a fantastic week so far...

hello everyone!
I will keep this short, since my goal is to post a bunch of pictures and not ramble on. We are having a great week. So far we have worked on clearing more land for a volleyball and soccer field, planted DOZENS of plants and small trees, painted four new little buildings which will have the roofs put on tomorrow, taught a baking and craft class for mothers in the community, had the first day of children´s programming, toured the community, played with many, many children, and enjoyed our meals in Cori´s backyard jungle patio. One highlight for me was that Food for the Hungry brought an oven to La Merced and I taught the mother´s group how to make oatmeal cookies (apparently, teaching cooking and baking is becoming something I do, who knew). It was rather hilarious from my perspective, but they loved it and were so excited to eat cookies, which are not a common food in the jungle. After the baking, Steph showed them how to create personal journals. I loved this time, just watching this group of women, so excited to not only be together but be treated to fun, simple things. I´m reminded of how much we all desire to be in community with others and of how much God desires to be in community with us, even in the simplest of ways.

Sam arrived here safely yesterday morning before a full day, thank you for your prayers. Our day ended yesterday with an intense rainstorm and an even more intense drive out of La Merced. We got stuck three times in the thick mud and clay and the men of our team, our translators and drivers worked magic pushing the car and van up hills and out of ditches. Every event or challenge has only energized us more and more. It´s fabulous. I could not be more proud of our team and how everyone has put themselves out there, teaching and even preaching and speaking in Spanish.

Well, clearly it´s hard for me to be brief. The next few days are full of children´s programming, work on the park and sports fields and family visits. We are doing well! Love to all!

laura