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Add "hope" to your Christmas shopping list!

2011-12-21T08:25:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

I would like to make you aware of two very special opportunities to give this Christmas season. This truly is an opportunity for you to give a gift that will make a significant difference in the life of a child.

We are still in need of sponsors for the child educational sponsorship program. Over the past five years the 6:8 Ministries Child Sponsorship program has provided hundreds of children the opportunity to get an education. This year we have increased our goal to two hundred sponsored children. We are still in need of sponsors to reach our goal.

We are also accepting donations for the new Children's Ranch project. We are not only passionate about Educational Sponsorships, but we also want to care for the fatherless and orphaned. We believe that God has called us to start a 6:8 Ministries Children's Ranch. This ranch will provide a safe and loving environment for children who are currently living in abusive and destructive conditions.

Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to give and make a difference this Christmas season.

Property Preview

2011-10-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

Spencer just returned from a trip to Costa Rica. While he was there, he toured the property we are considering for the Children's Ranch. The architect who is helping with the project also came to view the property and let us know of the usability of the land. He gave it a huge thumbs up! So, unless God slams this door shut, we are pursuing this piece of land. It is 50+ acres of hilly land with two rivers flowing through it. What an incredible display of the beauty of God's creation!

Ramblings - Miraculous

2011-10-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's only been two months since we started working on the Children's Ranch project. During this time a lot has changed for our family. The most significant change for our family was relocating to the United States. It's nice to have the opportunity to focus my time and energy to this exciting new project. While past couple months has been very busy, and somewhat stressful at times, it has also been amazingly fruitful.

Since our return to the United States God has allowed us to make some miraculous progress on the Children's Ranch project. I don't use the word miraculous lightly, and the things that have happened are truly extraordinary and defy any simple explanation. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you some of the amazing things that have happened.

First, we were introduced to an extremely successful lawyer that owns a successful law firm in Costa Rica. Not only is he a very competent lawyer, he also served as the Secretary of State for Costa Rica. So as you can imagine he is very well connected in the Costa Rican government. The really crazy part...this man has agreed to assist us with the legal requirements for the project free of charge. So my question is, why would this high power lawyer, whom I didn't even know two months ago, even take time to meet with the likes of me, let alone offer his assistance, free of charge?

Then we were able to find a beautiful piece of property, 50+ acres of rolling grass land, with flowing rivers on the southern and eastern borders. The absolutely incredible part is that the owner is selling to us at a great price! Not only did he give a great price, but he is excited about the project. He has already spoken to the local municipality on our behalf! My question is why would this wealthy land owner, whom I didn't even know two months ago, take interest in us and then sell us his land at a significant discount?

Then we acquired the talents of an extremely gifted architect from Studio V in Manhattan. His studio is currently working on several other projects that range from the Macey's Renovation valued at $120 million to the Restoration of the East River for $1.5 billion. The truly amazing part is that he has offered his services free of charge! My question is why would the owner of a prestigious architectural firm, whom I didn't even know two months ago, take an interest and donate his services?

Wait, there's more! How is it that we have been able to raise over $15,000 in project seed money prior to holding our first fundraiser? How is it that we've been given free office space to use for the project? How is it that someone has committed to pay for all of the printing and marketing materials without being asked? How is it that we were able to have the survey on the land completed for $500, when normally it would cost at least ten times that amount?

I could go on and on, and I could start to feel really good about myself, except I recognize that it's not me doing it. It's God! There is only one explanation for everything that has happened over the past month...and it's God. Please allow me say it again...it's GOD! Therefore, let's give credit where credit is due. I'm extremely excited, joyful, and full of praise. God gets all the praise, and all of the credit, I'm simply thankful that He would allow me to be part of what He is doing.

In closing I would like to thank you for all of your prayers and support. Please pray for God's continued blessings on the project and our family. Please pray that God continues to work in miraculous ways. Please pray for our family to continue to adjust from the move, and also for our family's personal support. We are currently $500 short of making our budget in monthly commitments. Pray that we will always remember to give God all of the credit and praise for all that He is doing.

We are honored to be part of what God is doing!

Child Sponsorship Update

2011-10-14T08:21:00.000-07:00

As you know we have moved back to the States for a time. I have left the sponsorship program in capable hands (Thanks Casey, Renee, Keisa and Laine!). As a result, there is a new site for all the sponsorship information. You can find it here: 6:8 Ministries Child Sponsorship. You can also follow what's going on by following the ministry on Facebook. Excited to see how the ministry will explode this year!

Ramblings - Provision

2011-09-18T15:59:00.000-07:00

As I type this update I'm overwhelmed by God's provision. It's been a little over two weeks since our family relocated to Jacksonville and we are finally starting to get settled.

I'm incredibly excited to have the opportunity to focus my time and energy on the new 6:8 Ministries Children's Ranch Project. You will be hearing more about this exciting project in the near future.

While the purpose of our move was clear, there was much that was uncertain. As we prepared to leave Costa Rica we sold almost everything we owned. We were not sure how we would be able to replace all of the stuff we would need to set-up house in Jacksonville. However, God provided more than I would have ever expected. God used His people to provide furniture, appliances, household items, and even vehicles! He even sent people to cut the grass and take care of the lawn!

This has been as a faith building experience, and good reminder that God has promised to provide for all of our needs. Sometimes, I tend to forget that God has promised to meet all of our family's physical needs. This can lead to worry and lack of faith. While it's easy for me to understand that God will always be there for my eternal salvation and forgiveness of sin; it's sometimes difficult to think that He cares about the small things...but you know what...He does! It's amazing to think that the same God that spoke the universe into creation, still cares about every little detail in my life.

I hope this serves as a reminder to you as well. God cares about you and is constantly providing for you. He loves you, and He has promised to provide for all of needs. This isn't prosperity theology, rather it's covenant theology. He has made a promise, and He always makes good on His promises!

In closing, I would ask that you would join us in praying for our family as we make this transition. Pray that we will continue to recognize how He is providing for us, and please pray that He will increase our family's monthly support. I'm not going to worry about it, rather I'm going to try to trust Him to increase it!

House

2011-08-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

The 20th house build this year was for a sweet family from Juan Pablo. A team from Cross Creek youth came and did an amazing job of building, both a home and relationships.

Handing over the key.

Prayer for the family.

First steps in the new house.

The team from Cross Creek Church and the family.

Maria was so excited to have a new kitchen table as well!

Ramblings - Alone

2011-08-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

Imagine for a second, that you are eleven years old and your mother is locked away in a Colombian prison on drug trafficking charges. Your father has never been in the picture, so you live with grandma. The problem is grandma is an unemployed alcoholic and has trouble making ends meet. You eat in feeding centers and hang out in the park. Grandma loves you and does her best, but the alcohol gets the best of her.

Needless to say, the first eleven years of life has been hard for Emmanuel. Sadly it has just gotten a little harder. You see, his grandmother was found dead in her home. She drank herself to sleep and never woke up. He is now living with his great grandmother, but this is a not a positive, long term solution.

When I think of Emmanuel and listen to his story, I can't imagine how alone he must feel. Everyone who should be there for him is gone! It's heart wrenching to think about how abandoned he must feel.

He needs a safe and caring environment where he will feel loved. A place that will teach him that he is never alone, because His father in heaven loves him unconditionally and will never leave him. I find it very interesting that his name actually means "God with us". I hope he will learn to truly understand and embrace the meaning of his name.

Emmanuel and the thousands of children like him are the reason we at 6:8 Ministries feel called to start a children's ranch. We believe that we are called to bring hope to the hopeless, safety to those in danger, and love to the unloved. Please pray for Emmanuel and for the 6:8 Ministries Children Ranch project.

Sailine and Emmanuel

2011-07-28T09:30:00.001-07:00

Sailine and Emmanuel, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

Tuesday morning we found out that Sailine passed away in her sleep. Sailine and Emmanuel were regulars at the feeding center. Emmanuel is now living with his great grandmother. Please pray for him as he mourns the loss of his grandmother.

Ramblings - Unstoppable Force

2011-06-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Godhas done some amazing things through 6:8 Ministries over the past fouryears! It's hard to believe that it all started with a vision toprovide affordable life-changing mission experiences. While we knewthere was power in mobilizing the body of Christ, I don't think any ofus imagined that it would lead to where we are today.

Throughthe constant flow of short-term mission teams, 6:8 Ministries istransforming the city of Alajuelita. Lives are being radicallytransformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have recently begun to re-read An Unstoppable Forceby Erwin McManus. It's one of my favorite books by one of my favoriteauthors. The theme of the book is challenging us to become the churchGod had in mind. We are not called to be timid, lazy, or passive.Rather, an unstoppable force that will breakdown any barrier the worldtries to set against the advancement of God's Kingdom.

Overthe past four years I witnessed first hand what God can accomplish onceHis church is mobilized and motivated. Here, in Alajuelita, whatstarted with a simple vision and a whispered prayer, has grown into anunstoppable force that is not only transforming individuals but theentire city.

Whatan awesome privilege it is to be part of the body of Christ! The factthat God wants to use, and has empowered us to expand His kingdom isnot only a privilege, but a huge responsibility. Every believer has thepower of God inside of them waiting to be turned loose. So the questionremaining is how are we going to unleash the power?

We love you guys and thanks for all the prayers and support!

Spencer

Temporary Reassignment

2011-06-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Boulter Family Preparing to Return to United States

Please pray for us as we make preparations to return to the United States.

Thistemporary reassignment will allow Spencer to focus on the children'sranch project. Spencer will be be traveling aroung the United States toshare the vision with churches, corporations, and individuals in effortto develop partnerships and raise funding for the project.

We hope to return to Costa Rica in about one year to start construction on the 6:8 Ministries Children's Ranch.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-20T08:08:00.001-07:00

fam, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

I love this shot of a spontaneous moment in DC last month. It really is representative of Spencer's relationship with his kids.

I feel thankful and blessed that he is such a great dad.

Family Vacation

2011-06-20T07:32:00.001-07:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

We took the opportunity last month to take a real family vacation to DC and Williamsburg, keeping in mind that this may well be our last opportunity as Alexis graduates this year. We had a wonderful time together and even enjoyed some time with my parents as they met up with us in Williamsburg. I feel so blessed to have had this time together.

April Update

2011-05-09T09:44:00.000-07:00

God has done some amazing things through 6:8 Ministries since our last update!Over the past five weeks we have hosted eight mission teams that cameto lead a pastor's conference, run a free veterinarian clinic, buildtwo homes, and love on countless children. Therefore, March proved tobe a very fruitful month.

Ateam from Cross Creek Church came to build a home for a widow and herthree children. This family was living in horrible and inhumaneconditions! Their small shack leaked, had no indoor plumbing, andlooked like it could collapse at any minute. However, God sent themission team to love on this family. They not only built them a newhome, but and gave them a new hope.

WhileCross Creek Church was busy building the home, teams from ChristianCampus House of University of Florida, and the Smith family from RCCChurch, came to love on the children of Alajuelita. They served in thefeeding centers, prayed and healed the sick, and loved the people inthe name of Jesus.

God then allowed us to host our first ever 6:8Ministries Pastor's Conference! Chuck McArthur of Equipping LeadersInternational came to teach, encourage, and equip the local pastors ofAlajuelita. We had eighteen pastors for eight different churches attendthe conference. It was an amazing experience!

Godthen allowed us to host our first ever Veterinarian Team. Sara Phippslead a team to host a free veterinarian clinic for the people ofAlajuelita. What a great opportunity to allow these women to use theirspecific gifts to bless the local people. The clinic was well receivedand they were able to treat hundreds of animals. The clinic wasconducted in the church, so it was also a great outreach opportunityfor the church!

Godthen sent two more teams to serve. This time it was Mitchell ChristianSchool of South Dakota, and the Gregory family. These teams came tofocus on local ministries. They served in the feeding centers, seniorcenter, drug rehabilitation center, and in the local church andcommunities. They delivered food to the hungry, prayer and medicine tothe sick, hope to the hopeless, and love the unloved.

Finally,God sent a team from Dolbert Presbyterian of Washington State to buildyet another home! This time the home was for a single mother and hertwo small sons.

Finally, I was able to travel home to Jacksonville for a few days to take care of some important business with the 6:8 Ministries Board of Directors. The board officially hired Amy Jo Jones as part of the ever growing 6:8 Ministries staff.

So like I said...a lot has happened since our last update! Even more so WOW WHAT A GOD WE SERVE! He truly is working all things together for good here in Costa Rica!

Love in Christ,

Spencer

Desfile de los Boyeros

2011-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday we were treated to a fun surprise as we had an Oxcart Parade file right past our house. The oxcarts are a beautiful tradition here in Costa Rica. (here's a short video)

The wheels are just beautiful!

And I was really impressed with this little guy and the way he led his oxen.

Happy Birthday, Seth

2011-03-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Seth just turned 10! It is sad to think that I no longer have any children in single digits, but I am looking forward to all that God has to bring in this next stage of life!

Seth helping make Chayote Soup. This is what he requested for his Birthday Dinner.

February Update

2011-02-28T08:39:00.000-08:00

Wowwhat a month! While most of the United States is cold and dreary,things here have been warm, sunny, and incredibly fruitful. God hasdone some amazing things, and I'm so excited to share them with you.Since the last update we've hosted fivedifferent mission teams, distributed child sponsorship materials to 136children, started two new feeding ministries, and have built two newhomes!

Thefirst mission teams to arrive were from Pinewood Presbyterian andCelebration Church. They came to help with the child sponsorshipdistribution. Over a period of three days 136 children receiveduniforms, shoes, school materials, Bibles, haircuts, eye exams, schoolphotos, and lots of love and prayer! It was such a blessing to be ableto help these children and their families in such a powerful way.

Whilethese teams were busy with the Child Sponsorship Program, a team from"For the Joy" ministries were busy loving and serving the people ofAlajuelita in many various ways. Especially by helping us start a newfeeding center for children! They purchased tables and kitchenequipment. They served and loved in the name of Jesus.

ThenGod sent a mission team from Mason Community Church. This team broughtthe resources and manpower to build a home for a family in one of thepoorest parts of Alajuelita. This precious family of six was living inhorrible conditions. Alex, the father, works as a day laborer, but hastrouble making ends meet. His wife Rebecca stays home caring for theirfour children. Two of the children were able to startschool for the first time due to the child sponsorship program! Thefamily is now consistently attending Celebration Church and is becomingconnected to the body of Christ and growing in their faith!

Godthen brought another team from the Cambridge Financial Center in SaltLake City, Utah. This team came to build a home for a family in JuanPablo. This young family was living in a small one-room shack that hadno bathroom. The father, Eduadro, works guarding cars at night. Hiswife, Carmen, stays home watching their three children Kerlyn (5),Alison (3), Henry (1).

Whilethe team was here serving tragedy struck. One of the couples on themission team lost their home in a devastating fire! It was a intenseblow, and the irony was surreal. Gary and Marilyn had come to loveothers, they had sacrificed their time and resources to help buildothers a home...and in the process they lost their home. To add to theirony, Gary was a retired firefighter! Though they had toreturn home early to pick-up the pieces they left an incredibleimpression. People here are still talking about their servant heartsand willingness to sacrifice to love others in the name of JesusChrist! Evidence that God is good even in the midst of tragedy.

Solike I said...wow what a month! Even more so WOW WHAT A GOD WE SERVE!He truly is working all things together for good here in Costa Rica!

Love in Christ,

Spencer

Update on Jose Antonio

2011-02-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

Boulter2008-12 287, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

We have bitter-sweet news regarding Jose Antonio and Maria Abigail. Their family was given a
new home in Liberia near the Nicaraguan border. While this is an incredible blessing, they will be sorely missed.

Please join us in praying that God will continue to heal Jose Antonio, and Maria Abigail. We are also praying that God will lead them to a local church that will help them continue to mature in their faith.

Fresh Eggs

2010-12-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

At the new teamhouse, near Los Anonos, we have a chicken coop. While they were building it, we held the chickens at our house. We'll keep some, but most of the hens are going to be at the teamhouse to provide the mission teams with fresh eggs!! Just four weeks until they'll start laying.

Update: Feb 13th, we have our first two eggs!

Child Sponsorship

2010-12-16T05:52:00.000-08:00

It is time! Please consider sponsoring a child through 6:8 Ministries. Click on the picture above to check out the new site for sponsorship info, including almost 40 kids, like those pictured below, who need a sponsor.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-15T09:57:00.001-08:00

2010, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

His Mercies are New...

2010-11-08T05:47:00.001-08:00

rainbow valley, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

water line

2010-11-07T06:07:00.000-08:00

water line, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

We passed these people waiting in line at a water distribution point in Aurora. There are spots like these all over town.

We decided to collect rain water instead...

Thankfully, we were only without water for two days. There are many, though, that are still without.

Mudslides and Flooding

2010-11-06T07:49:00.000-07:00

Early Thursday morning there was a mudslide in San Antonio (the backside of the mountain that holds the cross). You can read a news story here. While we are deeply saddened by the devastation and lives lost, we cannot help but be thankful that we are safe. Our family and the Gills live within a couple miles of the mudslide (10 minute walk from the Gill's home).

Another area devastated by the torrential rain is Los Anonos, Escazu. This area was already going to be a target area for ministry in the upcoming year out of the new team house. There are pictures below that Spencer took Thursday while scoping out the damage and ways in which we can help.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

You can also click HERE to watch a short video taken by Steve Gill.

If you would like to help minister to others in the coming months by way of feeding and rebuilding homes, you can make your tax deductible donation by using the button below.

Thank you to all who are praying. It is humbling to see the people that are praying and supporting God's ministry here.

You can read what other 6:8 are feeling and doing by following the links below:
6:8 Update
Anton and Mike
Becca
Gammage Family
Gill Family
Knutson Family
Leisa

El Refugio

2010-09-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Great video by Brian and Amanda on The Refuge Men's Center. Worth a few minutes to watch.

The Refuge - Alajuelita, Costa Rica from Brian Blalock on Vimeo.

Forgiveness

2010-08-11T01:41:00.000-07:00

For a cool story, head over to the 6:8 blog.

Growing Church

2010-07-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

This week we had combined church services. It was amazing to see everyone together at once (over 300!), crowding into the building. Praying the people of Alajuelita meet Jesus in this place.

40 Days of Prayer - Part 4

2010-05-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

We are so thankful to have seen a lot of growth over the last few weeks. We have gone to two services in order to accommodate everyone. For our final week of prayer, we are asking God to miraculously intervene and provide so that the building we are using can be purchased. The owner is asking $125k.

And still, we are praying that lives would be changed, and God would be glorified in all that we do here.

40 Days of Prayer - part 3

2010-05-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

As the 40 Days of Prayer continue, this week I am praying for:

The men's center, El Refugio, that it would be a tool for these men to kick their addictions and experience the life changing freedom found in Christ.
That the church would be a source of Truth and that Christ would move in a mighty way.
That the marriages and families would be strengthened. There is one marriage that I know of that is struggling greatly.

It is only through the miraculous power of Jesus that lives will be changed!

40 Days of Prayer - part 2

2010-05-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

This week as we continue our 40 days of prayer at Iglesia Celebracion I am focusing my prayers on the families of the church.

For the husbands and fathers. That their hearts would be turned towards their families. That there would be a new trend of faithfulness and godly examples for their children.
For the wives and mothers. That they would train up their children to love the Lord.
For the children. That they would grow up to be bold followers of Jesus and be the next leaders of their communities.

Overall, praying for God to move in a mighty way through the families so that they will be drawn to him and have life changing Peace.

40 Days of Prayer

2010-05-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

Today we are starting 40 days of prayer for Iglesia Celebracíon, Costa Rica. We are meeting with whomever cares to join us at the church at 6:00am for the next 40 days.
My prayers today:

For God to move in the church body in a very real way
That we would be a source of Light in Alajuelita
For Jorge and Marisol as he pastors and she supports him
For Spencer to be equipped as he oversees and leads
for myself, to be the support that Spencer needs

Care to join us?

El Refugio

2010-03-24T15:51:00.000-07:00

Please pray for Ali, Gerson and Tomas. Our first three residents at El Refugio, our newest ministry.

Please also pray for Brian, Amanda and ChiChi as they serve, guide and point these men to The One that can deliver them from their addictions.

Happy 11!

2010-03-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Nathan turns 11 this month. He has such a sweet spirit and is always eager to please. We are so thankful for him.

Coming Soon...El Refugio

2010-02-21T08:07:00.000-08:00

A few months ago 6:8, with support from Mason Community Church in Michigan, opened a feeding center. The men a required to be on time to hear a devotional and pray before eating. It has been wonderful to see the servant hearts of many from Iglesia Celebracion as they come and serve the homeless.

Out of this, also, came Mauricio's desire to do something more. He began to brainstorm with Spencer and look for properties. This is the result: A place where those who desire to kick their addictions can come and get a good nights sleep and a shower. There will also be church services and counseling held for them as Jorge pastors them. We are looking to the future with hope as we see how this takes shape.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Birthday Boy

2010-02-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

Birthday Boy, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

Today we celebrate Seth's 9th birthday. Our prayer is that God will use his unique personality, many gifts and strong will to become a leader with a desire to serve God and others.

Uniform Distribution 2010

2010-02-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

This year a team from Celebration Church Jacksonville came to help pass things out. I'm still distributing a few things here and there, but so far 110 kids were sponsored this year.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Children's Christmas Party

2009-12-08T12:14:00.001-08:00

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Guatemala

2009-12-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

We recently returned from two weeks in Guatemala. It was a packed, fun filled trip.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

New Feeding Center

2009-11-04T14:28:00.000-08:00

Monday was the first feeding of the new feeding center sponsored by Mason Community Church. The feeding center targets the homeless community of Alajuelita. They live in the coffee plantation near central park and in the cemetery near Juan Pablo.

Waiting for the center to open.

Spreading the word.

Spiritual food.

George Bush Visits Costa Rica

2009-11-02T12:02:00.001-08:00

George Bush Visits Costa Rica, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

Couldn't believe it today when I saw this man sitting on the side of the road. Secret service was even kind enough to let me take his picture! ;o)

Spencer's Ramblings - Have You Heard...?

2009-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Have you heard the latest? Molly kicked Spencer out of the house because he was having an affair with Carolina. On top of that he got into a big fight with Victor and fired him from 6:8 Ministries!

These are the rumors that I returned home to a couple days ago. It's tragically sad, and at the same time ridiculously funny. Over the past three years there have been rumors of me being an adulterer, pedophile, and a drug dealer.

When I first moved to Costa Rica I was discouraged by the lies that were being spread about me. The same people I was trying to help were the ones spreading the hurtful lies. However, the most frustrating part was that most of the lies were rooted in my attempts to love like Christ. What I've learned is that the world can't understand true Christian love.

The voice of a lost and broken world says: "Nobody gives away a new house, he must be sleeping with her.", "Why would a middle-aged man spend time hanging out with teens? He must be some kind of sick pedophile!", "Spencer has money and spends time with the drug-addicts, he must be a drug dealer."

It would be easy to allow these lies to cause me to become cynical and jaded. Honestly, sometimes I just want to quit trying, or at a minimum give the same weak and conditional love in return. However, quitting would be tragic and would allow the enemy to win. Furthermore, a choice to love like the world is a choice to not to love at all.

In contrast, when my love is rooted in Christ it's powerful and life changing! Christ-like love is unconditional and always requires some level of sacrifice. I guess it comes down to a simple reality. Can I love those who hate and speak lies against me? Is my love for others contingent on being loved in return?

Truth is, I rarely get it right and I fail more times than I succeed. However, I'm learning. The more I experience Christ's love for me; the more natural it feels to try to love others the same way.

So I'm asking you to join me in learning to love better. Let's love sacrificially and unconditionally. Let's love with a crazy love the world won't understand; and in the process we can change the world!

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." - Jesus

Love and miss you all,
Spencer

Tepezquintle - It's What's for Dinner

2009-10-09T18:41:00.001-07:00

Tepzsquintle, originally uploaded by goodgollycr.

Some dear friends brought us some Tepezquintle to try. Apparently the foot is left on because it is an expensive cut of meat and some markets may try to sell you some fake stuff. We did marinate it and grill it up. It was good. Just could have done without seeing the foot.

Happy Birthday, Alix

2009-10-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it has already been 17 years. I remember that she was born on a Sunday. It was the Life Chain Sunday, being held just down the street from the hospital. We are so thankful for this LIFE that God has blessed us with!

Update on Jose Antonio

2009-09-21T17:17:00.000-07:00

You may remember how thrilled we were when Jose Antonio started walking at the age of 6. Spencer went to visit him last week and these are the sights that greeted him...

Happy 13th

2009-09-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

13 just seems to be one of those milestone birthdays (actually as my kids are getting older they all seem to be milestones that are bittersweet).

Christopher ~ I am proud of the young man that you are becoming. We love you and are so glad that you are part of our lives.

Hoarding Tendencies

2009-08-21T09:33:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we had a mission team help a family clean house. This family really needed a lot of help. While I did not help with this particular house, I have helped in a similar circumstance and can relate to what it was like.

This house was packed to the gills. They had a back room with piles of junk, including a shopping cart and broken typewriter. The bathroom was disgusting. No soap in the shower and feces in the sink. In the bedrooms, piles and piles of moldy clothes under which they found a bag with some unopened bars of soap.

Pastor Jorge took the family aside and had a talk with all of them. He encouraged them to clean out the old in order to make room for new blessings that God will bring.

Hearing the team talk of their experiences in this home made me think of my home: my heart. All of the baggage that I have stored in my 'back room' for a rainy day. You never know when you are going to need a broken typewriter or shopping cart? I have 'pet' sins and insecurities that I hold onto, because you never know when you might need to bring them out and dust them off, right?

I need Jesus to come and clean my house. I need Him to shine light in my dark places and clean the crap out of my sink. He is ready to get his hands dirty and throw my junk away. Why? Because He loves me. He loves me more than I could ever comprehend. He wants me to quit hoarding all of this garbage in order to make room for Him.

Come As You Are

2009-08-02T06:11:00.000-07:00

While we did not come down to plant a church, God has provided a church. After sending several short-term mission teams down, Celebration Church felt called to plant a church in Alajuelita. Or rather BE the church for the homeless, rejected, alcoholics, and brokenhearted.

Here is a glimpse of what a Sunday morning might look like:

Promising faces...

A broken face the needs minor medical attention...

Rejected men crying out to Jesus...

Praying for healing of a sick baby...

A man taking a moment to read his new Bible...

One of the most beautiful moments was when Jorge asked if anyone wanted to pray. Among others, a shirtless man made his way down to pray. The heartbeat of this church is to be a place where even he feels welcomed and loved. It is going to be messy. But I firmly believe that Jesus loves the messy.

The Civil War

2009-06-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

We have been spending a few months reading about and studying the Civil War. We have enjoyed playing the Professor Noggin Civil War game. After playing it a few times we decided to branch out and instead of taking turns, the kids raced to answer first. One of our questions was:

What edict by Abraham Lincoln allowed freed slaves to join the union army?

In his hurry to get it answered first, *Bob shouted out, "CONSTIPATION EXPLANATION!"

You just can't make this stuff up!

*Names have been changed to protect family secrets. But it starts with a 'C' and ends in a 'hristopher'. :o)

Jose Antonio

2009-05-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Remember this update from Spencer? We finally captured it on video to share!

Almost every team that has come through over the last two and a half years has gone down to Jose Antonio's house to pray for him and his family. To finally see him walking has been such a miracle! His mother gives the glory to God and is so thankful for all of your prayers. Celebrate God's glory with us!

Missing Tooth

2009-04-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

This is the last time I will have a child missing a front tooth. Feeling a little mommy sadness.

Minus One

2009-04-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

So Christopher is spending some time with Duke and Candy at the farm. Reportedly he has been sleeping in the cabin by himself while they are in the main house, about 300 mtrs away. I wonder what this says about a budding teen who is one of 4 children, and shares a room with two younger brothers. Hopefully the adjustment home at the end of May will not be too painful.

He has been staying busy on the farm...learning to shoot his new bb gun, building a chicken coop and collecting eggs every morning. We miss him, but know he is having a wonderful time!

What NOT to take into the Embassy...

2009-03-28T23:41:00.000-07:00

Alix and I recently made a trip to the US Embassy in order to get her passport renewed. When you first enter you have to turn over your cell phone and other electronics (Items 1, 2, and 3). They then x-ray your bag before finally letting you enter. After x-raying my bag, there were a few questionable items that they wanted to explore further:

#4 - Pepper Spray - which they removed (of course)
#5 - Alix' current crochet project - they let us take this with us
#6 - I don't know what this is, or how it got in my bag, but they decided to remove this too. It must be something quite dangerous.

#7 - Mini-tripod - They let us keep this.
#8 - They also let us keep Alix' book. I think she would have rather they held her book and let her have her iPod, though.

Double Digits

2009-03-23T12:54:00.000-07:00

Happy 10th Birthday, Nathan!

I was disappointed that I forgot to take a picture of the crowd that was present. It seems that there is an ever-changing presence of people here with us. Those present were: Duke, Candy, Cathy, Dave, Daniel and our family of 6.

Family Update

2009-03-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hello from Costa Rica! It's been a while since our last family update. I'm excited to tell you about what God has been doing in and through our family over the past four months. However, before I start I want to thank each of you for your faithful prayers and support. We realize that God is using you to allow us to be here, and for that we are humbly grateful.

The greatest change over the past four months is that my position in 6:8 Ministries has changed. God has continued to grow and expand 6:8 Ministries and there is a growing need for someone to manage and oversee the operations. Therefore, the board of directors has changed my title to Executive Director. I'm currently transitioning my focus away from the day to day task of leading teams, and have more of an oversight and managerial role.

My new responsibilities include overseeing the operations in Costa Rica and the Guatemala pilot project. I'll also oversee the accounting and bookkeeping, as well as manage our rapidly growing staff. Finally, I'll continue to cast vision for where we believe God is leading 6:8 Ministries.

Please pray for us as I make this transition. God is growing 6:8 Ministries faster than any of us could have imagined. My prayer is that we will be able to successfully host over 50 mission teams a year by the end of 2010. That could be 1,000 people a year returning home with a strengthened and renewed passion and faith! Which translates into His people strengthening His church and expanding His kingdom. It's my prayer that God will use 6:8 Ministries to revolutionize the way short-term missions are done throughout His church.

While I've been busy with the transition and traveling back and forth from Guatemala, Molly and the kids continue to thrive. Molly had a very busy season as she was overseeing the child sponsorship program and all of her responsibilities as wife, mother, and teacher. God used her to orchestrate school sponsorships for almost a hundred children!

Alexis continues to be an intricate part of the ministry and helps to lead the mission teams. She is learning to balance her time between schooling and leading teams. God is shaping her into a godly young woman.

Christopher is going through his own transition. It seems that each day He matures more into a young man. He has an increased interest in helping lead the mission teams, and a greater desire to learn the language. He is picking it up fast! He now attends the Bible study we lead in our home as well as a local youth group. He feels more comfortable hanging with the older kids.

Nate and Seth are busy being boys! They are truly best friends and enjoy doing everything together. Nathan is counting down the days to his upcoming birthday. The past couple weeks have been exciting for Seth as he had his eighth birthday, learned to ride his bike, and was robbed in the streets of Alajuelita! He was walking with a group carring a camera when someone rode by on a bike and snatched it from his hands! All he said was "I think I just got robbed!"

In closing we want to thank you for all of your prayers and support. Please pray for our safety and health. Please pray that God increases our families personal support. Finally, and most importantly that He would continue to shine in and through us.

In Christ,

Spencer

Happy Birthday, Seth!

2009-02-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

8 this year!

Martha Project

2009-02-12T07:26:00.000-08:00

Sunday we gave Martha the keys to her new home. After we prayed that God would bless her home and family, she told us that she had been praying for a safe home for her children. How humbling to be used by God to answer someone's prayer. YOU are an answer to her prayers.

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

Guatemala Family Trip

2009-02-03T19:31:00.000-08:00

We had a great time visiting friends in Guatemala. It was exciting to go and see another Latin culture. Many similarities to Costa Rica, but also many differences. We were also able to see and experience just a taste of how our friends are serving and ministering to the people of Guatemala.

Uniform Distribution 2009

2009-01-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

*sigh* After working two weekends to get the uniforms out we are officially finished. (unofficially however, we have some website updating, loose ends and new sponsorships, to tie up...)

Here is a glimpse of what we accomplished: (I know there are a lot of pictures, I don't expect you to sit through them all, but it may give you an idea of the task :o)

Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

A special thanks to Cathy and Shellie who made a special trip to help with the distribution!

My Favorite Little Chef

2009-01-22T21:25:00.000-08:00

Seth loves all things food. He would rather have a salad than a hot dog. He loves leftovers...for breakfast!
He likes things spicy. He loves to help in the kitchen.

Yum, Hot and Sour soup!

888 Challenge - Looking Back

2009-01-17T08:47:00.000-08:00

I learned why I have never successfully been involved in a book club. I like to choose my own books...at the last minute. Planning them out at the beginning of the year didn't really work for me, though it was within the rules to change your list.

I did read more non-fiction than ever. I do think that was mostly due to planning it out and having different categories (though, as you can see most of my categories are really the same)

I has also put a lot of books on my list that I was planning to read for school...we just haven't gotten there yet. I wasn't thinking about the fact that the new school year didn't start until August and we wouldn't have much time to get into that year's reading

And I didn't even touch the classics list!

My list started out like this:

Non-fiction - Family
1. Power of a Praying Parent by Omartian
2. The Fruit of Her Hands by Wilson
3. You Can't Make Me but I Can be Persuaded by Tobias
4. Peacemaking for Families by Sande
5. The Most Important Place on Earth by Wolgemuth
6. The Heart of Anger by Priolo
7. The Age of Opportunity by Tripp
8. Don't Make Me Count to Three by Plowman

Spiritual Growth
1. Starving Jesus by Gross
2. Quaker Summer by Sampson
3. Get Out of That Pit by Moore
4. Messy Spirituality by Yaconelli
5. The Ragamuffin Gospel by Manning
6. Soul Cravings by McManus
7. Jesus, the One and Only by Moore
8. The Prayer That Changes Everything by Omartian

Classics I Should Have Read a Long Time Ago
1. Pride and Prejudice by Austen
2. The Mysterious Stranger by Twain
3. Farewell to Arms by Hemingway
4. Animal Farm by Orwell
5. 1984 by Orwell
6. The Pearl by Steinbeck
7. The Yearling by Rawlings
8. Tom Sawyer by Twain

Banned Books1. Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn by Twain
2. Farenheit 451 by Bradbury
3. Bridge to Terebithia by Paterson
4. Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck
5. The Giver by Lowry
6. My Brother Sam is Dead by Collier
7. All Quiet on the Western Front by Remarque
8. Mirandy and Brother Wind by McKissack

Newbery Winners
1. Johnny Tremain by Forbes
2. Rifles for Watie by Keith
3. The Slave Dancer by Fox
4. Number the Stars by Lowry
5. Jacob Have I Loved by Paterson
6. The Grey King by Cooper
7. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Taylor
8. Island of the Blue Dolphins by O'Dell

Young Adult Fiction
1.Stormbreaker by Harowitz
2. Daughter of Time by Tey
3. Byzantium by Lawhead
4. Court of the Stone Children by Cameron
5. Blue Ridge Billy by Lenski
6. Hitty: Her First Hundred Years by Field
7. Moccasin Trail by McGraw
8. Little Britches by Moody

Historical Fiction
1. Across Five Aprils by Hunt
2. Rebels of the Heavenly Kingdom by Paterson
3. Red Badge of Courage by Crane
4. Year of Impossible Goodbyes by Choi
5. Kiss the Dust by Laird
6. Under the Hawthorn Tree by Conlon-McKenna
7. Number the Stars by Lowry
8. Phoenix Rising by Hesse

Childhood Favorites
1. Little House in the Big Woods by Wilder
2. Winnie the Pooh by Milne
3. Alice in Wonderland by Carroll
4. Peter Pan by Barrie
5. Caddie Woodlawn by Brinks
6. Prince Caspian by Lewis
7. Ginger Pye by Estes
8. Runaway Ralph by Cleary

And ended up like this:

** denotes books that cross over into two sections (8 crossovers were allowed.)

Non-fiction - Family
1. Power of a Praying Parent
2. ~~Protecting the Gift~~
3. You Can't Make Me but I Can be Persuaded
4. Peacemaking for Families
5. The Most Important Place on Earth
6. The Heart of Anger
7. The Age of Opportunity
8. Don't Make Me Count to Three

Spiritual Growth
1.~~Pagan Christianity~~
2. ~~Quaker Summer~~
3. ~~Get Out of That Pit~~
4. ~~Crazy Love~~
5. The Ragamuffin Gospel
6. ~~Jim and Casper Go to Church~~
7. ~~Jesus Without Religion~~
8. ~~The Shack~~

Classics I Should Have Read a Long Time Ago
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. The Mysterious Stranger
3. Farewell to Arms
4. Animal Farm
5. 1984
6. The Pearl
7. The Yearling
8. Tom Sawyer

Banned Books1. Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn
2. Farenheit 451
3. ~~Bridge to Terebithia~~
4. Of Mice and Men
5. **~~The Giver~~
6. My Brother Sam is Dead
7. All Quiet on the Western Front
8. Mirandy and Brother Wind

Newbery Winners
1. ~~Amos Fortune, Free Man~~
2. ~~Matchlock Gun~~
3. **~~The Giver~~
4. ~~On the Banks of Plum Creek~~
5. **~~Bridge to Terebithia~~
6. ~~Witch of Blackbird Pond~~
7. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
8. Island of the Blue Dolphins

Young Adult Fiction
1. ~~Stormbreaker~~ (read entire series)
2. ~~Twilight~~ (read entire series)
3. Byzantium
4. Court of the Stone Children
5. ~~Blue Ridge Billy~~
6. Hitty: Her First Hundred Years
7. Moccasin Trail
8. Little Britches

Historical Fiction
1. ~~Shipwrecked!~~
2. ~~Bells of Freedom~~
3. ~~Lewis and Clark and Me~~
4. ~~The Gate in the Wall~~
5. ~~The Boy in the Alamo~~
6. Under the Hawthorn Tree
7. Number the Stars
8. Phoenix Rising

Childhood Favorites
1. ~~Little House in the Big Woods~~
2. ~~Freddy the Detective~~
3. ~~The Phantom Tollbooth~~
4. Secret Garden
5. Caddie Woodlawn
6. ~~Prince Caspian~~
7. Ginger Pye
8. ~~Runaway Ralph~~

This is just the beginning...

2009-01-02T00:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-02T00:32:00.000-08:00

Nothing like finally getting a picture of the kids the day we take the tree down. I am a true procrastinator...

Happy New Year!

Angie

2008-12-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

I was cleaning up pictures on my computer and came across this one. It reminded me of that dark time in Angie's life.

I am so excited to say that Juan and Angie's marriage has been reconciled and renewed. In November they stood before their church family and asked forgiveness and renewed their vows.

When I told Angie that we had been praying for them, she asked me to always remember to pray for them. I will continue to pray that their marriage will be strengthened and that Christ will be the center. I know she would covet your prayers as well.

Punk Kid, Part 2

2008-12-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Jorge, the Punk Kid? When we first met Jorge he was a liar, thief, bully, and failing in school. Jorge, like most of us had issues and needed some help. Jorge was sponsored by Spencer's father, and everything started to change. First he attended an event hosted by one of the mission teams and accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior. Soon his attitude changed and he began to smile! He started to be more pleasant and respectful. He even started making better grades! (Part of this may have been the monetary incentive, as we have started paying each child one dollar per "A" on their final exams and report cards.)

God is working in Jorge's life. Our prayer for Jorge is that he will continue to enjoy and excel in school. If he can finish school this will greatly increase his chances of finding good employment and allow an escape from the poverty.

Praise God for His faithfulness!

Our Christmas Card to You

2008-12-28T21:33:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Christmas Party

2008-12-16T06:24:00.000-08:00

Mount Sinai church hosted a Christmas Party for the children from the Feeding Center and the children of the Juan Pablo Sunday School.

Gifts were donated by the Celebration Church Medical Mission team and organized by the Celebration Church Family Team.

Thanks to all who contributed and helped to show a little love this Christmas!

PhotoHunt: Breakfast

2008-12-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

PhotoHunt

Sights to see...

2008-12-02T22:48:00.000-08:00

...on your hike to the cross.

PhotoHunt: Reflection

2008-11-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

PhotoHunt

Home

2008-11-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

So, we are home. Home from our four week long trip...well, home. It is a little odd to feel so at home in two such different places. It was great seeing friends and family...a little sad because we did not get to see everyone we wanted to see. It was so short...and yet so long. Spencer and I were exhausted and the kids were ready to be home.

I was a little nervous about coming back. Mostly I was afraid of this 'funk' that I seem to go through every time we come back. I didn't tell Spencer how I was feeling...I guess I am a little intimidated by his drive, passion and vision. I never want to be the one that brings him down. As he asked me to proof his newsletter, I was surprised to find that he was having the same struggle.

Maybe it is knowing that I am not alone in my weakness. Maybe it is that my friends have been praying for me. Either way, I am happy to be back and do feel refreshed and ready to face this next season of being here. I am thankful.

Family

2008-11-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

River Ride

2008-11-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

We spent an afternoon with good friends on the river.

Seth and Angela are great buds!

Thanks, Rita! We had a blast!

PhotoHunt: Together

2008-11-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

PhotoHunt

Beach

2008-11-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

We were incredibly blessed to be able to spend a couple days at the beach. Only Nate and Seth were brave enough to get in the water. It was our last chance, though, because that night the temperature dipped into the 30's. We were content to hunt for shells after that.

PhotoHunt: Blue

2008-11-01T17:34:00.000-07:00

PhotoHunt

Just Hanging Out

2008-10-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

The boys organized their own pole toss event. Christopher was the judge and I'm pretty sure Andrew was the winner. :o)

Apple Picking

2008-10-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

The big kids weren't really interested in picking apples, but at the end of the day Christopher told Aunt Becky that this was the best day in North Carolina so far.

Graveyard Fields

2008-10-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our hike at Graveyard Fields. Beautiful leaves, though some trees were already bare.

Corn Maze

2008-10-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

While we were visiting family in North Carolina we visited a corn maze...

We had fun with cousins...

The kids also enjoyed seeing all the exotic animals...:o)

And of course the leaves were beautiful...

6:8 Celebration Dinner

2008-10-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

As soon as we arrived in the States, we began preparing for a 6:8 Ministries Celebration Dinner. We are celebrating all that God has done and how he has blessed us in our first full year of ministry. We have been awed by how God met all of our five year goals within the first year. His plans are much greater and better than ours, something that is certainly worth celebrating!

Spencer and Duke are in awe over how quickly the food processor can shred cheese. :o)

The empanada assembly line...with Candy doing the frying.

There were over 100 in attendance with 8 different Jacksonville churches represented. Dinner was followed by a time of testimony from those who have been to Costa Rica on short term mission trips. It was a great example of the Body of Christ coming together to celebrate a common bond...a love for Jesus and a heart for missions.

Another Snake Sighting

2008-10-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

I've got to learn to be more prepared when Seth wants me to come look at something in his room. This little bugger was on the floor, right next to where they were playing Legos. He looks quite a bit different than the others we have been finding in the house lately. Also, this one is still alive, whereas most of the other were dead. He has more of a pattern and his body seems to be wide and flat.

Some pictures of the scales underneath reveal a spotty-striped pattern (how's that for scientific?). (Just ignore the dust on his head, apparently he has been hanging out under the bed.) Below is another belly shot, but you can also see how wide his body is compared to his tail.

For now, he is in a little plastic cage, waiting for dad to come home and share all of his snake wisdom with us. I wish we had found him a week ago so we could take him to the World of Snakes and get a professional opinion. Off to google...(but there doesn't seem to be many sites for 'what the heck kind of snake did I just find under my bed?')

Impromptu Field Trip

2008-10-06T21:43:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a 'quick' little field trip to Mundo de Las Serpientes today. We read a lot about snakes last week and Spencer found the site when he was trying to figure out what kind of snake it was that we kept finding in the house.

The boys each got to hold a milksnake. (Alix was not interested.)

Seth noticed how the snake was 'smelling' him with his tongue. Then we remembered that he will use his Jacobson's Organ to analyze the information he brings in with his tongue.

Nathan is our animal lover. Spencer was suggesting to Nathan that he might be a Vet or scientist when he gets older. Christopher suggested a herpetologist. :o)

We think someone's lunch has escaped.
(Photo of Seth and Bunny by Alix)

On the way we had taken 'the scenic route', and it was raining when we got there...but all in all it was a beautiful and fun day.

Happy Birthday, Alix

2008-10-04T22:07:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Alix turned 16 today! At least I can pretend she is not really driving age, as it is 18 in Costa Rica.

Alix,

You are a blessing and you bring such joy into our lives. We love you! Happy 16th Birthday!

PhotoHunt: Sad

2008-10-04T07:09:00.001-07:00

I don't remember why Nathan was sad, but here he is letting dad comfort him. This was last December.

PhotoHunt

Photohunt: View

2008-09-27T23:35:00.000-07:00

This is the recent view out of our stairwell window. The pictures are a little blury as this little guy was busy spinning his web. It was neat to see him in action!

Photohunt

Children's Museum

2008-09-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures from the last time we went to the Museo de los Ninos. It really is a fun museum.

Photohunt: Road

2008-09-20T23:42:00.000-07:00

The road in front of Juan Pablo. Juan Pablo is a small barrio in Alajuelita. A couple more shots of Juan Pablo below.

Photohunt

Happy Birthday, Christopher!

2008-09-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

Celebrating 12 years of Christopher's life. We love you, Christopher, and we are thankful for you!

Photohunt: Wild

2008-09-13T23:48:00.000-07:00

What do boys do with a jumprope? Tie each other up, of course!

Photohunt

Yet Another Pet

2008-09-09T08:11:00.000-07:00

Introducing Checho, our Green Iguana.

Hanging out with Nathan doing school work.

His cage that Spencer helped to build.

Photohunt: Strings

2008-09-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

You can find this blind man playing guitar in downtown San Jose.

Photohunt

Photohunt: Beautiful

2008-08-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

This is a little girl from the feeding center in Aurora.

PhotoHunt

Weird Snake Phenomenon

2008-08-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Two mornings this week I have discovered two dead baby snakes near my bathroom. The first time we thought the cat must have dragged it in, but the second night, the cat was out all night and the door was closed.

Then, last night in the middle of the night, Spencer found one downstairs, under the kitchen table. This one was still alive. They are all about 3 inches long.

I sure hope this does not mean that mama snake is sleeping under my bed. This is so weird...

UPDATE: I think this is is a Worm Snake, or a Brohminy Blind Snake. We are up to 6 found in the house.

Photohunt: Wrinkled

2008-08-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

I met this gentleman last year in Aurora. He is a very talented harmonica player.

PhotoHunt

ChiChi's Baptism

2008-08-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

It was amazing to witness the baptism of our dear friend, ChiChi, the other night. Over the last two years of knowing him, we have witnessed amazing highs and lows in his Walk. I am sure that I cannot even begin to understand what it must be like to walk in his shoes and try to Walk with Jesus. How must it be to have your family...your own mother, laugh at you when they see you reading your Bible? To be ridiculed because everytime they see you stumble, you are called a hypocrite? He seems to be walking strong right now, the strongest we have seen. If you think of him please pray for him. That he would:

~understand and live in God's Grace and Forgiveness
~rest in God's unconditional love
~be strong when faced with temptation

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has past away, behold, the new has come." II Corinthians 5:17 esv

Photohunt: Hanging

2008-07-26T19:44:00.000-07:00

This last week we had 2 short-term mission teams and one local youth group HANGING out together, worshipping God. God's love can be an amazing bond.

PhotoHunt

Busy Summer

2008-07-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

We have had an incredible number of people make their way through this summer. Constantly flowing, constantly a different combination of people. Alix has loved all the college and high school students that have come for extended stays. Life is sure going to seem dull when it gets back to normal. Wait...is there a normal???

PhotoHunt: Bright

2008-06-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Back in April we hiked, with some friends, to the first cross on the mountain.

Christopher, Nathan, Alix, and Seth.

Our friends on the right.

The San Jose Valley in the morning light.

New Car

2008-06-28T05:55:00.000-07:00

We are so blessed and excited to have been able to purchase a vehicle that will hold our whole family, and some! Driving down the road in our new van, Spencer was telling me how pleased he is with it. I had to chuckle, who would have thought his dream car would ever be a 12 passenger Hyundai!

By the way, he did make that parking job in the picture. He is amazing at parallel parking!

PhotoHunt: Water

2008-06-20T19:15:00.000-07:00

We recently visited La Paz Waterfall Gardens. These pictures are just a sampling of some things we saw that day.

Owl Butterfly

Hercules Beetle

Photohunt: Bad Hair

2008-06-07T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is Nathan, about 8 years ago. If only time could stand still. (sigh)