and we believe new Christians will be added in the near future!