Lots to update you all on...so here we go:
Volleyball: Our girls finally earned their "All-nighter/Pajama Party" that I wrote about in my last update. Words cannot even describe their excitement. I think the thing that caught me off guard most was that many of these girls have never swam in a pool before and some had never even been in an elevator...things that we do very often in the States are luxuries for some of the girls that we coach. Thanks to our last team, the Northrup family, for donating tons of backpacks! We were able to give these out as rewards for participating on the team and working hard to earn the party. Here are a few pictures below. Prayer Request: Our 13-15 year old age group has been a little tough for us to keep interested and has dwindled down to 2 girls...although we know God doesn't care about numbers, but quality, we are praying for wisdom to know how to attract more girls to the program and if we should change things up to what would better suite the community and girls at this age. Once girls hit about 13 years old they start turning their focus away from innocence and it's much harder to reach out to them. Please be in prayer with us for them and for wisdom.
Short-term teams: We currently gave our 3rd short term mission team in this week. Tracy is studying to be a Physical Education teacher and has been helping us out in varying ministries to show that sports/physical activities cross borders and can break down any barriers. We have had a lot of fun playing games with the kids and their smiles are priceless. Below is a picture of Tracy with the Kindergarten kids. As June and July approaches we have a lot of short term teams that will come down and it is a lot of planning and many details and energy that go into hosting a team. Prayer Request: For wisdom in how to best plan each and every team...for their hearts to be prepared to serve and for open hearts of those children, youth, and adults who will be able to share time with these teams.
My life: As some of you may have heard or seen on Facebook..I was able to come home for a few days to celebrate my Dad's big 60th birthday. For those of you who know my Dad, keeping secrets is not one of his strengths...however, he managed to keep it from my Mom and youngest brother, Thomas. It was so cool to be able to spend a few days with my family and some friends. I wish I could have visited with all of you but it was such a spur of the moment trip and so short that I wasn't able to do so. However, I'm so grateful that God allowed that door to be open and it was an awesome time. Here was a picture we took of the family at the Lake. Prayer Request: For wisdom in decisions and not getting stressed out about small things.
Please continue to pray for peace in El Salvador. New laws have been passed in order to help deter the violence and such, so pray that the government can make good decisions but more importantly that God takes control and draws people close to Him.
As always, please contact me to let mw know how you are and how I can be praying for you! It gives me great joy to be able to catch up with you all! Thank you for your consistent prayers and support for me! Forever grateful!
Big hugs,
Lauren :)
