Second Week

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Phil. 4:6

I am still stuck in this verse in Philippians. We have been here just two weeks, but we have been so busy that it feels like a month. The A/C and the internet are working, but now the washing machine is down. Last weekend I had two couples staying with us, and I have a lot of sheets and towels to do, along with our own laundry, which is also piling up. It broke down on Sunday, when I was trying to get at least a load in. Our friends that fix appliances came and said it was a circuit board, but they wanted a second opinion. Another man came and agreed with their assessment, but the part has to be ordered from the capital. The whole process takes at least three days. We are waiting for a phone call tonight, Hopefully, the part will arrive tonight, and tomorrow, Friday, the man will come to fix it. We have decided to sell the condominium; therefore, we are having people come to see the place. That involves hiding the dirty laundry and cleaning up more than usual. So far we haven't had any offers.

The Quinceañera went well. It was all very well organized. Luz Elena looked radiant in her dress. We brought her here after she had her hair and make-up done to take pictures. She dressed here, so Rosario, another friend who was staying here and I helped her with the huge gown. The hair and make up took longer than expected and I was running out of natural light. I don't have any equipment, just my camera. Then I had to get dressed for the party myself. I did it in about 5 minutes, but we still were one hour late for the party. The community hall does not have good lighting, either. It wasn't the best conditions for photography.

Any way, Pastor Alejandro had a very nice and short (😊) on Ecclesiastes 12:1. He really is a very good preacher. John had to do the toast (iced tea in fancy glasses). He did a great job talking about taking her to get ice cream after church on Sundays since she was four years old. He also told the boys that in order to take Luz Elena out, they had to talk with her brother, her father, and with him, but that he was an expert marksman with an M-17 and a 45 pistol. After the ceremonies, the choreographed waltzes began. Beginning with her father, then each boy took a turn, handing her a rose.  In a later part of the evening, she took the roses and honored different older ladies in town. It was very nice. At the beginning of the evening, her parents changed her shoes to high heel pumps, signifying the end of childhood. Everything was done in a "fitting and orderly way." (1 Cor. 14:40) 

Luz Elena and her parents

We continue visiting friends in town and spending a lot of time with the Cuban couple. They are still looking for full time employment, but keeping busy with odd jobs. They are very nice people who hope to live and work here while being a good testimony for the Lord.

Prayer requests:

• Good health, safety and stamina for us.
• Jobs for the Moras and grace in the eyes of the town.
• For the Holy Spirit to work in hearts and minds here.
• Pray for safety and health for our family here. Our grandson is leaving on Friday for camp.

Until next time...from the beach...