It doesn’t seem as though much has been happening other than normal living the last while. We are trying to adjust to a life of changing schedules. Did I mention that flexibility is key to survival? Yes, we do get frustrated at times but we have to constantly remind ourselves that they don’t know anything else. We also try to remember that change is difficult in any culture.

Our house is still being built. Most of the brick has been laid. Fortunately the brick layers haven’t been set back by the rain very much. It is exciting to look out the window and watch the house take shape.

Today Stan and Austin, with the help of boys from the home, are digging the trench for the septic line. They are getting some help from Dennis this afternoon. It’s a hot job and I think Stan will be happy when it is finished!

As some of you already know, on Thanksgiving Day we had the opportunity to share about the tradition of Thanksgiving during the devotional time. Stan had everyone mention something they are thankful for and then we passed out packaged cookies. (since I can’t make homemade ones yet.:

Several days later I taught the children how to make snowflakes. It was the first time they had ever done anything like that and they loved it. I found some great talent in the group. The next day we hung them on the dining room walls.

Homeschooling is going pretty good. We just make it a habit of doing school in the morning regardless of what is going on around us. Of course there have been those days when we needed to go to Iquitos that we took a break.

Denver got his piano 1 ½ wks ago. He is so happy to be able to play again. He needs a stand for it yet. He and Stan will probably make one out of wood.

Austin has been doing some fishing in the pond and has been fairly successful. His fishing equipment is pretty basic! He has a line and hook fastened to a small rough handmade handle. All I can say is it works.

We have really been enjoying the mangos that fall from the tree outside our door. That is, if we can beat the kids to them!:) They are even better than peaches! Cynthia and I both think they would top a cheese cake very well.:)

Spanish continues to be a challenge but little by little I can tell we are understanding it better. I met with Cynthia this morning for an hour and she suggested we meet every day for Spanish. That is probably what we will try to do. I’ve always heard that Spanish was easy to learn but not sure I agree.

Please continue to pray for us that we would be faithful in what God has called us to do. At times we wonder why we’re here but we continue to trust that God is in control.

-Ruth