I'm back!

My time in Indiana was WONDERFUL! I had the chance to see a lot of family and friends. Kristen's house in Indy is adorable, the Jay and Jeff made money on their animals at the 4-H auction, and the lakes were great (Pictures of all these events to come. Mom, can you post your pics on shutterfly?)

I posted pictures of Gilberto (11) and Uriel (12) who ran away on bikes last Sunday morning. Yesterday Bill found them in Magdalena and talked with them, so it is a huge relief that they are safe. Please pray that God will work this situation for His glory and that everyone here has wisdom in dealing with the situation.

Starting tomorrow we have VBS. We are expecting 100+ kids, it is exciting, but a little overwhelming. Please pray for us as we undertake this amazing opportunity to spread the Gospel to the chidren of Magdalena. A group of 6 from IL have come to be extra hands, so that will be helpful.

What else is new...Oh, Seth returned from his language study in Morelia. It was cute to watch the kids be so excited to see him. Also, bad news of the posting, Mack, "the best raccoon we've ever had," met an unfortunate ending.

Time for Sunday School prep!

oh and just for Tadd Tonner, I don't know why you think this address is hard to remember, but you can e-mail me at amyfiechter@gmail.com. ;)

Back to the States

Tomorrow morning I am heading up to the states and flying home for 10 days. I get to see Kristen's new house in Indy as we move her in, watch Jay and Jeff in the 4-H auction, squeeze any friend in that I can and go to Lake James with the Kaehr family, so it is going to be packed, but great. I will update when I get back.

Y-A-N-E-L-I

Yesterday we were working in summer school and Yaneli learned how to write her name. (She can't do it unguided, but if someone writes it first, she can copy it.) Denise and Carissa have been working in the school room with her and I have been trying also. She also has learned the first half of the ABC song. Is this how parents feel when their child takes their first steps?

The girls where all whiny about working, so we took a short break to see who can put their whole fist in their mouth. (I can't at all) Lupita was our clear winner...pretty impressive.

Cooking Class with Odette

Do you remember Odette? Her story isn't too far back, anyhow, we now teach a class together on Mexican cooking. (Actually, she teaches, I am just crowd control.) It is great because I learn tricks also. I try to write down her recipes, but they go something like this..."add flour to the lard until it looks normal (after you knead it until it is done) Then add a handful of salt and enough sugar to sweeten the dough and then some baking soda, then put it in the oven until it is done...and that is it. You are done!"

Needless to say, I need more practice. :)

A team from Valpo and Chicago is here right now. Jec, having your family here makes me miss you like crazy!

Thanks for the prayers everyone. love, amy

Summer Fun!

I am staying at the orphanage now, watching the girls. Gloria left for a few weeks to visit her family and help with a VBS in Acapulco. The day she left, a new girl came and she is adorable, although having a new child presents a large share of challenges. We think she is six, but aren't sure. I am also unsure how to spell her name. It sounds like "yaneli". It was sweet, watching the other girls take her in, offering their coveted bottom bunk positions. :) (She is the little girl pictured in the bottom picture with Michel.)

The job of watching the girls is definitely not without it's challenges. I am praying for more wisdom and patience then I have ever had. It brings many funny moments though. Last night during "confession time" one of the girls said she had something to confess. I will translate it for you..."Amy, I have something else to confess...I AM IN LOVE!" Seriously, so hard to keep a straight face during the ensuing conversation. :) On Saturday we went to Bill and Joan's house to play in the hose, sprinkler and kiddy pool. These kids know how to pack a pool full! We were going to go to a real pool, but I am told that there aren't very many confident swimmers and the last time they tried it, Joan had to jump in to save Lupita.

Finally, a picture of my room!

So, when Bruce was here I begged him to put up my bulletin board. (i know, what a girl I am...) So, here is my room. Isn't the color amazing? When I wake up and look at it, I can't believe how lucky I am. ;) After Bruce and Lisa put up my bulletin board, they put together a desk chair I had just bought in the states. I am set now!

La iglesia Catolica

In the center of town is a plaza where people spend time, eating, talking, enjoying life. It is a central location that has the main attraction of the Catholic church. Catholicism is sharply different as practiced here compared to most of the Catholicism in the U.S. On the side of the church there is a room where a plastic, life-size figure lies. This is the representation of St. Kino. I am a little fuzzy on all the details, but he is revered in this town and in the hearts of Mexican Catholics. People come through and worship his plastic likeness, putting money in at his feet and kissing up his body until they reach his head. Once they reach his head, they try to lift him. If they can lift him, it signifies that forgiveness has been offered or whatever they have requested will come to pass. If one cannot lift, it shows that the petition won't be answered.

I have seen people cry when not able to lift his shoulders off of the pedestal. This isn't a practice that just the old of the town believe and participate in, but all ages. Not far away from the church lie his bones, under glass for all to see.

Please pray for the spiritual deception that has engulfed the people, who believe that putting money at a plastic figure's feet can bring redemption. May they feel the emptiness in their lives and a desire for something more, to serve something that isn't made by man with the paint chipping.

(If you have the opportunity to come and see it for yourselves, please be very cautious in taking pictures or doing anything that would mock the statue. Some one from a work team took this when no one was around. Obviously, disrespect to St. Kino is extremely offensive and doesn't help to spread the Love of Jesus.)