Thursday, October 16, 2014

ENTROPY CATCHES UP WITH US

Entropy, that gradual decline into disorder, has made itself know to us lately. After returning from an unforgettable trip to Peru, our clothes drier stopped heating, our microwave melted down, our car started randomly stalling out, a black spot started growing on the computer screen, and Dave seriously injured his knee playing soccer. Sometimes you have to laugh so you won't cry!

This feels like a good snapshot of our lives lately!
We so appreciate your prayers for Dave as he undergoes knee surgery at our mission hospital, Friday, October 17, and then for the slow process of rehab. After six mechanic visits, our car motor still randomly turns off at intersections, so we also appreciate wisdom to know whether to try to keep our aging vehicle or try to sell and find something new in this country of astronomical car prices. Most of all, we see the great need for people to stand along with us in prayer for teachable, grateful spirits as we navigate disorder in our lives. May the frustration of entropy turn our hearts more toward heaven, where all will be made new forever! 


LOTS OF GROWTH!

An area where entropy is being beaten back is in my (Beth's) outreach opportunities. As our youngest, Evangeline, has started morning preschool, I've felt a lot like a college freshman, ready to sign up at every booth at the activity fair. I ask for prayer for good time management, since those four daily hours to myself go fast!

Monday and Tuesday I am committed as a group leader with Bible Study Fellowship. BSF is in over 30 countries, but Ecuador is one of just two countries that have Spanish classes. It's an honor to serve in the Quito class, and we pray that the Spanish classes keep growing. Thursdays I continue with Entre Nosotras, our mom's group at school, reading the Spanish translation of Stasi Eldredge's book Becoming Myself. I also have a number of regular mentoring meetings, including with a Brazilian university student in campus ministry. Please pray that we can communicate well in Spanish, a second language for both of us! Finally, leading music at our international church a time or two a month continues to bring me great joy. 


PERU PICS!

Our family reunion time in Peru was filled with great memories. We're so glad we got to strengthen connections with Dave's Peruvian roots!

On the boat Dave's dad takes for ministry
in remote jungle villages
Cousins head up the river to see the mission base
where their grandparents first met
Bakery equipment that belonged to
Dave's grandfather
Borrowing their great-uncle's motocarrito
The family business carries on
Enjoying the softness of products made
with llama and alpaca fur

Machu Picchu!