So...What'd I Miss?

A lot can happen in two weeks. I didn't really believe that until I came home from my break in the States and was greeted by more changes than I would have thought.

1. My friend Miriam decided to spend a month at the Villa to help us out. She recently graduated and graciously gave up part of her summer vacation to serve. It's great to have Miriam around to talk to and to help out!

2. Maribel and Fernando. Maribel (who is 24) decided to enter our program out here at the Villa. I don't know her whole story yet, but she is the mother of 5, and was involved in some bad relationships and bad decisions. She brought her 10 month-old Fernando with her. The two of them are my new roommates. It's been an adjustment living with a baby, but babies are so precious so I have been enjoying him as well.

3. The road is 1/3 done, but the constructions workers left because our funds ran out. They finished the really bad parts of the road and will return when the money comes in. We are so thankful to be able to drive on a cement road, especially during the rainy season when the mud and rain causes the rocks to become slippery.

4. Construction in the house! Our architect, Chris Miller, came for two weeks to visit the Villa. During his time, he realized that the pipes inside the courtyard were not dug deep enough and therefore excess water was running up into the walls of some of the rooms. We already knew about the water problem, but didn't know the reason. Chris, Tony (the engineer building the road) and Roldolfo (the boss of the workers) figured out how to fix the problem (Praise the Lord)! So the construction guys came back and are currently digging up parts of the courtyard and parts of the house in order to place the pipes correctly.

I feel like we've been in a miny state of chaos since I've been back, but things are starting to quiet down...well as quiet as life can get with 9 kids, a baby, a dog, and 5 construction workers!

Nice Job Mom!

As previously mentioned, I went to the NEW Zoo with my mom on Tuesday. A combination of rain, an early morning, and the fact that all the local kids are still in school meant that we practically had the park to ourselves.







I think the "high" of the day was that I got to feed some crackers to the giraffes! They came right up to me to eat the crackers out of my hand with their super long (and black) tongues.
I love this picture that my mom took...I didn't even realize that I was sticking my tongue out too.

What a fun way to end my time in the States.

Give Me a Break

Today is the last day of my two-week "break". I use quotations because it was jam-packed with doctors appointments, running errands to purchase things that cost an arm and a leg in Honduras, updating supporters, and weddings!

I can't complain, I had an absolute blast seeing friends and family. Here are some highlights in random order.

* Oshkosh Outlet Malls to replace some clothes that are too big/stained/full of holes
* Tucker/Raymond Wedding in Wausau...beautiful weater, beautiful couple, beautiful ceremony
* N.E.W Zoo with my mom. I got to feed the girafes!
* Multiple coffee dates with wonderful friends
* Running errands with dad around De Pere
* Visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Kenosha
* A relaxing boat ride on the Fox River
* Taking the dog for a walk
* Matthews/Mailloux Wedding in Brookfield...a great day filled with love, friends, and an awesome dance party!

I feel so well loved here in De Pere. This love and encouragement will definitely carry me through the next 7 months!