4 Generations

Kimi, Evelyn, Ron, and SADIE!

Birthday Fun

Great-Grandma's birthday was enjoyed by all, but especially by Sadie. "Sorry, Great-Grandma," said Sadie, "We couldn't get 97 candles on your cupcake!"

Cactus

"We'll have to be careful and not touch the prickly catus," Papi cautioned Sadie. "Lots of plants in Arizona have sharp spines that might prick us." Going to Great-Grandma's 97th birthday was going to be an adventure for sure.

CONTEMPLATION

Is it a REALLY long way to Great-Grandma's house?? asked Sadie as we loaded the car. Yes, Dear, it is, and we will have to stay in two hotels before we get there. Okay, I really want to see Great-Grandma and have a pijama party again! she commented.

Deacons

While in the US we also have had the opportunity to meet with Deacon Toni, Deacon Nancy, Deacon Phil, Deacon David, Deacon Diana. The Deacons had been down to do some training with the seminarians and deacons in Peru and several were able to come up to visit Arequipa. All are enthusiastic supporters of the the kids, the seminaries, and the ministries in Arequipa. We are brainstorming ways of interaction for the future....Thanks for hosting, Deacon Toni and Jim!

Hot Tamales!

One of the churches that has been most faithful in its support is Holy Family, McKinney. Many, many fond memories connect us to this congregation. Ron preached recently and we enjoyed updating them on the ministry in Peru-and eating a GREAT Mexican meal afterwards. The little school has grown and is now a fancy afair and looks impressive! Several adults stood up at the end of the service and Father Lowe pointed out that they had been baptized Father Lowe is wonderful in remembering our need for prayer support. Thank you, Harold. A part of our heart will always be at Holy Family.

Family Reunion

Another event for Ron & Vicki was a family reunion west of Fort Worth. We got together with a lot of Sadie's cousins and enjoyed a great meal. While many gathered inside for the start of a playoff game on TV, Sadie, her mommy, and her grandparents played hide-n-seek.

Roof Dogs

Ron and Vicki were able to get together with some of the "Roof Dog" team and share about the developments at the casas hogares. It was great to see everyone and re-connect! The Dogs are already planning their next visit to Peru. Thanks for hosting the reunion, Kerrs! WOOF!

Ballet

Grammi and Papi get to peek in on ballet classes sometimes. They really enjoy that. Back at Redeemer in Houston, Ron used to go with a group to the Synagogue to learn folk dances. Now Sadie is into Bela Balarina and her dance classes. Go girl!

SAMS Check-Up

South American Missionary Society is our sponsoring organization. One of the requirements that they have is that we visit them after three years in the field. This keeps us in contact with those we communicate with, and allows us to discuss plans for the future, and check for burn out. As you can see, Denise is checking to see if Ron's head is spinning yet, or if he's "good to go" for another stint on the mission field. Analysis: Good to go back! Vicki and I enjoyed our time there in Ambridge and the beautiful 60 degree weather, too!

San Mateo in Epiphany

It was such a delight for us to visit with our partners at St. Matthew's Cathedral. We were able to do a presentation on the ministries and visit with friends after the services. ¡Gracias, amigos, por su apoyo!

Cross

So many people have had a part in sending us here to Peru we were looking for a way to help them feel physically connected to the ministry in Arequipa. One small symbol was to bring a piece of sillar stone, the white stone quarried here, to the churches that share in this ministry with us. This is the stone used in the cathedral and churches here. We hope that by touching the stone cross, the connection may seem somehow more real and our supporters will sense how greatful we are for their support and prayers..

Christmas in Texas, Yeehaw!!

Christmas with our daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter Sadie was a blast! Both ballet and tap shoes heralded some new classes soon to follow. Thank you, Lord, for this time together.