More Seminar Pics

Just a few pics from today's morning service.

Telling a children's story.

Playing the concentration game.

The adults were enjoying the children's service too!

Guests, Earthquakes, and Seminars!

They've arrived!  Welcome Mason's! 

We have some happy little boys in our house right now!  =)

Last evening and this morning were spent running around for supplies for the Child Evangelism seminar.  We also had a 6.3 earthquake rock our world for about 30 seconds today!  (Check this link for the details.)  I was at Walmart when it happened, and the shelves were just swaying back and forth.  I heard some glass falling off of shelves and breaking, and then I saw where some food jars/bags had fallen off of shelves and broke.  But other than maybe a few minor things, it appeared that the rest of the city had no major damage.

Despite the excitement of the day, our seminars started this evening, and we had a decent turnout with our people and also some visitors from a local pentecostal church.

Some girls helping with the song, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus."

"Whisper a Prayer in the..."

Parker enjoying some cookies and drink during a break.

Father and son doing an excellent job teaching.

Gertie helping with the song, "Oh be careful little ears..."

The B-I-B-L-E

Tomorrow we're looking forward to a morning service for the children, and then more seminar sessions in the afternoon, complete with hands-on training!

Something that made me smile today!   =)

Taylor's lego creation...complete with a man up in that car who is no doubt
hanging on for dear life!!!  Don't you love kids' imaginations?

Today...

Today...I'm admiring the beautiful blue sky!

I'm also thankful for electricity!  Last week around two in the morning, a transformer blew, and we were literally, "in the dark."  It was a very miserable night to say the least!!  No air conditioner to keep us from sweating, and no option to open the windows for a breeze.  (The windows are boarded up to keep out the sun and also to provide a frame for the air conditioner.)  And with the above mentioned things, it was pitch black...and I'm a gotta-have-my-night-light sort of gal!  =)  At any rate, we all survived!

Today...I'm also taking pics of Parker.  He's too cute and growing up too fast!  At 21 months, he has finally mastered the art of walking!  He's been ABLE to do it for a few months, but has never WANTED to do it consistently without our command, until now.

Today...I'm also thinking how long it's been since I last posted!  And so, I'm working on a post about our special New Year's Eve service in Santo Domingo.  Hopefully I'll get that up on the blog soon.

Today...I've got some excited kids!  Why?  Because their Pappy and Grandma Mason are coming to visit on Friday!  While here, they (the Mason's) will be holding two separate Child Evangelism seminars in our churches.  Michael has been working hard in translating the different session materials and handouts, and the Mason's have been working hard creating visualized songs and helps, etc...  We're looking forward to a busy, yet fun time together!

And this, my blog friends, is some of my thoughts today.  And now, I best go get things ready for our prayer meeting/Bible study tonight!

Christmas Sunday

Yesterday at both of our churches, we gave a little presentation telling the Christmas story from different Biblical characters points of view.  While most evangelicals from here are not used to any type of drama or special program, our people seemed to really enjoy it!  It was also a new experience for those who participated and had speaking parts.

The cast (from top left):  Sonia - as the innkeeper's wife, Mario - as a shepherd, Humberto - as Joseph  (from bottom left)  Paulita - the innkeeper's daughter, Kevin - a shepherd, Kyle - a shepherd, and Edith - as Mary

Hmmm...it looks like the shepherds were getting tired!!

From our home to yours...

Christmas Around the House

 I thought I'd share a few "christmasy" things from around our house!

This year, I decided to try my hand at making a few Christmas ornaments that I had seen while browsing blog land and Pinterest.

I love these simple jute balls.  I managed to find some jute at the Walmart down here, but it only came in green.  So I bought some red spray paint, and there you go!  Christmas ornaments to match my country primitive decor.  I followed this blog tutorial here.

And then I made some primitive fabric stars.  I simply cut fabric in the shape of a star, hand stitched two pieces together, stuffed them, and then popped a button on them.  Again, very simple.  But I like them!

And here's a look at our "new" cabinets.  Depending on the lighting, the color varies between a dark blue and black.  I still have a few finishing touches to do yet, but I'm happy with how they turned out!  And I'm especially happy to have the upper cabinets to put my spices, dishes, and drinking glasses in!

I trust y'all will have a wonderful Christmas Eve!