our week back "home"

1/4/15 Day 53
Last night we got back at 8pm from our long bus ride from Chile.  This morning at 10am all the church zones met in the central church building for worship.  A pastor today prayed over Liam and his shoulder and we also had communion together.  We spent the rest of the day resting and unpacking.  Happy New Year, Feliz 2015!




1/5/15 Day 54
Today the ILPA team started meeting from 7am until lunch time for worship, prayer and Bible study.  This team consists of 6 people from Choele Choel, Argentina and 2 people from Illinois.  As long as they get their visas the team plans on being in Illinois at the different SIMP mission sights starting in March for a whole year.  Although, we aren't a part of the team we had lunch with them today and spent some time with them.  Check out the video at       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywRyBc76Nfk

1/6/15 Day 55
Starting today Nathan is working at the daycare at the North Zone church building helping to paint, varnish and clean everything before the children and teachers come back in February.  This evening Jacob, Elizabeth, and us walked to Rollo and Evelyn's house to visit and have supper with them.  Rollo and Evelyn were Jacob's host family when he was here six years ago.  They have an 8 year old and a 6 year old and two year old girls.  Lydia loved playing with the girls and Jayvin loved swimming in their kiddie pool.  We didn't get home until after midnight, this is very typical of an Argentine family- to eat supper later at night between 10pm and midnight.

1/7/15 Day 56
Nathan worked this morning at the daycare again while the kids and I went to the park to play.  We then had lunch with the ILPA team at Juan and Ami's house and then Nathan and I and the kids swam in their pool.  This evening we did family devotions instead of going to a church prayer meeting and then we walked to the Heladaderia for helado.

1/8/15 Day 57
This morning Nathan worked at the daycare again and at 10am the kids and I walked there too to see the progress that Nathan was making.  I got groceries at La Anonima the larger grocery store close to the daycare and then we walked home for lunch.  Thank you for all who have been praying for Liam's shoulder, these past couple of days he seems to be doing much better than before.

                             Rafael and Liam playing the guitar                 Pedro and Lydia
1/9/15 Day 58
Nathan worked all day at the daycare today except for coming home for lunch.  This evening we celebrated Elizabeth's 30th birthday with her along with about 16 other friends.  We had supper and icecream together.  Our children were very happy to play with the other children Nazarena, Marianna, Valentine and Pedro.  Food, fun, and fellowship-what a great way to celebrate a birthday.

In Chile, we had internet access in the house we were staying in, a washing machine and dryer, a warm shower that never ran out, much cooler weather, comfy beds, less bugs, a refrigerator that was reliable, and did I mention much cooler weather-yes the high there was mostly in the high 60's.  Here in Choele the low's are in the high 60's-quite the difference.  Plus we had lots and lots of fun times with Jacob and Elizabeth living in the same house.  Honestly, this wee transitioning back to "home," has been difficult for all of us for different reasons.  With less living space, a bed that probably was old 20 years ago, hot HOt HOT weather, a refrigerator that doesn't cool very well, a very small washing machine, and cock roaches galore.....it feels like a harder transition this week then it did the first weeks coming here from the States.  We will adjust though, and I think it needs to be said here that we are STILL grateful and in awe of the ways the Lord has provided for us to be here.  We are really unworthy of serving in this way but are so greatful.

1/10/15 Day 59
This morning we went to the river to play and relax on such a hot morning. Fun times were had by all.  Lydia and Nathan loved taking the current together and floating down stream and the boys were happy to run and splash into the water.  This afternoon Nathan went back to the daycare to help the group of people that were coming to paint the inside of the daycare. 

1/11/15 Day 60
Today all church zones met out at the chacra (Juan's house) to worship and celebrate new life in Christ.  We had a worship service, the ILPA team was introduced, along with our family and Nazarena was baptized.  We then had a picnic lunch and spent all afternoon/evening visiting with people, swimming, play games and chasing children.  LOTS OF FUN!