Transitioning out of transition?

The first week of February is already gone. Wow.

Well, we're somewhere between transitioning to Ecuador and getting settled in. While we came back to the same place, which made things easier, we still feel up in the air in some respects like not having a car, not yet having a local bank account, and such. Kendra seems to be doing better in the transition as, for her it's mostly all new and she is willing to try new things, but there are times when she just wants to be with Mommy or Daddy. Keilah, in some respects is transitioning easier as she does remember more here, but at the same time she remembers her friends and family in the States and sometimes would like to be back with them. Both girls had gotten accustomed to Steve working out of the home in the States and periodically ask "when is the day that Daddy will stay home and not go to work?"

On another topic, this past Saturday we had a full house as we invited over much of Pauli's extended family for a get-together for the four February birthdays. Nineteen people plus our family (5) made a full house where we couldn't all sit at one table to have the cake, but it was a good time. Everyone stayed around and played games and talked. Later, a couple of the sisters commented to Pauli that it was enjoyable and we needed to do it more often as the family didn't get all together much anymore. Please pray for this as only about five of the 24 people have a personal relationship with Jesus.

On Sunday, we walked to the church we were attending before we left and saw some friends there. Keilah and Kendra wanted to go to their class, but not without Steve going along. The teacher remembered the girls and welcomed them back and Keilah seemed to warm up to the class while there, but Kendra wanted to go back to be with Pauli. The church attendance is smaller than when we left, but a family (of about 15+ people switched to a church where a relative is an assistant pastor).

The local missionary school has provided opportunities for the girls to have some activities with a chapel time on Tuesday mornings, AWANA bible club on Wednesday evening, and a library story time on Thursday mornings, but Pauli finds it difficult to move around with the three kids without a car. Please pray for some extra funds that will help with a car. Several people or groups had promised funds, but we haven't seen anything, yet. Please pray for God's provision.

We also mentioned Roger and Paty Lakes at the end of our last post. Paty is gone now. Please pray for Roger and praise God for the testimony he and Paty had during and after the illness.

Please pray also for Dave and Betty Eaton, friends from Ohio. Betty has been feeling worn down and tired for a long time, but is slowly getting better. Pray for them also as they try to reach out to those around where they live.