Things at Emmanuel have pretty much been working like clockwork for us over the course of the past week. We wake up at 6:15am in order to bring the horses into the stables, feed them, take them back out to pasture, make our own breakfast, and then head over to the school to begin working at 8am. I have been doing different jobs just about every day. One day I was fixing toilets, another day I was putting memory cards into CPUs, another day I was painting signs for the classrooms, another day I was updating a list of which students are in what grade, and still another day I was writing the student’s daily schedule that will be implemented once school starts. Lauren has been working diligently on stenciling and painting the signs that hang above every room in the school to note its use (i.e. 1st grade, 2nd grade, boy’s bathroom, administration, etc). The funny thing about the signs is that although one of the staff members wrote out the Spanish list of signs that Lauren is stenciling, some of the words are misspelled. The lady that wrote the list is from Denmark so it’s understandable why they aren’t perfect. She speaks Danish, English, and Spanish fluently so she’s bound to make a mistake here and there.
Wednesday night was used to teach a separat
Our horse training friends from next door left on Thursday morning so Lauren and I have taken over feeding and caring for the horses every day We feed them in the morning and in the late afternoon and groom them on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I think we’re going to start teaching “groundwork” classes with the horses in a week or two. The classes would also fall on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday since we’re going to be grooming them on those days already. We’ll be killing two horses with one stone, so-to-speak. When Chris and Tamm
We’ve been taking opportunities to hang out with the volunteers here when time permits. We had a game-night at our casa last night and ten people came over! I’m not sure if that sounds like a lot of people, but that is the extent of Emmanuel’s volunteer staff. We have four chairs, a couch, loveseat, and an individual sofa chair so a couple people sat on the tile floor. Corey, one of the new short-term volunteers, gave us a bag of popcorn a few days ago and asked if we could pop it for our formal game night celebration. It passed around the circle about 5 times and people were taking a handful every time—it was like the 5 loaves and 2 fish that Jesus multiplied in the bible (refer to Matthew 14:13). Katie and Kaylee brought over some coffee grounds so that everyone could have some coffee. I know what you’re thinking, “Wait, I thought your coffee pot was your makeshift water pitcher” (refer to earlier blog). Don’t fret, we are now using our depleted gallon milk jug as a water pitcher and our coffee pot has resumed its former position as the coffee brewing specialist. Since we had a large group of people here and not many coffee mugs, we had to use our liquid measuring cup as a coffee mug. We did everything we could to be hospitable hosts.
Today during church, Lauren and I were brought in front of everyone so that we could be formally introduced and prayed over. We are constantly asked by the staff to stay for at least 5 years if not forever. I think if we stayed here any longer than the 3 months we are planning to, a couple of people back in the States would be a little upset. Rachel, for one, would probably fly down here and take Lauren by force and leave me here to fend for myself.
After church we ate lunch at the tienda on the orphanage property. Laur
After lunch Lauren, John and I decided to walk
Just a couple of pictures I particularly liked from this week were these ones:
One is Lauren sitting by the fountain in front of the church while she checked her e-mail on our laptop and the other one was the sunset while Chris was giving a bible study to the boys of the orphanage the night before him and his family left.
Thanks for reading! Let us know you care—leave a comment! We really enjoy reading the comments we receive because it makes us feel like we’re close to you all!
And to update you on our “nerts” playing…I have won a few games now! My skills are being refined the longer we’re here.
7 comments:
Hey guys! Seems like you are having an awesome time. It is so cool that you get to work with the horses. I would definitely love that =) Miss you and can't wait to hang out again! = Cristin
The story of Jessica broke my heart. I'm glad you're there with her to show and give her the love of Jesus. She needs to see and feel His presence and that's why you're there. You are His Ambassador.
It's exciting to hear how God provides for his people. Your popcorn story is so true, I've heard others talk who were in similar situations as yours and had the same experience. You're in a place now where God will show you many wondrous and marvelous things. I'm so glad you and Lauren are getting to experience Him in this way.
Love, Prayer, Hugs & Kisses,
Mom
wowzers. That dish sounded rather....interesting. Good job on trying something different. :D
I'm liking the pictures too. They add soo much to the story.
Much love from the Samster. And keep loving on the orphanage. God'll be awesome and that will make it all awesome. :D
Looks like everything is exciting and going well! You guys look like you are having fun, but it's a lot of hard work at the same time. What a great place to serve the Lord and bond with each other in your first months of marriage. Keep doing a great job! Justin and I are praying with you guys!
In reference to your special ed pic of you on el caballo, i was thinking the same thing haha. Im glad things are going well for you guys and can't wait to see you when you get back. :)
I just want to say I like that in every picture of Leo, he's rockin a Sandals shirt. Love it. And I miss you guys.
It sounds like you are settling in! I'm not suprised that they love you both there and probably want to keep you forever. No doubt you are a blessing to everyone you meet. We miss you-and are praying for you both.
Post a Comment