Little, Little, Little Ninos everywhere...

Don{t mind if I do...

* Current record for number of people we have fit into a standard, 15 passenger van: 30.

* Roosters. Boy, do I love roosters. But please, do not believe that ole, timeless myth that roosters only crow when the sun is rising. They definitely do, but they also crow whenever the heck they feel like it. 2 am. 6 o clock. Midnight. No importante.

* Either Ben or I, or both of us (which is most of the time), have ridden in the back of a truck to and from town (Mante) at least once a day. This never gets old...

* As Ben mentioned, we went to the movies. Actually, we{ve been to the movies three times already. Our favorite thus far, without a doubt, has been High School Musical El Desafio. Saturated with themes of love, courage and overcoming adversity in a difficult and diverse world, the movie truly was inspirational and life changing for both of us......actually, the film was entirely in Spanish and we did not understand a single thing that was going on.

* There is still poo everywhere around here

* Food. We{ve learned...through observation and careful participatory studies, that they love snacks. Our theory is that because the food served during the three meals of the day isn{t much, and lacks some variety, the older folks around here find ways to squeeze in a late night food run (kind of like going to Wendy}s) or whip up something in the kitch. Anyway, as experienced moochers, Ben and I linger and hover, and ask stupid, obvious questions, as to improve our chances of winning some of these dietary delights. So far, we have been very successful.

* In more serious news, we are learning a lot. At one point, we had been to like 8 church services in 16 days, including two 3 day long revivals. These were different to say the least. With loud preaching, lots of dancing, lots of speaking in tongues, lots of healing and altar calls...it really has been different and Ben and I have had some difficulties figuring out whether it is all legit or a little stretched. Something really cool that has come out of these experiences is that it has produced fruitful and quality time between the two of us for conversation. Davidsonians, think Purple State of Mind. We{ve had really sweet talks about everything from speaking in tongues, to life, to the Baptism of the Holy Spírit, relationships, to what God is trying to teach us through all this, and its good that we have each other to bounce ideas off of and try to resolve some things. More on some of this soon...

* I am teaching English and its sweet. 3 days a week, 3 classes a day.

* The leadership here is solid. Mama Yadira and Papa Fernando are awesome and its been sweet to watch them love on these kids, their family and each other.

* About the kids, these little ninos are one of reasons we are here. So far, its been cool for me see the way they dance and sing to Jesus and love Him and the way they love each other. They love life and its been lots of fun being involved in their lives...

* Last but not least, Ben and I{s week 3 power rankings for cutest little boy:

(1) Cesar
(2) Luis (Cesars older bro...gotta love genetics...just puttin my biology degree to good use)
(3) Luis (same name...but trust us, he{s cute)

Grace and Peace y{all and thanks for your prayers.

PS: we are going to slaughter a goat here on Saturday and eat it on Sunday.