Winter is here...

I can't believe Christmas is right around the corner...it doesn't seem like it. We are starting to practice for the Christmas program though, so I'm sure it will seem more real very soon.

Aside from getting things ready for Christmas here there are always things here to keep us busy. Yesterday, I spent most of the day helping a lady here get some crafts and sewing started. She wants to sell some things at the Holiday Bazaars that they have around here. Since she has no electricity, and usually sews by hand, we invited her to come over and use our sewing machine. We will probably do it again sometime soon. It was kind of fun.

Today is the day that we got rid of the carpet in the bathroom, thanks to Raquel. What would I do without her here. She is truly a blessing (have I told you that yet, Raquel?) The floor under is nothing pretty with commercial tile...but anything is better than carpet I think.
It seems more and more in the last while we are hearing of needy children. Some in their homes and some already in foster care that are not receiving the proper care. Please pray with us as we are seeking God to know what our part is in this. And also for the families and children that are at risk.

It snowed here a couple nights ago and has gotten quite cold. Last night the overnight low was 5 degrees. Brrr! The kids really enjoyed the 1-2 inches of snow we got too. It has been in the 20's during the day the last couple of days, but when the sun shines, it doesn't seem so bad.

God bless you all!

Thanksgiving, wood stoves...

We had an enjoyable Thanksgiving here. There were several that joined us here for a meal and a time of fellowshipping together. Along with Dutch Blitz, puzzles, kick ball, volleyball and more food.







This morning we headed out to Coal Canyon for some hiking with Raquel, Melissa and Rochelle. The wind was a little cold, but once we got down in the canyon it was quite warm. Every time we go something has changed it seems from the last time. More sand stone has washed away or fallen or something. Today we saw lots of green sand in the canyon, which we had never seen before. It was pretty amazing.




And this afternoon was the moving of the wood stove. Jim has been itching for wood heat in here, and we had an axtra stove in the shop. So we helped him move the stove from the church to our house. (the unused one in the shop will replace it) And we have lots of heat, especially in the Living Room. Jim got it really fired up to get the new stove pipe broke in good.















Right about then, (9pm) a young lady and her mother, from the village came to the door asking for prayer. We spent some time talking, reading scripture and praying with the young lady, along with some others. Just pray with us that God's word will penetrate her heart. She has some tough decisions to make in the next week and we are praying that she will be open to what God wants.

It is past time for me to get some sleep now. Goodnight all!

The Latest From Bacavi

Life seems to be racing by here. It would probably be easier to post more often, than trying to remember everything that has happened after so much time has passed.

We have been trying to get the details of our Christmas activities worked out. Caroling, food baskets, Christmas program, and just being in the community helping with their needs are some of the things we'd like to do.

Bryce is in the middle of building a solar cooker... 1 for us and one for Paula who only has a camp stove.

Sunday the 5th was a difficult day from me. As I drove one of my friends daughter's back to foster care after spending the weekend w/ her mom. She burst into tears when we arrivd there. I couldn't help but cry too. I don't understand the reasons why... this mother has made the right choices in the last 5-6 months, yet her children are still in the system, while we see children almost daily that are in far worse conditions.

Later the same day a lady from curch stopped by just to talk to Cyndi and I. Her heart was so heavy as she shared her struggles of the week, a wayward son in the hospital after his accident only to walk back to the same life, the weariness of praying for her unsaved husband and family. She seemed encouraged after sharing and praying together.

It is in the midst of these kinds of lives that I feel so inadequate for the work here. I need to continually remind myself to give these burdens and trials of theirs to God and not carry them myself. I'm not sure why here, (it should be anywhere I am) but I sense that I need to continually ask God to weed things out in my life that could be hindering His light from going out. It seems so directly related to whether or not hearts are turned to God.

Jim arrived home safely on Monday the 6th. We had a little party for Sharayah on Tuesday night. After opening her gifts Jim asked "What do you think?" Her response was "Happiness."












The guys are cutting wood today to use here, as well as distribute to those in need.

Melissa has been gone this week so it has been extra busy with more hands needed for Children's Ministry. Plus we (mostly Raquel) have been writing scripts for the puppet.

Well, I'm off to help the Hayah's today.