I have a long list of e-mails waiting to be written to you...  but they will continue on the back burner for a few more days... (weeks?)

Its been a long time since I’ve sat down at the computer...  our days, weeks, months have been long... sometimes it feels we’ve been plodding uphill for a very long time... not necessarily “BAD” times... there have definitely been some absolutely incredible moments... but also some weary times... where it seems like even though you’d love to sit back, relax and let others worry, carry the weight/responsibility, figure out the details, work the double shifts, be the ones to answer the questions etc., that luxury seems to always be waiting around the bend...

That’s why today maybe seemed so much brighter... a breath of fresh air and encouragement...

Our welding class at the boys’ shops started today...  there were six students... who will be working with their teacher twice a week until we can adequately “set up shop” and find a solid Christian man who is free to set up business...  The guys started off today by building “their” shop a table...  they were so excited that no one wanted to leave until it was finished...   Who cared about lunch... getting out of class “on time”... they were there until almost two in the afternoon... already making plans about what they’ll build on Thursday...

In my Bible Study this afternoon I had a couple of the wives of the guys who were at the shops this morning...  One of the guys was so excited about classes starting today that he was ready by 6 a.m.... another almost tore the door off the hinges when he got home – not because he was drunk – but because he was so thrilled about learning...

The students range from 15 to 35... one lived on the streets since he was 5 or 6... others have committed crimes, been involved in gangs and delinquency... a few are still addicted to drugs and alcohol... yet ALL desperately needing to know Christ... to learn something useful with their hands...and use their minds for good, creative things... Also, I think everyone of them is somehow related to someone who is praying for them... and the guys showing up today is evidence of God answering those heartfelt prayers...

 

It’s not a huge start to our shops... we applied at the beginning of the year for a grant to equip our shops but didn’t get it... there are still things half done at the shops that need to be finished (like painting, bathrooms, electrical and security stuff) but money is still an issue... so WE’LL WORK WITH WHAT WE HAVE!!!  (They will make their own work tables!)  I think its healthy for our students to see that you don’t need a ton of things to get started... and I think starting out with very little and seeing how God provides will be a testimony to them, encourage them... and make them feel ownership of our place...

SO... rejoice with us... pray with us and for us...  pray for protection and encouragement especially for Marco, Pablo and Daniel as they work with these guys; they are treading on the enemy’s toes...  so I’m sure there will be plenty more difficult times along the way... but we know who wins the battle in the end...  Pray that we will keep our eyes on HIM..

Thanks for walking along side of us in our journey... We appreciate you, your prayers, encouragement and support IMMENSELY...  Thank you!!!

Because God is faithful,

Corina for Marco... Keiden and our little one who is only about a week away!