more ugly bugs...

So these centipedes were found in the school. They are only about 3 inches in length, but centipedes here can be a foot long. They are poisonous but I was told they won't kill you, only give you a fever and make you ill. Yikes!

Katey's bridal shower

Katey Dowd's wedding is October 11. Her mother-in-law-to-be had a shower at our church for her. All the staff women and the US staff women who were here visiting went and supported her.

Graduation party!

We had a late graduation party for our teens who graduated from high school. Jazmin, Rene, Dario, Antonio, and Jose Pablo are now entering university. There was a short service, then a meal and a cake.

Each one had a chance to speak and thank those who made it possible.

SMCA music day

We had a special day last Friday where the students made musical instruments and then got to play them. My students made shakers and Miss Hope's made drums, triangles and rain sticks with scraps from around our campus.

Cheque came in and told us the history of drums and let the students try playing them.

our band!

all of Back2Back

the teens on campus (with a few missing)

These are the girls I spend a lot of my time with. from left to right: Hope, the new teacher; Becca, STINT for the year, Kenzi, STINT; Caroline, STINT (STINT is a program where people come work for a year with groups and wherever they are needed)

Dedication of the Hope House

Our 5th teen home is finally finished. We had the dedication ceremony this week. Gabo and Kelly Velazquez are the house parents. They have 5 girls living there now.

Mexico's Dia de Independencia

Tuesday was Mexico's July 4th...The night before everyone has big celebrations and sets off fireworks and yells 'Viva Mexico' at midnight...Tuesday in class we had our own celebration

Singing the Mexico national anthem

Sofia did a dance for us

the teen girls of the Ester House

Perla, Gabi, Carmen, and I last night!


I met with our director about my other 1/4 time when I am not teaching. Basically I have 2 afternoons a week and/or some evenings and weekends that I can help out in other areas this year. We have been communicating about what I could do and I kept coming back to the teen girls on campus. Last year I formed relationships with most of them and we hung out a lot. I took them to movies, the Centro, Dairy Queen, or we just talked and sat around. So this year I will be doing more of the same and taking them to appointments or on errands, hanging out and making cookies, playing games, etc. with them, giving their house parents time off while I stay with them, and discipleship. Please pray for this time as I want to be an example and grow them in God, yet my Spanish is still lacking.

Full class

My class was finally all here on Thursday after sickness went around.
Front row: Aidan Guckenberger (K), Sami Guckenberger (gr. 1), Sofia Porto (K), Cami Cooper (gr. 1)
Back row: Mark Huffer (gr. 2), Jake Cooper (gr. 1), me

Last night I saw a small lizard/salamander crawling on the walls in my apartment. I was afraid to go to sleep because I thought it might crawl on me in the night. Yuck!

The mosquitos are bad right now

This is after 2 minutes at the picnic table...

Fun on campus

We had a costume birthday party for Perla last weekend. This is when all the staff goes into the donation room and pieces together what they can come up with! It is always a lot of fun!

The birthday girl and I

me and the girls!

Hope and I

We had games, cake, dancing, and 2 pinatas

dying to myself

I was reminded at church Sunday that daily I need to remember that this life is not about me and my desires and plans. Even living in a situation where I have less, I still need to be reminded that when i chose a life with Christ it's not about having an easy life, but a life where I deny myself my right to comfort and praise from others and focus on giving away my gifts and our mission to reach the lost. He is all we need.

First Day of School 08-09

Well we started classes today despite some kinks in the plans. We had problems getting our curriculum from the person who donates it so we will not have it till Monday. There has also been some sickness going around and 4 students were not able to come for the first day. But, we had a fun day and the kids were so excited to be there!!!

Sierra Madre Christian Academy minus 4 sick kids and 2 kindergarteners

Aidan and Sofia my new kindergarteneres

Jake working at his desk!

fundraising for this year

So last year I raised the money I needed before I came here and I felt so blessed. I know God wants me here but this year was different. I have only raised just short of half of what I need and I can be here as long as it is still coming in. Please pray with me that I will raise the rest of what I need so I can continue to serve God here.