Community

I thank God every day for the wonderful support I have back home for accompanying me through this awesome journey. God is definitely at work in Uruguay and He is good!

It has been a while since I wrote an update, but I feel like it was just yesterday. I started visiting a Spanish tutor so she can help me polish my Spanish and learn the local phrases, too. I have only had two classes, but I can already tell a difference. I have had some great conversations this week! The kids are starting to understand me more and not giggle when I talk (although they still giggle and take delight in correcting me when I pronounce something wrong).

Last week went by so fast. Monday, I got my stove and refridgerator, so now my apartment is complete. I have enjoyed being able to use the stove top to cook food, as I learn to cook without the aid of a microwave. It is really a great thing for me. It is teaching me patience if nothing else.

I have been asked to teach basketball to the kids at La Obra. They have one ball that does not have enough air to dribble properly, but they still love it. I think I am the only one that notices. They also call me a "basketball star." I try to tell them I am far from it, but they still want me to play with them all the time. I enjoy playing basketball with them. However, when I tried to teach them how to play defense, all they wanted to do was run over to the ball, pick it up and shoot it. We talked about getting another school to play a game against our kids when they learn the rules, so that will be a nice incentive for them. Milton said we could buy a couple more basketballs and then we can work on dribbling and other skills.

I have been attending a group of young adults meeting in Alvaro's church. Alvaro is Wilma's husband, and he is a pastor at a Waldensian church. I am really starting to feel like a part of this group. One girl offered to take me to her house in Colonia one weekend to see a new part of Uruguay, so I am pretty excited to do that. I had my third and fourth asados this week with the group. Last night was Lucia's birthday, so we celebrated with an asado and cake.

Saturday, I went with Wilma to do a Bible study with the group of young boys. I made a tablet with the 10 Commandments, and I got to work with them a good bit while Wilma talked to their mother. We matched each one to "Our relationship with God" or "Our relationship with others." They had a good time doing this, and I was pretty happy that it went over well. I look forward to working more with this group.

I really get excited when I run into people that I know in public. It has happened about four times already. All in the vicinity of the church, but it still makes my day when I recognize someone and get to stop and talk with them in the street or wherever. I was at the Saturday market (which makes me think of my Granny) and ran into a lady that had stopped by the church and she introduced me to her friend as the Christian volunteer at the Lutheran church. We had a nice conversation about what I was doing here and she said she had a son who is a missionary in Mississippi. How great that there are people like that sharing their faith with us in the United States!

I was also blessed this week to get to talk on Skype with my family. I felt like I was in Emilee's house when we were talking via webcam the other day. My Skype name is mary.kinsler if you want to call, feel free! I love talking with family and friends.

I am keeping you all in my prayers and I thank God that I have the support of so many dear friends and family while I am here. THANK YOU!

I will post pictures tonight!