January 2007 Short Term Mission Trip

January 14 to 17 Joni and I traveled to Juarez with 46 members of our Menlo Park Presbyterian Church team to build three houses for families in the colonias near the children we sponsor. Although the weather was very cold, the reception was warm. We completed three houses in the customer two days of work.

We also got to catch up with our 11 children. All are doing well. Joni gave necklaces with crosses to our 5 newest kids. These were David, Samuel, Margarita, Claudia and Nancy Margarita.

We also got to introduce several of the kids to new pen pals. We will be pairing kids in the U.S. with kids in Juarez. The idea is for them to write letters in both Spanish and English. The American kids are all studying Spanish. As you know the Juarez kids are all learning English. Our new English tutor. Enrique is doing well with the kids. Several greeted us with greeting in English. Also, we got some letters in English thanking us for our Sponsorship.

As another update, in October, we approved funds for a new van. Suzy can now drive the kids around in style after only having a subcompact that could take 4 at a time. Thanks for all your contributions that made this possible.

In June, Miriam will be graduating from high school. This is a big event. She hopes to attend a community college or trade school after graduation. Also, Juanita will be graduating from middle school and heading to high school.

SK