Relationship Building

Why is it that roommates in college so often become great friends? At least part of it is because they are together so much. I know that not all roommates get along, but very regularly these two people that had never met become somewhat inseparable in a short period of time. They are together.

We are using this idea as we build relationships in La Fe. Yes, we have had some 'events' (medical clinics and time with kids), but we are trying to get to know the community and the people of the community by just being there.

Sometimes, we just go and walk through the streets and only end up talking to a few people in a few hours time. Now, people are starting to realize that we are going to be around. We aren't going anywhere. This is huge, because many times people ask us how long we are going to be here and when we will be back and we have answers that surprise them. We can tell them that we will be back "later this week," or "tomorrow" and they often smile because it is unexpected.

As we spend more time in La Fe, more and more people are willing to spend their time talking and getting to know us. This is what it takes to build relationship and to build trust and to build a body of believers. We are so thankful for the time we get to spend in La Fe and for the conversations we get to have with those that live there. It is truly a blessing to us, and I hope and pray that they feel the same way.

Ashley got to hear about Odilia and her family. 

Kids

Today we held our first scheduled time especially for the kids of La Fe. Yesterday we walked around the community and invited the kids to come and hear Ashley read and play some games. We told parents that we would be at the soccer field around 1PM and that all were welcome. We really were not sure what to expect.

Almost 20 kids showed up! It was a blast! Ashley read two stories to the kids and then we played some freeze tag followed, of course, by futbol (what we call soccer in the US). We had some clouds and even a little rain while we were playing, but it was a lot of fun. We got names as we went and are starting to recognize who is who and even can remember where some of these kiddos live.

Enjoy some pictures:

Ashley reading to the 17 kids that showed up.

Mike pretending he knows how to play goalie.

Mike wishing he ran more often...

Guess who was 'it'?

"Pass me the ball!"

What good listeners!