I warned you, didn't I?

To all of you out there who have had the thought, 'Why hasn't Sara updated the blog lately? She was doing so well with her updates a few weeks ago!', all I have to say is I warned you and told you not expect me to keep that up! So you have no right to be annoyed. : )
With that said, let me fill you in on the goings on around here for the past three weeks. The big thing for me was the visit from my family for my birthday. What a blessing!! My sister, brother-in-law, two adorable nephews, and my mom made the drive from College Station to spend a few days with me. We had a great time! My family is such a blessing to me. I can't imagine being here without the amazing support they give me every day. You can read more about their visit here.
The two other main church activities that we've had in the past couple of weeks were a day at the park with the young people and a leaders retreat for our national cell group leaders. First off, Summer and my cell group decided to plan an activity that we could include some of the younger adolescents in our church. So, on Friday, August 4th, we all met up to go to one of the parks downtown. As you can see, we enjoyed playing on the playground and we also played a game of futbase, which is rather interesting combination of soccer (futbol) and baseball. It's kind of like kickball. We ended by enjoying some yummy fruit gaspachos, which are basically big cups of fruit with cheese, chili powder, salt and orange juice. (For those who know me, no, I do not actually put chili powder on my fruit. My gaspacho is usually just mangos and orange juice. But it sure is yummy!) Everyone seemed to have a good time and it was a neat bonding experience for us.
On Sunday, the 6th, we had our first ever leaders retreat. We were looking for a way to bless our national cell leaders and let them know how much we appreciate the work they are doing, so we decided to take them to a hotel about an hour outside of Morelia for a couple days of spiritual nourishment. We all had a really great time and the Lord was able to minister to their hearts and to ours as well. There were lots of laughs and jokes and tears and hugs as well. Enjoy the photos!

The whole group: Top row (L to R) José Luís, Adriana, Summer (with Olivia in her arms), Sandy, Aldo, and Sara (me) Bottom row: Sam, Ann, Sofía, Victoria, José and Gloria

Our leaders during one of the teaching times

Ann and Adriana

The kids posing

The guys posing : )

As far as upcoming events and prayer requests are concerned, here's a list for you:
- Aldo had surgery this past Friday (Aug. 11th). Pray for his quick recovery and that this will allow he and Sandy to have the family that they have prayed and dreamed about. Also pray for his job situation, that he will be a good example and influence to his boss and that he is able to get a better schedule soon or a new job, if that's what God desires
- Rosa's niece is in a very delicate state right now. She has lupus and is also seven months pregnant. They are worried that she won't be able to survive the delivery but they can't do all that they want to do to help because of the lupus. Pray for the Lord's protection for her and the baby. Also pray for Rosa as she continues to have health problems related to an inflamed vessel in her neck.
- Through a very Godly orchestrated series of events that I'll tell you all about some time, we've met a new family that live about an hour and a half outside of Morelia. They are thinking and praying about moving to Morelia and really want the Lord's direction on what they need to do. Pray that the Lord will make it very obvious where they should be and that that place will truly be home to them all.
- We are gearing up for our annual church retreat the last weekend in September (Sept. 29 - Oct. 1). Please start praying now for this time as a church family. Pray that the Lord will clear up schedules and any other obstacles that may stand in the way of people going and that he will prepare hearts for the things that he wants to teach us in those few days.
- Please lift up each of our cell groups and our cell group leaders. They meet on Sundays (Summer and I lead that group), Tuesdays (José Luís and Adriana), Wednesdays (Sam and Ann), and Fridays (Aldo and Sandy). Pray that the Lord uses each of us to show his love to those who have never truly known it and that his words come out of our mouths and his thoughts fill our minds.

Thank you, as always for your prayers on behalf of the work down here. We appreciate you all SO MUCH!!