Reasons to Rejoice!

God is so faithful! Herman's house is finished and they have moved in...Several people in the church have helped them by painting the inside rooms, bringing furniture, and an electric burner to cook on. One lovely woman has taken Sylvia under her wing to mentor her. Sylvia has the tasks of cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, taking care of her 3 younger brothers and last but not least going to school. We are so happy for them.

Moving-in day...

Herman and his kids...so happy to have a home of their own!

The second reason to rejoice is that shortly after Herman and his family moved into their house, the orphange was finished and dedicated. Then 6 children moved in along with the house parents, Kevin and Julisa Hooker. This has been such a long time in coming...we are all blessed and excited about how the Lord is going to use this home.

The home just before final completion. It has a capacity of 16 children.

Kevin and Julisa and their first little girl!

The six kids, Kevin and Julisa, along with leaders from the church, Pastor Ed, Umberto and a youth leader.

And last but certainly not least...the boat has gotten its first coat of paint to protect the fiberglas. Before we came home for Christmas we were able to get to this stage so that we could leave it while we were gone. We love the colors...Caribbean...and hope that just looking at it will bring joy to many people up-river.

The two master builders, Oscar and Santiago, in the main cabin. They have done such an excellent job!

The first coat of paint has been applied...next will come the interior fit-out, the windows and buying and installing the engines.

Prayer requests:

• Funds to finish the boat by early summer
• Funds to put the finishing touches on Herman's house...paint the outside, some furniture...
• Grace and wisdom for Kevin and Julisa as they begin this new journey as house parents
• Logistics and team dynamics for operation of the boat as it is put into use