new and old

It is usually hard to share pictures involving the churches, unless they are doing construction work.  I happened to get two new pictures though this week, not one but two!  On the left, a group from different of the His Eyes churches that joined together for a youth conference several hours from here, and on the right, the church in Talanga having a special birthday celebration for sister Maria's 54th birthday.  

Milk Project had a little time off for vacations, and preparation for the new year, but back in full swing.  Year to year there is interesting, what with changes due to not wanting to study, or parents pulling kids out to work, or...lots of reasons.  

You might notice things look cramped in Sampedrana on the left.  Yep, we need more space.  So, this year, when we can schedule it, construction will happen on the second floor of the clinic building there, to allow all the classroom space to move there, and expand the kitchen and other needs.  In Tegucigalpa (on the right), is one of the meetings with parents/grandparents/primary caregivers to go over rules, and talk about expectations and such, an important step every year when we begin. 

You also, if looking closely, might be able to spy Consuelo and Mauricio wearing the new Milk Project shirts that are new this year.   

The clinic is seeking some new staff, as we had some changes at the end of the year, and looking at how to also handle all the vehicles some days wanting to park.  A new issue is also causing a loss of a couple parking spots for a bit...moving the cafeteria out (where you can see the tractor on the left) so we can look at moving the containers and get ready for construction on the expansion.  Wait?  That wasn't the plan right?  Well...after a lot of talking/praying/thinking, this is the smarter long term move to better use our space.  A little more expense right now, but cheaper long term, and be able to build more as well.  Should be interesting!

Catholic displays in businesses like the one on the left is not new here, but I have found that it is new for many people not from here to see.  

What was new was while I was picking up roasted coffee from our roaster, that I was brought the cup (and saucer!) on the right while they lowered everything in the freight elevator.  It was a geisha coffee they currently have.  While I was enjoying that, the security guard was quizzing me about the Land Cruiser, and if we brought it from the USA, and then why do we go into the mountains and have coffee.  I took that little opportunity he presented and ran with it, and I don't think he was ready for my answers.  

I'm not sure I am either some days, ironically enough.  New things crop up all the time, and there is plenty of old around as well.  How we adjust, grow, struggle and keep going is...only God really.  And the prayers of many of you are involved to a great extent as well.  Amazing stuff, that is both constantly new, and while repeatedly happening, never seems to get old.