September: my month of firsts

I am sorry this is late but it has definitely gotten a lot busier around here in the last month. In September I had many firsts. I had my first Sunday of understanding most of the sermon at church. This was a huge blessing and encouragement in my Spanish learning. I have understood more and more every passing Sunday. I also had my second outing without the family to the movies and mall with Catherine and her friends from the university. We went to the movies in Spanish with no English subtitles. This was a first as I did not understand most but caught on after Catherine explained some stuff to me. Next I had my first alone time. The family went to another town over night and I stayed here. As scary as this may sound it was very relaxing and a welcome break, once I got over being in the house alone and all the lights were out! Another first was my grammar classes with a lady in the church. I was meeting with her everyday for 2 hours but now she has to watch her grandson so we meet on Sunday mornings for 2 hours. Not as much but I am still learning a lot! Probably the most exciting was my first concert. It was the longest day of my life and my feet hurt so bad after but that is nothing different than what I have experienced in the US. It was loud, there were TONS of people there and it was all in Spanish. ☺ I went with a group of young people from here and Catherine (my translator). I did catch a few things but this mostly just wore me out and I am still recovering! ☺ At the beginning of September we went to the river for the second time but this time I played volleyball with a group of the people we were there with. I knew Aunt Launa and the girls would appreciate my effort at the game, however my team did not win! ☹ Another frist was my trip to the University with Catherine. She was signing up for her English test. This was much different than my experience at Northwestern. She first stood in line to get a paper and then we went to the bank on campus to put money in and then we went back to the first line and handed in a different paper from the back…just in time before that window closed for lunch at 11am. Then we waited for a lady to give the paper to that said she had paid for the test. Then we rode the bus (another first) and then ran around trying to find a place her dad had mailed something to. I was very lost! Then we rode a taxi home. So many new experiences here that make me realize how easy life in the US is or just maybe how lazy we Americans are.

Well school has started. The kids are gone by 6:30am and return at noon just in time for lunch. Then after lunch we rest and then have class with me and then spend most of the rest of the evening doing homework. I help with what I can. I even helped David with his and it was all in Spanish. We never miss an opportunity for my to learn Spanish. In the morning I fill my time doing things around the house for Marcia and making lunch.

One more thing I hope you all find funny. The stores started setting up for Christmas this month (September 15th) . Marcia says this is early but normally they start at the end of October because they don’t have thanksgiving here and Halloween is growing but still not that popular. So now I have 3 months of Christmas! Does this mean I can listen to Christmas music now?

Prayer requests:
God is working here and long with that comes requests.
*I want to start an English class but I need students. May God provide them for me. I have already had one failed week. ☹
*The church and the challenges it is facing. They are building a new roof, safety and a smooth project. Leadership challenges.
*The ministry I am involved with, there are many things and I am getting frustrated, may God work these out and may this ministry truly glory him and may he use it for his kingdom.
*The Foundation that the church started is facing challenges. May God guide them.
*My friend Catherine’s friends at the university, they are not saved. Pray that God would speak to their hearts and open them to his free gift also that they would ask questions. I would love to see them accept the Lord while I am here and I know God can do it!
*The kids, they get very overwhelmed with school and homework. Sara gets very upset over this. I pray that God comforts them and helps them with their studies. They are very bright children! I love working with them! ☺

I think that is it for now. There are no pictures…sorry but I don’t have a camera. ☹
Thanks for everything and for your prayers.
Until next month!