We have just finished another module of what we're now calling 'IBEM intensive' as it's quite a lot packed into one month. We only had 5 students for the first couple of weeks, which was ok, 3 of them new to the institute. The third week there were a few more and the last week finished up with 16 students, for which we are very thankful. The office worked out great for the classes. The idea was to also use the office for the night school classes, but there are too many students to fit in the room. This is a good problem to have, but a problem non the less. Not so much as to where to have the class as we can use the church, but our aim is to have lots of interaction in the class which isn't as easy with 25 as 15. We're not exactly sure how to get around this problem as we don't want to turn people away who want to study the Bible. Please pray for wisdom in this area.
During this past month, one of the students from Cajamarca got married. When we used one of the buildings at the orphanage near by he met one of the American volunteers. During the month the got to know each other and in the end got married. Several from Trujillo went up for the wedding. I had only been to Cajamarca once before (not a pleasant trip on a bus, 4 hours of windy roads and altitude), and was looking forward to driving up with a bunch of other families. We drove in caravan and had radios between us all which was very useful as there isn't much opportunity for passing. So when you get behind a 9-truck convoy it could take a while, but one would pass then tell the rest of us if it was clear to go. Lucas did alright on the trip, other than not sleeping until we were in sight of Cajamarca! All in all, it was a very nice week-end away. We stayed at the Inca baths and had thermal spring water in our bathroom, which was a nice treat! The wedding was nice too. It's always interesting to see weddings in different cultures. Not sure if this one was your typical Peruvian wedding, but it didn't have too much American influence either. But it was a nice day and they looked like they were really enjoying themselves which is the main thing.
The youth group has started back up again after a long summer break. There are some new ones in the group, some who are now old enough to join and a few from the orphanage near us. The Bible study will be starting up tomorrow, so Rich will be in charge of leading that until we leave at the end of May.
The couples' Bible study kicked off with a movie night last night to regroup. There was a good number. We'll continue studying the summary of the book 'Sacred Marriage'. We're hoping to have a short couples retreat mid-May, so please be praying for the organization of that as it's not very far away.
Lucas is still doing well, expanding his vocabulary daily. He does seem to have picked up his father's British accent when speaking English. You just have to hear him say water to notice it. He's still growing like a weed and growing out of clothes and shoes quickly! We're still working on him listening and obeying but hopefully that will come soon. They don't call it the terrible twos for nothing. Pregnancy continues to go well, other than being tired! But running after a 2 yr old probably doesn't help that.
Will close for now. Till next time...
During this past month, one of the students from Cajamarca got married. When we used one of the buildings at the orphanage near by he met one of the American volunteers. During the month the got to know each other and in the end got married. Several from Trujillo went up for the wedding. I had only been to Cajamarca once before (not a pleasant trip on a bus, 4 hours of windy roads and altitude), and was looking forward to driving up with a bunch of other families. We drove in caravan and had radios between us all which was very useful as there isn't much opportunity for passing. So when you get behind a 9-truck convoy it could take a while, but one would pass then tell the rest of us if it was clear to go. Lucas did alright on the trip, other than not sleeping until we were in sight of Cajamarca! All in all, it was a very nice week-end away. We stayed at the Inca baths and had thermal spring water in our bathroom, which was a nice treat! The wedding was nice too. It's always interesting to see weddings in different cultures. Not sure if this one was your typical Peruvian wedding, but it didn't have too much American influence either. But it was a nice day and they looked like they were really enjoying themselves which is the main thing.
The youth group has started back up again after a long summer break. There are some new ones in the group, some who are now old enough to join and a few from the orphanage near us. The Bible study will be starting up tomorrow, so Rich will be in charge of leading that until we leave at the end of May.
The couples' Bible study kicked off with a movie night last night to regroup. There was a good number. We'll continue studying the summary of the book 'Sacred Marriage'. We're hoping to have a short couples retreat mid-May, so please be praying for the organization of that as it's not very far away.
Lucas is still doing well, expanding his vocabulary daily. He does seem to have picked up his father's British accent when speaking English. You just have to hear him say water to notice it. He's still growing like a weed and growing out of clothes and shoes quickly! We're still working on him listening and obeying but hopefully that will come soon. They don't call it the terrible twos for nothing. Pregnancy continues to go well, other than being tired! But running after a 2 yr old probably doesn't help that.
Will close for now. Till next time...