December visit

FRIENDS AND FAMILY GET INVOLVED

To my great surprise and joy, I can now say my entire family has been to El Puente Home! On Thursday, December 19 my father, mother, brother, sister-in-law, aunt Ani and two friends (Azarias and Hugo) drove from Asuncion to Quyquyho to visit the girls. The first timers were barraged with hugs and cheers, after which they were given a tour of the almost-finished multi-purpose room, Andrew’s House and downtown Quyquyho. They were all delighted by the girls’ enthusiasm and Quyquyho’s serene, natural beauty.

My family got a warm welcome

Hugs and kisses all around

                            

Though they only stayed for part of the afternoon, my brother, mother and sister-in-law thoroughly enjoyed the girls, played games and promised to come back. 

In front of the almost-finished multipurpose room

BEA'S 15TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Providentially, the timing of our visit was excellent, as it was Bea's fifteenth birthday on Friday. Aunt Ani and Azarias spent most of that morning decorating the Home for the big feast.

The Home, fully decorated for Bea's 15th birthday

Lots of candies and treats

Taking a break from decorating

Once they got to the Home, they were amazed at how different it looked: pink balloons spiralling around the pillars, long tables covered in candy, cookies and snacks and drapes flowing from the ceiling. Once all the guests were seated in a circle, Osvaldo and Maria Luisa called Bea and started talking about how pleased they are with her. Bea couldn't contain her emotions and started sobbing while hugging Osvaldo. It was a very sweet moment and a reminder that this was probably the first time ever in Bea's life that so many people gathered to celebrate her. Delicious food was eaten, the waltz was danced, cake was cut and we even had a surprise visit from Santa Claus. All in all, a really fun night. 

Happy birthday!

Surprise visit by Santa Claus

The traditional waltz

We drove back to Asuncion early on Saturday morning with hearts full and already missing our friends.

SILVANA'S VISIT 

Due to scheduling reasons, my sister Silvana went to Quyquyho on another date, taking our three little cousins with her. They had a total blast. They spent their time doing crafts, walking about town, playing games and swimming in a creek near the Espinillar community. Mayhem, hilarity and much mischief ensued. 

Showing off their paper crafts

This picture was taken in front of an old, abandoned house, which the girls call "haunted" =)

Having fun at the creek

Silvana and Miriam

PRAYER REQUESTS

Rocio arrives in California on January 16th. She will be serving at our church and community, get trained and discipled and also take English classes. Please pray for God's provision during her 6-month stay, as we are still fundraising to support her.

Please pray that God would continue to expand the network of Paraguayans who are genuinely interested in supporting the Home.

Please pray for all the girls to persevere and stand fast in all areas of their lives, especially those who are starting high school next year.

Please pray for God to give us wisdom regarding taking a team to Quyquyho this year.