Up-date

Buenas Tardes a Todos!
Hope all is well and this up-date finds you all healthy and happy.
For me, it is difficult to put my experience here into words. There is just so much happening and so many emocions and thoughts to absorb. But I am going to try my best to give you some high lights!
One of our pre-school students named Nery received an operation to correct 2 wandering eyes a few weeks ago. Today was his first day back at school, and it was so wonderful to see him be able to look straight ahead. He has healed beautifully. Nery received the operation at the Salud y Paz clinic in Camanchaj, and it was performed by a team of surgeons from Texas. Praise the Lord!
Last Friday we celebrated the birthdays' of students from January and February AND both Mari and Paulina's (the teachers) birthdays. We had a pinata, cake and brownies, and the students all made cards for the teachers. What a fiesta! When we were preparing to sing the birthday song, Carey asked the students what we should sing and one answered, "La Granja". I think members of the CCUMC mission team who were here in the end of January will especially appreciate that the infamous "La Granja" lives on :)
I have begun working on the parent handbook or Libreta de Informacion. Mari and Paulina made a list of what they think should be included, and now I am working closely with Mari to complete it. Also, we have an abundance of donated books. So many that we are able to send some home with each student. What a blessing! It is important for a child to have access to books and print so that they can begin to develop literacy skills. I am trying to sort the books so they can be sent home equally in quality and quantity with students. Sabrina and I are also assisting in the classrooms during art, centers, and writing practice times.
Recently, one of our students has been pulling on my heart more so than the others. Brandon is a really neat kid. I think he's dealing with some difficult things in his home life though which are resulting in some educational and behavioral difficulties. Prayers specifically for Brandon would be greatly appreciated!
As always, thank you all for your support.
In Amor Salud y Paz,
Madisen