Rancho El Camino

This morning we visited "The Ranch" - Rancho El Camino.  Another family, who are TEAM Missionaries, have been living/working in this area for the past 5 years.  The land was donated and is now being used to host camps, provide living quarters for interns who are helping build up areas and new buildings, and bring new believers into the Kingdom of Christ.
The Gatto family - Peter, Cher and their 5 children keep this area functioning, while they homeschool and share Christ's love with those all around them.  It was a joy to see the work of our Creator, our God, in this environment. It was a pleasure to hear Cher telling us stories of how God has moved the hearts of people to accept Christ - as their Savior - in the midst of this desert area.

VBS - Night 1

Our first night of VBS - 32 children came.  GOD IS SO GOOD!!!

It was an amazing evening singing songs, doing crafts, racing relays, puppet shows, and sharing Christ's love.  The language barrier was not an issue - the smiles were contagious.  We had a range of ages from 4-17.  There were mostly 6 year olds and 12 year olds (6 of each).  The children are beautiful!!  A handful of parents stayed and Martin had an opportunity to speak with them while the kids were hanging out with us.

Casa Beuna

Our "home" for the week is wonderful!  There's a large building in the center with a kitchen, large tables, and lounging area.  There are windows all around.  We have a pool.  All rooms have 3 full-sized beds (fitting the needs of our families of 4).  The kids have a play area with a treehouse, tramoline, and all kinds of kids toys (bikes, etc.).

El Faro - the church

 Upon our arrival we stopped by the church and prayed over it.  We prayed for the families in the surrounding communities, the progress of the church, the work of Team Ministries (Martin & Susie Gonzalez), and our week here in LaPaz.

LaPaz, Mexico Mission Trip

We have arrived!  Martin came to the airport to greet us, assist with getting our rental vehicles, take us to lunch, and lead the way to LaPaz.  As we entered the city we stopped by the church.  It's an amazing spot nestled on a hilltop.  We settled into our bed & breakfast, Casa Beuna, and went out for "the best tacos".

Swim Lessons

Micah and Lilly began their swimming lessons today with Mrs. Stacey Siekman.  We'll be doing 8 lessons with her and getting some practice time in with friends.  Lilly continues to work on being safe in the water (being able to get herself up to the surface of the water, over to the edge of the pool or steps, and out of the pool).  Micah continues to work on his breathing and strokes.

First "Family" Mission Trip

 We are ALL going to LaPaz, Mexico!!  We are representing the Strong Families Sunday School class, in which we have participated in the last 4 years at Scottsdale Bible Church.  There are 3 families going - Jacoby, Rich, & Zakaras.  Please pray for all of us as we reach out to the children of the LaPaz community - loving them, serving them, and telling them about Jesus Christ.  Trip dates are:  June 26-July 1, 2012.

"But how can they call to Him for help if they have not believed?  And how can they believe if they have not heard the message?  And how can they hear if the message is not proclaimed?  And how can the message be proclaimed if the messengers are not sent out?  As the scripture says 'How wonderful is the coming of messengers who bring good news!'"  Romans 10:14-15

A trip to Maine

We spent the last week in Maine.  Ah, it's nice and cool there!  We stayed at the Riverview Resort in Bethel, Maine with Nana & Papa Joe.  We ate well, kayak/canoed, shopped in Freeport, and hiked the beautiful terrain.  We saw lots water falls and covered bridges.  For two days we were accompanied by our friends Renate, Madeleine, and Alex Scholz-Lague.  We had dinner with Sean Lague one night.  It was a fantastic week!!

SKY - With God Anything Is Possible

Micah and Lilly are attending VBS at North Bible Church this week.  This is Lilly's very first VBS to attend as a participant.  A lot of our friends attend NBC and the week worked with other trips we have going on this month.  The theme is SKY.  Micah's group leader is Jes and Lilly's group leader is Alyssa (who is a friend of ours).

Summer Goals - Micah

Micah (personal):

• Memorize the books of the Bible
• Open the "Lightening Cup" on Mario Kart (last level)
• Shuffle a deck of cards well

Micah (mom):

• Library Summer Reading Program
• Write 2nd grade 'illustory'
• Have fun!
• Notice God's hand in details during our family mission trip to LaPaz, Mexico and share His love while hanging out with the kids in the community

Summer Goals - Lilly

As we get close to summer I listen for things the kids say "I want to ..." or watch things they are working on.  These are the things I consider to be their 'summer goals'.
Lilly (personal):

• Braid with three strands (not just 'twisting' two)
• Bake more!

Lilly (mom):

• Be safe in the pool; learn to get to the surface and the edge if she falls in
• Library Summer Reading Program
• Have fun!
• Experience God's awesomeness on her first mission trip (LaPaz, Mexico)