Hi Everyone!
Sorry about the Spanish mailing going to my English mailing list. I forgot to check which list I was sending to, so it defaulted to the English list.
When I send out a prayer letter, it takes time to select the photos and to make the collages and to prepare them to fit the blog along with preparing what to say. So I write the letter in English and send it to the server. The English list is sent out by the server and there is a delay between me sending it and the server distributing it. The server doesn’t keep the formatting either, so that’s why I recommend that you read it online. The link is included at the end of the letter, so I won’t keep making the suggestion. While waiting to receive my email of the letter, I work at translating it to Spanish and sending it to the server. The Spanish version is sent only to me after another delay and then I have to send it out in 4 groups from Outlook. (I am extremely grateful for my Venezuelan, Peruvian and Chilean friends praying for me!) I usually try to do all of this on the same day and it usually makes for a very long day. It was late and I was exhausted when I sent the English version, so I went to bed instead of continuing with the translation. I didn’t get to work on it until late last night and that’s when I neglected to indicate that it should just be sent to me, not the entire English list. Again, my apologies.
Regarding birds, I should have been more specific and said that I can’t be out walking around looking for new birds. Since my car is automatic and my right foot is fine, I 
actually saw two new birds from the car: Lark Sparrows and Least Sandpipers.
The Thiessens invited Alicia, her boys and myself out for supper last night. I’m sorry I didn’t get a photo, but please keep them in your prayers.
While furniture shopping, I met Oscar. 
Oscar identifies himself as a Catholic because he was baptized as a baby, but he doesn’t believe God exists. He is also a Marxist and thinks Luther’s protest was all for economic reasons. Needless to say, we had an interesting conversation. I shared the Good News with him and he said he’d be interested in studying the Bible if I were to start a group, so please pray for his salvation and this possible future ministry.
Another piece of good news/bad news: good news that Steve and Lois Dresselhaus arrived safely and were a huge help when I was on my own. The bad news is that Martin and Susie Gonzalez have been delayed in the US. Please pray that the Lord give them wisdom determining their return date. I’m looking forward to their return for several reasons, a major one being that then he and Rafael (as co-pastors with Martin also being my supervisor) could meet with me to determine my areas of ministry. Hopefully I’ll be settled in with everything unpacked so I could dive right into the activities the Lord determines.
Other good news was that the TEAM missions mobilizers were here for a week of training. I was privileged to participate on the worship team, to spend time with friends, and to meet the rest of the group. I also loved receiving a care package from friends from home!
I’ve already heard from a number of you. In an effort to not get swamped, I’m going to thank you now for writing and for sharing your news. Because of a headache, I’ve stayed home today and worked on this, but the rest of the week I hope to be out as much as possible trying to get things lined up for the apartment, Lord-willing. There’s a big sale on this weekend and I want to take advantage of it! So, THANKS to all of you who wrote!
Grateful, as always, for your prayers and support… and patience!
Brenda
