SUMMER 2009 Continues

PARACHUTE FUN

They loved it - and I'm not talking about the kids : )!  We went out to spend some time with the children who were still there and we learned of those who had left.   Since the season is ending and each day things can change, we never know who will still be there.  We still had 9.   But what was so great was that in order to be able to have the bigger kids play safely, I had to ask some of the men who were sitting around to help us with the parachute.  Mercedez had already said she would, but still with just Jack and I and her it would not be so safe to play the game where we toss them up : ).  A few said yes and then before we knew it, we had all the adults helping us so that each of the children could take turns being tossed in the parachute.  EVERYONE was laughing and screaming.  It was a blast!!!!!!!  Thanks to Mr. Henry from JIPF we were able to have the parachute!!!  Thanks to the Lord we have had the opportunity once again this year to tell these little ones about the great LOVE of JESUS and how He saves us from sin.  Is there any question why we feel these are Summer Blessing?!!

Tower of Babel - God is Wisest and Strongest not us

We are not quite sure why the photos were so blurry from last night -
hoping it is not because the camera might have gotten wet in the storm : { ?

Another great night at Jenkin's camp!!!!  Tower of Babel and new songs.  They are finally learning the songs pretty well.  Since everyone was new it has taken a while to get them all singing and enjoying it : ) , but once they catch on it is super. 

Not too much that different to say than normal.  Great lesson and review time and the children were very well behaved again last night.  What I did want to do for those of you who pray is include a list of all the children who were at a lesson at one point or another.  Some were only here for two or three weeks, others maybe only a few days and some from the beginning, but they all were told about the love of Jesus and He can do what He wills with the seed planted.  So the following is a list of the children's names grouped in families:

Norma, Marcos, Alejandro, Alex, Norma, Jose, Celena, Jessica, Julissa, Cassandra, baby sister (don't remember her name?), Karen and her baby brother, Daniel, Adolfo, Genaro, Franco, Blanca, Ramon, Juan Manuel, Luis, Dianali, Marco Antonio, Angel, Horalia, Feliberto, and Jr. are those I remember from Jenkins and Fernando and 3 little ones from Hollywood.  Some of the moms or adults to pray for are Jaqui, Jimina, Janet, Mercedez, Margarita, Angel's mom : )?, and a sweet older lady who would watch the children during the day after school and was very respectful of lesson time.  If the Lord lays one/two of these on your heart to pray, I know he/she or they would be blessed.  If you would like to have a face for a name, let me know.  I just do not want to put names with faces on a public forum like this.  I can e-mail you that information if you are truly interested in praying for them.  Dios te bendiga.  

Thx for your prayers and encouragement this Summer.  It will probably be wrapping up soon.  Nothing is ever certain but a few more are supposed to leave this afternoon and then some are supposed to be staying for about two more weeks.  We will continue until they are gone.  We really appreciate your prayers.

A Lesson in the STORM

TALK ABOUT DISTRACTIONS : )
{Don't miss the SLIDESHOW AT THE BOTTOM - by the time you read the section below, it should have loaded}

And still they did a GREAT job listening to the Review Lesson and participating, even with the storm. Since we were out of town and there were new children, it was best to do a review of the stories so far. This is a great bunch of kids and it was so much fun!!! I have to get used to teaching in Spanish each Summer because I don't have too much practice during the Winter months. Though most of these speak English we didn't want to leave out the few who don't. We went back and forth last night, song in English then in Spanish, lesson in Spanish, some questions in English, etc... but it works : )!

Before leaving, it was looking like rain as it had for some time, but we kept waiting to see what it would do. Finally, because we know time is getting short and families are starting to leave, we decided to go out just to spend time with the children. But I couldn't resist a lesson once we were out there. When we arrived we went to talk with Janet who is with a totally different crew; they even have a different gate/fence area to enter. As we were talking to her it went from a drizzle to rain. So we decided we had better go to the other section and begin rounding up the children. But by the time we made it to the other set of housing, it was pouring hard, so the kids who were there with us were the kids in the lesson. Karen, Feliberto, Horalia, Daniel, and Adolfo were left out : { YIKES. But there was no leaving from under the awning then. So we began the lesson. In the middle of the lesson the thunder and lightning started to really chime in and it was quite a competition in keeping their attention. Even keeping my own attention was not always possible as I had to turn around myself and see what was going on a few times after a loud thunder sound crashed near or a light streaked too close for comfort : ). The whole time I'm thinking, "Oh my goodness these kids are sitting on a metal frame with metal springs!!!!" But the parents were totally aware and did not call them away so there was no use in ending, we might as well continue through until the end. It was really super! At the end we had a question review game for little prizes and they did very well - no crying, no saying, "AWWWH I wanted that one!!!", no pushing or hitting, etc... The group was just the right combination of personalities last night. And every night the group changes : ).

As I sit here typing this, I can't help but reminisce about the first years. I've been in contact with several of the old students from 20+ years ago who are, of course, now adults. They seem to call more often in the Summer months and they talk about their memories of the times at the camps - the Bible lessons, the "field trips", and prizes. Two of them told me just a few weeks back when I was feeling discouraged that those are their favorite memories in life. When I hear that and I see that though it has taken 20 years sometimes to see ANY fruit - it is worth it!!!!!!!!!! Only God knows all of what HE has done and how many are serving Him now, but He has given me the privilege this year to learn of two more who have begun living for HIM. Five may seem like a very small number of changed lives, but from the perspective of eternity 5 is HUGE to me. Once more thanking the Lord for these Summer Blessings.

SUMMER 2009 Continues

Just another slideshow : ).  Aren't they so adorable!!!!!!!!!!  Decided not to go out tonight, so taking the time to put in craft/prize orders and put together some slideshows : ).  Thanks so much for your prayers.

SUMMER 2009 Continues

I’m late doing this b/c I’m behind a week!!!  I haven’t even downloaded the photos from each night,  and Jack has taken some really good ones.  We had a bunch of new ones tonight at Jenkins, and we didn’t get any photos.  But we will get some Thursday, Lord willing.  Tomorrow will be "Hollywood" camp.  This slideshow is from the first night of lessons with the children at Jenkin's camp.   There were many very young ones who did not speak English.  They will begin learning it when they get to Kindergarten.   Once the children begin speaking English, they then prefer that - which puts me in a difficult position.  After twenty-two years of teaching these little ones, we make it work, but I still don’t feel I’ve found a really good way of teaching a group of children where some know no English, others would rather speak in English, and occasionally there are those who don’t understand Spanish : ) and vary in ages from babies to early teens.  This keeps me on my toes and really on my knees where I should be from the beginning : ) after all.  It is a blessing and a constant challenge that has me praying and ever learning.  That first lesson was easy because it was just an introduction lesson, but the next were not so easy.  Tonight thanks to prayers giving me the idea to START with physical games to get everyone tired out, things went very well and was even fun for me too : )!  We started off with running from fence to fence playing pink bandana - blue bandana [red light - green light]  since language is an issue we used holding the bandana’s up to signify go or stop.  The winner was able to hold the bandanas.  Then we played cut the cake which was OK but the little ones were a bit overwhelmed.  So we used our circle and just sat down and played hot potato saying our names so everyone could learn each others name.  THEN we began the lesson with coloring sheets for the little ones to complete during the lesson as the older ones could just watch the picture charts/boards and raise their hands.  We had several older ones who were new tonight and they were GREAT!!!!!  Two of them, Daniel and Alfondo, actually go to church.  So they really wanted to help tell the story and they did a great job.  Then we read the verse from the Bible and ended with - what we normally begin with - singing.  I’m always amazed that after all this time, I’m still learning and having to re-invent how to reach a new group with the truth of God’s Word.  It is so great to see the Lord answer prayers and know that it is HIM giving the answer.   When I did the first lessons just doing what worked from the past not really praying for wisdom with a “felt need”, they were no fun and pretty miserable.  Just being honest!  But after last night, it was so lackluster that it made me, once again, ask the Lord for help and wisdom not only to know how to reach them, but IF He even wanted me to continue.  Tonight was very fulfilling and exciting for several reasons.  The games certainly helped : ), and they were possible because I was not as tired going out there as I was last night [another thing the Lord seemed to be making me aware of - saving some energy for the evening].  There were older children tonight who are much easier for me to teach : ); yesterday they never came to the lesson because they came over to our side late.  And of course, asking for Him to show up is the most important.

Prayers are always appreciated :).  For those of you who have asked, we definitely would be glad to take out some clothes for the little ones.  Here are some names for those of you who faithfully pray year after year and for those who would like to start praying this year : ):  Horalia, Feliberto, Alejandro, Edwin, Luis, Marcos, Norma, Cassandra, Emilie, Jessica, Julissa, Karen, Alex, Daniel, Alfondo, Genaro, and a cute little girl whose name I can’t remember but who the Lord knows.  All of these children are new this year.  Not a single child is returning from last year, which is sad in one way, but it is great to know that the Lord has given us the opportunity to tell these new ones about Himself and His love for them.  I’m always excited to tell more and more about the great truths of the Bible.  Summer blessings once again : ).

SUMMER 2009 Begins

Margarita, Fernando and me - in my new Mexico duds from October,  I might add☺  

SUMMER 2009 BEGINS

Well, they're baaa - ack : )

Jack with "Salchicha" [sausage] and Fernando 

Yesterday I received the call from  Margarita and was so surprised.  I'd given her my number before and normally she loses it just as I'd lost hers : ( this year [it's a different number now anyway]  But she called me at the end of last season and it was really nice to talk with her.  But when I answered my phone yesterday and heard someone speaking in Spanish I was not thinking it was her.  It was a very good surprise!   They had just arrived on Sunday and she says they will be staying until at least July 20th, perhaps the 26th!!!  And if she is saying the 26th it could easily be even longer.  I do not understand what is happening with the growing season - it seems to be reverting back to 15 years ago.  Back then it was normal for the season to begin in June and end in July/August.  I guess things really do go in cycles even the weather.  Those cold snaps we had in March and even April were unusual.  This crew picks the green tomatoes so it has nothing to do with that [those who pick the red would obviously be staying later], but more weather and the season start time from what I can tell.   But there may be something else going on that I am not aware of yet : ).  What I do know is that they arrived later and will be staying later : ).  Anyway, the exciting thing is that Margarita called me to let me know they were in town and ask us to come visit - which, of course, I was thrilled to do!  

When we arrived yesterday evening, the back of the truck was full of donations left from last year that had been given to me late in the season and have been stored in the shed.  I love watching Frenando's attitude.  He has such good manners!  It is just normal for all children to want to dig in and just start taking everything whether they like it or not.  It is like a frenzy.  But Fernando is not like that.  Last year I had to practically force him to take things.  His mom is watching him giving him the eye and he will not take it without her approval.  She is an excellent mother!  This year I explained to her that these things were not to be earned - they were all freebies as they were used and left from last year.  I told her when we started the lessons, THEN it would be back to "earning" the prizes.  So she finally let him go for it.  He was looking through each thing he picked up carefully and if he didn't think he would use it he would put it back.  Several times he would be looking at something and excited about it and you could tell he wanted it but was afraid to add one more thing to his box, so Jack would say "take it, Fernando, you can have it"  He'd smile and put it in.  It is so nice and unusual to see a young child so appreciative.  One of the things was a bat and ball set (plastic) and while Margarita and I were looking at other things, Jack and Fernando started playing ball.  Next thing you know we all joined in the game.  

When I saw Jack and Fernando playing together, it struck me that in the 6 years we've known them I don't ever remember seeing him play anything with his dad.  As a matter of fact, as we were driving home and I was still pondering it, I could not remember seeing his dad much at all until the very end of a season.  He is one of the crew leaders so he is early to leave and the last to come back.  Fernando is an only child so that leaves it just he and his mom often.  Not so unusual for today's working dad who wants to provide for his family, but still tough.  But Fernando has a fun pal - his Miniature Dachshund.  It was the CUTEST little thing and I just couldn't resist!!!!!!!  So I was petting it and even HOLDING it as it licked me and wagged that adorable little tail.  It is precisely because of that succumbing to temptation that I am sitting in front of the computer now.  I was having reactions before we left [which always weakens my immune system] and had been around someone who had a virus on Tuesday so here I sit sick again, no energy to go outside and finishing mowing.  It was cute - really cute - but I should have known better!!!!!  But hey that's what's so great about computers : ).  

I did not ask her last night, but I will ask Margarita if she knows anything about Manuel from last year; I've prayed for he and her family just about daily.  If you have kept up with the blogs you may remember him.  Margarita actually started witnessing to him with me.  It was an amazing blessing.  She is so very shy and I was just thrilled to see her express what is in her heart about the Lord.  It was a beautiful moment/ memory.  Hopefully we will share another like that this Summer.  She has already agreed to help me with the lessons/crafts with the children.  Depending on how many children end up being at the other camps I don't think I will be ordering as many as I'd planned but I already have several little craft kits to go with the lessons.  Fernando will be the oldest this year : ) so far.  He has learned English too!!!  It is so remarkable to see young children go into school and in less than a full year they are speaking English so well.  Since Margarita does not speak any English he is now becoming the "translator" for her.   She doesn't fool me though - I know it is just because she is too shy to try to talk, because I know she understands a great deal : ).  Margarita was a blessing to me.  Once again this year I was beginning to wonder if I should just stop now.  She called me and as a friend invited me to visit.  She is such a dear lady and I'm grateful for all of the friends like Margarita, whom the Lord has blessed me with meeting and some even being able to maintain a friendship.

Like one my friends in Florida who called me last week.  I hadn't heard from them in months.  We caught up again and she let me know how her family (7 other siblings and spouses and children and GRANDchildren) are doing and where they are now.  Since her family in particular seems to have absolutely no problem having lots of children,  I let her know I am totally open to having them give birth to a precious little one for me : ).   They laugh at me.  But it really is a blessing to talk to her as she is now walking with the Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How wonderful is that!  To be able to pray with her now as an adult and hear her pray is amazing.  And one of her brothers is truly a believer though he still struggles and we talk/pray as often as he can or thinks about it.   One of the other brothers called this past Monday PM and let me know he DID go to church on Sunday there in Texas : ).  This family, too, has a special place in my heart and has been in my prayers constantly.  So many friends who I have been privileged to share the love and truth of Jesus with over the years are truly Summer Blessings.