This weekend marks five months since we’ve been back in the USA. So much has happened and we’ve been so blessed to be able to relax and enjoy getting acquainted (Emma) and re-acquainted with home.

The weekend of November 1st we had a dedication ceremony for Emma on the white sands of the beach. Family and friends came from near and far and there were many Casa friends with us that day as well. The next day (11/2) was to have been Emma’s namesake’s birthday and so it was a time of remembering as well.

Emma is doing well in school and with her first excellent report card earned herself a beauty of a ‘new’ bike ($10 at the thrift store!). Just yesterday Emma bopped off the bus and announced that she had won the principal’s award for best student of the month(see picture). With close to 500 kids in the school, that’s pretty darn impressive. The certificate is titled ‘Terrific Kid’ and I must say I agree. She was most impressed with the certificates she received for food and treats at some local restaurants. This morning she was raring to go, claiming that she would get the award again next time.

As for me, I am doing well. Mostly working out where we go from here. Family and friends have been supportive of this time of rest and in working toward getting out on our own. In this time of economic turmoil, I’ve been thinking a lot about what we ‘need’. Most times what we really need doesn’t come close to what we think we need. And as we pray for God to answer our needs, we must remember that He is the only one that truly knows what we need. At a minimum, I am glad to know that I need Him and so grateful that Emma already knows that too.

It has been my privilege and honor to have been allowed to serve at Casa Aleluya and I am humbled that I could be used of God in such a mighty way. This will be my last posting here on the Casa Aleluya website; Mike was gracious to allow me to continue to journal on the website this long.

At this time of Thanksgiving, I am thankful for each of you that touched not only our lives but especially the lives of the children at Casa Aleluya. It is a marvelous work in progress that continues to mold and shape God’s beloved young ones. Whether or not we know you by name, know that our prayers for you will continue as we can see that you – your prayers, support, time and love – are truly needed by the children of Casa Aleluya.

May God be your sufficiency.
Paula