Thank You Florida!!!

We want to say thank you to all the churches in Florida who have constantly and unconditionally given to the churches in the Southern Cone of South America. This VIDEO is a thank you specifically from the Spanish speaking churches in the Southern Cone to each of our sister congregations. We are forever indebted to you for your generosity spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially. You have watched out for us, discipled us, prayed for us, sent us missionaries and have been a great example for us in the Lord. From Argentina, Uruguay, Chile and Bolivia: THANK YOU!

Los Tigres Blancos

Fútbol. Soccer. Whatever you call it I knew when we decided to come to South America that I was going to have to learn how to play sooner or later. Here in Chile, they are not into fútbol as much as perhaps in other countries, but that doesn't mean they don't love it. I hadn't actually had the opportunity to play until June came around and the church had it's first tournament.

So I decided that I'd go ahead and play with the teens figuring that being on a young team probably wouldn't be too bad. We were called the Tigres Blancos (White Tigers) and I was totally mistaken. We played on Sundays after church, five games in total. The first Sunday I was sick, but I went along to watch and take some pictures. It didn't appear that hard and I was optimistic. To make a long story short, we lost all five games - 13-3, 17-3, 9-4, 8-4, 5-4.

It wasn't pretty, but I was encouraged by a few things.

1. We stuck together as a team and got better. After every game there was talk of quitting, but we fought through difficulties and not so great attitudes and kept going. The last two games we were actually winning for the majority of the game but couldn't pull it out.
   
2. We had fun. Having fun is super important in life. It can be so easy to be boring and serious, but we ended up having a great time. I'm sure that we could have had even more fun if we would have won, but we're saving that for next time.
   
3. I (sorta) learned how to play. We were playing "baby" (fútbol), a version that is played on a shorter court, kinda like a tennis court. I'm not great, or even good, but I did grow in my understanding and feel like it was an important learning experience for my development as a missionary! And I even got a medal for participation. Amazing!

   Now I'm just looking forward to the next opportunity we have to jugar la pelota. ¡Vamos Tigres Blancos!

This last picture is of the winning team, Los Pinoguachos receiving their trophy.

For they refreshed my spirit...1 Co 16:18

In May we were able to go back to the States for the first time in almost a year and spend time with our incredible family and friends. The Churches in South Florida, Orlando and Gainesville welcomed us home with open arms and loved up on us completely. It was a great time for us as a family to enjoy so many wonderful memories being made. We were able to celebrate our 5 year anniversary in Orlando where we were married. Also, a highlight of our trip was being able to participate in the HOPE Global Summit in Washington D.C. We feel so refreshed and are very grateful for the time we spent back home.