Newsletter 4

ESCUELA
One teacher, one assistant (a mom), six students in a one room school house. It has begun. It is definitely not easy, but God fills me with joy in so many ways.
My day now begins promptly at 8 with my two oldest students for Science and History. At 9 I have an addition of two more for Math. At 10 I have all six for Language Arts and at 11 we do Writing or Spanish, depending on the day. Following is our hour lunch break.

After lunch, at 12:30, my four youngest students return for Science. Then to end our day we all join together once more for either P.E., Art or Music. I must tell the truth and say that this is my most favorite part of the school day. It is always great to step away from the books and be in a different element with the kids.

The kids seem to be getting use to and adjusting well to their new school environment. We are all having to learn each others personalities and what works well and what pushes buttons. We are in very tight quarters.
I am praying that through this experience we learn how to love each other better and that that love will spill out of us. I also hope to help instill in each child a love for learning as God has called us all to be learners. Learners from those younger and older. Learners from books, experiences, people and Him. Learners of hard things and easy things. Learners of things of interest and things we feel no need for knowledge of.

THE RAIN CAME TUMBLING DOWN

Rancho Casitas has a new look to it. On and off for 4 days it poured buckets of rain. Every dry creek became an overflowing roaring rapid. They grew to be 8+ feet deep and wide in areas. Each family was trapped in their own home…no way to cross by car or by foot. God again had his hand of protection over us all and the ranch. There was damage, but nothing that can’t be fixed or replaced. The men worked hard with the tractor to fix the roads so we can continue to have visitors.
If you haven’t heard already, there were also great benefits to the rain. I was able to do boogie boarding and boat racing for P.E.. Also the hills are now a glowing green and beginning to bloom with flowers. It is a beautiful sight!
My prayers during this time were really for the people in the communities and continue to be as so many homes were flooded or washed away.

LOFTHOUSE LOVE
It was an incredible Valentines gift to have a group of dear friends and family come to the ranch and give my lofthouse a little TLC (tender loving care). We did not complete the projects we set out to do, but the time of fellowship and laughter was what I was in need of most anyways.

The electrical was ran for someday when I get a generator. Insulation and paneling was put in place downstairs. But there is still a floor to be laid, ceiling panels to go up, and trim to finish it all off on the downstairs. The upstairs has yet to be touched. I think one more weekend and we can knock it all out.

Also, I am excited to say that a nearby shower house is being completed as well. The pipes and copper tubing were worked on and again will probably be wrapped up in a weekend. I think that weekend is just around the corner. My home church is sending a group down to do a build in the community and some have volunteered to hang back to help me finish up my lofthouse projects. I am stoked!

THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE RANCH
Over Christmas break I rescued a 3 month old little lab mix from the Redlands Animal Shelter. Her name is Revy.
She actually chose me. As my dear friend and I brought her into a play pen to see if we would be compatible, she ran around like crazy but then jumped up only in my lap. I had no choice but to take her home.

She is fitting right in at the ranch chasing cows and scaring off horses. During the day she sits on the step of the school house and waits for me. At night she snuggles down at my feet, but by morning she is up around my head. She is a big snuggle bug! And can you say spoiled?

For Financial Support : Hands of Mercy
P.O. Box 7818 Redlands, Ca 92375 (Please put #008 on memo line)
For Personal Letters or Care Packages : 633 Garfield Way Redlands, Ca 92373 (Mail will be delivered to me every month)