In Roads

I've just been super encouraged lately in that I finally feel like I'm making some in roads with people here. One of the reasons being Samuel's entrance into elementary school. We are so thankful for the small school, meaning just one section for each grade, 1st to 5th. I am thankful it is within walking distance and that I don't have to rely on Jonathan to drive me here and there all the time. Going to the school four times a day, Monday-Wednesday, would get a bit tedious if always having to drive and interrupt Jonathan from his work day. The weather has been descent so far so the four minute walk has been quite enjoyable. However, as of late various mothers from the school have stopped to ask if I or we want a ride. It has been great to have these brief encounters that have then led to more openness in conversation and building friendships.

For example, the only other mother that regularly walks to get her child invited me over for coffee last week. We spent a couple of hours together and it was great. This week I invited her over to our house, so tomorrow P. and her daughter A. are coming over in the afternoon. Samuel is very excited for this play date as A. and him are classmates. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I continue to build relationships especially with P., B., M., and K. and that there might be opportunities for more regular interactions with them and their families.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Cristina and baby Nathan. Another great afternoon and opportunity to build friendship (and language skills). She offered to host a weekly women's gathering for fellowship, encouragement and prayer at her house. I was super excited to have her initiate this, even though it was an idea we had talked about last spring. We pray this will unite us and draw us deeper in to each others lives as many of the women in our core group are unable to attend the studies on Thursdays, mainly because of little ones. Hopefully we can find a day and time that works for most of us so we can begin next week. Cristina lives here in Leini' so maybe this would provide opportunities to invite some of the mothers from school to come as well.

On Monday night we also had the opportunity to discuss and study the Bible with L. and G. who are Jehovah's Witnesses. There are many JWs in our area and we thought it wise to hear from them what they believe and yet at the same time be able to ask them questions that hopefully will make them think. The discussion was very focused, no rabbit trails. We spent nearly two hours with them around our kitchen table and they will return in two weeks to pick up the discussion.

So a lot is going on as you can see as we are making in roads in to people's lives. We would covet your prayers in these areas and for these people. May each interaction build the trust needed to then be able to share the love of Christ with them.