A Special Visitor

This week, we got to meet someone from our home church (KC First Spanish Church), Dr. Erika Rios! We had never actually met her until she showed up at our door this past week because she started going to Spanish Church after we had already left for Joburg. But it was great to get to meet her, even if she has been so busy that she hasn't been around much. We are so happy to have her staying with us and she makes us feel like a little piece of home has come to us!

Well, Erika didn't just come to visit, she came to be a part of some NCM activities as part of the Church of the Nazarene's global AIDS ministries (thus the "busy" part). She also came bearing gifts from our church! We got all kinds of cool things, but as you can see in the picture, Jake's favorite part was the Fruit by the Foot, which are like long, skinny Fruit Rollups. He thought that was the greatest thing in the world and will probably have them all gone in the next week. :)

Also, this past Sunday we celebrated Tricia's birthday, which was a lot of fun as well. Jake really enjoyed going shopping with Daddy at the mall (yes, there are malls in Africa!) for Mommy's birthday. Jake bought Mommy a CD and Daddy bought her a book, and then we took her to both lunch and dinner that day. A good time was had by all!

This Thursday marks 9 months that we have been here in Africa, which means that our internship is 25% of the way over! Just a little over two years and we will be back interviewing with the General Board. Wow.

Speaking of how time flies... several people have asked us about sending Christmas packages. Basically, if you want to have something arrive before Christmas, we are told that it needs to be sent in the early part of November. We've heard of things sent around Thanksgiving time that didn't arrive until February. So hopefully that answers some questions.

Jake's Quote of the Week

"Hi Dad, I just need a drink of some hot coffee."

(Jake said this after Jeremy woke him from a sound sleep in order to take him potty.)

Praises and Prayer Requests

We praise God this week for another year of life for Tricia and also for our loving church family back in KC. Les queremos y les extranamos mucho! We also enjoyed a week of good health for the entire family, which is seemingly rare lately!

Please remember the following needs in prayer this week:

-- Safe travels for Dr. Erika Rios and the rest of the NCM visitors as they return home this week.
-- Unspoken request

Until next time,

Jeremy, Tricia & Jake