Burrica Falls, Horizontina (our town)

Lettuce Farm

As of Wednesday, we have had a new housekeeper coming in from 7:30 a.m. - 11:30a.m. to clean Monday through Friday. She appears to be an answer to our prayers. We've had some poor employees in the past, but it looks like she will be as wonderful as our gardener. She is sweet and meticulous, and self motivated. I think it's going to be a great working relationship--she needs the work, and I need HELP!!! :) Her name is Remi. She has 6 daughers, and 18 grandchildren. She stayed home with her children until they were grown, and now just wants something to keep her busy. She's very sweet with the girls and the pets. I really hope she's a keeper.

We are closing up our 4th week of school tomorrow. It's been going really well this year. I was nervous about juggling 2nd and 4th grade together, but there's plenty of work for one girl to do while I'm teaching the other. The girls are so sweet, and they really do a great job of keeping the other motivated. If one says, "this isn't fun," the other says, "well, I like it!" (This always works in my favor, and the other one almost always jumps on board as well). We have our Portguese teacher come to our house now twice a week in the mornings. It makes our school day flow so much better. Twice a week in the afternoon, a local craft store has classes that we have been taking for crochet and painting. I'll have to post some of the girls projects. Samantha has made stocking caps for all of the American's babies and toddlers here in town, and Makaela has made all of the ladies potholders! :)

Thanks to all of you that donated clothes and shoes for the children here in Horizontina!!! The gifts were very much appreciated. I recieved twice as many boys clothes/shoes than girls clothes which is exactly what they needed. God is so good!!! These little ones in the picture are at the daycare in the poor part of town. This is a little paradise for them where they spend half of the day. They get lots of love, stability, two meals, and an education as well. For many of these little ones their lives outside of this daycare are tragic. Thanks so much for being a blessing, and giving of your gorgeous clothes to these little ones who have so very little in so many ways.

The pilot of our flight to Sao Paulo took a liking to the girls and invited them to sit in the cockpit and borrow his "hat" The Penca Crew(our adopted family) took us to the airport and sent us off. You guys are the best neighbors, friends etc! Thanks for all you do for our family! We love you guys!

Visiting with the Sink Family & their bunnies--notice the hairless one below

Tony & Nirma--thanks for all of the hilarious and sweet e-mails you send to the girls!

Sam, Maci, Madison, & Makaela
Andrew, Grandpa Steve, Uncle Mark, & Dustin
Auntie Janel & Madison
Beth & Mark
Cousins!!! Minnesota Wild Flowers

Thank you to all of our friends and family who helped to make our trip back to the States awesome! By the third week I was pretty exhausted, as the second we stepped off the plane in the QCA we were off and running--sleep or no sleep. I stopped taking pictures by the fourth week, but I do want to thank those of you who had us over for dinner, took us out to eat, etc--Jay & Shirley--it was so great to relax and visit at your house like old times, Bologi and Lavanha--you make the most awesome Indian food and inspire us to keep on learning, Gina--thanks for the girl time, Todd & Becky--thanks for having us in for Vietnemese food & we look forward to being neighbors someday soon, Don & Kim--you make the most wonderful lasagna & we enjoyed swapping "ex-pat" stories, Jaspreet we'll meet you at Le MeKong next summer, Len & Dr. Fernando, Eleanor & Andre, & Izzy thanks for our last meal at the Thai Restauant--we are still savoring the memory, and look forward to joining you there again next year! We love and miss you all. Prayers and hugs!!! P.S. Jim and Laurie, do you think you could bring Steve & Linda down here to visit us?

The girls sang for the Wadena church in Portuguese

Walking across the Headwaters of the Mississippi--July 4th

Wading in the Mississippi Headwaters--on their way to the Gulf of Mexico

We toured Lake Itasca on this lovely boat

Grandma & Grandpa's Amish friends let the girls drive the pony carts around their property

Samantha & Jason, age 2
Jennifer & Autumn
Maci, Samantha, & Makaela-staying warm on the pontoon
Having fun on the lake with Mark & Beth

"Helping" Grandpa
Auction customers--Dwayne & Andrew

Grandma Linda & Grandpa Steve's house under construction
Walking Grandpa's horse
Foerderer gang picnic--thanks Janel!!!
Madison & Samantha eating freezies on the lake
Otter Tail Lake