Friday Praise and Prayer.

I'm still here! So sorry I haven't been keeping up on the posts. This post was actually started on Friday, so I'm not changing the name. :)

Today's praise:

• I attended the first mandatory workshop put on by CNA and it wasn't as horrifically boring as I thought it would be. :) My friend and social worker Kimy went with me and we went the day before because it started so early in the a.m. the next day. We took advantage of the pool, then ate food in the park that night. It was fun!

Lesly (in the middle) is the social worker of another local Children's Home. 

• My mom and another friend bought me an iPad mini as a "just because they love me" present. I was able to download some Spanish songs to use with the boys in the Club. I tried to put the video here, but it didn't work. I will upload it to the facebook group, so you can check it out here.
• Last time I took my receipts in to the accountant, she told me I was doing a good job! Good thing she isn't here during the week when I'm freaking out because I counted receipts 4 times, and literally got 4 different numbers. And not just a little different. Q800. difference between the 4 different counts. About $100. No fears! I figured it out! Mostly. ;)

Today's prayer:

• Paperwork with CNA. I was in contact with them at the end of last week so things are moving. Slowly.
• The search for nannies to work when the girls come.
• Safety.

Have a great week all!

Friday Praise and Prayer.

It's Friday again! And it is October! I was talking to a friend the other day, and we were commenting on how much faster time seems to go every year. I remember grade school and high school and man did time ever crawl!!!! :)

Today's praise:

• I have been attending a Thursday night Bible study at my church for several months now. I have wanted to get to know people on a more intimate level, but because our church is so big (and I am intimidated) I often don't approach people. Last night we had a potluck and I finally felt like I could meet and get to know some members of the study better. It felt so good and I am thankful for each person in the group. 
• I feel the need to mention the water again. On Tuesday the workers came back for the last minute touch-up's on some cement, and took away all their stuff! Now the water flows freely! And just in time. I was advised that there will be no water from the town for the next 3 days. And I will be blissfully unaware with my cistern full of water and a pump that sends it to my house! But I am thankful for the experience of not having water, as I know a little more what it is like for the life of the average Guatemalan. Of course I am aware of myself enough to know that I can be thankful for the experience now that it is done. Had you asked me at other moments during this saga, I would not have used the word 'thankful'. 
• Increased energy. I'm not sure who has been praying for me, but this week I have been very productive and full of energy to do things. Good thing too, as this was a very full week for me! On Tuesday I was ready for the week to be over. But I had a good week and I am so thankful for that.
• Bible Club is going very well. All three boys are coming consistently now (which was not always the case) and I feel like every time they come I see improvements, however small they are, in their understanding or behaviour or learning. I am having such a good time with them! 

I'm sorry those praises were a little more personal and less ministry oriented, but I wanted to share my happiness! :)

Today's prayer:

• CNA paperwork. Next week I attend a mandatory workshop put on by the CNA. My social worker is going with me because two people are required to attend and I also want to make sure I understand everything that is being said.
• Safety. This is not one to take lightly. In the hospital, we called accidents that didn't happen but could have, near misses. If I were to keep track of my near misses while driving, I think the list would be long! Though it would their near miss, not mine!
• Wisdom. I really want to teach the boys in the Bible club about Jesus and other more practical things like how to read. Only the older one might have a chance to learn at this point, but I want to teach as much as I can. And I am not a teacher! I don't know the best way to do any of this. And also prayer for wisdom when dealing with disobedience. I have disciplined many a child in my day, but this area is new for me. I am more used to dealing with the physical and medical aspects of a child with special needs.

Wow, this was a 'me, me, me' praise and prayer today! Please know that I appreciate and treasure every prayer. Even when I don't know about them! Thanks. :)

The trampoline.

I was so excited to be able to buy a trampoline for the kids. It sat in my house for a very long time, as I had no one to come help me set it up. A couple of weeks ago some friends came over and offered to set it up. Because of rain, we couldn't use it for a while, but last week I managed to get the boys from the Bible club up on it.

I wish I had the camera on for the first time Geovani got on it! He was so scared that it was moving below him.

He stayed in this position for a while, then with me sitting beside him, he finally sat up for a bit. I started bouncing a bit and he smiled, so I stood up to bounce harder and he resumed this position until it was time to get off. ;) Oops.

 Joshua was having a great time!

Holding on for dear life, but not unhappy! 

Now the kids love to go on it, but still no jumping from Geovani. :)