This past week brought a lot of fun as we prepared for the couples conference. Over 15 couples came, including many of the teachers in our school. We were privileged to have Bro. and Mrs. Charters (missionaries in Northern El Salvador) speak during several sessions Friday and Saturday. The theme was "Solamente Uno," (meaning, only one) and they had a great time learning how to enrich their marriages. They were able to have sessions together, individual sessions divided among the men and women, as well as as nice meals, and fun game times.
Several of the couples enjoying their meals at the start of the conference.
Adam and Esther taking part in the games
Mrs. Charters teaching the ladies
Sadly, this week Pastor Castro, a faithful national pastor of many years, and a church planter in both Mexico and El Salvador passed away. Pastor and Mrs. Fridenstine allowed me to accompany them to the funeral. The customs here are much different in the states, and it was interesting to observe several of the differences yesterday during the ceremony and burial. Pastor Fridenstein was invited to preach at the funeral, and gave many comforting words of hope to the family.
Traditional "walk" around the city. After the ceremony, those who are present follow the casket around the city for one last farewell, and then walk to the cemetery.
Valentines Day here was delightful-All the staff had a secret friend the week prior. I did not know that you were supposed to give your secret friend things the week prior to Valentine's Day. I have since learned to ask several specific questions before each holiday and event that takes place here. It can be a small token, such as a piece of papaya, a cup with candy and a note, a garden flower-it just depends on the person, what you want to give. Now-you're supposed to deliver this via a student, so your secret friend doesn't know who it is. At the meeting 2 weeks prior to Valentines Day, a gift exchanged was announced. The value of the gift that you were to give your secret fried was a 1.00-5.00 value. I was thinking simple, and American. I love to buy flowers, and my roommate and I always keep fresh cut flowers in the house. We decided that we would both get our secret friends the same things-flowers. Simple, comes in pretty paper with a bow, no effort required. Flowers here are commonly known for being 1.00, but I was assured that was OK. On the day of the gift exchange I discovered that I was the only person with flowers. The unspoken rule of thumb apparently, was that your gift was to be wrapped, with a bow. I was the only one without. It also appeared that everyone spent significantly more that Stephanie and I (but we didn't really know-we were the only teachers there with gifts that were not wrapped) so a last second change prompted a card inviting our secret friends out to lunch with Stephanie and I. To add to the fun, Stephanie was absent, so, I got to give the same gift twice. I learned a valuable lesson-ALWAYS ask about holidays and special occasions. What is "normal" in America, does not mean it is safe to assume that this is the way that its always done! I'll be ready for the next holiday!
"Friend Day" is celebrated here at the church around Valentines day every year. This year it took place on the 17th. Friend day is a chance to go out of your way and invite someone to the church that has never come before. Also, there is special dinner that follows. In preparation for this friend day, I learned that one of my teen girls from Sunday school said she had invited 6 people (and had a goal of 22) from her school for friend day. How exciting to see the young people here involved in the ministry! Much of the week prior to this was spent in preparation and planning the final details of this day. It was such an encouragement to be with fellow church members, inviting others to come as their special guests. None of the adults that committed to visit the church on Friend Day came, but two of my students (one of which is pictured below on the left) that I invited to come, showed up, and enjoyed their Sunday school class so much, they returned.
Door knocking is an opportunity that we take twice a week to invite people to church, and visit those who've come or just need a little extra encouragement. While door knocking, we went to a house with a woman in ill health. She mentioned that because of her ill health, she was not yet able to put her youngest daughter in school, nor did she think she would be able to. I mentioned that we have a Christian school, and asked her to consider it. Mrs. Fridenstine suggested that her child would be able to walk with the other kids to school every day, alleviating the burden of going with her each morning, if she continued to be in ill health. Don't you know. The next day, she brought her kid to school, signed her up, and put her in kinder! I'm happy to report that she is doing well in her kindergarten class! God is great!
A "normal" secret friend gift...unlike the thoughtless disposable cup filled with candy from the cafeteria that I gave my secret friend....I know better next time!
The wrapped gift I received, complete with a bow. Typical, I've learned... Next time I'll be ready!
Adorable candy and card made by one of my 3rd graders.
"Friend Day" is celebrated here at the church around Valentines day every year. This year it took place on the 17th. Friend day is a chance to go out of your way and invite someone to the church that has never come before. Also, there is special dinner that follows. In preparation for this friend day, I learned that one of my teen girls from Sunday school said she had invited 6 people (and had a goal of 22) from her school for friend day. How exciting to see the young people here involved in the ministry! Much of the week prior to this was spent in preparation and planning the final details of this day. It was such an encouragement to be with fellow church members, inviting others to come as their special guests. None of the adults that committed to visit the church on Friend Day came, but two of my students (one of which is pictured below on the left) that I invited to come, showed up, and enjoyed their Sunday school class so much, they returned.
Four of my students enjoying their Burger King on Friend Day. Lucky for them Bro. Mauricio noticed that the snack provided would not be sufficient so they got a special treat on this day!
More kids from kiddie church enjoying friend day.
Full house for Friend Day.
Prepping for a special meal after the service for Friend Day.
Door knocking is an opportunity that we take twice a week to invite people to church, and visit those who've come or just need a little extra encouragement. While door knocking, we went to a house with a woman in ill health. She mentioned that because of her ill health, she was not yet able to put her youngest daughter in school, nor did she think she would be able to. I mentioned that we have a Christian school, and asked her to consider it. Mrs. Fridenstine suggested that her child would be able to walk with the other kids to school every day, alleviating the burden of going with her each morning, if she continued to be in ill health. Don't you know. The next day, she brought her kid to school, signed her up, and put her in kinder! I'm happy to report that she is doing well in her kindergarten class! God is great!
Cute kid from the neighborhood that we were door knocking in that day.
We have a schedule here that is loaded with activities for teens, kids, the church body, ladies, and men. This month the men in the church decided that they would go camping on the beach. And so they did. From what we hear, it was an exciting and interesting time, as it was the first time that this event took place. From catching crab on the beach at 2 am to cooking fish soup for breakfast and not sleeping, it sounds like they covered all necessary elements of having a good time on the beach!
As always, we have a game time before we start the Sunday School lesson!
Men's camping group
As always, we have a game time before we start the Sunday School lesson!
Several of the girls frantically trying to assemble a puzzle before the lesson time starts!
In summary, the blessings for this month are overwhelming!
- Two people accepted Christ as their personal Savior on Friend Day.
- Stephanie and I now have our own refrigerator! (As oppossed to the small college sized one we were borrowing).
- Screens were installed on all the windows in the house, eliminating the large majority of mosquitoes.
- Finished a three credit hour college course online, so I've only got one class to go until I complete my graduation requirements for my Master's degree in Bible this May.
- Had the chance to talk to the man that was doing some work at the church, who said he was an infrequent attender. After our conversation, he committed to come more frequently, and is a regular attender once more.
