Spring is almost here on this side of the world! And I'll admit that I'm ready for all that entails (except maybe allergies!). Though all in all, this has been a good first winter for us in the south of Chile!
Gustavo will be home in six days, Lord willing, so sometime after that we'll write more of a newsletter, but today we mostly just wanted to share some photos from the past few weeks as well as some prayer requests at the end of the update:
(View of the Andes from Melipeuco)
(The kids had lots of fun too during the marriage seminar!)
Gus' time in Ecuador has been busy and really good! He has been putting on a drums workshop and a sound workshop, both at two of the churches in our movement, one in Sanborondon and one in El Recreo. The students are making progress and encouraged by this opportunity to learn:
He has also been able to meet and share with other friends of his hosts, as well as visit different locations and see some of the cultural sights:
(spontaneous jam session)
(fresh fruit is a big deal in Ecuador... this is at 8:00a.m.!)
Meanwhile, here in Lautaro, the kids and I have been missing Daddy and trying to keep busy! :) We had a special visit from friends that drove all the way down from Santiago just to spend a few days with us! The weather was great for two of the days they were here, so we even got to take the kids to the Train Museam in the nearby bigger city of Temuco:
This past week I've had several visits from friends here in town too; they've been good opportunities to share and try to encourage them in different areas of life, which is always encouraging to me as well! This next Sunday, the pastor has asked me to sing the translated version of "Blessings" by Laura Story as a part of his sermon on Lazarus. It is an honor to be able to contribute in that way.
At the same time, I continue to prepare for the women's Bible study that will be starting on Sept. 27th, so most of my "down" time is going into that, though I do need to remember to rest enough, especially during these couple weeks that I'm on my own! Despite this being one of the longer times that Gus has been gone, it has been a good time thus far, the kids have done well overall considering missing Daddy, and the house hasn't descended into total chaos yet, so I'm calling it a win! (wink)
Prayer Requests:
- For Grandma Maria to continue well, relaxed, at peace and enjoying life!
- For these last six days for Gus in Ecuador, that God would use him to be a blessing and then bring him home safely!
- For the kids and I to continue doing well here (and staying healthy!) in his absence.
- For the song on Sunday to really bless and touch those that need to hear its message.
- For Gus upon returning as he'll need to jump right in again with his classes on Saturdays as well as responsibilities at the church, for strength and energy.
- For wisdom for me as I prepare the women's Bible study, that it would be a blessing, encouragement and challenge for these women, and that as a group we would grow through this process.
- For good moments for all of us to stop being busy and enjoy the gifts we have right now!
Thank you for your encouragement, your prayers and your financial support! Your partnership is fundamental in this work and we are so grateful for you!
In Him,
~Karissa & Gus
