Give Me Coffee, or Just Kill Me Now!

Hope you enjoyed the pictures I posted earlier today! We're waiting to read your comments. "So, get busy!" says Patti.

Today was another work day here at the campground. A group of us painted another set of rooms (same size and type as yesterday); plus, we cleaned and painted a laundry room. Kim and Ericka were joined in the sewing room by Patti and Minerva. Together with the other volunteers there, they finished four quilts that are given as Christmas gifts to pastor's wives throughout Central America. Ray Hooley worked in the warehouse sorting the tracts that are given out to the children when the evangelism teams go into the neighborhoods and schools.

The paint crew had an awesome time at the end of our work time sharing testimonies and praying with our national staff. Every team that comes to King's Castle is assigned students from the Master's Commission to work with them throughout the week. Laura, Memo, & Alma have been with us all week and this afternoon, we had the opportunity to hear their stories - how they found Jesus and heard His call to ministry. On the porch of the Men's Dorm, we had a powerful time of prayer. Our hearts were so moved by their stories and what God has called them to do. We prayed over each of them - one at a time. The Lord spoke so personally through the prayers of our team members. For some on our team, that prayer time will be one of the most memorable and special times of the whole trip.

Now, a humorous story about your beloved friends and family:

We have struggled with the coffee situation. For those of us addicted to Starbucks, the coffee served at breakfast is a little less than "grande!" For the last two mornings, we've been forced to beg from our host missionary a measly half of cup each (for the six of us) from his coffee press (which he brings with him - I'm not lying about the desperate lack of good coffee). HOWEVER, today, since I had to travel to Santa Ana to post our pictures - I decided to take matters into my own hands. I bought the strongest and best coffee I could find. Then, I raided the apartment of one of the missionary associate's who lives here. I dragged Patti into the kitchen and we brewed a whole pot for our team. Ahhhh.....heaven (and many caffeine headaches treated)! Kim Mickel (who doesn't drink coffee) has been praying for our deliverance.

Tomorrow is our day off. We head to Atami Beach for a day in the surf and sun. In the evening, we'll have our farewell service so I'll try to post when we get back from the beach (sorry for all of you who have to work!) Saturday will be an early day as we head to the airport to come home.

Your prayers have made a difference! The health of the team has been good; attitudes have stayed right; and weariness is at a minimummmmmmmmmmmmmmm....sorry about that - I fell asleep at the keyboard! :) Just kidding. The Lord really has been with us every day and we attribute that to all of you praying so faithfully. We look forward to sharing our heart and what God has done in and through us on Sunday morning.

Blessings, Pastor Arlena