life

I don't have a good picture yet, but it is so good to have Greg and Cathie here.  I served with them on two different occasions in Port-au-Prince, once right after high school for the summer, and again right in the middle of my sophomore year of college, for the semester.  More than hosting teams and building schools, churches, doing VBS and building homes together, they became family.  It was Christ in them that helped me emerge from a very dark time in my life after the loss of my mom, and having them here for a few days is so precious to me.

They've watched Lily learn to climb her first tree unaided.

brought us yummy snacks from the big city that we can't get up North

and brought our all time favorite family game, Settlers of Catan, which we quickly taught the Heckmans.  So many good memories and hours of conversation held dear over this fun game.  (Yes, Papa Greg is ALWAYS this goofy.

They ALSO do not want to take any kittens :)  I mean, look at these guys!  They are so cute!

WHY does no one want a little kitten!?

Classes are continuing on quite well, despite one of our professors and dear friends (Mano, for your prayers) having a stroke and having to head Stateside....putting a pause on Christian Counseling.  

At the beginning of the school year, a small zone not far from here called "Fev" came on our radar as a place with no believers, no church, and a whole lot of interest.  Staff and students started going to the zone a few times a week, sharing, building relationships, doing Bible studies and Sunday afternoon services, etc.  Interest is HUGE, the students are faithful not only in going consistently, but also paying their own way to go...exciting things to share.  More soon.  I just can't talk about school without mentioning it!

Meanwhile, these goofballs continue to flourish at school...I'm so thrilled everyday to hear all the thing they are learning.  Numbers and colors and shapes for Sofie, reading and French and mathematics for Lily, plus the far more exciting things they are learning from all their friends...songs, dances, jokes and orneriness.

This is Sofie's best buddy at school, Schnaider.  Not a day goes by that she doesn't labor through prayers for each of her 6 classmates, but Schnaider is the one she shares her lunch with :)  SO THANKFUL for good schools and great teachers and great friends for both our girls!

Here's Sofie, showing off her new knowledge of 1-12 (and how incredibly distracted she ALWAYS is :)

It continues to be amazingly hot and humid each day, but also consistently BEAUTIFUL.  

Grateful to be in His hands.