The worldview study we started with the kids is going well.  Many of them are very confused, not having realized before that our God is a God of relationships, not rules.  This has been mind-blowing for several of them, and we’re really excited about that.  When rules come before relationships, we get resentful.  But when relationships are built and then rules are given, we thrive.  It’s exciting to hear the questions and see the searching that is happening in the kids’ lives.

Our first unofficial vocational training project is underway.  We’re fixing up the house we’ll be living in and we’ve decided to use it as an opportunity to teach the boys some skills and build relationships.  Of course the house won’t be perfect, but the boys are working really hard and have really improved their skills so we have nothing to complain about.  We are sanding the drywall paste to get ready for painting (we have painted a bit) and as I was reviewing our colors I realized how obvious it is what colors we like.  Every room is a shade of blue or green…we wanted cooler colors because it’s so hot out, and we got them!  Hopefully it will look good 🙂 We’re hoping to be in the house by next week.  It would be great if our stuff made it, too!

Speaking of stuff, it should land in Nicaragua today!  The boat docks in Puerto Cabezas tonight and a truck will be taking the stuff from there to Managua today/tomorrow.  From there we have to go through customs.  We’re praying that customs only takes a few days but really we won’t know until it’s done.  Please join us in praying that it won’t be long.  We have to pay for each day that we’re in customs and we really can’t afford a huge bill.  We have worked hard to get all of our paperwork ready, so hopefully it will be smooth and quick.

After the last two weeks of crazy meetings and stuff, we’re enjoying a bit more of real life.  Highs and lows are part of real life, but I don’t know how much longer we could have all gone if the lows persisted.  It was a long couple of weeks for everyone here, and getting to see people bounce back is pretty wonderful.  I’m really impressed by the resilience of the staff here…they really get beat down, but they rise up with strength and dignity to parent these kids in a healthy, loving way.  It’s a privilege to be a part of such a godly team.

I hope your week is going well!