Josh's Graduation Video

I found this new option...we can post videos! Now we have videos with no sound, but it makes it great for all of you to see a little more of the kids. Here is Joshua's graduation day from Kindergarten.

Back to School

Pencils are sharpened, feet are running, the chatter of children's voices are present again at PACA. The school year started on August 2 for the entire elementary. The third grade class this year seemed to start with a mild calmness. Mrs. Riley was concerned at first anticipation of meeting all of the new 3rd graders, but the morning came and the anticipation turned into excitement and upon entry of the first group of kids on the campus, I realized that this is now beginning my fourth year of full time teaching at PACA. What was the nervous excitement began to become a even calm. The class of only twenty this year (comprised mainly of girls) has been a very different class for me. They are much more peaceful. Of course it is only the first week of classes, so we can see how much children can change within a first month, but I am very happy with the start of the year.

Each year I ask my class If they could ask God anything, what three questions would they ask. Here is a smattering of answers that I received. It moves my heart to think of the impact that can be made in one year by being a teacher and not just an -er.

Why did God create us?

How will I know that God loves me?

How can God be in three places at the same time?

How can we made of the image of God?

Are you at our side?

Whan are you coming here?

Why didn't Jesus stay on earth?

As Jesus' words say "Let the little children come to me." Jesus knew that the ministry to children was one of the most important ministries that anyone can have. I recently read a book by the CEO of Compassion International. In the book, he mentioned that most believers (polled) come to know the Lord at a young age. Think of the amazing impact that as a parent, teacher, auntie, uncle, or friend you can have on the little children around you.

We are happy to be back in our ministries at PACA. As many of you know our ministry does not start there, it starts with our own children at home. Gabriel began preschool this year in the new preschool that recently opened on the new property at PACA. He has excitedly left the house everyday to bound off to school.

Joshua began his first grade year and tonight was the first night of having "homework." We practiced reading for a little bit tonight. He loves his class and is excited to learn about pyramids, poetry, and coloring.

Eliana continues at the daycare near our home. She is speaking both Portuguese and English ( I think more Portuguese). She is very social and loves to spend the day at her "school." She doesn't seem to miss the boys that much during the day and we've noticed no real change since she went back full time at her school. She really loves her teacher and friends there. It's been a blessing to have fellow believers running this school and so close to our new home.

We moved recently over the break. Many of you heard of our move, but we really didn't have much opportunity to post photos and such since the move. We had family visit from the states and with that and the move, our lives were pretty consumed. Below I've posted a couple of photos of the house. We are very grateful that the Lord blessed us with this home. It sure beats the old five total room home. We are happy to come home every day. It is peaceful, clean and much healthier than the other home was. We are now praying for the Lord's continued provision to help meet the rent need that came with having a larger home.

In addition to the blessing of having a larger home, we have been blessed to be able to have a place to view the sunset. There is an amazing view on a patio that overlooks the represa near our home.

In addition, we have a neat view of part of the city. We are no where near the center of the city, but we have a view of the many high rises in the area.