More news from the Team......

Here is an account of the team's week so far:

Sunday

"We went to one of the workers' houses and fellowshipped. (We doubled their size!) Had awesome music, a gracious lesson on glorifying God, ate some amazing enchiladas, and then spent some time relaxing. We went out (almost all the way) to the lighthouse at the end of a very long pier. Beautiful sunset. Came back, found some foreign junk food-lots of it, then played some Phase 10. We won't say who won, but let's just say Cat didn't play much and Amy dominated. "

Monday

"Got up REALLY early, traveled to a nearby village, and experienced our first of three days of learning from a native family about culture: traditions, food, and sharing our faith. The husband was not present for the first day because he was experiencing foot problems. (the husband is not a believer)

We ate breakfast: goat sausage (very good), olives, cheese spread w/peppers, bread, tomatoes, cucumbers, grape syrup (aka.cough syrup), and cay. (tea)

Then, we went into town to visit the park. We browsed the native crafts.

For lunch we had lentil soup, cucumber soup (similar to creamed cucumbers), liver and rice, green beans, and bread. Followed by small, but strong cups of coffee. Billy will be bringing some home, so if you want to try some (which you should), you'll have to think of something good to bribe him with or just try some really good sucking up. Then, he might let you try (he's pretty protective of it).

After lunch we went and visited our familys' business. She is a florist, and also decorates for weddings and other special occasions. She is very, very talented! Then, we browsed the city for cay, coffee, cay pots, and toasted corn (which, by the way is awesome!), then back to town to walk and find English speakers.

Dinner consisted of more lentil soup, beans and rice, stew, rice wrapped in grape leaves, and bread.

We sat and talked while having tea after dinner. We got to share some stories of the day and really share about the importance of God in our lives. Then, we went back to our hotel and to bed earlier than usual. "

Tuesday

"Got up early again. Had a short devotion, drove to the village, and went to the worker’s apartment.

For breakfast today we had eggs, tomatoes, cheese, cucumbers, olives, grape syrup, bread, and really good discussion.

Every Tuesday, they have a Bazaar. They have a lot of vendors selling lots of different things: clothes, plants, toys, tablecloths, head scarves, fresh produce, etc. It was about the size of Wal-Mart except out in the open. While at the Bazaar we met a cheese man. We sat and talked with him for a good while. We ate all kinds of different cheeses, bread, and tomatoes that he gave us. We drank nescafe and homemade aran. (For you all on the other team, this is why you had to drink buttermilk.) Buttermilk does not even compare. Let me tell you it is tasty and for Cat and Amy, tasty means trying to swallow it with a pleasant face and keep it down.

For lunch it was soup, manta (yogurt and noodles), and bread.

After lunch, we showed pictures from back home, e.g. ice storm and family. Then, our host took us to a horse farm. It was really fun. It was nice to share with her something she enjoys. We also tried several kinds of fruit from trees that were on the farm. We went back to her home and played backgammon and checkers. Then, her husband showed up for the first time since we had visited them. He played a few games, then we had dinner.

Dinner: soup, stew with lamb/peas, rice, and sweet cheese for desert w/sugar (the best cheese we've ever had).

After dinner, we had coffee while Billy played the wife in Backgammon. Then, he was forced to play the husband. Billy lost. We pray that the husband will be there tomorrow. Tonight was really good and we hope for more conversation tomorrow with the husband. Remember the husband is not a believer. "

Please continue to pray for the team, the relationships they are building, and the seeds they are planting!