This month had Ira and I learning more about life in La Aljaba and Leticia. We found out that the school year for the children is February through November and the children are officially on a break. They had their end of year programs at their academic and music schools. Several of the children were recognized for special achievements and the teachers commented that they can distinguish the children of La Aljaba from many of the others. It is always encouraging to hear that children are growing in spiritual disciplines of their life.
La Aljaba also had special events for the children, families and staff. It is always a meaningful time to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in fellowship with one another. The children had a special Christmas meal, got Christmas cards through Orphanos' Kards 4 Kids Program and received gifts made possible from generous donations. The children also did special presentations for their families through songs and dramas on the evening of the closing programs.
We, the staff, were treated to a day at Amazon World. We were taken through a section of the jungle, where we were educated on plants, fruits and flowers. Afterward, we participated in a friendly competition "Amazing Race" style. It poured rain and we were guided by clues that tested what we retained in the tour and physical challenges of skills from tribes indigenous to the area. To this day, we still tease each other about the way we do a certain bird call or blow a dart. For Ira and I, it was a special time to relate to the other staff outside of the daily work environment. We really got to know each other and establish personal friendships.
On December 20th, a work project was done on the new property. The Mayor of Leticia and the Military, combined efforts to plant trees and bushes for a "live fence" as part of a community development program.. The staff, some of the children and parents of La Aljaba came to help. A speech was given about the symbolism between planting the trees to produce fruit to feed the children and La Aljaba planting seeds in the lives of the children and producing fruit through their lives. It really stirred the excitement and stimulated the vision for the new Children's Home.
Christmas was emotional for us this year. We found ourselves missing family. Sophie is 3½ and excited about everything. Olsson is still in the hospital and his parents were feeling a bit discouraged to be spending Christmas in the hospital. However, we pulled ourselves together and were reminded of Jesus' sacrifice for us and our blessings to be a part of His work. Lucy, even though her daughter was visiting, invited everyone who did not have family events to come to her home for fellowship. It was another opportunity for us to build on the new relationships we are finding in the ministry.
Now, we are in a New Year and look forward to learning more about the plans God has for us in La Aljaba. Right now, our biggest struggle continues to be the intense heat and humidity. I have even questioned if I can do this. The things that sustains us are the prayers and encouragement. Also, we draw energy by the sense of belonging that everyone here offers us through fellowship. We are so thankful that God's mercies are new each day!
"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
Now, we are in a New Year and look forward to learning more about the plans God has for us in La Aljaba. Right now, our biggest struggle continues to be the intense heat and humidity. I have even questioned if I can do this. The things that sustains us are the prayers and encouragement. Also, we draw energy by the sense of belonging that everyone here offers us through fellowship. We are so thankful that God's mercies are new each day!
"Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
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