TWU has arrived

I'm going to write quick, because I'm down in town for just a little while.

The Trinity Western University team has arrived. Nine women and their leader have gotten settled into their host homes (they're living in pairs, although one will be left alone when the leader goes home). The girls seem to have good chemistry together and are doing a great job of supporting one another. They began teaching in Andre's kids club, teaching english, computer, piano, and guitar. The above picture shows Sara teaching Daury some quitar cords. The kids are so excited.

It seems that God is really working in these girls. So often just being in a different culture softens people to what the Lord wants to teach them. It's so easy for me-- I don't have to 'try' to teach them anything-- God uses the experience itself and the community to teach people when they put themselves in such a vulnerable situation.

Please be praying that they will be able to minister to their host families despite the language barrier.

a totally unrelated post

I, Arlene, went on a retreat last weekend at the funkiest retreat center that I believe exists. It's called Crossroads and is near Sosua. The picture above is of one of the bathrooms.
Anyway. I went on a personal spiritual retreat to prepare myself to move to Los Higos for month while a team form Trinity Western University is living there. The team of women will use their time to teach English, computer and music to the club, to continue gardening, and to minister to the women in their host families. We're really excited to have this team-- it's so cool out teams that live in the community are able to build relationships with people that Andre and I haven't gotten to know. I am also excited to live in Los Higos for a while, because I'm sure it will help me to know Los Higos better and to better see God's vision for the community and my part in that vision.
So, while I'm living in Los Higos, I don't know how often I'll be able to come down and use the computer. Hopefully I still be able to post once in a while during the next few weeks.