life has been very busy in the past two weeks here in zambrano. whereas in the us, we often move in rhythm with the school year, the colombian year goes jan - dec. school lets out at the end of november and starts the new year in february, etc. so in the church, there are lots of activities - ending the year of small groups, doing activities with kids groups, etc.
so i've been busy. not complaining- its good to have things to do. this past monday we had a big day with all the jovenes - a challenge course of sorts...a desafio. divided the 50 youth into 4 groups and had different challenges they had to go through. i was in charge of the event, and my camp director skills came in handy. it was a sucessful and very fun day, although after two days of carrying equipment and building obstacles, a full day trying to keep tabs on 50 energetic youth, and all in the very hot sun, i was beat.
but we keep moving...this saturday is another big event with the church for their small groups. all the small groups will be gathering - some 300+ people, for a big celebration of the year of small groups. i, again, have been designated the technic, but at least i know ahead of time now. i know, all you who know how well i do with computers may be laughing, but i hold my own. :)
the church is having the biggest event of all next weekend, celebrating the anniversary of the church - 10 years, as well as the 25th wedding anniversary of the pastors. i am sad to be missing it, and they're all giving me a hard time about it...to the point of asking me to change my plane tickets...i know they wish i could be here. the dates got changed, so whereas before it was going to be possible for me to be here, now im still going to be in central america. but so is life.
so sunday i take off to meet my family in belize for a week. its been almost a full year i've been gone, which seems crazy, but it will be wonderful to see family. my worry is that it will make me really homesick, but i think the 7 days together will be worth it. sadly, my uncle and aunt will not be able to be with us, as michael starts chemo monday, and must remain in the states. keep the family in your prayers, please.
i wish a joyful christmas season to all. may you have safe travels, those who are travelling, and may each one find new life and renewal in the promise the birth of Jesus brings us.


pictures of the desafio...