The day to day

So I am slowly figuring out my routine here. Spanish in the mornings, spanish homework and errands in the afternoon, and, recently, after that, Rangers games at night. Oh and some cleaning, cooking, and Skype in there too. Here is some of what I've been up to lately...

Last Friday Maria got out of school early after a half-day, so she, Sandi, and I walked to the nearby shopping center to eat at our favorite taco stand, get at few things at the supermarket, and have some ice cream at Sarita. It was a gorgeous day and so nice to just sit and chat and enjoy the afternoon without a schedule. Especially after 4-hours of spanish tutoring....That evening we played some games (Maria's favorite activity) then I went home early to Skype with my parents and head to bed because it had been an eventful week.

Saturday I caught up with my sister Whitney in Skype; it is so great to be able to keep up that way. I miss my family and friends from home a lot these days! Then I cleaned and studied some spanish. After that I got ready to go with Mike to a quinceañera at the children's home where he often ministers. The 'tias', or caretakers, help put it on. It was fun to see such a cute girl in her beautiful dress - she danced and then we ate dinner and then everyone danced and they had cake. It was also nice to spend a little time with some of the youth that Mike works with regularly. They are very sweet!

Violeta

New friends

Maria y yo

I went to church with Oscar again on Sunday, this time trying to remember the route so that I can drive myself sometime soon. The music was wonderful again - I love when they sing spanish versions of praise songs that I know from church at home. The congregation had a special time of prayer for a family who had not been there the week before due to the loss of their home during the terrible rains. The pastor prayed that the Lord would open doors for a new home for them - please pray for that too. It is already hard enough to make a living here and there are not many resources for those who lose everything. Pray for their peace and provision.

On Monday, Jordan and Hannah Self invited me to their home to watch the Rangers game. It was so fun to eat with them and their 2 precious kiddos. And really nice when you only know about 10 people in this city! It was encouraging to hear about their heart for the city and specifically Jordan's heart for youth. And that night was a win for the Rangers so all the more to celebrate...since I couldn't have known what was coming :(. I am still proud of my team!!

On Tuesday, I attended Sandi's Bible study again with the housekeepers from the area. Only this time one of them brought her baby! She was so, so adorable and I must say quite the distraction from the spanish sermon going on in the living room. I did not mind watching her. Que linda!!!

K the last image that I will leave you with is from Thursday. It doesn't need much explanation, except that this is the corner of my casa by my desk, and it has in no manner been altered. Oh Guatemala.

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, 
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety.