He Had To See About a Girl - Surprise!

There wasn't much different about this groups coming beside I knew five people on the team and they were from my church. When they arrived I was asked to help welcome them as they got off the vans. I immediately ran up to Karen and gave her a big hug. It was so great to see her and she said Scott is going to love your hair. As I am talking to some of the group they start unloading the vans (Scott was hiding in one of the vans for about five minutes). Juan Jo who is quiet a character, was acting surprisingly happy and giving me a hard time. I turn around and there in front of me was Scott. I grab him tight and we hugged for a few minutes. I asked him why he was here? I was so shocked. As he pushed me away, to get far enough to put one knee down, he asked me to marry him. I screamed "Yes, of course!" I turned to a group of strangers and friends, Can I kiss him? the crowd screamed .... Yes!!! So we did. It was so special and I had no idea he was coming. It's very hard to keep a secret from me and this time he succeeded when it really counted. We had talked the night before and he told me he was going to one of our friends weddings but instead he flew from Wichita to Guatemala and spent two days with me. I am overwhelmed with joy and excitement for someone to care so much about me. We spent all day talking and enjoying each other. It was great. Then he helped me out with my basketball league. It was very enjoyable. I will never forget June 16th as a date when my love had to see about me even if it meant a short few days to accomplish receiving my hand in marriage.

Friendships

So Juanita had a birthday and it's been exciting to see just how many people adore her at the school. I just think she is great. We haven't had a lot of time to hang out but I am hoping with a new house to live in by myself, I can finally invite people over and not feel bad about intruding. Everyone keeps asking me. You are going ot live in that big house all by yourself. I was like.. ah yeah. I move in Monday and I am a little nervous. I am getting anxious for my trip home in July 20-29th. I will be celebrating Scott's birthday on the 28th with him and that makes me really happy.

Today we have had a great time with basketball but very few kids are coming to soccer. So we decided to make soccer for the older girls and see if they will show up if I coach it. I am excited about coaching since that is what I like to do anyway. Pray we have enough girls interested in soccer and who are wanting to come in the older age group. They seem extremely excited to have me coaching again.

Our friends from Central Christian are coming down and it's going to be great to see them. Darren and Karen are Scott and I's very good friends. They are coming to build more classrooms with about 16 other people. It's exciting to have them here and see how much has changed. God is so good. Please pray for their safe travel and for their time here to be well spent.

Our Blessing of a House

As Scott and I were talking about getting a house for us to stay in, I just didn't feel comfortable looking for a house without him. I told him I would prefer if he could help me because I just feel it's going to be our house. I was also overwhelmed with the cost of buying so many things for our house to live there. When the Lewis's left earlier then expected the principle and his family moved into the Lewis's house already furnished. This got me thinking when I saw the Mota's house empty but furnished. We talked about perhaps Scott and I renting it when we return in Jan. They agreed but were still planning on renting it for a few months before we moved in. I then asked them after talking with Scott that maybe I could move in earlier (as in next week). I love the Mota family. Their kids are involved in the Sports Club and their mother taught me Spanish when I first got here. I feel like this is a way I can bless them (with paying them rent right away) and also for me to prepare for Scott and I to know how our expenses will land for next year. PTL for such a blessing of a furnished home, people we know and trust, on campus and a lot of space to invite people to stay with us. Pray for Scott and I as we prepare to answer some tough questions about raising funds for next year and who to ask to help. I am so thankful for such a supportive family and on Scott's end too! They have been so helpful and encouraging in our quest to start our life together.

Basketball

We started this month with Basketball for the Sports Club Kids. We decided to have the boys and girls together as we will be losing coaches towards the end of the season. Having both the girl and guy coaches together will help with the transition when we come to it. So far it's worked out pretty well. Jonathan and Morgan are our Head Coaches and Billy and Kiera are the assistants. It's been exciting to see them working together during this time. I am proud of their hard work and how the kids look up to them. We have had five girls and seven boys at our last practice. They played against each other and I was very proud of the girls efforts.

Relief has come!

Relief for me started today when it has rained most of the day. It clearly is the start of rainy season. Which means water and showers. I am very thankful for this time. Another relief came today when Prof. Salo said he was returning to teach PE classes. I have enjoyed teaching PE but seven classes definitely added to my load. We also found out today that Scott and I might have a house to live in when we get back here already furnished. The Mota Family moved into the Lewis's and their house is empty for a year. It's exciting to think we can live there for awhile and see what house would work best for us after we have lived here for awhile. Please be praying as we look into moving into their house in Jan. We also might have another option with staying where the West lived. Please pray as well give this decision up to God. He is good to give us answers when we wait patiently for them.
This picture is a me sitting with some of my sports club kids at an amusement park. The one next to me is Tuti and she has a very special place in my heart. She is one of the girls who lives in the house Scott and I might be staying in come Jan.

Struggling with Ministering Cross-Culturally

I have been reading this book recently which has challenged me in my thinking. It's been difficult to have so many changes and goals not being accomplished as soon as I would like them to be. I am realizing my task oriented American ways have caused me to be less people oriented. I am realizing Jesus had a task at hand but he always cared for the peoples needs first.
"if we desire to be obedient to Jesus' command to carry the good news of his resurrection to the world, we must be willing to become 150 percent persons. WE must accept the value priorities of others. We must learn the different definitions and rules of the context in which they live. We must adopt their patterns and procedures for working, playing, and worshiping. We must become incarnated in their culture and make them our family and friends.