We are happy to finally have internet connection and phone service again. We moved into our new home on March 24 and yesterday we got it! Praise God. We know we live in a 3rd world nation, but some how, we keep expecting 1st world results...I think that people call it, 'culture shock'.
Our friends, Dave and Sheree Shannon sent us a box! Boxes from the States are like a lifeline for missionaries here. That post mark carries comfort and hope! I am serious. We were like little kids, Nate and I. We were so excited, and Hope could not contain herself! When she heard a package had arrived for us, she squealed and came running!
See, this was our first package from the States since our arrival 6 months ago.
I had lost a lot of weight and many of the clothes I brought with me don't fit anymore. And it is very challenging to find our sizes here in a nation of petite sizes. Sheree put 2 fantastic shirts in the box for me. I cried. It was wonderful, and chocolate! Thank you Dave and Sheree, for ministering to us so beautifully.
While we were preparing to move into our new home, we needed to find creative ways to furnish it. We came to the mission field with a few suit cases each. One of the basic needs was beds. Bamboo was our best, most affordable option. So I got to try my hand at designing furniture for the first time. Things turned out quite well, thankfully. And Nate created the color I was looking for by mixing stains together. The results were great.
We celebrated our sweet daughter's 5th birthday. She began telling everyone months ago that her birthday was April 9th. Our friends were ready to celebrate when the day arrived! 2 team members from New Zealand put together games for the kids, complete with prizes and 2 other team members found the exact cake Hope had described! (No small ordeal)
And our new neighbors made fried chicken and pasta. It was a wonderful night with about 30 guests.
It has been a full few weeks and I hope to be posting again soon.
This is a busy time for Global Impact. The youth academy is in full swing. The academy is to help train youth leaders from 5 different churches that will serve at the youth camps that begin Monday. There will be 3 weeks of camps. 200 kids each camp. After the camps, there will be 2 more weeks of the academy for the leaders. Nate will be serving as a team leader and I will be on hand for prayer ministry and support for the leaders. We will also be part of a team that help mentor the leaders after the camps. The leaders will help mentor the campers after the camp.
We welcome your prayers and comments and emails. They help bring strength and encouragement to us.
Love & Many blessings,
The Troias
