Angie participated in SMI at our church for the second time again this year. SMI stands for Student Missionary Internship and takes a lot of time, work, and dedication. We are really proud of her for doing it again this year. The youth group is traveling to the Indian reservation in the White Mountains to host VBS for kids and help with other projects. She is looking forward to it, and we are glad she had this experience.
Sandra came back from GCU for the weekend to celebrate Easter with us. She seems to be doing well and it is much better this year than when she was living with us last year! The kids cooperated nicely for Easter pictures and everyone was in a good mood. I am very thankful for the good days that we have when everyone is happy!
It is hard to believe we have had the kids for eight years now! No one wanted to cooperate for pictures so I only captured the set up. We will keep trying and just love them and take it one day at a time!
We tried counseling once before and the kids refused to participate. They literally looked at the therapist and refused to engage. However, Ingrid has really struggled this first semester of high school and so we are going to try counseling once again with Juan and Ingrid. They are both in need of coping skills and so we will see if this helps. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink!
Both Ingrid and Juan are playing soccer for Odyssey and love it. We love having them active in sports, and it gives them an outlet for their emotions. It does get cold watching the games so bundle up! Juan's team even won the championship and he was so happy!
Although daily life has its ups and downs and is not easy, we are keeping with tradition of all our normal Thanksgiving favorites. Sandra is joining us from GCU and comes back some on the weekends. It has been a crazy fall so far with Pablo coming and going. We are thankful that Juan and Ingrid have sports in the afternoon to keep busy and are still involved in the youth group at church. One day at a time!
Angie wanted a Paris theme for her 18th birthday, just like her 16th birthday, so we had a big party for her with both her friends and some of ours. She had a great time, and we are glad it worked out. She has not pursued getting her driver's license yet nor having a steady job so we are trying to be patient.
Juan tried out for the football team at Odyssey and loves it. This is his first time ever playing, and we are so glad he has found another sport he likes. Our hope is that this physical activity will help give him an outlet for his emotions and aggression. His team was really good and ended up runner up for the 11 man in the championship. It was a great experience for him and so glad we got him to try!
