HAIL AT CLM?!

Last week, we experienced something that has never happened at CLM...without even rain in the forecast, we were pummelled with hail for almost an hour! Although we've seen hail here before, it has only lasted for a few minutes before the sun pops back out and quickly melts it away. This time, however, we had enough to have an "iceball fight," make "ice angels," and build an "iceman!" (If you have time, check out the video that others have posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW8bQNG0F4Q). Everyone had a blast while it lasted but unfortunately, there was quite a bit of damage done to some homes and businesses in the colony and crops that had recently been planted. Thank you for praying for those who were affected.

Saying Goodbye

Our last night with the Columbus team was chaotic but fun...imagine playing Bunco with 28 people, with only a few people who understood how to play?! Throw in three kids under the age of five, 30 minutes of explaining directions, Rice Krispie Treats, prizes...there were lots of laughs but also a few headaches by the end of the night! We are so thankful for Sue, Colleen, Teresa and Lauren...their generosity and servants' hearts blessed us beyond words.

The Fun Continues!

After the kids enjoyed a short swim in the pool, we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows for dinner and enjoyed time with them near the fire.

A Day at the Park

We are enjoying an unusual weekend at CLM...only seven of our 24 children were here today! Geovane and Patricia are visiting their aunt and uncle and nine of our adolescents went to a weekend retreat at Turvo with Viktoria, Kevin and Elaine. We took the remaining 13 kids to the park this morning to have our Sunday morning children's service and a picnic lunch...and then six of them left to spend the day in Turvo with Fabio and Edit. With the team from Ohio here with us, it made a wonderful adult-child ratio--we actually outnumbered the kids! We praise God for this special day for them and pray that the Holy Spirit ministers to our teens at the retreat.

The CLM Team

These pictures are a testimony to God's faithfulness. For years, we have prayed for God to send more missionaries to CLM...and we are now enjoying the "problem" of having all of our missionary homes occupied! Last October, Jake and Amanda returned to serve and in 2010, Edit and Fabio, Katie and Andy, and Kevin and Elaine joined the CLM team. Last month, Patrick returned for another five month stay and this week, Teresa, Lauren, Sue and Colleen are back for another two weeks. It is a blessing to be a part of the awesome work that God is doing, "changing the world, one child at a time!" Thanks so much for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support!

Visitors!

Thank you so much for continuing to check out our blog...even when I've been SO negligent at keeping it up-to-date! :( How long can I use the "new mom with three adolescents" excuse?!?! I promise to do better!

Patrick has returned for another 5+ months and he has jumped right back in to CLM life, without missing a beat. His parents, Ted and Sue were able to come with him for a two week visit and they have captured Patrick's passion for the kids and the ministry. They had a rough start with a flight delay, that turned worse when the airline lost three of their bags. They were troopers and didn't let it affect them, as they made the most of each day with our precious children. Please pray that this special couple is able to return soon...and that their missing luggage will be found!

Katie's sister, Emma has been with us for three months now and will return to the states tomorrow. She has been an enormous blessing to Andy and Katie, helping to take care of their newborn son, Joseph. Please pray for safe travels for her.