Bomberos, Bubbles, and Balloons

Jon organized for physical education class at the school a day dedicated to Bomberos (fireman), bubbles, and water balloons. A letter went home to the parents to prepare the students to get wet. It was a beautiful day to have this activity. 

 The mini pool was used to create human size bubbles for the three and four year olds.

 The fire department came out to explain to the students fire prevention and safety.

 Jon even brought out some fireman hats from his skit box for the teachers to get into the spirit.

 Everyone enjoyed the demonstrations of treatments.

 Jon and Pastor Ernesto constructed a fire for the fireman to demonstrate how to use an extinguisher.

Missions Conference 2014

It was a blessing to have the missions conference this year. Omar Garcia from Virginia was the special speaker for the week. Matthew has been involved in the choir and was one of the flag bearers. 

 Pictured below is Omar (Spanish Pastor in Virginia), Nisha, Jon, Reuben (Pastor in Peru), and Ernesto (Assistant Pastor of the church).

 Teams were formed to prepare food and decorations for four continents. Our family was a part of the Africa group which won the competition for best food and decorations. It was encouraging to see all the groups work together to make the banquet successful.

 Each of our kids present got involved in serving at the banquet.

Passing the time with activities

Matthew and Nathan have enjoyed playing soccer with the church guys each Monday night. 

 Killing the chickens for some food this week.

 While waiting for her sister to finish her piano lessons, Katie uses the floor mats to create different shapes and forms.

 The kids enjoy taking care of and playing with our animals. We have five guinea pigs (cuy).

 Jon decides to take his theme of "Doctor Day" for P.E. in the school a little too far by coming home and playing doctor on the dogs with the girls.

Pukklay Festival

Each year there is a celebration called "Pukklay". It's filled with dances of Peruvian heritage, carnival games, venders, parades, decorations, drinking, etc...

"Pukllay or Pujllay (meaning "play" in Quechua) is a traditional festival held in the central Andes. The word "play" refers to either the clouds or the blossoms "playing" in the winds of the end of the rainy season and thus harvesting time."

Rest home ministry

We're usually the ones blessed when visiting the rest home. We go to sing songs, read the Bible, pray, and spend some time with the elderly. 

 It's so encouraging to see the attitudes of the elderly who insist on having their own chance to pray, sing, and share testimonies of what God has done for them.

Market Day

We normally like to go to the market on Saturday mornings because of less people and we get first pick of potatoes, fruits, and vegetables. Our girls are a big help in picking out and eating the fruit.

Music lessons at the church

Christian, a single man form Lima,  has been hired to teach and conduct the music at the church. He is currently teaching violin as well as other instruments to those interested. Matthew has enjoyed the choir even more since Christian has started directing.

First Day of Institute Class

There are some adults in the church who are interested in learning more about the Bible and possibly pursuing full-time ministry. Please pray for these students and couples to be strengthened in the knowledge of God and His Word this year in the Bible Institute.

 The first class is being Skyped from a jungle church in Peru with Missionary Buddy Fitzgerald as the teacher. He also has some students being taught at the same time.

 Students are realizing that this is an Institute and will have homework, tests, and quizzes.

 What a set-up with projectors, microphones, textbooks, etc...

The start of a new school year in Peru

After the facilities were prepared, the school began on March 10th with around 75 students (up from the 40 from last year). Nisha will be teaching Mathematics and Art to the five year olds. Jon will be teaching Physical Education to all the classes. 

 Teachers make final touches on their room decorations before the students arrive.

 Rachel, from Venezuela, is teaching the six year olds class in the church auditorium until their classroom is finished being built.

 Parents of the three year olds wait to see the adjustments to the first day of school.

 Registration on the first day is always hectic with having to answer so many questions (where do I go? Who do I pay? When does it start and finish? etc..)

 Meeting together for the first chapel and orientation time in the auditorium.

 Five year olds seem to be ready to go for day one of school.

 Four year olds are still making adjustments.

 Jon realizes that teaching P.E. to three year olds will take patience and the help of each of our children.

 Matthew is really good at playing with the students. He wears his superhero cape and allows the students to chase him.

Of course, when he gets caught by them it turns into a great big pile-up.

 But even those watching seem to enjoy the time  Matthew gives to them.