August 8, 2015

Teacher’s Workshop.  Time has arrived.  I was asked soon after we arrived to do a workshop for the teacher’s at Santa Katerina Masahuat.  Initially, I wanted to settle in a little and improve my Spanish some before doing a presentation.  The Spanish part will be a lifelong endeavor.  I have been teaching in Juayua for a while now, so the time to branch out was here.  Santa Katerina is about an hour away from Juayua.  Since Mr. Rivas wanted to go, we headed out about 7.  We thought he knew the way, but alas we stopped along the way to ask directions several times.  At one time we were off a couple of streets and he told us to go down a one way street the wrong way to get back on track.  There wasn’t any traffic, so we went for it.  At the intersection, a car would not let us enter the last little stretch, so we had to go back a longer way.  We arrived just at 8:30 and set up quickly.  Most everyone arrived close to 9 and there were 7 who came.  Some were teachers and some were interested in teaching.  No one had given me any particulars on what topics they wanted to cover, so I chose to teach on Creation, the Fall and the Fruit of the Spirit.  They were all topics I had taught in Juayua.   In the end I had about 50 different object lessons, crafts, games, food and visuals.  When Lucky had left here, one of the last things that she did, was to generously give a gift for the children.  Lucky is one of the most generous people I have ever met. I was blessed to be able to use a portion of her gift to leave enough materials to get them started on the ideas that I presented.  Not only did Arnoldo help prepare samples for the crafts, he also helped keep things moving along during the presentation.  I had homemade notebooks and everyone took notes and some even drew pictures.  I left a sample of all the crafts for them to use as well.  (That means when I repeat the seminar, I will have to remake new examples!)  At the end, I gave time for questions and the first question was, “When can you come back?”  I guess that is a sign that they liked it.  A few other places have asked for a workshop too, so I said when I get one or two done and make our return from the States I would give them a call.  During the seminar Dwaine sat outside and talked with the preacher, Brother Miguel, another brother and Mr. Rivas.  Dwaine said that every time he said something, Miguel would repeat every word like the others could not understand him.  We have been communicating with Mr. Rivas a long time now, and he gets all that we say.  That was funny.  Then Miguel’s son, Miguel, arrived.  He said that Dwaine should be able to drive back to Juayua taking the shortcut.  It is a rut drive, but it had not rained in a few days.  So, the church provided a big lunch and then we headed out.  It seemed the car disappeared into some ruts at times, but we made it back in time for our 12:30 study with Nelson, but he didn’t show up.  So, we rested about 45 minutes and then English class started.  We had 6 students.  A few were out, but Nelson came.  Nelson said he wasn’t able to come early, but would come early Sunday for a study.  Afterwards, went to study with José and Kelly.  Cesar was in Apaneca and joined us a little late.  It was an exciting visit.  Jose and Kelly aren’t married, but they said they are ready!  They are studying diligently and have visited church.  They know to move closer to a decision in Christ, they need to be married.  They were delightful!  It was like seeing them in love for the first time.  They were both so excited.  They have two children, Nicole at 8 years and Ernesto with about 14 years.  They were happy too!  Here, you have to have a civil wedding, so this week Cesar is contacting the mayor to find out details for marriage.  Afterwards, we went to the Saturday study and Hector led this study.  He gave details on scriptures one would use to conduct a Bible study as this series in on evangelism.  He brought a visiting preacher, Hugo, and it was good to have him with us. 

Arrival at Santa Katarina

Demo for Creation Class

Notetaking

Arnoldo's display

Painting tortilla's make a a good sun.

Great canvas.

Creativity!

Can you find the kite?

Close-up

Knarled tree....lots of spiritual musings..

While we can make a knarled mess of our lives, Christ's beautilful love can cover our sins.

Or...intertwine our lives in sweet fellowship under the great covering of our Lord as the head of the church....or simply what a beautiful creation God!