Poco a poco.  Little by little.  That phrase has become my theme for this experience.  Everything takes time and is a process.  Little by little things happen.  Little by little things change.  When I struggle with Spanish, I remember "poco a poco".  It's a process.  I don't become fluent overnight.  Lately I have been frustrated because I feel inadequate with the language.  For the most part I can communicate, but I'm longing to be able to fully express myself to people.  I'm learning to wait and be patient.  I'm learning to take advantage of what I know and be eager to expand that knowledge.  Some days are definitely easier than others, but I can feel myself growing in many ways poco a poco.

This past week we did construction around the church.  We expanded the sanctuary and poured the floor for the guys' dorm.  Most of my work was shoveling sand to mix the cement.  I did get to cut grass with a machete and I learned how to survey land.  It was nice to change the schedule up a little bit and work on a project.  I had a really good time being able to hang out with the team and accomplish something as a group - even though some of us were sore for a few days! 

I really appreciate the prayer support I have received thus far.  I know that many people at home are praying, and I am encouraged so much because of it.  Some specific requests I have for the week are:

·         Language - that the language barrier wouldn't be a barrier.  That God would multiply what I know and that I would be patient in the process. 

·         Homesickness - as the time to go home for Christmas approaches, my desire to be there increases.  I've never been away for more than three weeks, so at times this has been a challenge.  While I'm here, I want to take advantage of the time I've been given and be 100% here, even though I am excited to go home and spend time with friends/family.

·         WOW time - that God would help us build and cultivate meaningful relationships around our colonia, and that He would bring us to people.