Our Musical Talent... and Then Again...

Dear Everybody,

Our kids LOVE to sing but so far not one of the four can carry a tune.  As a Mom I might be biased but I love to  hear them singing together.

Here is a rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" interpreted by the four Thompson M's.

Enjoy,

liz

A Birthday, a Funeral, and a Retreat

Dear Everybody,

Today was just one of those odd days, but we tried to make it as "normal" as possible.  Three things happened today:

First, it was Madeline's birthday today.  She is now an official "terrible" two.  I say official because she has been getting into trouble even before today. A two year doesn't really need any presents but we decided that a small stool would be nice for her as she likes to sit and color at the coffee table or help wash dishes.  So Danny built her a little step stool and she loves it!

Can't see it very well in the picture but there is a handle (hole) in the middle of the "seat".

She blew those candles out so fast

Our second event of the day was the start of a Pastor's kids retreat on camp.  We are only hosting this one. They are in charge of their program and food, but early this morning, Danny had to help light the cook stove.  I also baked them a batch of brownies to have with their coffee and tea this afternoon. An attentive presence is always needed just in case.  This group will be here on camp till Tuesday.

Then Danny was called out to our Liquine church to preach at a funeral.  The lady was a believer and one of the charter members of the church (since 1958) so this was pretty important to the church.  Chilean funerals are different than our US ones.  Danny preached for the church service with the open coffin right below him.  Then they walk in a procession all the way to the cemetery.  The family does all the digging and then all the filling in.  Danny clearly shared the gospel so it was a wonderful opportunity for Christ to be glorified.

the procession to the cemetery up the hill

Thanks for your prayers on our "odd" days.  May you have a wonderful Sunday worshipping our Lord tomorrow.



liz

Let the Sunshine In

Dear Everybody,

These past few days we have enjoyed some wonderful weather on camp.  We have focused our efforts at the new cabin site, clearing and burning brush.  The last thing we want is a cabin burried in trees.  We built a fire last week sometime and it hasn't gone out yet!  The weather here in our neck of the woods is perfect for growing trees and brush but not optimal when trying to keep cabins dry and free of mildew and humidity.  The work is non ending but we are making headway.  As we clear trees away from cabins we are seeing sun reach the forest floor and someday we hope to have some nice grassy areas around cabins.

Here is a BEFORE picture of the area we are working on:

This picture was taken looking towards Tabor and Galilea Cabins, beyond them is the plaza.

This is the same site AFTER.  You can now see Tabor Cabin and more daylight.  A few more trees fell that were right in front of the back entrance to this cabin since this picture was taken.

We thank the Lord for protcetion while we fall the trees.  Many dead limbs hang in these trees (widow makers).   We also are thankful for the nice weather which enables us to work.  Miguel finished digging the footings today and as soon as we have the specs we need Danny and he will lay out the form boards.  We already have another young man who wants to come and help when it's time to pour the cement footings.

After the big tree falls, Matti's job is to hack the limbs off with the hatchet

Micah was given his very own tree to fall.  He's learning how to do it safely!

Maddie's favortite place lately!

after working hard, it's time for a little rest 

Thank you for your continued prayers,

Liz

Groundbreaking at Lican Bible Camp

Dear Everybody,

Since we arrived in 2008 to Lican, it was clear that the facilities on camp needed more than just a few minor repair jobs. Next year 2013, we will be celebrating Lican Bible Camp's 50th anniversary and we are still using the same cabins the missionaries built then! So we started the process of design and permit seeking for the cabin. After a few years of "bureaucraticness" we got the permits to build but didn't have the man power nor the funds to start on the building. The Lord supplied through various donors so we decided to start the building.

New Cabin site (lots of stuff to clear before the cabin could be layed out)

Matthias helped stack some meter length logs.

Protect that pretty head!

Laughing about something... not sure about what.

She loves her Daddy!

Last Wednesday, Danny and Miguel layed out the plans and started digging footings. I have to admit that it was a pretty emotional thing for me. This cabin has been long in the making and I could already start to picture the campers using it! I know there is still lots to do but I was encouraged to see the start of this new cabin.

Micah and Matti both helped dig.

Can you see it?

Want to know our plan? When it rains (and it will since it's winter) we work on the caretaker's house remodel... More on that in an upcoming post. On rainless days, we will be working on the new cabin so I will keep you updated on the progress we make.

Thanks for your prayers.

Liz

A Problem Needing a Solution

Dear Everybody,

Today was a beautiful day on camp so the men decided to go out and measure the fence line on the beach side of the property. For many years now, we have had a problem with the beach side of the property. You see, no beach is private so anyone by law can come and enjoy the beauty of the lakefront even if it's right in front of the camp! We have had many people come onto camp to take wood for their camp fires, use the cabins for sleeping in the "off" season, rob from cabins during camp weeks, or worse yet, use our woods as a bathroom facility.

This past summer, things got worse. The point on the other side of our fence is a known party spot for college kids during the summer. During our teen camp there were lots of young college age people on the beach drinking all night. Two factions got into a fight and one man was stabbed. Our counselors found him in the morning, called Danny, and he ended up taking this man to the ER. He did survive the stabbing but it was something we never thought we would have to deal with. Another example of something that happened this summer was when we had over one hundred partyers trying to come onto camp and cause problems. At two in the morning we called the police who sent 2 policemen out to deal with the mob. They came in full riot gear but Danny didn't have anything except for a large stick! Chaos ensued but God was merciful to us and the mob broke up and many left. This is terrifying when there are kids and young people on camp!

just some of the mess left behind

The fence is in bad disrepair. The people on the beach bring wirecutters and just cut right through the thin chain link. Every summer we are patching up more and more holes. It's time to get drastic!

We have had the project of building a new fence for a while but at this point we don't have the needed finances to go forward with the project.

part of the fence that was fixed in a hurry this summer

more damage

Danny and Miguel got the needed measurements and now we can calculate a rough cost estimate for the fence.

a fun walk in the sunshine

Pray with us that God would provide the funds and work teams needed to make camp safe for campers this next summer.

Liz

Our Friend

Dear Everybody,

Today is a bittersweet day for our family. Since we arrived in Chile in late 2007, our kids made a BEST friend. His name is Juan Marcos Moreno and he is a Chilean pastor's kid. He's more or less our age and over these past few years we have really gotten to know him well. His parents went to live in the States and minister among the latinos in Minnesota, but he lives and works here in Chile. He speaks fluent English which was a difinite help at the beginning for the kids. So basically we adopted him and he adopted us.

When his work brings him to the south of Chile he often comes and visits us in Lican. I make sure to bake brownies and fix pancakes for him which are his favorite. Not only does he go and rollerblade with the kids but also spends time talking with them and encouraging them.

Over the years he has also been a great encouragement to Danny and me in the ministry. His parents worked at camp here for a few years and he has helped counsel a few summers also. What can I say, he's a great friend...

But today he came to say goodbye. His visa was accepted and he will be going to the States and New Zealand for 5 months (work related). We're happy for him but we hate goodbyes. We are praying that he finds a good church to attend while he is over there.

We'll miss him greatly!

Liz

Some Apple Butter Please

Dear Everybody,

There is a lone apple tree right by the neighbors fence that is a favorite of my kids. Just recently the apples have been falling off and if I am wondering where the kids have gone, the apple is usually a good guess. They are not the most beautiful apples, but they're edible and they're plentiful. So yesterday the kids picked up a five gallon bucket full of these pitiful looking apples and asked for apple butter. "PLEASE Mom? Can you make some yummy apple butter?"

So I put the kids to work. Years ago we found a gadget at the thrift store for pennies... Come to find out it is a Pampered Chef apple stripper. It comes in handy especially when there is a mountain of fruit to peal and core because it does it all for you as you turn the handle. The kids love it! So they took turns, washing the apples and turning the handle.

To save a few pesos I decided to cook the apples on the cook stove Danny made as part of his grill/smoker. Firewood is cheaper than propane at this point!

What fun it was and by tonight we should have some yummy apple butter to spread on some homemade buns! Wish you could join us for supper!

love,

Liz