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Since our last update, we have been working hard to finish up our last level of language school. During one week of Level IV, the church needed our classroom to hold a vacation bible school. We were asked to assist by providing transportation for some kids that visit on Sundays and live 35 minutes south of the church. Kelly and I were happy to help out and were truly blessed by the new relationships we formed over the week. From the first time we arrived to pick them up, we fell in love with their smiles and positive energy. We also met their teachers, Leslie and Jazmin, who are amazing blessings to these kids and equally awesome people. They live in an area of town that generally isn't safe at night and where you can easily be faced with an environment of drugs and alcohol. Spending time with the kids though, you wouldn't know it. Leslie and Jazmin have been pouring into their lives for a while now, bringing them to Casa de Paz on Sundays and teaching Kindergarten through Elementary from their home down the block. We can't tell you enough how much we enjoyed spending time with them. The VBS was Monday through Friday, and the closing night was Saturday evening. Leslie and Jazmin invited us back for Saturday night, and we were able to see the kids wrap up their week of learning about Jesus. As we were taking them home, one of the kids asked us when they would see us again. Our hearts melted, and I told them we would have to meet up again before we left for Cofradia. Kelly had the great idea of inviting them over to our neighborhood so they could enjoy the couple of parks and play areas we have and share some pizza, Coke and cookies with us. Luckily, the rain stayed away long enough for them to play soccer, play with some kickballs, and take turns walking/running with Phoebe. I really wanted to have my camera with me, but I was so busy playing host, joining in on the games and providing piggy back rides. So, the camera had to stay in the bag. I wish you could have seen the smiles on their faces though, a boy named Kevin in particular. As we were eating our pizza, the rain started to come down and we had to move under cover. This didn't stop play time but stomachs full on pizza and Coke did, ha. One girl playing soccer with me that told me she needed to take a break as she rubbed her stomach. Where was Kelly with the halftime orange slices, ha? After everything was cleaned and packed up, we headed back to their homes. As we were leaving the neighborhood, the kids were trying to memorize the street names and bus numbers so they could come back and visit again. That day and evening was easily one of my favorites here in Guadalajara. After sharing with our teachers Erika and Chayo, we learned even more about their situation. One change is that unfortunately Casa de Paz had to make a difficult decision to stop supporting Leslie, Jazmin and the kids of the Colli. They were informed of this decision the week of VBS. With this being the only outlet for time with God and school, please pray that alternative means can be found to support them and allow Leslie and Jazmin to continue their ministry.
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