August 2009 Update

It’s Been Awhile

It is hard to believe that it has been 4 months since our last update. We apologize for not keeping everyone up-to-date. Life got very busy for us, then, on top of it all we had about 4 weeks of
house guests. It was great, but it is nice to finally start getting back to a routine of sorts (whatever that is for a missionary!).

Ok, so what have we been up to? Actually, God has been leading and equipping us in some amazing ways. We have been led to do several things where He has definitely been “our strength
where we are weak.”


Donald did not study Spanish before we went to Costa Rica. He has improved a lot, but still struggles with the language. However, God has been using him to evangelize to his silversmith friends as well as the people we see daily on the streets. He has also helped translate for short-term teams and has been asked 3 times to preach at one of the churches.



Carol has never taught the trumpet or been involved in youth ministry. Now she is giving trumpet lessons twice a week and doing a Bible study with the 8th grade girls. Both are going great. She has even been requested by the girls to come to their school camp and stay in their cabin. They also want to learn more about evangelizing to their friends!

Carol’s Spanish ability has also been stretched as she has found herself counseling and praying with more and more students and parents. There are so many difficult situations and very little
community or government resources. Where can they turn for help?

“I lift up my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2

Our Paraguayita














Cora is doing great in school and adapting well to Paraguayan culture. Her favorite foods are chipa and beef empanadas, and she likes to drink terere. She has developed a fondness for grilled chicken hearts as well, something we refuse to make. She also loves to do the traditional dances. She is very proud of the new outfit we bought her for her class’s “cultural day.” She danced with her friends and ate mbeju (a pancake-type food).

We are also blessed and humbled by Cora’s heart for God and those around her. Her Jardin class “adopted” a class at a nearby public school and made special boxes for each child. Cora was very excited about giving gifts to her amigita (friend). She also gives her own money and candy to children she sees on the street. At home her
favorite DVDs are by Hillsong Kids. She watches them over and over with her arms lifted high,
praising God!

On the Horizon

• Filigree School: Donald is still waiting to learn the Paraguayan art of silver filigree. Classes are waiting for government funding to begin. Until then, one of his friends has begun teaching him. Here is an example of what he will be learning:



• New Horizons Registration: The deadline is fast approaching and Carol will soon be visiting at least 100 homes to help with the selection process.