Guests at the Ranch

The highlight of this week was definitely our two guests, Jackie and Laiza. The two girls came from seminary for a week to help us out in school.  We got to meet them at recess on Monday, and from then on, they were in the school or playing with the kids.  Jackie and Laiza roomed with us, so we ended up with 5 girls living in one room.  It made for a lot of fun in the evenings, needless to say.
Thursday and Friday we didn't have school, because Vicky, Mireya, and Vero went to a conference for ACE teachers.  With the exception of my kinder class, I had two days off school.  They were greatly enjoyed, and I appreciated the chance to relax and I even completed a few more bracelets for the kids!  Since the kids didn't have school Thursday or Friday, Jackie and Laiza took them to learn a play.  The kids practiced twice on Thursday, and once on Friday.  Friday night the curtains opened, and we saw the Zaragoza production of the Story of Abraham.  The kids did a great job memorizing their lines, and they all seemed to enjoy putting on a show for their parents, Krista, and I.

Left to right: Me, Krista, Jackie, and Laiza after the play.  Ana's in front.

After the show, Krista and I got permission to borrow the boys again.  We watched Thor, and the kids got to enjoy half a glass of Coke and a cookie.  Their eyes all grew when they saw the treats, and we were able to get rid of some leftovers from earlier this week!  Krista had made cookies on Monday, and our English test treat this week was some Coke and a cookie or two.  The boys seemed to enjoy the movie, or so I'd guess since I had a few comments this morning when I went down for breakfast.
Not sure what will go on tomorrow, but if anything big happens, I'll have another post for everyone this week.  I already received a birthday gift from Vicky.  When I got up this morning there was a set of gloves and earmuffs waiting on my computer with a note.  Since Vicky leaves for the weekends, she'd wanted to give me my gift before leaving.
Back home, a gift of gloves and earmuffs may not seem all so special, especially here in Mexico!  However, since we're at a high altitude in the mountains, the mornings can be very chilly.  Every morning I get up around 7:00 so that I can spend some time with God before breakfast.  I tend to get outside around 7:20 or so, and so that I don't freeze, I wear 2 sweatshirts and tie my hood almost shut.  Earlier this week, Angie loaned me a pair of gloves, because my fingers are always numb by breakfast.  The gloves have certainly helped, but they're also a pair that are nearly worn through, and the fingers had a few holes.  Nevertheless, I was more than grateful for the extra warmth.
When I woke up this morning and saw brand new gloves, I was ecstatic!  I was so happy to be able to give Angie back her gloves, without wearing any more holes into them.  I thank God that I have friends here who care so much for me, and who can pick up on the little things that I need.  Whether it's a hug, "te quiero," or this amazing gift of gloves and earmuffs, my friends here are definitely my loving family in Christ.