More hellos and goodbyes

There are many styles of mission work, ours has developed into to hosting and hospitality to visitors and volunteers on a regular basis. As a result, there are many Hellos and Goodbyes.

This week we said goodbye to Raphaela, from Germany, who has been working with our project for the past five+ months. Raphaela's sister and brother in law come visit the last three weeks. They spent some time touring Colombia and spent a few days touring the island with us. It was great having them here. It is hard to say goodbye, but we are blessed the Lord gave us this time together and a new friendship we will cherish.  They are now homeland bound.

Left to right: Gregor, Anna, and Raphaela

Jonathan Snyder is a teacher from Bogota in a Bilingual school. He came to visit our projects and work in the community as well as relax a bit. He is a USA native that is working as missionary with youth. The boys enjoyed playing and roughing around with him. He helped Luis with the filter project, and played soccer with him and the young folks.


Jonathan Snyder

Adriana left to Bogota for two weeks to take care of business, and visit family. She is experiencing the Bogota cold after living and adapting to the island heat.



We said hello to two new tortoises, The kids named them April and August, they roam around our lot eating the sparse grass. Kristen has adopted them and takes very good care of them.

August the tortoise is a fast mover. My boys often ask why people say tortoises are slow??? He loves ripe bananas and has taking a liking to April.

April, is a shy tortoise! She trusts Kristen and knows her touch.

Zippy the turtle gets a weekly scrub down with a toothbrush to keep her clean and her water changed. 

This month we also say goodbye to old school books and start with some new. We are grateful to the Sumrall family, who are missionaries, working Cartagena. They gave us a bunch of books that are the right grades from some of our kids..While we have to wait on our other books to come in November, we are always thankful to have access to the internet to keep all kids occupied.

Funnies from the boys. We find some worksheets in their school books have words or pictures the boys don't know due to living on the island.

Mailman: the boys have never experienced mail being delivered, nor seen a mail truck.
Patrick had a photo of a stamp, with a confused look he asked what is this?
Another time, he pointed to a picture of a pretzel wondering if it was a toy or food.
Patrick wants to go to the States and get a bucket you can go down a hill with. (a sled)
One of the pictures needing to sound out was a gas pump. We don't see those here on the island, and when in the city we walk so the boys never notice gas stations.

Prayers for the up coming month:

Please join us in praying for a team we have coming from Maryland July 10th. For safe travels, health, and the work projects we will doing.

We are almost half way done with the pregnancy. :) Pray for our son as he continues to grow.

For the community of Bocachica. For those we come in contact with. That the Lord would be glorified in all that we do!

Thank you for your prayers and support to our family.

Happy 4th of July to you all! Enjoy a burger for me!

Tara