August 19th, 2005

What have the Larimers been up to lately?

The Crossroads Youth Group is in full swing meeting every Wednesday evening from 7 to 9pm. We started out with only 4, and now we have upwards of 10 teens and pre-teens attending weekly. The ages range from 11 to 16 years. While most of the teens are permanent residents of La Paz, we have had the pleasure of having Eilene and Fidel’s 2 grandchildren who are visiting them from New York. Claudio (16) and Dominga (13) have been with us since July, but we are sad to be seeing them off next week as they return to the states.
We are trying to involve the teens in service projects which takes the focus off of themselves and allows them the opportunity to help other people. Although there are opportunities around every corner, our 2 main projects have been the seminary and the construction of Mary and Raul’s house. Some like the work more than others, and at times it’s challenging for us as leaders to show them the importance of serving God through serving others. Overall, it’s been exciting, and we are seeing God’s hands at work.
Mark has been busy, busy, busy at the seminary with David working to complete the library. It looks great as it has been painted, ceiling lights have been added, electrical outlets are in place, and the floor has been completely cleaned out. Once the floor tile is set and the ceiling fans are in place, the books and the computers will be added making it a fully functioning library! It’s exciting to watch it all come together. It’s also very exciting to take a walk down memory lane and to remember the different groups that have all put their skills and energy into building it.
In addition to eating, sleeping, eating, and sleeping, I have been leading the Women’s Bible Study on Tuesday mornings. We began the book “Women of the Bible” by Ann Spangler & Jean E. Syswerda. This is a book I have used before while studying with 2 of my FBC Bethlehem students. It covers 1 woman from the Bible every week. So far we’ve studied Eve, Sarah, and Hagar. Next week, we take a look at Lot’s Wife. Although I’m still developing my “teaching” skills, I have enjoyed the weekly gatherings and times of study with this group of women.
In Baby News. . . Emma is doing well. She’s moving all the time now. The other morning I got up and my whole belly was lopsided. I had a big lump on my left side, but nothing on my right side. It’s very exciting. My next appointment is September 1st. We did have the opportunity to tour the hospital I will be delivering in. We were very pleased with the friendly staff, the cleanliness of the facility, and the beautiful rooms – Mark even gets a leather couch to sleep on in my room! All we have to do is wait now!
We hope all is going well with you! Keep the e-mails and the comments coming!