Back from Illinois

 So I am back after a week in Illinois. I was able to meet Gary in person, and get some meetings done for my missionary support process. (I'm not sure what to call it, but a process our missionaries go through to prepare for the mission field.) I also enjoyed spending time with my family and friends!

And I was home for my twentieth birthday!

Please continue to pray for our household here at Casa Betel as we continue to struggle through the process of becoming one family. I received a warm welcome home and Kenia seems to be doing well after her first week in school, so praise God for that. Also, please pray for me as it has been rather hard transitioning back to CVE here and I miss my family. Satan is trying to discourage me in a lot of areas, and I would appreciate your prayers that I can trust in God and not be swayed by my emotions.

Gift of the Week: Everytime I return from a trip I feel like Tadeo has taken a leap in learning, so thanks to God for the chance to witness that progress. He's walking better in his walker and making more efforts to communicate. Also, I am very thankful for the support given to our missionaries, including my visit to Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services (ACCFS) where I learned some of my strengths, weaknesses, and what I can be doing to mature in those areas. 

Wedding Weekend

Friday morning a new girl came to live with us. Her name is Kenia and she is 12 years old. She is sharing a room with me. Also, our house now has a new name: Casa Betel or Bethel House. Bethel means "House of God and door to heaven." Living at our house are Kendra, Marce, Pau, me, Yaneli -15, Yerania - 15, Kenia - 12, Tadeo - 10, and Mani - 5.

Saturday evening, we had a special meal for Denver and Katie. There were many guests and all of CVE was invited.

Trying to figure out the icecream machine directions.

Tadi dressed up for the occasion.

Me with the bride and groom.

Sunday after the wedding, we got to meet the newly-weds.

And then they left in the jeep.

Please pray for: Our household and especially Kenia with all the adjustments and emotions of coming to a children's home and starting a new life.

Gift of the Week: A safe trip to Illinois and starting a week with my family!

More Antics and the ISU team

Tadi is using his right arm more and more it seems! :) Here he's holding himself up on his right elbow.

P.E. homework with the Wulf boys.

I've been noticing the beautiful stars and the moon more lately because of going on evening walks and lying out on the trampoline at night.

Tadi showing off his new room.

Drink Breaks with Tadi and Tori

Tori does a good job taking care of him, doesn't she!

Last Saturday was Tadi's first softball game. He was thrilled. And he made it home once.

The ISU team

The ISU team was supposed to arrive Saturday afternoon, but didn't get here until Sunday morning because the alternator on their bus went out in Amarillo, Texas. They were a great team this past week and I really enjoyed getting to know them. We also had visitors arriving for Denver and Katie's wedding this weekend, so it was a busy campus. The ISU team just left to head home this morning.

Carl Hoerr used his surveying skills this week to improve the terrain for our baseball diamond, and future playground, soccer field, and round pen for horses. He also gave Tadi a ride in the tractor.

Last night was the slideshow for the team and also a talent show.

One special thing from the week was climbing the mountain with the team Sunday afternoon. Abbie Kuntz (right), who spent last summer with me here, helped me start using some more pictures with Tadi for communication.

Please pray for: Denver and Katie as they begin life together this weekend and for the safe travel of all the guests. Tadeo and I as I lengthen our class time and begin new therapies/activities including our new communication pictures. My trip home this next week March 17th to March 24th.

Gift of the week: Singing on top of Cross Mountain. It was beautiful to look down on the town and across to the faraway mountains and sing...