tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82754766707456861132024-02-19T07:02:27.147-08:00Pence FamilyWe are using this blog to inform you about the developments of our family and ministry. Use the pictures tab, on the left, to view pictures of family life and ministry. Feel free to check the site on a semi regular basis to see what we are up to or leave a comment!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-73020026315691590492013-09-01T20:06:00.000-07:002013-09-01T20:12:01.496-07:00The past few days, there has been some strikes and farmers protesting for better pay in the markets due to the free trade agreement Colombia made with the US and other European nations about 2 years ago. As a result of the free trade agreements, the local farmers have been priced out of business with cheaper imports and increased fuel cost. Therefore, the farmers have been on strike. At first, the strikes started in their local towns and as of Thursday, those strikes and protests are now in the center square of Bogota. Due to the protest and unrest, school was closed on Thursday and Friday for the safety for the students as they commute to school. Praise the Lord, we did not see or sense any of the instability in our part of the city. Please be in prayer for the government here as they try and settle the disagreements and do what is best for the country.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-79517207841539490772013-09-01T19:09:00.000-07:002013-09-01T20:11:34.954-07:00Sept. Update<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our heavenly Father continues to
do a good work in us, transforming us into His image. This year’s theme at ECA
is Service. What does it mean to serve? What is our attitude to be in serving?
Who and how are we to serve? All these questions are what we will be addressing
throughout the year. As it turns out, God is teaching us a lot about service as
well, both at home and at school.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">At school we have taken on roles
to serve the needs of the school and students. Without a principal for the
first month of school, Steve stepped in temporarily to fill many of those
responsibilities. We both decided to serve as small group leaders and advisers for the new 9</span><sup style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> grade class. One of the girls in that class is
currently undergoing treatments for leukemia. So we are learning how to balance
service toward someone in need and not making them feel like a “special case”
which many young adolescents fear to experience. Please pray for discernment
and grace as we attempt to help this class navigate cancer while honoring and serving
one another. We took advantage of a holiday weekend by having after school
activities with our new group of students. Steve was able to have a great
spiritual conversation with 2 of the guys after going paintballing. Please pray
that the small groups this year will be a tool for the Holy Spirit to actively
work in the lives of the 9</span><sup style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> grade students. This past month has
been somewhat of a difficult transition of routines and discerning how to
balance personal devotions, marriage, parenting, school tasks, and connecting
with new students and teachers. Please pray that we will be able to find a
healthy balance of home and ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> This next month includes staff
retreat and High school fall retreat. Please pray that God will use these
events to bring unity to the staff and revival to the High School.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-4773019945568554042013-06-30T20:00:00.001-07:002013-06-30T20:00:35.238-07:00June Update<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Family
Update</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">—Marlayna’s
mom, Irene, came to visit for the last 2 weeks of the school year. With all the
yearend activities going on, we were very thankful to have her support us in
caring for Elleazah. Irene and Elleazah had a great time together while we
finished final exams, helped lead Senior Trip, Senior Banquet, and attend
graduation. We will be heading back to Colombia at the beginning of July to: 1.
Take 4 weeks of intensive Spanish training and 2. Begin the process of adopting
a Colombian child. <u>Please pray that the Spanish training will be fruitful
and that the Lord will guide our steps in the adoption process.</u></span></div>
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</w:wrap></v:shape><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Roles
at ECA</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">—By
working with the class of 2013 for the past 2 years, we were given opportunity
to have leadership roles in the yearend activities for the graduating senior
class. We spent much time working through fundraising problems for the Senior
trip, logistics of the trip, and other final preparations for the graduating
class. The Senior trip was a success with the Seniors keeping a positive
attitude during their day of service at a YWAM facility, sharing their
appreciation of one another, having closure with relationships, and enjoying
various activities as a group in Cartegena. Steve ended the year having
evaluation meetings for students who have struggled socially & academically
and having a number of planning meetings for next year with parents and
administration. Marlayna enjoyed enhancing the Health and Biology curriculum
while building relationships with the underclassman. <u>Please pray that the
graduating seniors will live out their faith as salt and light to the world and
that they will be responsive to God’s will as they continue taking steps in
major life decisions.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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" stroked="f" style="height: 115.4pt; margin-left: 227.25pt; margin-top: 136.75pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: margin; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: margin; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; v-text-anchor: top; visibility: visible; width: 138pt; z-index: -251634688;" type="#_x0000_t202"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />Looking ahead</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">—</span>
<v:textbox inset="0,0,0,0">
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<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap></v:shape><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Discipleship</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">—The last weeks of school
provided opportunities to have heart- to- heart conversations and discussed
issues of forgiveness, consistency in quiet times, fruit of the spirit, and
giving your life to Christ. Marlayna was able to share the gospel several times
with students from the US Embassy that had joined her small group. Steve was
given the opportunity to explicitly share the gospel with a middle school boy
from the US embassy he had been counseling for depression. A boy in Steve’s
middle school small group was receptive to heart conversations about his desire
to please people and yearned to change and live out Luke 9: 23-26. God has
grown two of the high school students Steve was discipling in their integrity,
fulfilling commitments, being more open to accountability. It is such an
encouragement to see God’s grace in the lives of students and to be a part of
their process of becoming more like Jesus. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u>Please pray that we will make the
most of every opportunity, because the days are evil (Eph 5). We have 180 days
of school with the students, and so it is critical that we take advantage of
eac</u></span><u style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">h opportunity to speak into their lives. Pray also that we will continue to
navigate the cultural intricacies and live a gospel that is culturally
attractive, one that does not require a person to adopt the USA culture before accepting
Christ.</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Looking ahead-</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
Lord has brought new staff to fulfill roles of Bible, English, Science,
Electives, and Chaplain. The needs at ECA next school year are still for Middle
School Computers and Middle & High School Math.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">There
will be a few newly married couples coming to ECA this fall. God has placed it
on our hearts to facilitate a book study with them using <u>Meaning of Marriage</u>
by Tim Keller as they begin their new life together on the mission field.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Steve
and another married couple who teach at ECA will focus on creating a support
system for new students, with special emphasis on MKs and their challenges with
transition to a new culture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Marlayna’s
role might be similar to this year, teaching both Health & Biology, or she
will teach only one class, depending on our options for childcare. Since all
the students she was discipling have left ECA, she hopes to begin new
relationships with 1-2 students this next fall. She is also praying about the
possibility of mentoring new teachers, since she is considered a veteran
teacher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Steve
will be advising the 7</span><sup style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> grade class (Steve has done a small group
with the boys in that grade for the past two years). We are prayerfully
considering if we are going to do a high school small group and be a high
school adviser.</span></div>
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</v:shape><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Please pray
that we will connect with the new teachers coming and build unity amongst the
staff. For the mission that God has given us and the school to succeed, we need
to be unified as a team so that the students are all receiving the same
messages. Pray also that we will make Spirit-led decisions about our
involvement at the school and effectively balance ministry at home and at
school.</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-45310525700033182032013-02-25T07:40:00.000-08:002013-02-25T07:40:09.154-08:00Prayer update for February
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">January ended with
a fantastic conference where Steve learned how to counteract bullying, helping
students with dyslexia and written language difficulties, ethics involving
standardized testing, and counseling children with anxiety. We also celebrated
Elleazah’s 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> birthday, and we praise God for her in our lives. It
is a joy to watch her grow and learn each day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We are full swing
in our second semester. Steve is planning professional development for teachers
in response to his conference, problem-solving with principals & teachers
on student issues, prepping a senior to speak at chapel, and doing educational
planning for the influx of new students with learning challenges. Marlayna is
teaching at school Biology to 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> graders and Health to the second
half of the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> graders. We are thankful for a new lady volunteering
at ECA who is able to help watch Elleazah during the periods Marlayna is
teaching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">This month, our
senior class will be going on a class retreat. This overnight retreat will be
to discuss being salt and light to the world as they transition from a Christian
high school to a secular college life. We, as the class advisors, are planning
this retreat. In addition the senior retreat, we will also be going on the high
school retreat, which is at the end of February. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray for:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray
for the new students who are starting new mid-year as they transition. New
students, especially those from the USA, have historically struggled a lot in
their transition</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray
that the students will go to the retreats and that the Holy Spirit will
transform their lives</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Pray
that we are able to find new balance in our roles and get back into the routine
of school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-19395538282054661512013-02-25T07:38:00.001-08:002013-02-25T07:38:25.887-08:00Prayer update for January:<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">As we’ve
entered a new year, we want to thank you for another year prayer and support.
It was good to see some of you during our time in the States. It was wonderful
to spend Christmas with family and participate in some of the traditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Anticipated
activities for this next school quarter include a senior retreat which will
focus on what to expect after graduation and transitioning to college. Steve is
preparing a senior to give a devotional during chapel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve will also be attending a professional
school psychologist conference to maintain certification. Marlayna will be
helping out at school more this semester; hopefully, she and Elleazah will be
on a regular schedule by the end of the month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The last
thing we would like to keep you informed about is that we are prayerfully
considering another year at ECA. Originally we made a two year commitment. The
commitment is up at the end of the school year, but we considering staying for
a third year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Please
be in prayer for this upcoming activities and decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-62048209585224470162012-10-26T21:20:00.002-07:002012-10-26T21:21:06.772-07:00Fall Festival 2012<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fall festival was a big success at school today. It is a day
for kids to dress up in their Christian character outfits (Elleazah is the bee
from Noah’s ark), host booths for carnival type games, and serve food- with the
goal of raising money for their class, and training the students to work
together in planning and executing community activities. Considering we are working
with the seniors, our class is very focused on raising money for their class
trip, which takes place at the end of May. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elleazah had a great time at the fall
festival. Though it is the rainy season right now, we had sunny skies. Elleazah
was still a bit young for the games, but she did enjoy getting her face painted
by the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade class. She also had her first taste of cotton
candy. At first, she didn’t know what to make of the fact that the cotton just
seems to melt in the mouth, but once she realized it was sweet, she was always
ready of another taste! Needless to say, cotton candy will be considered a
special treat , only eaten once in a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">long</i> while.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-78788242903604642302012-09-16T13:09:00.000-07:002012-09-16T13:09:47.104-07:00Current events
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wow! Has it really been a month since we last posted?! We
must be really busy or there really isn’t much going on- and in this case-
there is a lot going on!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steve has been meeting with a lot of students for a variety
of reasons: going over their individual education plans, meeting with seniors
to figure out college information since a number of the students this year want
to study in the States, meeting with juniors helping them start thinking about
college and tests they need to take to be accepted into college, and students who
are struggling with social/emotional/ or academic needs. He is starting to
observe in classrooms to hopefully help teachers teach in a way to meet the
needs of struggling students. He is planning a variety of parent workshops to
give parents strategies to help their students. And most recently, he spoke at
chapel to the high school students on the topic of “Who is your King,” speaking
from Luke 9:16-23. He challenged the students to reflect on how they are living
their life to see what rules their life, who they believe Jesus to be, and do
they trust Jesus as their king. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Marlayna has been enjoying teaching health to half the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
grade class and being in front of a class again. Though it is not in her
content area, she has really enjoyed bringing Biblical application to the content.
She has been able to help tutor a homebound MK student who recently had leg
surgery. She meets with him 12 hours a week to help him keep up with his
studies. She has also been able to continue building relationships with the
students she is discipling and with another family who has twins around
Elleazah’s age.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Speaking of Elleazah, she is quit the trouper! She goes to
school when we are at school, she goes to tutoring when Marlayna goes to
tutoring, and she does all this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">usually</i>
with a good attitude- and for that, we praise God! We know that this busyness
is a short season in our lives and we are thankful she is doing well with the
schedule. She loves drawing and coloring, which makes it easier for her to play
by herself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We recently went with the staff on a staff retreat, the
topic was Integrity. Going into the weekend, it was easy to think highly of
ourselves as having much integrity. But coming out of the sessions, we realize
how sinful we are and how much area of growth that still needs to take place,
Lord willing. The retreat was in hot country so we, especially Elleazah, really
enjoyed the pools, and the small zoo, at the location we stayed in Melgar, 120
km south of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Be in prayer for:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Next weekend, we will be going to Chinauta, 85
km south of us, for the high school fall retreat. Please be praying for the
student’s hearts to be soft and willing to change throughout the weekend. The
sessions will also be on Integrity: From the Inside Out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Healing for the student Marlayna is tutoring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Continue to connect with students and
discipleship</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">4. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Wisdom in parenting</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Calle 5 39 # 68 a 100, Melgar, Tolima, Colombia4.2 -74.653.693378 -75.281714000000008 4.706622 -74.018286tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-16546496138278862462012-08-13T19:57:00.001-07:002012-08-13T19:57:11.531-07:00ECA's Partnership with local missionaries
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past weekend we had a wonderful outing with many other
teachers from ECA. We went just outside city limits and hiked to a peak. It was
a gorgeous day for a small hike and we had such a sweet time of fellowship with
others. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another really exciting aspect of the day was to have the
opportunity to hear from a missionary whom is closely affiliated with the
school. Without ECA, his children would not have the education the parents
desire for their children; nor would the parents be able to invest in their
ministry as they are currently able to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let me share about this ministry and how ECA is interwoven into this
ministry (besides currently teaching a couple of their children).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The family is the Bartel family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The goal of this ministry is to reach the
street children with the love of Christ and provide a way out of the cycle of
darkness that is passed on from one generation to the next… spiritually,
emotionally and physically. The Bartels and their team go into some of the most
dangerous parts of the city, where gangs are very prevalent, drugs and
prostitutes are common, and violence is the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They build relationships with the kids and
the parents and share Christ’s love to them. One way they share His love is by
running a safe center for the kids to come play. This place is called the
‘Jungle,’ which we wrote about in our October 30, 2011 blog post (click <a href="http://journey4pencefamily.blogspot.com/2011/10/jungle-of-bogota.html" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a> to
read that post about the Jungle). Last year, 180 kids came to the Jungle the
night of Halloween. We praise God that so many children were in a safe place
hearing about God’s love for them on such a dark night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After relationships are built, some of these children are
able to go to an at-risk, alternative school <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that primarily serves these high risk
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because so many of the kids come
from troubled homes, drugs, abuse, prostitution, etc., the kids struggle with
school, learning, and interacting with each other. ECA has partnered with this
school, providing outreaches with ECA students meeting during the school day
with students to have Bible lessons, games, snacks, and sharing God’s love with
these children of different backgrounds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of the street children are also taken in to be ‘re-
parented’ in a safe living situation. Though the child is off the street, it is
hard to get the street out of the child. This can take a couple years before
the child is at a point where they can handle being moved into a more stable
and loving family home. Sometimes, governmental paperwork is completed for the
child to be adopted, but other times, adoption is not an option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last phase of the program is preparing the child for
independent living. Though governmental care stops at age 18, like foster care
in the States, this program continues with the child to make sure that they
have at least a high school degree. Sometimes a child will be 22 before they
are able to get a high school degree due to being so far behind in their
schooling. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This program has had many success stories, for God’s glory,
where children have moved on from the program, doing well on their own and are
living out God’s love. Some of those children have become missionaries to other
countries, many are giving back to help kids here in Colombia. Not all the children
that go through the program are able to break from the curses and grips of sin.
But even then, we know and trust that God has His hand in everything and He will
be glorified in the end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It is wonderful to hear how God is using the
Bartel family to bring light to some of the darkest places of this city. To God
be the glory.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-36383554055449820362012-08-11T14:38:00.000-07:002012-08-11T14:38:05.513-07:00We're getting back in the groove!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, summer break has come to an end and we are getting
back into the grind of school and Colombian life. The morning following our
arrival we attended teacher orientation for the next three days, had a school
picnic where we met students and parents, and then came the first days of
school!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Previously, we had written that Marlayna would be teaching
Biology to 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> graders, but as we have come to learn at this
school, things are not always as they seem. Upon returning, Marlayna was asked
to teach health to the 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> graders rather than teach Biology. The
reason for the switch was for a more conducive schedule for Marlayna to be with
Elleazah and a lighter work load. We agreed and willingly accepted the switch. We
have learned to be flexible at this school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first available Saturday, we went large park here in the
city. Though we have been to this park before, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we decided to take a different bus system to
get there, one that was supposed to be easier… and it was! We are always
encouraged when we successfully navigate the public bus system without any
problems, especially when it is a new route to us. We had a wonderful day at the park, lots of sun and lots of fun!
Elleazah loved the different parks to play on! There were so many stairs for her to climb, many slides to go down, and a bunch of different swings to choose to ride! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We praise God for a successful first week and a half back
and a fairly easy transition back to life in Bogota!<o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-62964495644473003032012-06-26T12:40:00.000-07:002012-06-26T12:40:33.520-07:00June Update letter<w:wrap type="tight"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Greetings Friends
& Family</span>,<o:p></o:p></w:wrap><br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Family
Update</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">—The last
few months have been rather eventful. Marlayna had appendicitis at the end of
March, right before spring break. She has recovered fine and is doing well. We
have learned that Colombia does have health care similar to the States. To
learn more about our appendicitis experience, check out our blog where Marlayna
posted a detailed entry about the event. Marlayna’s sister also visited us, in
God’s providence, she came during Marlayna’s recovery of appendicitis. It was a
sweet time together, catching up on life, and showing her a bit of the country
of Colombia around Bogota.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Roles at ECA</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">—We were invited to speak to the
parents of 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade students at a retreat that they held to build
unity amongst the families. It was a wonderful cultural experience and
opportunity to get to know the families on a more personal level. It also gave
Steve a deeper understanding of some of the 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade boys whom he
leads in a small group. We did workshops on how they can help their children
transition from childhood to adolescence, how their methods of parenting are to
change as a result, and we worked with the children on how to love your
neighbor when they are tempted to or have an experience with gossip, exclusion,
or teasing (which have been common problems in the 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade class).
<u>Please pray that these families will grow in being a reflection of Christ’s
church, that the parents will embrace God’s calling as as parents, and that the
children will have a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus. A number of
the children do not have this personal relationship with Him.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<w:wrap type="tight"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></w:wrap><br />
<w:wrap type="tight"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Steve has had the
opportunity to work with each high school senior to help them plan what is next
for them after they graduate. A few high school seniors have been accepted to
North American Universities. One of the main challenges for Colombians
graduates is obtaining their student visa to attend school in North America.
Due to some problems in the past with Colombians not returning to their home
country, the U.S. embassy has made it a challenge for Colombians to get a
student visa. <u>Please pray for these graduates as they transition in a new
phase in life: that they continually rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit and
not their own understanding to direct them in major life decisions of friends,
vocation, living situations, church, etc; and that their relationship with
Christ will grow through the trials they will experience.</u><o:p></o:p></span></w:wrap><br />
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Educational
service plans for students who experience various learning challenges were successfully
developed collaboratively with the administration and parents. A few of the
students Steve services went to the Amazon Rainforest over Spring Break to help
provide basic medical care and do Vacation Bible School activities with the
children. It was encouraging to see these students begin who they are as God’s
creation and members of His Church and to be used by God to advance His kingdom
in the Amazon Rainforest. <u>Please pray that the students with learning
difficulties would continue to reject what Colombian culture says about them (that
they are a disgrace to their family and have less value than people without
disabilities) and accept the truths that God uniquely created them with purpose
and capable of bringing Him glory.</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Discipleship</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">—Since April, Steve counseled and
discipled 5 young men (12<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>, 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>,
and 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>) and a 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade girl. Some of the issues he began
to address with these students include understanding the character of God and
how that impacts us, prayer, priorities, family responsibility, organization, abandonment,
our role in Christ’s church, reconciliation, problem-solving skills, understanding
emotions, and how to make friends. He hopes to continue meeting with these
students again next year. Marlayna finished the school year meeting faithfully with
the 2 junior girls on conflict resolution, spiritual disciplines, and
leadership. <u>Please pray that the Spirit of God will continue to work in
these students over the summer and that we will be able to reconnect with them
quickly once school year begins in August</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<w:wrap type="tight">
</w:wrap><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade class did a 5 day/4 night service trip to Villavacencio,
which is 2 hours (110 km) southeast from the edge of the city of Bogotá on the
other side of the mountain. The students served at 5 schools teaching English
through various activities. One of the schools was part of a refugee camp for
children whose families had experienced persecution from the guerillas (FARC)
or their indigenous tribes for being Christian. Some of the children are now
orphans due to the persecution from these groups. <u>Pray that the gospel will
penetrate the areas controlled by the FARC and indigenous tribes and that the
persecution will only fan the flames of commitment to Christ.<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><w:wrap type="tight"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The 11<sup>th</sup>
grade small groups have been much more focused now that we have been able to
establish rapport with the students. For the girls, we ended the year finishing
our study on building appropriate relationships with guys and setting both
physical and emotional boundaries. For the boys, we started the theme of
leadership and continued it on the 11<sup>th</sup> grade service trip mentioned
earlier. On the service trip we, the leaders, prepared a devotional and discussion
time revolving around the 4 “trustworthy sayings” in the books of 1<sup>st</sup>
and 2<sup>nd</sup> Timothy (1 Tim 1:15-17, 3:1-17, 4:7-10, and 2 Tim 2:11-13).
These times were meant to help prepare the junior class to be the leaders of
the high school and build a spirit of unity amongst the students. We plan on
continuing this theme in the fall with these students. On the service trip we
saw spiritual fruit in the lives of these students as they grew in their
encouragement toward one another and their heart to serve for the glory of God
and not their own glory or satisfaction. Thank you for your faithfulness in
prayer for these students, as we know this growth and change only comes from
God and the working of His Spirit. <u>Knowing this, please continue to pray for
the now 12<sup>th</sup> grade class regarding their unity, spiritual leadership
for the high school, and that their heart to serve may be focused on bringing
glory to God and not what they can get out of it.</u><o:p></o:p></span></w:wrap></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Looking ahead</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">—We will be doing quite a bit of
traveling for most of July and flying back to Colombia on August 1. The school
year begins August 6. There is a possibility that Marlayna will be teaching a
Biology class this next school year. Steve will continue his role as Guidance
Counselor, Coordinator for Special Needs, and special education teacher for
middle & high school. <u>Please pray that we have safe travel and that our
time reconnecting with friends and family resembles Ephesians 4:15-16. Please
also pray that we will be able to connect with the new staff beginning their
service at ECA in the fall. In addition, pray that the administration and
school board will seek His wisdom in their decision-making this year.</u></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Check out the Ministry Pictures <a href="http://journey4pencefamily.blogspot.com/p/pictures.html" target="_blank">page</a> to "see" what we've been up to! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Thank you for your continued encouragement and faithful prayer!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-13538851790356322322012-05-21T08:12:00.000-07:002012-05-21T13:15:37.983-07:00<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, the school year is coming to a close. Steve was able to teach a psychology unit to the juniors and seniors.
The content of the unit contained information about the different fields
of psychology and how to evaluate secular psychology from a Christian
perspective. The unit seemed to go rather well; he enjoyed teaching the unit and there were some good discussions that resulted from the lessons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end of the week, we will go with our 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
graders on a service trip to Villavicencio, which is about 135km Southeast of
Bogotá at the base of the other side of the mountain, to serve local Christian schools in that town. We
will be going to 4 schools, providing professional development to the
teachers, teaching English to students and teachers and leading various day camps
activities. Steve will be in charge of a group of students who will be leading games and activities and Marlayna will be with a group in charge of teaching English through science activities. Each group will share the gospel as it pertains to the activities. We are hoping to provide at least
30 hours of service for the 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> graders over the 5 days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are looking forward to returning to the States for the summer and
would like to schedule time with as many of you as possible. If you are
interested in having us share what God has been doing here in Colombia with
your friends, family, or church, we would love to do that, whether it be a
social event or through an individual conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please contact us and let us know some dates
you are available if would like to get together with us in the month of June.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
There are also plenty of positions still open at the school for next school year, <a href="http://eca.edu.co/get-involved/potential-teachers/current-needs">http://eca.edu.co/get-involved/potential-teachers/current-needs</a>. If you are interested in teaching or serving in Colombia, at ECA, please let us know and we will help get you signed up to come! We would love to have you come serve along with us!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-2543515814430111182012-05-03T17:53:00.001-07:002012-05-03T19:17:28.023-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"</strong><br />
<strong>5th Grade Family Retreat</strong></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Right around the time we were working through Marlayna's appendicitis, Steve received an invitation to be the guest speaker at a family retreat that some of the 5th grade parents were putting together. The parents wanted to do this retreat in response to the difficult time they and their children had at the 5th/6th grade retreat that ECA hosted. The 5th/6th grade retreat was the first time many of the parents had ever let their children spend the night away from home. A few parents had some difficulty letting their chicks out of the nest for a day, and as it turned out, the kids didn't seem to know how to handle their new-found freedom. We were told that the parents wanted Steve to give one workshop with the parents, and if we wanted to, another workshop with the children. After collaborating with the 5th grade teacher, middle school principal, and middle school chaplain, we decided to do a workshop on how parents can help their child transition from late childhood to adolescence. We (Steve & Marlayna) played around with some themes to do a workshop with the kids, but we didn't have a concrete plan or even certainty that we would be doing anything with the kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The retreat took place this past weekend, from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. Being that this is Colombia, the schedule of the retreat was put together a day at a time each morning. In an attempt to have the most families participate in the workshops because some of them were not staying for the entire time, some coming late and other leaving early, it was decided around lunch time on Monday that we would do workshops for the kids and the parents later that afternoon. Fortunately, the 5th grade teacher had not left yet, so we were able to solidify a plan with the kids. Marlayna and Steve talked with the kids about the truth that if we claim to love God (which they all did) then we need to also love our neighbor: including others, meeting the needs of others, correcting and confronting others, and asking for forgiveness. The 5th grade class has been struggling with friendship and excluding others from activities. As a part of the workshop, we created real life scenarios and then discussed with them how each person's choices impacted everyone else, how we naturally blame others and deny our sin, and how to forgive one another. We then had the kids draw a picture or write about how the choices in the scenario could have been different so that each person would have shown love to their neighbor. We found out after the parent workshop, that the parents believed the problem of exclusion to be one of the major issues amongst the students. We praise God for the opportunity to be used by him to speak into the lives of the kids on issues that directly apply to their everyday life at ECA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The parent workshop that Steve gave at the retreat was based on a number of the other parent workshops he had done early in the school year, primarily from workshops on How to Help Your Child Overcome the Stress in Their Life and another on the book <em>Shepharding Your Child's Heart</em>. If you have any interest learning more about or even receiving the powerpoint & notes of these workshops, feel free to email us: </span><a href="mailto:snmpence@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">snmpence@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">. We give Christ the praise for the encouragement we received and we ask that you pray with us for the families from the retreat, that they will continue to become a brighter reflection of Christ to the world and to one another.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">On a side note, the retreat was a wonderful, refreshing cultural experience. The theme of the parent retreat came to life for us: it was the first time Steve was the guest speaker for a retreat, it was the first time Marlayna or Steve had ever sung Karaoke, it was the first time a scavenger hunt involved catching a live chicken, and it was the first time we tried to catch live fish with our bare hands in a swimming pool. We certainly hope we are given another opportunity like this to share in fellowship with other Christian Colombian families. You can see some pictures from the retreat on the "Ministry Pictures" page.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Villeta, Cundinamarca, Colombia5.0068144814221824 -74.4756317138671884.9435419814221824 -74.554595713867187 5.0700869814221825 -74.396667713867188tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-73493651532820062982012-04-14T14:44:00.000-07:002012-04-14T14:44:14.284-07:00Appendicitis in Colombia<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While preparing to come to Colombia, one of our big concerns was about the health care available to us. During our visit, our concerns were put to rest as we learned that we would receive comparable health care to what we were used to in the States. Throughout our time raising our support team, health care questions were common questions we received, right after whether or not it was safe to come here with the guerrilla warfare. We had several concerned ladies ask if we were bringing our infant daughter due to safety and health related concerns. We assured those we spoke with that we had looked into the health care here in Bogota and that we felt comfortable with the care we would receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This month, we learned more about the health care system here in Bogota as we utilized different aspect of the hospital care. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To hopefully answer many of the questions around this event, I will start from the beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday afternoon, I (Marlayna) started feeling ill with an upset stomach. I thought it was food I had eaten for lunch was not agreeing with me. I left school early because I didn’t think I would make it through the rest of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it home just in time to throw up three times in three hours with a remaining upset stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I still wasn’t thinking anything about of. Tuesday afternoon,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started to have more intense abdominal pain, starting on the right side and then spreading to the rest of the abdomen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we were starting to wonder what illness I have: a parasite? A virus? Or just the flu?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made it a point to get in touch with our school nurse the next day, Wednesday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wednesday the pain remained, about the same intensity, so she came to me at the apartment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After basic triage, questions, and the rebound test to test for appendicitis (negative result), she thought I had a virus that was going around that has similar symptoms to appendicitis. The rebound test is when you push on the appendix area and when you release from the press, there should be greater pain than while pressing down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me some medication but also told me that if the pain increases and localizes to the right side to go to the hospital in the morning to get it checked out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As the evening progressed, the pain did localize but not intensify and the rebound test was still negative.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve started to do research and decided that we were going to the hospital in the morning no matter what. Period. No discussion. Because “there are too many things it can be that are fatal; we’re going.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found a sitter for the ‘morning’ for Elleazah and a helper at school to be our translator at the hospital. We arrived at the hospital at 8:15 and by 9:15 I had been through the hospital triage and was being seen by the first doctor. Again the rebound test was negative and I did not show all the normal signs of appendicitis. But, because I had such sharp pain on the right side he ordered for me to have a scan of my abdomen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, I was dehydrated and needed to be more hydrated for the test. So I spent the next 3 hours hooked to an IV getting fluids. At 12:15 I had the scan, which turned out to be like an ultrasound and the man said that it was in fact appendicitis. I was still in denial because I didn’t think I had all the symptoms for appendicitis and, furthermore, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t remember the doctors using an ultrasound machine to diagnose my sister with appendicitis when she had it while in college. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did they really diagnose me correctly? I didn’t want to have surgery unless necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>as many questions I could think of to make sure they were confident that it was appendicitis and not a virus or something else that would be a less invasive ‘fix.’ <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were then in the phase called: waiting. The original doctor needed to be notified of the results and a surgeon needed to be contacted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing seemed to happen quickly. Steve updated our sitter of the situation and they were willing to keep her into the evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our school nurse had called up to check on us and when she found out the news she let people know at the school to 1. Start praying for us, 2. Help us get the extra help we would need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, one lady at school who had often asked to watch Elleazah, even overnight if needed, was notified of the situation and she was willing to alter her evening plans to watch Elleazah that night so Steve could stay with me as much as possible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another lady offered to make a meal and help around the apartment since my sister was scheduled to visit for spring break week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Steve then made a trip home (about 20- 30 minutes by public transportation) to get Elleazah’s things ready for her first sleepover and get other things together we would need for the next couple days. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steve was back at the hospital by 6 that evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had just met my surgeon, a wonderful older man who spoke some English. He told me he was going to do a laparoscopic surgery, which is the method my sister had, so the news of a similar surgery was comforting. He even told me, reminded me, that “God is in control, He knows.” Oh how comforting it was to hear those words come from his mouth. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">By 7:15 I was being moved to the surgical area of the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We waited for another half hour for the operation room to open and get prepped for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I went in shortly before 8pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the OR, the anesthesiologist told me that I was going to have local anesthesia, meaning I was going to be awake for the surgery (I actually preferred this)! I was thankful they had pretty good English. They gave me a shot in the back, similar to an epidural, though I don’t remember my epidural hurting so much when I received it for Elleazah… maybe because the induced contractions hurt SOOOOO much more than the epidural ‘prick.’ Anyway, the drug seemed a lot stronger than the epidural dosage and they continued to angle my body in different directions so gravity would pull the drug where I needed more numbing. For the most part, my feet were higher than my head so I would be numb up to my mid chest. Though I felt like my breathing was restricted, I could see my chest rising normally as I breathed normally. By 8:25 I was numb and they started the surgery. They put a sheet up so I couldn’t see all they were doing (bummer- though I might have been really freaked out seeing it all). But an anesthesiologist sat next to my head so I could tell him if I was uncomfortable. A clock was just behind him so I was counting the minutes until it was done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only things I felt was my belly button being tugged at as they were making the incision putting in the tools (maybe) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and then the pressure of them inflating my abdomen with air so he had space to work. The air added pressure to my upper chest, making it hurt to breath. When I told the anesthesiologist this, he gave me a shot of pain meds… great more medication. Well, the surgery lasted until 8:41 when I was all done getting my stitches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They moved me out to the recovery room where I was supposed to be for a couple hours. Steve came in to visit after about 30 minutes after I asked 3 times to see him. When Steve came in he told me that the doctor had said that my appendix had broken and that he did his best to clean me out. I was going to be in the hospital for a minimum of 3-4 days due to the inflection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, I was so glad Steve <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">insisted </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>we go to the hospital to get it checked out. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The infection caused me to have a high fever the first 36 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was on antibiotics and pain medication, which I started to have trouble with (migraines and nausea) so they switched me to strong Tylenol. I was glad for this switch because I knew that was what I had after my knee surgery<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>11 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once out of the recovery room (which wasn’t until the next afternoon due to the crowded hospital), I was moved to a regular room, which was similar to a room we were in while in the States after having Elleazah. The accommodations were very comparable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nurses were nice, talking slowly in Spanish and using words I knew. One nurse even tried to teach me some more vocabulary, which I appreciated. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Overall, we were very pleased with the care we received. The only negative would be the amount of time we waited to have the surgery after we found out it was in fact appendicitis. After all, we think my appendix broke sometime between the scan and the surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was really neat to see God working out the details of those five days. Prayers were being answered and we are so thankful for our prayer warriors. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I think my parents were especially thankful my sister was coming to visit me. She was able to send them more detailed information about my condition faster than Steve. Though our plans for her visit changed due to my surgery, it was nice to see her and have her part of my recovery time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-90403683088321865042012-04-07T17:22:00.000-07:002012-04-07T17:22:17.517-07:00Holy week reflection<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This past week has been Holy week here in Bogota. Many families from the city leave to go on vacation; many families that remain make their trips to Mass for their religious obligations. Church buildings that I thought were no longer in use are now rather busy with worshippers and people selling candles just outside the doors. It is sad to see many trying to earn their way into God’s good graces by being good and completing tasks. And yet, when reflecting on our own lives, it is not too difficult for us to find areas where we can be just like the Pharisees in doing good things with the wrong motives. What a refining processes we are in but we are thankful that it is through God’s grace we are saved and not from any of our own works that we gain favor with God. This past week, as a family, we have been reading through parts of the Gospels that make up Jesus' last week. How thankful we are for Christ’s sacrifice on the cross so that we may have a personal relationship with God. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-458464207530773922012-03-16T10:57:00.001-07:002012-03-17T13:23:06.995-07:00Activities in the High School<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We just got back from the high school retreat, the theme: honoring one another. We about just over 50 students attend the retreat along with the small group leaders of each grade. We had four sessions followed by small group discussion. Due to the lower turnout of students attending the retreat, the small groups were a bit smaller than usual which resulted in honest, heartfelt discussion that were fruitful and profitable.- praise God. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Currently during lunch time, there is a soccer tournament taking place between each of the high school grade levels plus a staff team. Marlayna surprised the students by being able to hold her own with the best of them out there. The surprise may have come from not advertising her years of playing soccer growing up, nor did she start out playing with the teams at lunch due to discipleship scheduling conflicts. It almost appeared that the staff had a ‘ringer’ on the team. We have enjoyed playing together despite the different skill levels.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We recently celebrated a day called ‘Dia de Idioma’ meaning day of the language. Really, it was a day of celebrating the culture. At school, each grade, and a group of staff learned a cultural dance that they performed for the parents and other students. Steve was part of the dance because they needed males to participate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All those participating in the dances got all dressed up in traditional outfits to go along with the dance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a fun day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-45329403944890318922012-02-06T15:21:00.000-08:002012-02-06T15:27:06.094-08:00Parent Workshops<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ever since my training in graduate school, I have desired to do parent workshops. Parents have so much more influence over their children than teachers, and so I believe the greatest potential toward influencing children is through training parents, especially training from a Biblical worldview. ECA has some structures in place for parent workshops, in that it is required for parents to go to at least one workshop each year. I have been very encouraged by ECA's desire to provide parent workshops and have me expand what they have been doing.</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u1:p></u1:p> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So far this school year, I have had the blessed opportunity to do 3 workshops for parents: 1. Having a Biblical understanding of stress and how parents can help their children counteract its effects; 2. Preparing your child to go to college in the states; 3. The pictures seen below based on the book <em><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shepherding Your Child's Heart</span></em> on understanding the motives of our children and how parents can shepherd them toward righteousness. The 5 pictures found in "Ministry Pictures" are of my most recent presentation based on the Shepherding book. I did this presentation because last year the elementary school at ECA (pre-k through 4th grade) began using the philosophy and methodology of the book for discipline (although not the "Rod" portion of the book). All the parents invited were parents of elementary children. (Pic 1)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I will be doing 2 more presentations this semester: <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1. Procrastination & Perfectionism<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2. Understanding English Language Learning.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u1:p></u1:p> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Liana Moguel, a parent of current students and a former staff member of ECA with the "Learning Center", translated the powerpoint and the presentation for me. She also marketed the workshops for me by making personal phone calls to parents. She has been a great asset, and I could not have been able to reach the parents without her! (Pic 2)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u1:p></u1:p> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At my most recent workshop, I was really struggling to find my rest in God as I had tremedous difficulty with extraneous circumstances. 1st, The teacher van brought us to school late because of the rain and traffic being particularly heavy; 2nd, I was originally supposed to be presenting in a large conference room, but the room was under rennovation; and 3rd, the school internet went down, so I was unable to print my handouts in Spanish, nor was I able to use my "enhanced" version of my powerpoint. I was very thankful that Mrs. Moguel had saved a version of it on her computer!! Praise the Lord! I learned a valuable lesson: to never rely entirely on technology to work and to always bring your materials on a pin drive. (Pic 3)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I was very grateful that our High School principal was willing to allow me take over a classroom. Although we started late, didn't finish the intended material, and had to move locations, the parents were very gracious and gave me a lot of positive and constructive feedback. (Pic 4)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<u1:p></u1:p> <br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Over the 3 workshops, God has given me the opportunity to share his truths with over 60 parents, some of whom have come to multiple workshops. (Pic 5)</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-75514014968563331922012-01-28T17:09:00.001-08:002012-01-28T17:09:33.174-08:00A Little New, a Little Old.<div class="MsoNormal">Older news: A few weekends ago, we decided to venture out of the city limits to a ‘national park’ called Chicáque where there would be fresh air, many hiking trails, some great sites to see! We were excited to venture out with some ECA staff friends. We wrote down the directions to get there and set off. The only problem was the directions were a bit vague with multiple options of how to get to the park. We could take two or three buses, depending on the route we would take. We were not sure where we would catch some of the buses, so we had our two most fluent Spanish speakers ask for directions. The random lady they chose to ask suggested that we take a taxi to a park where the final bus would pick us up. So, we all piled into two taxis and told the drivers the name of the park. The taxis took off fighting the traffic and heading the direction we came from! After a 30 minute taxi ride, with really nice drivers, we finally asked again if they knew were the park was for us to catch the final bus ride. We showed a written name of the ‘national park’ and the name of the intermediate park and his face dropped. He wasn’t headed toward the right park, if fact, he couldn’t take us to either park because both parks are out of city limits and taxi drivers are only allowed to stay within the city limits! Oh no! So the two taxi drivers pulled over to discuss where to drop us off to give us the easiest route to the national park! They even flagged down a public bus for us, talked to the bus driver and told him to tell us where to get off to catch, yet another, bus! We were blessed to have such nice drivers. The taxi ride turned out to be a $8 (per taxi) mistake that took an hour to correct. So, after 3 buses, a taxi ride, and a 45 minute hike, (4 hours of commute) we arrived at the gorgeous Chicáque Park. Now that we have been there and making mistakes along the way, we now know an easier way to get there. Next time, which I hope there will be a next time, we will arrive at the park in half that time and only use two buses. Pictures are already posted from our beautiful hike to a tall waterfall. Plus we had the neat opportunity to watch the clouds roll back from the mountain as the sun came out, which exposed the valley from the mountain we were on. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">New news: This past week a work team from a co- staff member’s home church came to ECA to do a work trip and help out the school. A couple of the project included fixing the ceiling of the multi-purpose room, building a new playground set, and doing some maintenance to different apartments. We were so thankful to this group for fixing several things around our apartment, a leaking shower (which they had to replace a pipe), re- ‘plastering’ the toilet paper dispenser to the wall and re- anchoring our blinds into the cement ceiling. Furthermore, they noticed that the handle on our fridge handle had broken off which we had become so used to it being broken that we had forgotten to write it on our ‘wishlist’ of things to get fixed!<b> </b>But they noticed it and added little medal cabinet handle to the door! A small fix, but a wonderful fix! We, as a school, are so thankful for the work and help from the group, as the school continues to grow and reach out to the community, it is nice to have a more improved campus!<o:p></o:p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-27532721038087220992012-01-23T16:41:00.000-08:002012-01-23T16:42:58.659-08:00A new semester, January 2012<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">With the new calendar year has come a new semester! We are starting to fall back into our school routine with a few changes. Though changes take place here, we are thankful for your continual prayer and support remaining constant.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Steve is no longer teaching the self-defense class; instead, his schedule has become more open to meet with students who need some academic or personal direction. He is also presenting several parenting seminars to the parents of ECA. We are excited that he will be able to not only touch the students at ECA but also the school families.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Marlayna has a couple opportunities to tutor in our home, which will keep Marlayna and Elleazah at home more days a week rather than going into school. These opportunities are a blessing because Elleazah has more freedom at home than at school for her increasing mobility. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">However, some things will remain the same. Marlayna and Elleazah will not be strangers at school. Small groups and discipleship are still a priority which will bring the two of them to school at least two afternoons a week in order to meet with students. This semester, Marlayna will be working through the book <u>Living the Cross Centered Life</u>, with the two girls she is discipling and she is continuing the <u>Every Young Woman’s Battle</u> in the small group.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The students Steve disciples are very much at different stages in their walk. The topics he is addressing ranges from helping a student grow in his self-control and being a spiritual leader to studying some basic tenants of the Bible and what it means to have our identity in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Prayer requests: </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">God would continue to soften the hearts of the students in serving the lost.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We have another high school retreat this month; pray that God will bring revival amongst the student body.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Staff needs for next school year are great; pray that God brings people to join the ECA staff. </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">If you, or someone you know, are interested in working at <a href="http://www.eca.edu.co/get-involved/potential-teachers/current-needs" target="_blank">ECA</a>, check out their site to learn more or contact us for more information. </span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><table border="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="width: 180px;" valign="top"><h3><table border="0" style="width: 100%;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="width: 180px;" valign="top"><h3>Elementary</h3><ul><li>Three elementary teachers</li>
</ul><h3>Middle School</h3><ul><li>5th grade</li>
<li>Bible teacher</li>
<li>Computer teacher</li>
<li>Science teacher</li>
</ul></td><td style="width: 180px;" valign="top"><h3> </h3></td><td style="width: 180px;" valign="top"><h3>High School</h3><ul><li>Chemistry</li>
<li>English teacher</li>
<li>Math teacher</li>
<li>Social Studies teacher</li>
</ul></td><td valign="top"><h3>General</h3><ul><li>Academic director</li>
<li>Art teacher</li>
<li>Director of community care</li>
<li>Director of development</li>
<li>ESL teacher</li>
<li>Guidance counselor</li>
<li>Music teacher</li>
<li>PE teacher</li>
<li>Special Ed/Learning Center teacher</li>
<li>Student activities coordinator</li>
</ul></td></tr>
</tbody> </table></h3></td><td style="width: 180px;" valign="top"><h3> </h3><h3> </h3></td><td style="width: 180px;" valign="top"><h3> </h3></td><td valign="top"><h3> </h3></td></tr>
</tbody> </table><o:p></o:p></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-18852129177592945002012-01-21T17:52:00.000-08:002012-01-21T17:52:26.911-08:00One year down, Seventeen to go.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This week, Elleazah knocked off one birthday, she only has seventeen more to celebrate with us before she will move on to a new chapter in her life... so we hope. Our time is limited with her under our direct care. We made the most of this birthday with great memories. Her birthday fell on a regular play date day, which we had a little celebration with her playmates and the other moms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elleazah is really starting to interact more with some of the other kids and it is fun to watch her grow and develop more skills. We later inviting some friends over to have popcorn and cupcakes and enjoyed the time of fellowship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elleazah had a small cupcake. Though the cake was small, she was still able to make a mess of it. She really enjoyed the sweets and we enjoyed watching her eat! She did not disappoint us in her fine motor skills of eating! <o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-39144653325152610912012-01-11T17:02:00.000-08:002012-01-11T17:02:06.696-08:00Christmas Break has ended...<div class="MsoNormal">Our Christmas break is over, it was a wonderful time of relaxation and being refreshed both physically, mentally, and spiritually. Here is an overview of our break.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Santa Marta. We started off on a trip with a school family, a couple ECA students and some ECA graduates. We used some of our personal savings to cover the cost of the trip. We flew to the coast to scuba dive and stay with an ECA missionary family. It was fantastic to see God’s creation underwater. The diversity of species were fantastic! Steve got scuba certified and Marlayna worked toward increasing her certification. Our exploration of the city took us to the oldest cathedral in South America, to a couple parks, and a beach. We spent Christmas with the missionary family and experienced a ‘Colombian’ Christmas. The family gathered late Christmas Eve, with a lot of music, food, and conversation. At midnight they exchanged some gifts. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">Once we were home in Bogota, we laid low for a couple days, recovering from ‘something,’ something we probably ate. So we used the time to read. Over break, we each finished three books; the books were either for pleasure, personal growth, or to implement with the students we disciple. Steve finished: <i>Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands</i> by Paul Tripp, <i>Teaching Preemptively</i> by Donavan Graham and <i>Treasuring God in our Traditions</i> by Noel Piper. Marlayna read: <i>Living the Cross Centered Life</i> by JC Mahaney, <i>Dandelion Dust</i> by Karen Kingsbury, and <i>Treasuring God in our Traditions</i> by Noel Piper<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Upon feeling better, we started to explore our city. We visited three different parks and successfully made it to and from the parks without getting lost on the public transportation. The first park was a petting zoo, which we actually met-up with other ECA families to see the animals. Elleazah did rather well with the animals. She was a bit timid with some of them but really enjoyed others. The second park we went to was similar to central park in New York City. It was a large green area with many paths to walk on. A botanical garden was next to the park and we loved the tranquil environment of the garden. The ‘jungle’ portion and the rose garden were our favorite parts. The last park we went to was Parque Jamie Duque, which was a cultural history park with a zoo. There were many monkey exhibits, which were our favorite area, but we also liked how close you could get to some of the large cats (tigers, pumas, etc). Lastly, we had to chuckle when we saw the squirrel exhibit, but the Colombians LOVED the little rodents! The squirrels were some of the smallest squirrels we had seen! It was such a blessing to go; a relative from a school family owns the park and admits ECA workers into the park for free! It was so good to get out and enjoy the warm, sunny weather of the season, especially after the rainy season we had up until the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> end of the semester. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But now we are getting back into the school routine with our discipleship continuing, both one-on- one and in small groups, and preparing for class lessons.</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-48072155339369055142011-12-28T10:10:00.000-08:002011-12-28T10:14:03.300-08:00Semester's End and Christmas Festivities<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The end of the semester is always a busy time. Furthermore, holidays add to the busyness of the days. There is much to write about from the last few weeks, so this will be a brief overview. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">December 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> is a very important Catholic holiday which is celebrated with many candles, music and fireworks- the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. That evening, Steve was at the school Christmas program (which was amazing to see all the different grades singing and the skits preformed) while Marlayna and Elleazah stayed at home due to the nature of the event and the late evening. In our conjunto (or gated neighborhood), people started to light a line of candles to light the way for Mary. Elleazah and Marlayna went out to walk around some and watch the lighting the candles, children excitedly running around, and load music playing in the background. The administration of our conjunto provided drinks and snacks for the festivities. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steve had the opportunity to go to another part of Bogota before Christmas break, to a school that is a ministry outreach for ECA elementary students, to give a presentation on working with students who demonstrate behaviors often related with ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). He identified different causes to the behaviors, different strategies with working with the students who do and do not actually have ADHD, and ways to reach out to the families (considering this school is also a Christian school in a very high risk area). However, this school is Spanish speaking so Steve had an interpreter. The meeting was very productive and helpful for the teachers and appreciated his insight. They even asked that he return with a follow up meeting after some implementation time to answer further questions.</span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Marlayna was able to meet with the 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> grade girls and other small group leaders after the student’s last final of the semester to make soup, cornbread, and ‘gingerbread’ houses. We taught the students how to make these simple dishes because most of the students do not ever cook since their families have maids who do the cooking (a very common practice here because labor is really cheap). Marlayna had a bit of a cultural lesson as she was preparing the devotional about the symbols of Christmas that point back to Christ. Some of the examples of symbols were the star, angel, and the candy cane. But when she went to find some candy canes as a visual aid that they students could also use on their houses, Marlayna learned that candy canes are not sold here. Mint just doesn’t seem to be a common flavor, not even for ice cream.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another activity we participated in with some of the other staff at ECA one evening was to go on a tour of Bogota to see the Christmas lights at some of the parks. This was a fun way to see different parts of Bogota that we have not ventured out to but like to return for some more exploring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pictures from some of these events are limited due to our camera breaking at the high school retreat, so please be patient as we wait to take some pictures from other staff members who also went to the events.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-32791537079156387192011-12-09T17:31:00.000-08:002011-12-09T17:31:40.869-08:00December Prayer Update Letter<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">HOLIDAYS:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These past 3 months have been jammed pack with Colombian holidays; so much so that in the month of November, we only had 1 full week of school and the rest were partial weeks. For the first main “holiday” of Halloween, we went to serve at the ministry called “the Jungle”. The Jungle is a haven for children to play and learn about God (very similar to Inner City Impact) in a neighborhood ravaged by poverty, drug use, and prostitution. Halloween was a critical day for the ministry because the area has a strong connection with death, since the main source of income is a local cemetery. As such, satanic worship is big in the area and has historically led to child kidnappings, which some suspect to be for sacrificing. Please be in prayer for these children and the community, that they might experience freedom from the bondage of sin and poverty. Some of the Juniors will be going to the Jungle for some of their ministry hours next semester.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>11<sup>TH</sup> GRADE CLASS:</strong></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have recently begun getting to the heart of why students have been struggling with going to the orphanage. We have found that one main reason is that they don’t “feel” like they accomplish anything when they went in the past. With Mark, the other class advisor, we talked about having a servant’s heart and the responsibility of fulfilling a commitment. In future weeks we plan to directly address ways we serve with sinful attitudes and what a Christ-like attitude looks like. In the last 4 months, we have only gone to the orphanage twice because we have not been able to get enough juniors to sign up to go. This past month we enjoyed the company of some recent graduates who joined us in ministering to the orphans for Christmas. Unfortunately, two of our 11<sup>th</sup> graders got phones taken from them as they were mugged in broad daylight soon after we dropped them off outside a McDonalds. Please pray for Andrea and Santiago as they recover from the experience and that it may deepen their dependence on Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">SMALL GROUP</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">: The Junior boys went on their first outing to do indoor go-karting. Steve was able to build relationships with the guys, and the six of them had a fun opportunity spending time with each other outside of school, which doesn’t happen very often due to the fact that they all live in different parts of Bogotá. During Chapel, the guys have been focusing on what it looks like to hold one another accountable. The girls have been continuing through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Every Young Woman’s Battle.</i> With the 5<sup>th</sup> grade boys, Steve has been going through the life of Joseph with them, talking about what to do when we engage in the sins of jealousy, bitterness, and boasting: Repent and Believe! <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>1-on-1 DISCIPLESHIP: </strong></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Marlayna is now discipling 2 students, who happen to be close friends and in her small group. She has been focusing with them on staying accountable with their spiritual disciplines and discussing various relationship issues that arise. Steve is going through 2 books with his students: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Samson Syndrome</i> with a 12th grader talking about the susceptibility “strong men” have to different failures and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Spiritual Leadership</i> an 11th grader, talking about being a spiritual leader and what steps we can take, with God’s intervention, to be a godly influence on others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong>SERVICE UPDATE:</strong></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Marlayna is now coming to school 4 afternoons per week. In addition to leading a small group, discipling the 2 Juniors, going to Spanish classes, she teaches English 2 days per week to people from ECA and the community. She believes that at least 1 of her students is not a Christian, so please be in prayer for God’s Spirit to come upon him. Furthermore, she is tutoring a potential student in math 2 days per week.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Steve has finished designing the framework of the Learning Center and is overseeing staff provide small group study skills instruction for grades 2-12, and administering the instruction for middle school and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>high school. He has also been running an anti-bullying group for some 4<sup>th</sup> grade boys, and providing 1-on-1 counseling for 2 middle school boys who have been struggling with motivational and emotional difficulties. His 1-on-1 math instruction with the 10<sup>th</sup> grader has been quite the learning experience, as the student also has difficulties with motivation to learn. He has very much enjoyed teaching his self-defense class to 8 high school students. Beginning this month, Steve will be providing monthly parent workshops, with the first one on dealing with stress and how to develop and sustain a homework routine.</span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Prayer Request Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">That we can have joyful hearts emanate to those around us, particularly our neighbors and other staff and through the parenting workshops.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Junior class: to have the love of Christ as they minister to the orphans with special needs; a heart of unity and accountability among the class.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Our meetings with our disciplees. Pray that we will be able to build them up in love.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Salvation of students</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Our fellow supporters: that the Lord will continue to bless them and the ministries He has called them to advance His kingdom.<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">We are very thankful for your partnership and encouragement. God has truly blessed us through YOU! If there is anything we can do to encourage you or lift you up to the Lord, please let us know!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-36371492059274232052011-11-27T18:36:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:43:05.835-08:00High School Retreat!<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As eleventh grade small group leaders we were able to participate in a wonderful weekend with the high school student with challenging spiritual devotionals and small group sessions. </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The sessions were 30 minute devotionals followed by 20 minutes of meditating on a single verse and ending with small group discussion. The devotional topics included: God’s holiness, importance of repentance to someone as an accountability partner, unity and love of the body of Christ, and confession/ reconciliation with each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These topics really challenged the students to reflect on their attitude and relationships with their classmates, family members, and other relationships. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The time of meditation was also a great experience for the students because the students have heard for years that they should be meditating on the Word, but they really didn’t know how to meditate on the Word until this retreat. So often it is easier to talk and pray <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to</b> God but never take the time to listen and reflect on the words in the Bible. We had exciting conversations during small group about some of the observations they made during the time of meditation on the single verse and how the verse applied to their life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another significant highlight from the small group times were the activities that went along with the discussion. During one of the small group sessions, the students were partnered up and then asked to share a struggle, or a sin that they are dealing with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, the students know each other rather well, which allowed for them to trust another classmate enough to be an accountability partner, so they can pray for each other in that area of struggle in their life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A second small group activity was the “confession caterpillar” in which each student had just a couple minutes to talk with each one of their classmates and ask the partner: How have I offended you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By asking this question, it allowed students to bring up ways in which they have been hurt by the other person. This was a significant activity for our 11<sup>th</sup> graders because many of the students have gone to ECA since early elementary school and have been offended by a classmate, but rather than confronting that classmate, they shove those feeling and hurts deep down and become bitter toward their classmate. One student said, “I didn’t realize that some of my facial expressions can be offensive because they think I am judging them and that I am better than them!” Another student said, “I didn’t realize that my jokes are so offensive.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lastly, one student said, “I didn’t realize how proud I was and how arrogant I am toward my classmates!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The students had deep wounds from each other while the offender had no idea! Some students were bitter toward each other and through this weekend, they are able to start the healing process through reconciliation and the work of the Holy Spirit.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-54496447080977457912011-11-07T05:20:00.000-08:002011-11-07T05:23:26.906-08:00Holidays in Bogota<span style="font-family: Calibri;">For Halloween last week, decorations were commonly put up in windows of the apartments and at the gates of the apartment ‘complexes.’ We went to the mall for our monthly "end- of- the- month" treat: an ice cream cone. The mall was packed with dressed up parents taking their dressed up kids to go trick- or - treating from store to store!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow! It was crazy to see some of the outfits, some cute, but most of them scary... even the adults! I can see why many Christians here stay sooooo far from the Halloween scene as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking onward to this month , according the school calendar, we have multiple days off of school we have a day off for “All Saint’s day,” “Independence of Cartagena,” and two days off for Thanksgiving (thanks ECA being an <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>American school). We are thankful for the days off of school to relax a little bit at home and visit with others. We are not sure what we will be doing for Thanksgiving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided not to go on a get- away trip for three days with a number of other staff from the school. We intend to keep it low key, maybe get together with another family or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing we made sure we packed to bring down with us for our tradition was: <u>Thanksgiving, a Time to Remember</u> by Barbara Rainey. Last year, we read this book for the first time, which is about the Pilgrim’s sacrifices and God’s provision for them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The book is arranged in such a way that it can be a short read or a longer more detailed account of history, which will be nice to alter the story/ devotional as the our family grows. Plus, it comes with a CD of worship music… wonderful!<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christmas season is in full swing! It is a bit weird to see the Christmas season without seeing Thanksgiving or fall seasonal items out. Considering they don’t have fall and Thanksgiving as we do in the States, it makes sense that the Christmas items are out now since Christmas is the next major holiday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mall has a big Christmas tree, snow- flake lights up on light posts, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘snow drifts’ made of plastic hanging over the side of the mall to look like icicles, and oversized presents that decorate the outside walking areas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Seeing the snow decorations makes us chuckle because Bogota never sees snow, yet they associate Christmas with snow. Infact, most of the world does not have snow at Christmas time.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Christmas music we have heard thus far in the mall has been the same Christmas music we would hear in the States. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The decorations are not yet finished but we have been told that once all the lights are up, there are multiple power outages in our area due to the energy being used for the decorations! Guess we will get to have a cheaper electric bill with all the blackouts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8275476670745686113.post-65730037669147805282011-10-30T19:54:00.000-07:002011-10-30T19:54:28.959-07:00The Jungle of Bogota<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“The Jungle” is a safe place for youth to go to in a very deprived neighborhood. This neighborhood could be considered the slums of Bogotá, with multiple families living in one house in a neighborhood ravaged by drugs, prostitution, poverty, and satanic activity. During time of the year… the end of October (Halloween), The Jungle , provides longer hours, while proactively reaching out to the community, keeping<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>their doors open to the youth of the neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Due to the intentional outreach and inviting more kids to The Jungle for Halloween weekend, more help and hands were needed for the day. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">While serving at The Jungle, we spent the first hour praying for the neighborhood, the kids, safety for this Halloween season, and a spiritual breakthrough in the neighborhood. Then we interacted with the kids, playing with them for the couple hours of free time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The jungle is well equipped with activities: coloring, playing in the playhouse, swinging them in hammocks, foosball, put-put golf, jump rope, basketball, a climbing wall, table tennis, board games, tub rides, sliding into a pit, and a roped bridge with a fireman’s pole. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After free time was a time of songs and worship, a skit of Daniel and the lion’s den, followed by a craft in small groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was a fabulous time to share about the awesome, faithful, loving God we serve with the children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The small groups allowed the children to start talking and opening up about the truth of the Bible. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Jungle is a place of retreat for many of the children, a place to get away from the struggles and abuse of their daily life. It allows them to forget about the pain they endure outside the walls of The Jungle and build positive relationships with those who work as full time staff and the regular volunteers at The Jungle. Please be in prayer for this neighborhood, the only way this neighborhood will change will be through God’s intervention. You can find some pictures of the Jungle under our Ministry Page.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Santafe, Bogotá, Bogota, Colombia4.6141142663257062 -74.0755529089355494.6086157663257064 -74.079884908935554 4.6196127663257061 -74.071220908935544