Two Months Down...

Can you believe it?! Two months have already passed! And we are just as busy as ever!

It's been forever since we've blogged b/c we lost our internet connection... but it's back, up, and running!

Derek is still running the dairy barn and the medical clinic. He is also giving drum lessons (successfully) to one of the kids and their are about 25 more who are interested! It's exciting for him to teach them so that once we leave they will have others who can help lead worship.

I have started a new art program here at Emmanuel. I am the teacher and project coordinator so most of my time is spent preparing for class. The goal is to teach 20 high school students 3 crafts: how to make baskets, make jewelry, and paint. They are being trained to teach others as well so hopefully by the end of February we will have around 200 students who can do one of the three crafts.

Right now I am running a leadership workshop for the 20. They are separated into 2 groups and meet 4 times a week to discuss subjects such as respect, faith, leadership, organization, and planning for their future classes. After discussion/journaling I have an art project for them to work on to express what we've discussed. We have already met 2 weeks and have 2 more left. I am keeping track or each student's progress and will do so for the other 150 or so when those classes begin. Once we finish with this workshop, they will start learning the crafts.
I am in charge of coming up with all assignments for the leadership workshop- so I spend the majority of my time doing so and translating my own lectures from English to Spanish...

The long-term goal is to give these kids something to work towards, a hobby, and more life skills that they can gain from. Many of the girls here play in the yards when they are not in school (while the boys are working) so there is a huge need to provide more activities for them. This will hopefully fulfill that need and also give them more self-esteem.
The art that they complete will go on sale in the orphanage store in order to fund more supplies, etc. Teams who can in can buy the items (and you know I will be bringing some home). I am so excited about this! But please pray for us as we continue to work towards teaching so many! Also be praying for guidance for me as I plan and oversee this project.

Once we reach the end of February, we will evaluate our results and make changes as needed in order to continue "crafting".

I am still helping in the toddler house and giving out medicine in the mornings and afternoons for all the girls in the orphanage. And Derek and I are still on the worship team...

Other than that, things are pretty much the same. We will more than likely be able to get online at least once a week now, so that is exciting! We were having to walk to town to use the internet cafe' but now we have a designated computer in the office for volunteers to use. Right now it's not so bad b/c there are only 3 of us volunteers (Derek and I and one other girl). But soon there will be about 10 more here. But they will definitely be a blessing since the 3 of us are being stretched pretty thin.

Thank you for your continued prayers! We love and miss you all, dearly!

*No hay nadie como Tu, Solo Cristo.
Moriste por mi en la cruz.
Vivire para alabar*