tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69001658822740256802024-02-19T06:44:57.176-08:00Our Journey HomeThe McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.comBlogger609125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-34257373754574474362013-10-11T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-11T00:00:16.432-07:00Friday funny: Picture time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">I love to take pictures, capturing every day moments to special memories. I think the girls have picked up on my little 'habit'. The other day, we were walking out to the car to leave for Wednesday discipleship at our church when Wubs shrieked, "<strong>Mama! Look at JJ!"</strong> I walked around the car to peek at JJ, who was waiting patiently to be put into his carseat. "<em>What is it, baby?"</em> I was scanning JJ, but I couldn't see why Wubs had requested I come look at her brother.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>"Look at his hands! He has his hands in. his. pockets! Isn't he just so cute? You have to take a picture, Mama!!"</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Wubs was right. He did look adorable. And, I did go back inside to grab the camera so that she'd know that I value her eye for a Kodak moment! wink! </span><br />
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"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surraound me with songs of deliverance."- Psalm 32:7The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-4174372252066291432013-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-10T18:06:45.407-07:00Pregnancy update: a change in perspective<span style="color: #990000;">A little over three years ago, we lost a baby. It was my first miscarriage, and I was heartbroken. However, the Lord gave us such a peace during that time. David and I were blessed beyond words by our friends and family who lifted us up in prayer, and ministered to us. I'll never forget the first time that the Lord allowed me to comfort a friend who had just suffered a miscarriage. God invited me to join Him where He was at work, healing this sweet woman. I had the opportunity to pray with her, cry with her, and empathize with her. I believe that God let me encourage her because I had experienced the same pain myself. I thanked God for His plan. His ways are perfect. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Then, when we got pregnant with JJ, while I was very excited, I was scared. <em>What if we lose this baby too?</em> I confess, I struggled to take my thoughts captive during those first few weeks of pregnancy. <em>Had I already forgotten the Lord's faithfulness? Didn't I trust Him to always do what was best for me, for His glory?</em> David spoke Truth and prayed with me so much during our pregnancy. And, when our big boy came into this world at a whopping 10 pounds 7 ounces, wow- we rejoiced! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Today, I am seven weeks pregnant. My perspective on pregnancy sickness has changed a lot from our first child until now! wink. I cannot complain, I feel wonderfully yucky! I praise God for the symptoms reflecting the healthy development of the little life He has placed in my womb. We are so very blessed! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing outside with JJ's vehicles.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000;">"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast."- 1 Peter 5:10</span>The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-74032347218812303172013-10-09T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-09T00:00:09.217-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Vroom! Vroom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"All believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had."- Acts 4:32The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-1375872293732854752013-10-04T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-04T00:00:01.661-07:00Friday funny: Math giggles<span style="color: #990000;">Emma Grace loves to learn. She is a good student, and for the most part, she has a happy heart even when we're learning something new or challenging. However, Wubs had a little frustration earlier this week during our math lesson. She was working on finding number patterns and completing the blanks, such as 65, 75, 85, 95, ____, ____, ____. I could tell she was stumped, so I asked, "<em>Wubs, what is the pattern?"</em></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">"I know the pattern, mama. It's plus ten more."</span></strong><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000;">"That's right! So what is 95 plus ten more?"</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Wubs let out a big sigh. <strong>"I don't know! I can't figure it out!"</strong></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000;">"Well if you aren't sure, you could try counting on your fingers."</span></em><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Wubs started laughing hysterically at my suggestion. I didn't get it, but I started to giggle too, because she was so overcome with laughter. Finally, between giggles, I asked, "<em>What is so funny?"</em></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #990000;">"You! You are so funny, mommy! I don't have 100 fingers!!"</span></strong><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Note to self: Next week, we'll be doing more practice with number patterns. wink.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow slushies for an afternoon treat!</td></tr>
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"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."- Psalm 5:3The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-47207651169792324892013-10-03T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-03T00:00:12.395-07:00the cutest criminal <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;"><em>Someone</em> colored on the wall, right beside his big boy bed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><em>Someone</em> who is very cute, looked very guilty when he awoke from his nap.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><em>Someone</em> had to spend several minutes scrubbing the wall. His mommy did assist him after he made his best effort. wink!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"><em>Someone</em> apologized, and he was forgiven. (There were lots of kisses for the criminal with the repentance heart!)</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit A- evidence of the cutest criminal's crime.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit B- his 'guilty' face... wink!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verdict- Guilty as charged. Scrub a dub dub!</td></tr>
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"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."- Colossians 4:2The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-86722973523912667562013-10-02T00:00:00.000-07:002013-10-02T00:00:13.492-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Sisters and best of friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."- Titus 3: 5a</div>
The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-90998361502051613242013-10-01T00:00:00.001-07:002013-10-01T00:00:13.296-07:00Joy begins in thanksgiving<span style="color: #990000;">While David and I were away together in the mountains, we enjoyed catching up on our reading. It was wonderful to sit by my handsome husband, listening to the rustle of the wind outside, feeling the warmth of the fire, and learning from our books. I even finished one of my all time favorite books, <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0310321913/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=16117563929&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=323478169248665833&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_g0y5sxyc9_b">One Thousand Gifts</a></strong>! I loved so many of the author's insights on Truth, but one thing that really stood out to me was this:</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">"While I may not always feel joy, God asks me to give thanks in all things, because He knows that the <em>feeling</em> of joy begins in the <em>action </em>of thanksgiving."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">I was so encouraged by this powerful statement. It is my desire to have a thankful heart, seeking the Lord and finding Him; praising Him in all things. Joy begins in thanksgiving... isn't that beautiful? God's ways are so perfect. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And, we have <u>big</u> news of thanksgiving! The Lord has blessed our family with another child! Baby #4 will be arriving in May. I tried to take an announcement picture yesterday, and the children were really sweet helpers. I thought these 'bloopers' were too cute to delete without sharing them!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPd6SuvJJj-gF87Ifapk8mfEO2q6iL0z3_pLevkHFWcOP6eatVvVYsABraNwo5S-EmobPgtAMyHNIbSykoR3vHBsSAxLDQO60IMXNYhzA-PCYrfsqK_ffFBHvWGhKr-y-2alG_uqF6eXK/s1600/DSCF0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPd6SuvJJj-gF87Ifapk8mfEO2q6iL0z3_pLevkHFWcOP6eatVvVYsABraNwo5S-EmobPgtAMyHNIbSykoR3vHBsSAxLDQO60IMXNYhzA-PCYrfsqK_ffFBHvWGhKr-y-2alG_uqF6eXK/s400/DSCF0207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXtIbHFD48Y-rEu9cA-Y650Nm0rwvgR5MYkG60CXUu_8Dw6D48o4KQgCWuTk2HUCFJffsJvo984p-nSUwFqUiFVsSCM1i2demwmVujhVIsgO12Pl9JWmH-_4ufXfyPfXfwqzXYjpGjHSr/s1600/DSCF0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXtIbHFD48Y-rEu9cA-Y650Nm0rwvgR5MYkG60CXUu_8Dw6D48o4KQgCWuTk2HUCFJffsJvo984p-nSUwFqUiFVsSCM1i2demwmVujhVIsgO12Pl9JWmH-_4ufXfyPfXfwqzXYjpGjHSr/s400/DSCF0214.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."- 1 Thessalonians 5:18</span>The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-29323131360820002952013-09-30T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-30T18:03:35.934-07:00my favorite birthday ever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">This year for my birthday, my wonderful husband prepared a special surprise! He secretly made reservations at a bed and breakfast in the mountains, and he asked some of our dear friends to keep our children overnight. It was so very thoughtful of him. My love language is quality time, so this sweet gift of spending time away together was absolutely perfect! We stayed in this beautiful cabin:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp17zLtlYQ7ARGz5t7Rm0EGueW47ZCkleeOohWh4_9KizpYAZGOEUdvLsPHpMFBCG-spmmgmjIzpu6isFy_mEEao2mUoOdveXAUIdZRC0YVw1f1XobW3J9viO_VxqB2DedCzKAqvN5hep-/s1600/DSCF0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp17zLtlYQ7ARGz5t7Rm0EGueW47ZCkleeOohWh4_9KizpYAZGOEUdvLsPHpMFBCG-spmmgmjIzpu6isFy_mEEao2mUoOdveXAUIdZRC0YVw1f1XobW3J9viO_VxqB2DedCzKAqvN5hep-/s400/DSCF0113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, it was so cozy! We had a little fireplace and a loft. I loved it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuJG8Lg-XQnDz5gjDXfwIhBS5M_sljKjzkFYaKnNLP3OIj4wBH16FxQoeAEmpq4NGqB4mI2PuQIF_FgFMaWtFujqwL1ia6eZHgM_hl4Rk9VB3-sdhROTXOo8pnKJoo8MM_IENdu2sNuSQ/s1600/DSCF0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWuJG8Lg-XQnDz5gjDXfwIhBS5M_sljKjzkFYaKnNLP3OIj4wBH16FxQoeAEmpq4NGqB4mI2PuQIF_FgFMaWtFujqwL1ia6eZHgM_hl4Rk9VB3-sdhROTXOo8pnKJoo8MM_IENdu2sNuSQ/s400/DSCF0111.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000;">We enjoyed our time at the peaceful cabin, spending time talking by the fire, reading, and praying together. The next day, after we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, we went to Mayberry Days in Mt. Airy, North Carolina! It was only twenty minutes from our cabin. We had so much fun! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj17nLpnCQiLADJeE6e0zu4y-FgJHPzAlGkTZ5pJYtxKGaRgI7rj8kwU8lqcOSACRa7fSww1ahinV-SZRfH6NX1UAdM3JZjqpLI6iK0iJSalIeL_SWNo3bXQLF-n7RU5U7Fz_PUoqduoF7/s1600/DSCF0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj17nLpnCQiLADJeE6e0zu4y-FgJHPzAlGkTZ5pJYtxKGaRgI7rj8kwU8lqcOSACRa7fSww1ahinV-SZRfH6NX1UAdM3JZjqpLI6iK0iJSalIeL_SWNo3bXQLF-n7RU5U7Fz_PUoqduoF7/s400/DSCF0202.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deputy Gomer and Goober stopped for a picture with us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs6rAGQsPcKv73o3CSz05x7fZ_715MJsbSQwQwEfHuDZ95zv57VZ9ZtXzMUgc4DbPUehHdGY48mIoRF7bZQdIKNzwuFfeiaJeHqzh85_poHatv7fMbSCezaL8s4gLGQjcj58ecPohv_k7/s1600/DSCF0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXs6rAGQsPcKv73o3CSz05x7fZ_715MJsbSQwQwEfHuDZ95zv57VZ9ZtXzMUgc4DbPUehHdGY48mIoRF7bZQdIKNzwuFfeiaJeHqzh85_poHatv7fMbSCezaL8s4gLGQjcj58ecPohv_k7/s400/DSCF0166.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Barney, with his one little bullet. He was really funny, writing 'tickets' out to people who were jay walking!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KHtqADX-TTz6JcdAX7S36qzaB550rc6YbQwPYW_sbCqVjxMhJGFntnwszfLwBwyzJU3WQxKRRwxoUNhc3trbyx1Ji2AxU-RUoMkvCKQ8yP6gaUlf4bs4EYxGaYAqQq5bdYy1swrC1AGg/s1600/DSCF0178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6KHtqADX-TTz6JcdAX7S36qzaB550rc6YbQwPYW_sbCqVjxMhJGFntnwszfLwBwyzJU3WQxKRRwxoUNhc3trbyx1Ji2AxU-RUoMkvCKQ8yP6gaUlf4bs4EYxGaYAqQq5bdYy1swrC1AGg/s400/DSCF0178.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one of our favorite shops- Floyd's Barber Shop! The man in the picture above is 90 years old. He cut Andy Griffith's hair through his middle school and high school years. He was precious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBfR4Poqwmna8OorVTKleHrPRm0xfKV4S84xz3-kWL3lXdnarfAL3r-Kb2Twojr_75Enlt5k7AG2oyWNrXYmg8AgdDqyprfAKeo7oRuPSDsArIM6KyD9ibNIxZGjds9iADx1MpgEY2Dt5/s1600/DSCF0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBfR4Poqwmna8OorVTKleHrPRm0xfKV4S84xz3-kWL3lXdnarfAL3r-Kb2Twojr_75Enlt5k7AG2oyWNrXYmg8AgdDqyprfAKeo7oRuPSDsArIM6KyD9ibNIxZGjds9iADx1MpgEY2Dt5/s400/DSCF0181.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David enjoyed talking with the barber and hearing his stories of his years in Mayberry.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs506BBfVhEODHkTEzkc6NMRiPx7dDaN8BYK-SnshvmjTb8JBcKaBdlBOL9fH7NHfJtIpOZONY-NP7WCjP80WaR4cWWCQPJWAR6lN2WZzOFOrgRN8SLg2-kM_OsnDPXcYTTILusbuLBPo5/s1600/DSCF0180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs506BBfVhEODHkTEzkc6NMRiPx7dDaN8BYK-SnshvmjTb8JBcKaBdlBOL9fH7NHfJtIpOZONY-NP7WCjP80WaR4cWWCQPJWAR6lN2WZzOFOrgRN8SLg2-kM_OsnDPXcYTTILusbuLBPo5/s400/DSCF0180.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, they still use this cash register at the barber shop!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7FgrEXUwg1dx7M_tM01EfvKi7cBR39T-lluM7op_3EuuH2eu664n-LUVmfg0Xz-sYih-FeUa62BKVDGMOQd27ptzezNwYDVuX9NMKnAsh_o3vYfHanzPL1dE6uqYKKsj2l7UhbmpEJ_h/s1600/DSCF0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7FgrEXUwg1dx7M_tM01EfvKi7cBR39T-lluM7op_3EuuH2eu664n-LUVmfg0Xz-sYih-FeUa62BKVDGMOQd27ptzezNwYDVuX9NMKnAsh_o3vYfHanzPL1dE6uqYKKsj2l7UhbmpEJ_h/s400/DSCF0139.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the shops in the Andy Griffith show were designed to replicate the real shops in Mt. Airy (aka Mayberry). If you've watched the Andy Griffith show, I'm sure you recognize Wally's Service station!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQOJTzyuNW4lpaPT9iTD8ty3e_TnCF9pvxwDV_5GkTaB72-T-2ehOzmr5razQoSbRUEUQvDCrZG9PoDMFRHSJABhgwjR_InRyPhnJAJltCWvRbdh8PcTc5wVJGAFY9CSHQfcq577rcP_q/s1600/DSCF0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQOJTzyuNW4lpaPT9iTD8ty3e_TnCF9pvxwDV_5GkTaB72-T-2ehOzmr5razQoSbRUEUQvDCrZG9PoDMFRHSJABhgwjR_InRyPhnJAJltCWvRbdh8PcTc5wVJGAFY9CSHQfcq577rcP_q/s400/DSCF0143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Darlin' Boys truck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mabJ_mu-lSoV79OlyxlgX4iyfV7Wp-QsZ6ekoSDkTR0KDu_S4yAPnVevAvqKW9UVOQNdMoNSoNI2VzI1Ita5IFEP-r2FqsUTEwQnMwI8hyphenhyphenjG0S7HLoCybh0iDlkrIEf-gIRwVaTe-wuq/s1600/DSCF0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mabJ_mu-lSoV79OlyxlgX4iyfV7Wp-QsZ6ekoSDkTR0KDu_S4yAPnVevAvqKW9UVOQNdMoNSoNI2VzI1Ita5IFEP-r2FqsUTEwQnMwI8hyphenhyphenjG0S7HLoCybh0iDlkrIEf-gIRwVaTe-wuq/s400/DSCF0153.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We also visited the Mayberry Sheriff's office. David had to be locked up for stealing my heart, wink!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5myfmQjBkWbWjjoeGso_mrIap5GJV0VJuWDf4vCIAhw-HXiphKI0cOENVPf1oVQtBf4jMXWG5yOH4SWgkjN10n-6_-gcIsFSbYNAe7twOJ3erIxiy176C4Iol9SLdpYl4tk9a5JJfbBi/s1600/DSCF0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs5myfmQjBkWbWjjoeGso_mrIap5GJV0VJuWDf4vCIAhw-HXiphKI0cOENVPf1oVQtBf4jMXWG5yOH4SWgkjN10n-6_-gcIsFSbYNAe7twOJ3erIxiy176C4Iol9SLdpYl4tk9a5JJfbBi/s400/DSCF0159.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We wanted to eat lunch at Snappy Lunch, but as you can see, the line was out the door and down the street. Maybe next time!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several of these patrol cars were lining the streets of Mayberry. It was really neat to hear the sirens!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to take a ride on a horse drawn carriage, too! It was such a wonderful birthday and I am so thankful for all the memories we made together! I am so very blessed to be Mrs. David McNeill! </td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;">"For now we only see a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."- 1 Corinthians 13:12</span>The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-40811041940176929282013-09-09T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-09T00:00:09.829-07:00Photojournal: Big boy bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"And this is my prayer; that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God."- Philipians 1:9-11The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-80006632543663964542013-09-06T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-06T00:00:17.543-07:00Friday funny: elevator groovin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">David and I have so much fun together and we laugh a lot! He is my favorite person in the whole world. And sometimes, we can get a little silly together...</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">While we were in Costa Rica, our hotel room was up high. The elevator would climb, click....click.....click, all the way up to the 8th floor for us each day. The elevator music in Costa Rica is not like the instrumental slow music of U.S. elevators. Instead, the elevator music is cheesy 1980's American songs. wink.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Now when David is teasing with me at home, he has this dance move where he bends his elbows, holds his arms in close to his sides, and snaps his fingers. Actually, he taught our friends the signature move:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">So, one day as we were riding on the elevator, a classic 80's song was playing. We both took one look at each other, and we started doing David's little dance. There we were, alone in the elevator, dancing and making each other laugh. Well, David took the dance move up a notch by closing his eyes to sway to the music, so I joined him. Closing our eyes, swaying, snapping- we are so silly! It was about that time when <em>the. doors. opened. </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Needless to say, we made a memory together that day! </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Have a wonderful weekend!</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">" Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."- Proverbs 30:5</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ps- Oh! And one more thing! JJ got his first little nerf gun. He calls it his "shoot shoot". He's a pretty good aim,<br />
so if you stop by our house for a visit- consider yourself warned! wink!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-85827564061284991192013-09-05T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-05T06:10:32.666-07:00 parmesan cheese on the bathroom floor<span style="color: #990000;">It was almost time for dinner. I</span><span style="color: #990000;"> was standing at the kitchen counter, chopping up vegetables. David was outside grilling, and the children were playing at the table with a few toys. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">All of a sudden, Bella exclaimed, <strong>"Mommy! JJ just poured cheese all over the bathroom!"</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I whirled around. "<em>What??"</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #990000;"></span></em><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><strong>"Go look! He was shaking it and shaking it everywhere!" </strong>Bella pointed to the bathroom. I saw our little man standing at the scene of the crime. His toes were </span><span style="color: #990000;">covered in parmesan cheese.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I had to take a deep breath. wink.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> "<strong>I shake it,</strong> " was his only attempt at an explanation. <em>"No no, JJ. We shake the cheese on our food, not the floor. No, no."</em> I brushed off his little feet, and c</span><span style="color: #990000;">arried him to his crib for a time out.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"> I gathered up materials- dust pan and small broom, paper towels and cleaning spray. As I was on my hands and knees wiping up the floor, I was asking myself, "<em>How did he get that cheese? How did this happen?"</em></span><span style="color: #990000;">And then I realized, I know exactly how JJ was able to make such a mess, because I do it too. I make a mess all too often. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I left the parmesan cheese within JJ's reach. I took my eyes off of our little boy for a moment. I was distracted, and... parmesan cheese went everywhere. </span><span style="color: #990000;">The same scenario plays out for me. Temptation surrounds me; the world is always just within my reach. And, if I take my eyes off the Lord, if I become too distracted to listen to the Holy Spirit... I make a mess. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I am so very thankful for my Savior, who knew that my mess would be too big for me. He knew that I could never be 'good' enough so He made a way for me. He sent His One and Only Son to die, for my sins. As I hugged our little boy and heard those sweet words, "I sorry, Mama. Please give me." (That's how JJ says please forgive me, it is adorable!) I praise God for the gift of forgiveness and for His perfect love for us!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
ļ»æ<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He melts my heart!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #990000;">"But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him." -1 John 2:5a</span>The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-41337159581803081272013-09-04T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-04T00:00:10.697-07:00Wordless Wednesday: early morning snugglers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."- 2 Thessalonians 3:3</span>The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-42527957545767101742013-09-03T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-03T00:00:06.465-07:00the girl from Germany and God's perfect plan<span style="color: #990000;">I have written many stories over the last few weeks about our mission trip to Costa Rica. (And there are so many more stories! I don't want to forget any of them! wink.) This story about a girl we met in San Jose, who was actually from Germany...</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">It was beginning to lightly rain, and we were hoping the storm would pass. We didn't have an umbrella, but we continued walking door to door, sharing the gospel and inviting people to the festival at the local park. Soon we realized the rain wasn't letting up. I was carrying stickers and my Bible but I put it all inside of David's backpack, because it was getting wet. We decided to start heading back toward the park because it seemed likely that the festival would be cancelled due to the weather. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">However, as we got closer to the park, there were two girls walking toward us. One girl was tall and blonde, and the other girl looked to be native to Costa Rica. David, Jonah (our translator) and I stopped to talk with the girls. The tall blonde girl spoke some English and she explained she had just arrived from Germany; she was going to be living in Costa Rica for a year, to study and learn the language. She was hesitant to have a spiritual conversation with us, because she said that she had "never really read the Bible and she couldn't make any decisions without first having all the information. " David asked her if she would like to have a Bible, and she said she would like that. Then, David opened his backpack and handed her my Bible. She looked down at the Bible, looked up at us and back down at the Bible. She asked, "You're giving this to me? I can have this Bible?" David explained that we had come a very long way to tell people about Jesus, and share the Truth of the Bible. She looked a bit surprised by our gift and after a short pause she said, "Okay, here is the thing. I do have questions and I believe some things, but it's hard to say in English. If you could speak German, then I could talk to you."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Friends, this is the part of the story where<em> God just blew us away</em>! You see, we were not the only church from the United States who was helping on this mission trip. There were two other churches- one from Florida, and one from California. David and I didn't know all the people from the other two churches, but the Lord orchestrated this night perfectly. Because, standing only a few feet away, listening to our conversation with the girl from Germany, was a man named Willie. Willie was with the California church, and Willie is originally from Holland. <strong>Willie. speaks. German.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Willie stepped up to our conversation and began speaking to the blonde girl in German and her mouth literally dropped open. (Actually, all our of mouths dropped open a bit. wink.) And, guess what? Willie shared the gospel with her. The Holy Spirit moved in her heart. She accepted Christ that night! Oh, and her friend accepted Christ, too!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Over and over again during our trip, we gave thanks to God for His plan. He didn't need to use us; He can do all things, without us. But, He loves us so much that He allows us to watch Him at work and He allows us to join Him. What an amazing God we serve! To Him be the glory!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacqUPM05KrcIf-RApIl1MudCPr4HUdAmrfJU_3YQHJ5nbZvmqOpFJUBnkNTZIewhYxGbsEbx6XztnG-QmCL_cbu44xl7tDi5z4PRR5OuUaDufn5lDj4p3gjN-tdvMu49H-yqb12ppXrV3/s1600/DSCF6814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacqUPM05KrcIf-RApIl1MudCPr4HUdAmrfJU_3YQHJ5nbZvmqOpFJUBnkNTZIewhYxGbsEbx6XztnG-QmCL_cbu44xl7tDi5z4PRR5OuUaDufn5lDj4p3gjN-tdvMu49H-yqb12ppXrV3/s400/DSCF6814.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team!</td></tr>
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ļ»æ<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MWZng0F7B9PZUHj1Nkgh38oWW_7c06MvUyK9x7rUNaBlx00uXrE88BmLwtTFWmlX1s2swxwDXIWPFt8-hj4zgLFEHu4uAkMEpDIbtlE3cXr16za5rMfBuNIu2PGHNyNQG50CBV94KZDZ/s1600/DSCF6788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MWZng0F7B9PZUHj1Nkgh38oWW_7c06MvUyK9x7rUNaBlx00uXrE88BmLwtTFWmlX1s2swxwDXIWPFt8-hj4zgLFEHu4uAkMEpDIbtlE3cXr16za5rMfBuNIu2PGHNyNQG50CBV94KZDZ/s400/DSCF6788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and Jonah, enjoying this man's beautiful artwork. </td></tr>
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"This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe."- 1 Timothy 4:9-10The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-3822409388116369402013-08-30T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-30T00:00:12.824-07:00one thousand gifts<span style="color: #990000;">I am currently reading one of my all time favorite books. I'm not quite done with it yet, but it's one of those books that I know I'll read over and over because it is so rich with truth and wisdom that I'm certain I'm missing it. wink. It is called <u>One Thousand Gifts</u> by Ann Voskamp. I have been encouraged and challenged. I have laughed and cried and been convicted, and I love it.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Eq6ukX_mnfXKOxRLNl2pxN0bj7vVoqqIp2HRE8wxkpY0oz_btdFIA_OxGh5_IJc2tOvhLtk7W0OwQDOcK8os1EAeL31Pc54BU03CBkhNnb-9KvwleIP51qi7knjDtMOqzqfF5UAgFg51/s1600/1,000+gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Eq6ukX_mnfXKOxRLNl2pxN0bj7vVoqqIp2HRE8wxkpY0oz_btdFIA_OxGh5_IJc2tOvhLtk7W0OwQDOcK8os1EAeL31Pc54BU03CBkhNnb-9KvwleIP51qi7knjDtMOqzqfF5UAgFg51/s400/1,000+gifts.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">This book is all about giving thanks to the Lord, continually. It is about being aware of His goodness and having sincere gratitude. I cannot recommend this book enough. (Weezie, I cannot thank you enough for encouraging me to read this book, and Jamie, thank you with all my heart for giving me my own special copy!) </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">The author of this book was dared by a friend to make a list of 1,000 blessings. A few chapters into this book, I gave myself the same challenge. I have notebook, sitting on our kitchen counter. And, several times each day, I jot down a blessing, or two, or more. It has been amazing how the Lord has allowed me to see more of Him each day when I am looking, with thanksgiving, for His blessings. I still have a long way to go on my list, but I don't know that I'll stop once I reach one thousand. It's way too fun!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Mama, we playin' cars! vroooooom!"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPFiCuZL-T-dF2fZOhmuQ-XNC2SoS0vFfYhwfaF7rOdrb4lVqMbI6qvHlrm66yHxwscLGWBlS-i1Ggo2lz6QTFkmqnqGisyuvBPqTNXgdbTlpvfAMi7JN6T0Tm4w7a6eGW2D2RskvUKC/s1600/DSCF6867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxPFiCuZL-T-dF2fZOhmuQ-XNC2SoS0vFfYhwfaF7rOdrb4lVqMbI6qvHlrm66yHxwscLGWBlS-i1Ggo2lz6QTFkmqnqGisyuvBPqTNXgdbTlpvfAMi7JN6T0Tm4w7a6eGW2D2RskvUKC/s400/DSCF6867.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessing #155. three precious children, enjoying one another's company</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;">"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."- Jeremiah 29:13</span>The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-26041310714398702332013-08-29T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-29T00:00:09.536-07:00Photojournal: Back to school!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSKZ-7s0rJrFsYYlN-8YjfBZd4e5S2bDVwoatx2H0qSz7RvB-iFiZKpSqedXTCvLCtivtgpeJJV1G3ntNvrBTjX-3exOoUZQEolX_c4P8QB1XIyjIWul7qjud7o10l_mrOlYwHila3xGF/s1600/DSCF6870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSKZ-7s0rJrFsYYlN-8YjfBZd4e5S2bDVwoatx2H0qSz7RvB-iFiZKpSqedXTCvLCtivtgpeJJV1G3ntNvrBTjX-3exOoUZQEolX_c4P8QB1XIyjIWul7qjud7o10l_mrOlYwHila3xGF/s400/DSCF6870.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">The school year has begun at the Academy of Grace! wink. Emma Grace is in third grade, and Bella is in kindergarten. I can't even believe it, our little girls are getting so big!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"> I am excited to see what the Lord is going to allow us to learn and experience this year! It is a joy to teach our children and I am so very thankful.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pps2QiAJnG6ToK4c-NIKoXYia7_I-GHHRM7fK9wD53PUuWx3n37D6LLSN9LsBniUvRSYYTKYVKSEvE-ZVp4aJd96JxUpXx1TNUYrI8ne2G5mNXaslFrfwgrtqagB6hyphenhypheniLtGA1ytq6LkC/s1600/DSCF6872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pps2QiAJnG6ToK4c-NIKoXYia7_I-GHHRM7fK9wD53PUuWx3n37D6LLSN9LsBniUvRSYYTKYVKSEvE-ZVp4aJd96JxUpXx1TNUYrI8ne2G5mNXaslFrfwgrtqagB6hyphenhypheniLtGA1ytq6LkC/s400/DSCF6872.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ has been keeping occupied during our morning homeschool time by playing in the kitchen with something special. On Tuesday, I gave him this entire sheet of star stickers to use. He had so much fun! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9_nFpZJ9fZyk46YoMYXKMUgC12dI2V7_8D6MFkujU6JVQsvq_iqGn2paVlGl3crCL633qJdFnraeGWLs-hfQ9o6-Rja_AthgcFzJXJeaF4XJIoY42nIEhXLNvxcnMm17cmDiu2zvJP4u/s1600/DSCF6886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9_nFpZJ9fZyk46YoMYXKMUgC12dI2V7_8D6MFkujU6JVQsvq_iqGn2paVlGl3crCL633qJdFnraeGWLs-hfQ9o6-Rja_AthgcFzJXJeaF4XJIoY42nIEhXLNvxcnMm17cmDiu2zvJP4u/s400/DSCF6886.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JJ has had such a happy heart, playing alongside of his sisters while they work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkJYK3pmrZNVbRnNS2ORHNmV81bWa7cCX32TDxpMqZMb-lmgEads1f7ho0axlwXM5iFEHEK0V1MZKCZwk1Nq0IEYP9QfOmd11qS5tnrw83CownhxHnzgkY7UIEWAfK_lTs07bN3VxUchT/s1600/DSCF6884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrkJYK3pmrZNVbRnNS2ORHNmV81bWa7cCX32TDxpMqZMb-lmgEads1f7ho0axlwXM5iFEHEK0V1MZKCZwk1Nq0IEYP9QfOmd11qS5tnrw83CownhxHnzgkY7UIEWAfK_lTs07bN3VxUchT/s400/DSCF6884.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know if you can see it, but JJ has a little tow truck and he was towing<br />
Lightening McQueen across our kitchen table. Little boys are so adorable!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHZO3bLrZ6tcxyAKL5mP3MWv6PbyY22aOBbYNEZq0RqTZQan-mXk-_CS12uEy6gT4occegjI4XFu4gJeLn0MRCVOYvLuLzSyONhN75eAigGvrW_Jv7Fyq3ui520M9s5Z60CgOaAqoycmn/s1600/DSCF6883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHZO3bLrZ6tcxyAKL5mP3MWv6PbyY22aOBbYNEZq0RqTZQan-mXk-_CS12uEy6gT4occegjI4XFu4gJeLn0MRCVOYvLuLzSyONhN75eAigGvrW_Jv7Fyq3ui520M9s5Z60CgOaAqoycmn/s400/DSCF6883.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture makes me smile! We are studying the skeletal system in our Apologia science and we learned about the important role of calcium for our bones. Suddenly, Bella had a strong craving for some milk! She is just adorable and I am so excited to have TWO students in Academy of Grace this year!<br />
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"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good."- Romans 12:9The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-25699332291347087662013-08-28T00:00:00.001-07:002013-08-28T00:00:05.821-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Preschool graduation at church<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."- 1 Corinthians 4:2The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-61588241089815532882013-08-21T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-21T00:00:03.226-07:00Wordless Wednesday: Close your eyes really tight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."- Psalm 90:14The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-22093103891316165202013-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-19T00:00:02.359-07:00Answered prayer in Costa Rica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">When we were in San Jose, we visited several different neighborhoods that were specifically chosen for our mission trip. These neighborhoods all had bus routes that drove past Vida Nueva church, the church we were helping. One of our goals for the week was to invite all the people we met to the church. Some of the neighborhoods we visited were not as safe as others. There were times that our leaders gave us specific instructions to take off all jewelry and put away any cell phones or cameras. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">One night, while we were in one of those 'not as safe' neighborhoods, we came to a dead end street. At the far end, where the pavement ended, stood nine young guys. They were talking and laughing, while a few of the guys were working on a car. David, me, and our translator merged with another team because there was safety in numbers. Our new team for this particular night consisted of David, our male translator, little ol' me, and two teenage girls. wink. We had to make a choice- do we walk down to the end of the road and approach these young men (appearing to range in age from late teens to mid-twenties) and try to share the gospel, or just keep walking? We decided to go for it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;"> We walked to the end of the road and our translator asked if we could talk with them. They agreed, but most of them kept working on the car without even looking up at us. David started to share the gospel, and slowly, he gained everyone's attention. The young men started putting down their tools, leaning up against the car and listening to David and our translator as they shared the Good News. Six of them accepted Christ that night! And, the really neat part of this story... an older gentleman approached us just before we left and he quietly spoke with our translator. Our translator told us that the older gentleman was a Christian and he had spent years watching these neighborhood boys grow up, and sharing the Truth with them. He had been praying for their salvation as long as he could remember and he was rejoicing because tonight, their eyes had been opened and their ears had heard! We praised God for answering this prayer!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd8iTVjnc1j1Nyg2uu70W8TQn5ddrKf6_IoJlINYsCljI51J7PdggZhb9YeG8EwMXel5WRThB43EspMigkKiTKzOrSx8PARarMj_nBG2HkYh6sECAma6t4O5dyLvG5Y97UVCkkPiDhc41/s1600/DSCF6754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJd8iTVjnc1j1Nyg2uu70W8TQn5ddrKf6_IoJlINYsCljI51J7PdggZhb9YeG8EwMXel5WRThB43EspMigkKiTKzOrSx8PARarMj_nBG2HkYh6sECAma6t4O5dyLvG5Y97UVCkkPiDhc41/s400/DSCF6754.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture was taken as we were out walking one night. Aren't the mountains so <br />
beautiful?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown, San Jose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK7z57Hd-9cZS4VslfLrv8OV_Vmbp0sthAN9M7XYBZkw6i5QHLQsbQEuSMPJ6Oqcytt2ZGpfy1nKl70CJAsnnQtqIKfORiwyIshI6ApoKRwCz-BUeEXmv04hkyNliVzqRDB8LpqovmyPL/s1600/DSCF6803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVK7z57Hd-9cZS4VslfLrv8OV_Vmbp0sthAN9M7XYBZkw6i5QHLQsbQEuSMPJ6Oqcytt2ZGpfy1nKl70CJAsnnQtqIKfORiwyIshI6ApoKRwCz-BUeEXmv04hkyNliVzqRDB8LpqovmyPL/s400/DSCF6803.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David and me with our friend and translator for the schools, Ricardo.</td></tr>
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"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."- Galatians 6:2The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-31870850875920952352013-08-15T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-15T04:28:12.035-07:00"No, I've never heard..."<span style="color: #cc0000;">There were several rainy afternoons and evenings while we were in San Jose. We forgot to pack an umbrella, so there were a few nights that we returned to our hotel with wet clothes. And wow! It was SO worth it! wink! One rainy evening in particular...</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">The bus pulled up to the park and we all peered out the windows. The sky was dark and the clouds were heavy. The leaders began discussing whether or not we should set up the equipment to show the movie, since the storms were looming. It was decided that we would all divide up into our usual teams, walk the surrounding neighborhood as long as we could before the storm to share the gospel. We were supposed to continue to invite families to come enjoy the inflatable, games, and drama presentation, and we all prayed the rain would hold off for a few hours. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">David, me, and Jonah began our walk down the neighborhood streets. The sprinkles began to fall and most people were keeping dry inside their homes. (We couldn't walk up to a house and ring the doorbell, because it's not like the houses in the United States. The homes are side by side, with no space in between and each house has a rod iron gate to guard their entrance. Most houses have razor wire above the gates, too, or at minimum, there is a piece of metal from the gate to the house to close the space securely.) We stood outside a few homes and called out, "Hola!" but we weren't very successful. And then, we came to a house where a man was just getting out of his car. He hadn't gone inside yet, he was at his gate. God gave us an amazing opportunity that I will never forget. His timing was perfect. We got the opportunity to tell this 65 year old man, about Jesus. It was the-very-first-time he had ever heard this message. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;">David began to introduce himself and explain our visit, while Jonah translated. The man's eyes were gentle and he returned my smile when David introduced his 'esposa'. wink. The man listened intently and agreed to talk with us. David asked the man a few questions to begin our conversation and Jonah translated, "He just said no, he's never heard about Jesus." I began praying for David as he shared the good news with this man, praying for Jonah as he translated, and praying for this man's salvation. David talked to him for about ten minutes when a beautiful, beautiful thing happened. God did it! He didn't have to, but God allowed us to join Him, in his perfect plan to reach this man with the gospel. We had a new brother in Christ! I stood there, watching as this man went from never even hearing about Jesus, to believing that Jesus was God's only Son and He died on the cross for his sins! It was amazing. He opened his gate and allowed us to come inside. I cried tears of pure joy as we all circled together and held hands and prayed with this man. We are so excited about what God is doing in Costa Rica! Please join us in praying for the team at Vida Nueva church, who are meeting with all the people who accepted Christ last week. Please pray for all the new believers, approximately 550 in all, who all need to get plugged into a church and begin to grow in their relationship with the Lord. We praise God for His plans!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this picture while we were walking in one of the neighborhoods<br />
of San Jose.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my seat on the bus. Isn't it beautiful?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took these pictures in the plaza square. The pigeons gather here, to be fed<br />
by all the people passing through and this little boy decided to scare them!<br />
He was hilarious, running, giggling, and shouting at the birds!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He made me laugh!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29Hlhr02U_n8FYzieIwMn0NLT3GWvB-UP3e4KmWtvn1-BCry3b8QNXDDPO7RHDRrW_4wJ8VZvuwNd7gmn_AKDI9gwed3psUFH27izF81l2CtljJdlCuCakS1klnlWH1Y-TDAeAZMCga3V/s1600/DSCF6811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh29Hlhr02U_n8FYzieIwMn0NLT3GWvB-UP3e4KmWtvn1-BCry3b8QNXDDPO7RHDRrW_4wJ8VZvuwNd7gmn_AKDI9gwed3psUFH27izF81l2CtljJdlCuCakS1klnlWH1Y-TDAeAZMCga3V/s400/DSCF6811.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This tree was just outside our hotel, it was so neat!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQFhZb2riO7HsKyvadJ5w6Ec0CThAFBQVLTZeDWf5VXZgS_FOUFmUSdN-5M6WvCvems-x3RtA4ggsf6hFrUSNKi8Hquk44N5qK258G_xf5hm-IxJr5KD8RaKQ9l6K1Y5Q1c8r9vjXIi3v/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQFhZb2riO7HsKyvadJ5w6Ec0CThAFBQVLTZeDWf5VXZgS_FOUFmUSdN-5M6WvCvems-x3RtA4ggsf6hFrUSNKi8Hquk44N5qK258G_xf5hm-IxJr5KD8RaKQ9l6K1Y5Q1c8r9vjXIi3v/s400/photo+(6).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck took this picture of me on the day I got to share the gospel in the classroom<br />
We all took turns, and it was such a privilege!<br />
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ļ»æ<br />
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"The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children."- Romans 8:16The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-87631234745999544662013-08-14T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-14T03:00:15.131-07:00Wordless Wednesday: the gringo market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlizN_KEMvLJi5JzF2wDQt3EVp_m8o0QVDtaDDw1lvV0XzpzCqICYzqnXbWhiCNC5yRcfiETTyZ_EBjC1m_BcBGGABOFGH1ghZY7VL2rYRU3pFuifQtbDdGXE-Pyn70ljx39wVvi5wF41-/s1600/DSCF6763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlizN_KEMvLJi5JzF2wDQt3EVp_m8o0QVDtaDDw1lvV0XzpzCqICYzqnXbWhiCNC5yRcfiETTyZ_EBjC1m_BcBGGABOFGH1ghZY7VL2rYRU3pFuifQtbDdGXE-Pyn70ljx39wVvi5wF41-/s400/DSCF6763.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The man in this photograph handmade all the hammocks in his booth at the market. <br />
He was really nice, and he insisted that David try out one of his special hammock chairs.<br />
David thought they were very comfy! wink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCfYu5imhXYPsIGCcemtf6gU5xMhIL3y4f8snV4NPLF1Ia8dZVeZZF86aVuXrGrkQm5jUg4tViBHl8zJog2B1DCdFXrlB8gi_i8vpeq4Enj6z4peKF_4hTSpij5tsTeXY35bBkGxB9mSG/s1600/DSCF6764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguCfYu5imhXYPsIGCcemtf6gU5xMhIL3y4f8snV4NPLF1Ia8dZVeZZF86aVuXrGrkQm5jUg4tViBHl8zJog2B1DCdFXrlB8gi_i8vpeq4Enj6z4peKF_4hTSpij5tsTeXY35bBkGxB9mSG/s400/DSCF6764.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "gringo market" is the nickname for market.<br />
Most tourists stop here to buy gifts and souvenirs.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEoFsxwNozBFDiOvzrQWp4nVBLPKZos70gGKe8tcJm1ri_vRw-QICaXki5gIddHTHVg1cr02PcsHwrl-y3N7htvUG6yg1uL6T0xTsw4o4i709NEqKRTThJEv_feMJLTjDXs6E_Dzatbe3/s1600/DSCF6766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUEoFsxwNozBFDiOvzrQWp4nVBLPKZos70gGKe8tcJm1ri_vRw-QICaXki5gIddHTHVg1cr02PcsHwrl-y3N7htvUG6yg1uL6T0xTsw4o4i709NEqKRTThJEv_feMJLTjDXs6E_Dzatbe3/s400/DSCF6766.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to include this picture! As we were walking through the park,<br />
after our trip to the gringo market, we watched a team of gymnasts doing <br />
aerial stunts. It was amazing!</td></tr>
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"Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."- 1 Corinthians 10:24The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-38848909197618404582013-08-13T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-13T05:14:12.682-07:00More San Jose! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">I'm going to be totally honest. I have never shared the gospel with someone I've never met before, until our trip to Costa Rica. Our trip stretched me and challenged me, while blessing me and allowing me to experience joy like never, ever before. I was nervous! However, David has shared the gospel many times, gone on mission trips, and has such an evangelistic heart, so I knew I could stick close to him and watch his example. What a joy to serve and share the gospel, side by side with my husband! David and I were on a team with our amazing translator, Jonah. But for this story, I wanted to tell you about what God did using two little glow sticks and... me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">It was Wednesday night, and we had just finished up the festival at a local park. The inflatable was coming down, chairs were being stacked, candy wrappers were gathered to put into the garbage, and people were beginning to scatter and walk back to their homes. I had been passing out stickers and glow stick bracelets, and I realized I had two bracelets left. I quickly scanned the groups of people, looking for two children to give my small gifts. But, I could only see clumps of children, and I knew I couldn't walk up to a group of five (or more) children and offer only two glowing bracelets. Then, I saw two girls. They looked to be in high school or college. I wanted to hesitate- would two girls that age really want my little bracelets?- but the Holy Spirit nudged me to go to them. David was helping clean up and I couldn't even see Jonah. But still, I walked toward the girls. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I smiled and held out the bracelets, glowing brightly. "Hola! Quiere esto?" (My Spanish is very limited, but I was trying! wink.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">The girls accepted with warm smiles. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">My heart raced and I blurted out, "Hablas Ingles?"</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">One girl said, "Yes, I lived in Miami for four years."</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I couldn't believe it! I introduced myself and I asked her if she liked the movie and drama from the festival. She said she did like it, but she didn't really understand all of it. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">"Can I explain it to you? Can you stay for a few more minutes?" I asked. She seemed eager to talk with me and I was so excited! ( The second girl walked away, to go speak to friends.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">And then, God did it! He had used those two little bracelets to get me to approach those girls. And He filled my mouth with the words I needed to discuss the Good News to this young girl. I shared the gospel with her and her eyes filled with tears. She said, "I want that. I want Jesus." We prayed together, and she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior! We hugged and I gave her information about Vida Nueva, the church we were helping. She said she was going to attend church this weekend! Even just typing this story, my heart is filled with praise! There are so many more God stories to share! </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILUJituIaDMhFhSOkaLuG_byXicZt-JjaDhXxD46KM_opOhiQHLW1qEtm1gDRbAIhvPWlH31sk8aNPuux5mUA5cXzUuzlGqz2T_rw2nMLqtDnPiKSjTgByCJ_D1OPgBPkTZA2vtGi4K5V/s1600/DSCF6775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhILUJituIaDMhFhSOkaLuG_byXicZt-JjaDhXxD46KM_opOhiQHLW1qEtm1gDRbAIhvPWlH31sk8aNPuux5mUA5cXzUuzlGqz2T_rw2nMLqtDnPiKSjTgByCJ_D1OPgBPkTZA2vtGi4K5V/s400/DSCF6775.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful translator, Jonah. We loved serving and sharing the good news with<br />
such a Godly young man. We are praying for Jonah and his future ministry opportunities; we know <br />
God will continue to use Jonah for His glory!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNahhlE9QwyVgGMRMIV4RL0FfiJg0yOSaBjEVSQtyAiCx5hui0k_ktBc7XjbBg-N2IvmSMmJlzy2Xo5niS9_Q03mFRXTBct3O-TvwOwt1YOCHmNwrpqR63DPcsY-jR7ullRwCtMTJPLzmc/s1600/DSCF6778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNahhlE9QwyVgGMRMIV4RL0FfiJg0yOSaBjEVSQtyAiCx5hui0k_ktBc7XjbBg-N2IvmSMmJlzy2Xo5niS9_Q03mFRXTBct3O-TvwOwt1YOCHmNwrpqR63DPcsY-jR7ullRwCtMTJPLzmc/s400/DSCF6778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gospel presentation had just finished and several of the neighborhood residents picture<br />
above were praying to receive Christ. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9YMNCQXLG2op_DFvTf0XHdFMrC2AAO9OMUKLj8ByO8Ki_uN8_HoGP9RwP8uOqq217a5zlakugp-nwCn0_oxJ9AIYNPTlVNZUafqQWuulKsWqj5QDLTx_WJcArYB4Nn80qMoEe8lzKRIQ/s1600/DSCF6780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9YMNCQXLG2op_DFvTf0XHdFMrC2AAO9OMUKLj8ByO8Ki_uN8_HoGP9RwP8uOqq217a5zlakugp-nwCn0_oxJ9AIYNPTlVNZUafqQWuulKsWqj5QDLTx_WJcArYB4Nn80qMoEe8lzKRIQ/s400/DSCF6780.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my new sisters in Christ!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh3WGj4NmZ8perdE9-Z1QuZWh-T-kEm7YPpd44IV4S8FeteVsXGNEbREdAgQ80k_1YBQGu_bEoXv13srrbVDXDAwyEp8atSdUXmwQVWQhKyaivdrYlYLnvcvVZGHHT25HsiKf5nZ69vbI/s1600/DSCF6782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh3WGj4NmZ8perdE9-Z1QuZWh-T-kEm7YPpd44IV4S8FeteVsXGNEbREdAgQ80k_1YBQGu_bEoXv13srrbVDXDAwyEp8atSdUXmwQVWQhKyaivdrYlYLnvcvVZGHHT25HsiKf5nZ69vbI/s400/DSCF6782.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our team, sharing a meal at one of our favorite restaurants Rosti Pollo. We had<br />
a lot of good laughs on this trip! God gave our team such a special bond,<br />
a sweet unity in Christ, and we enjoyed spending our 'free time' together!</td></tr>
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"But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one."- 2 Thessalonians 3:3The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-89272186529217811022013-08-08T14:49:00.002-07:002013-08-08T14:49:30.404-07:00Quick update! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;">We have so so many stories to share! David and I hope to take turns blogging about all these amazing stories, but we have been very busy on this trip! wink! I did want to take a minute to give a praise report... almost 400 people have made a profession of faith! Praise God!</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Thank you so much for praying!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyItRrEpwVmYHTb8zIELxbMdiuaZTg5OAoB6chO_yhF2jD7IjuqYe3F5bZV3x9nh_nEtKTmWiEVRw7-vQ153wGFacF8N6XiyZ01uLLpaic0s0b7RZVCAQ_qRvqGf6ciW_QCjcvj7MZUE3/s1600/DSCF6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSyItRrEpwVmYHTb8zIELxbMdiuaZTg5OAoB6chO_yhF2jD7IjuqYe3F5bZV3x9nh_nEtKTmWiEVRw7-vQ153wGFacF8N6XiyZ01uLLpaic0s0b7RZVCAQ_qRvqGf6ciW_QCjcvj7MZUE3/s400/DSCF6737.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture of approximately half of the translators for this trip. I think there are<br />
close to 40 translators in all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Our translators... what a blessing! They love the Lord, and they are eager to share the gospel. We are so thankful for their ability to speak both Spanish and English. (Actually, most of the translators speak more than 2 languages! Wow!) The translators range in age from 14 years old to late 20's. They have been such an incredible encouragement. We cannot thank them enough for all their hard work and sacrifice for this trip!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI1TtSGXwU2SPaZZgoE7HovBv4oaDTjgSRv45gcXJgCNMpJKk6q-e5d4_JQdlkdh7GpxbDzJ2vGT_oEC2yu7x1SQ9Fif52xbeNZggSzKDDEIG7Fw86X2chiGSHZImr48SqSWkd2NeJ-1P/s1600/DSCF6762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI1TtSGXwU2SPaZZgoE7HovBv4oaDTjgSRv45gcXJgCNMpJKk6q-e5d4_JQdlkdh7GpxbDzJ2vGT_oEC2yu7x1SQ9Fif52xbeNZggSzKDDEIG7Fw86X2chiGSHZImr48SqSWkd2NeJ-1P/s400/DSCF6762.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to go inside our classroom.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00V_hJQ-d2V0nAyY1Oy7FUdc-zJigUm4kd506ABoZv7kXDle1HxX1tOIqsESiqSQC2lehGaLweYvOrSm7BNqbFdXfMwss1msGNiiWHREnEOf-bvzGQmLcnP8K35ZI0h1mGGeQF-v5x5wX/s1600/DSCF6760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00V_hJQ-d2V0nAyY1Oy7FUdc-zJigUm4kd506ABoZv7kXDle1HxX1tOIqsESiqSQC2lehGaLweYvOrSm7BNqbFdXfMwss1msGNiiWHREnEOf-bvzGQmLcnP8K35ZI0h1mGGeQF-v5x5wX/s400/DSCF6760.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several of the older students were working on this mural, out in the courtyard.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qskhh4M7rheICOImeK3KUjqZ4S0zMUblbSq36oowQGoUTrmsA6Bg9M9t4kT0vP5yDZg9yeDE9pkQa4gnuuQNg_2ft7O5PPAzg25F1smSF470VcDlZcudzKq6Gao9V2ssQEka6jCpjIb0/s1600/DSCF6758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qskhh4M7rheICOImeK3KUjqZ4S0zMUblbSq36oowQGoUTrmsA6Bg9M9t4kT0vP5yDZg9yeDE9pkQa4gnuuQNg_2ft7O5PPAzg25F1smSF470VcDlZcudzKq6Gao9V2ssQEka6jCpjIb0/s400/DSCF6758.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just like the other school, there is not just one building, but instead there are multiple<br />
small buildings for the classrooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_4U9Ozbppsruq7Pzcp9nJsg4FiGDM5rCkwmjTaj8uC4o7BDObimb04dq39wXrrGrcXfO4dUuarFM_e06CvJHghsvgl2ICHLGvSPU8nn63sukyAbZBxSJki9ndDxzjIyOczmntAlV7EL1/s1600/DSCF6757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_4U9Ozbppsruq7Pzcp9nJsg4FiGDM5rCkwmjTaj8uC4o7BDObimb04dq39wXrrGrcXfO4dUuarFM_e06CvJHghsvgl2ICHLGvSPU8nn63sukyAbZBxSJki9ndDxzjIyOczmntAlV7EL1/s400/DSCF6757.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture just outside the school; notice the razor wire above the fence. Razor wire is <br />
everywhere here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pmIsy59rWG8-uz6dapf1o6bwbNThfp_wnhZWlK3LIdZGtQTewNO59DKiN8bheIRvruLt73nBGazcrcVOTnRSgCTJfsnCkZctQ0bF9gbGf2tcDNA5AnZr6AypD2XZ_S9X618lJfPzkZox/s1600/DSCF6746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pmIsy59rWG8-uz6dapf1o6bwbNThfp_wnhZWlK3LIdZGtQTewNO59DKiN8bheIRvruLt73nBGazcrcVOTnRSgCTJfsnCkZctQ0bF9gbGf2tcDNA5AnZr6AypD2XZ_S9X618lJfPzkZox/s400/DSCF6746.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to take this picture to show our little boy, JJ! He loves motorcycles (aka 'bo-bikes') and <br />
these pizza delivery bikes are always zooming by us!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJhE4IfAkhkEwGCWES7CBlM0UwdCbhDL6EGwtpiNYL48WbB8G1y6U17S-6Q0QgLNeIZ4f8k9Rl7lKeA7lAO0XDBdYzDmZ9D18-NzhAi92zmQXcxzenIXhmAjRaaXXXyS8DpFZW0_RA6or/s1600/DSCF6682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJhE4IfAkhkEwGCWES7CBlM0UwdCbhDL6EGwtpiNYL48WbB8G1y6U17S-6Q0QgLNeIZ4f8k9Rl7lKeA7lAO0XDBdYzDmZ9D18-NzhAi92zmQXcxzenIXhmAjRaaXXXyS8DpFZW0_RA6or/s400/DSCF6682.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This last picture is of Aaron and me. Aaron is five years old, we had the opportunity to pray<br />
for Aaron. He is sick and he is currently having testing done by doctors to <br />
help find out what is wrong. Aaron's father was murdered 2 years ago. He is a precious<br />
little boy. </td></tr>
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"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"-Romans 10:15bThe McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-26534988017931338682013-08-07T07:20:00.002-07:002013-08-09T07:23:17.561-07:00The Love of God<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We have
seen many incredible stories thus far that can only be explained through the
power and work of God. Sometimes in the States, I am slow and reluctant
to share my faith in Christ Jesus. There are no excuses for this, but
when we come on a mission trip for the very purpose of sharing about the love
of God, we must be prayerful and diligent in this discipline of sharing.
I am trying to do some reading on the trip, and this reading has caused some
serious conviction and excitement in my heart. The book is by Tim Keller
called <i>The Reason for God</i>. As I read through this book and read
God's word, I begin to wonder and ask why there are so many that either
reject or do not even consider God's love. Is it because we are too busy
with other things, is it because we have rationalized that we just do not
have time for the things that we cannot touch, taste, see, smell, or
feel? A guy named Bart Ehrman, a professor at University of North
Carolina, has written several books arguing that the Bible cannot
be trusted and it is fallible. I have listened to some of his
lectures, and he begins by asking the question, "How many of you have
read the Bible?" The response is usually very few, and then he ask
this question, "If God wrote a book, don't you think that we would want to
read it and want to know what he had to say?" </span></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would
ask myself and others, if we do not open the Bible and read
it, how will we be able to discern for ourselves and make an
informed decision on whether or not God wrote this book. The
historical evidence is overwhelming that Jesus was a real man who walked on
this earth and claimed to be the Son of God. He also said things like,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one gets to the Father but
through me." He says things like, "For God so loved the world that he
gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have
eternal life. God did not send me into the world to condemn the world, but to
save it." We see Jesus teaching these things which were a treat to
those religious people, those Pharisee and chief priest in the temple.
Their power and position was being threatened by this one who claimed to be
God. Even to the point where they devised a plan to kill him.
Jesus' followers did not give up the mission, they moved forward, because they
saw that this was truly the Son of God. Many of them were killed
including John the Baptist and Peter. One of the things Jesus also said
was that he desired to gather people up like a hen gathers its chicks,
but we are not willing. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bart
Ehrman makes a claim that if God wrote a book, don't you think we would read
it. Maybe we would not read it. Maybe we all are running away from
the one true God, because he gets in the way of our passion, possession,
position, and power. Do Christians ever doubt God? Absolutely!
There is a never ending spiritual battle that is taking place until the return
of Jesus Christ. When I read the Bible and then when I obey what Jesus
told me to do, it brings incredible blessing in my life and the lives of
others. We have seen many here that have stopped running away from
God. We hope to share those stories with you in some coming post. </span><br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope
you will join me in considering what Christ has done. The Bible says that
"there is no greater love than this that a man would lay down his life for
his friends." There is such a divide in the States between those
that believe and those that are skeptics. God has given us free will to
believe what we want to believe. He uses his church to spread this Good
News about his love for us, and we have a choice to receive it and to follow
it. God would not force his love on us no more than a man should force
his love on a woman who does not love him back. He desires that we follow
him, but we must be willing. I know one thing for sure, if all the Bible
is true, then what Jesus said is true and he is the Son of God, then I want to
know him and spend my life living for him. The Bible says that one day
Jesus will return to take his bride the Church, those that have heard this
message and been willing to believe and follow. There will be many who
will be surprised by this, and there will be others with great joy who
have been longing for this day, the day of the return of our Savior and Lord.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">We
landed on Saturday, and we have seen 223 people place their faith in this love
that God has for them. We will share some of these God sized stories in
coming post.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQEqyCM517HxFOSiKfl_1YMjzzbMqwJp-9GEQIEyMBEV8HaJlEB8aRq4D-qiCPAG7flqdAFjsYj8jKPa5sn8u_IJlACRWFtPtUdOmlmWlbrZBsjkENsWImCi6qLTnofMQsl7plVV_HgEN/s1600/DSCF6668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQEqyCM517HxFOSiKfl_1YMjzzbMqwJp-9GEQIEyMBEV8HaJlEB8aRq4D-qiCPAG7flqdAFjsYj8jKPa5sn8u_IJlACRWFtPtUdOmlmWlbrZBsjkENsWImCi6qLTnofMQsl7plVV_HgEN/s400/DSCF6668.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">David and I took a quick picture one night before the festival at the park began.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrIBg27mfKkgz-OvJyDO7s3U2f3SyQrEHqg_f48gYAUQNXO_LroZHjhIZbJ231mC3huH0faJXhNDXe4tllzbQYvSOdAe6ApWDNHo0hLyMqoKoOPdeOVQUQYFk_hUctO5tGCWnNoXzQ_ie/s1600/DSCF6690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvrIBg27mfKkgz-OvJyDO7s3U2f3SyQrEHqg_f48gYAUQNXO_LroZHjhIZbJ231mC3huH0faJXhNDXe4tllzbQYvSOdAe6ApWDNHo0hLyMqoKoOPdeOVQUQYFk_hUctO5tGCWnNoXzQ_ie/s400/DSCF6690.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Look at the vegetation on the hillside! God's creation is so beautiful!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQa4rfrm6aHiy_krumWfRkwWHrWhJ65wozlhszkGt6fBPc9xmP7pC_sQ1TD-8bSyCHyDOdXCXu7WcoKDXq7JQfvfFnlHuTs7mHzIAbAbHQpRrQUcVCv4rpjC3A8eFQZKY0NlCIYWvTMtB6/s1600/DSCF6715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQa4rfrm6aHiy_krumWfRkwWHrWhJ65wozlhszkGt6fBPc9xmP7pC_sQ1TD-8bSyCHyDOdXCXu7WcoKDXq7JQfvfFnlHuTs7mHzIAbAbHQpRrQUcVCv4rpjC3A8eFQZKY0NlCIYWvTMtB6/s400/DSCF6715.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">Our entire Faith Baptist Church team, all 15 of us, out for dinner one night.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKASlVYY9KnNI79o7EwV8CwS14ZIa03nf83eZwF0chkYzFy97oRg1tY8dZf0rl8T4rNaHXDwy5LVTDyADvj-h4-nK8DlGYaploJdt2sgRvYFLMbU-ZxlYD88sVFxOmfGrhGgya1RlCdqb/s1600/DSCF6686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKASlVYY9KnNI79o7EwV8CwS14ZIa03nf83eZwF0chkYzFy97oRg1tY8dZf0rl8T4rNaHXDwy5LVTDyADvj-h4-nK8DlGYaploJdt2sgRvYFLMbU-ZxlYD88sVFxOmfGrhGgya1RlCdqb/s400/DSCF6686.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;">I snapped this picture from a bus window. I was trying to get a picture of the </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">mountains on the horizon.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-24094184167785702492013-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-07T00:00:03.206-07:00God is at work in the schools of San Jose!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000;">On Monday and Tuesday, we have been visited the school you'll see in the pictures below. It is a school for both middle school and high school ages. There isn't just one school building; instead, there are multiple small buildings on the campus. There are dirt paths leading to the various buildings and our large group was split into teams and assigned classrooms. On Monday, 96 teachers and students accepted Christ as their Savior! On Tuesday, another 77 teachers and students made professions of faith! God is so evident in all the details and it is a joy to join Him where He is clearly at work. We are excited to watch God's plans unfold each day of this trip! Thank you for praying!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaJjygoL2keAWUlhpxsFK34NTOFtyiyif6JCj5ak13zFdbKzwm7OmoMup_DOi8AMQUv2vdqG1qN23F-xsbYtQCGH1YLX2cMkeIV57yP8P1Z6f9XEwPDpUenyz-Pw37Qx8fwpJOI-3Kiy_/s1600/DSCF6704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaJjygoL2keAWUlhpxsFK34NTOFtyiyif6JCj5ak13zFdbKzwm7OmoMup_DOi8AMQUv2vdqG1qN23F-xsbYtQCGH1YLX2cMkeIV57yP8P1Z6f9XEwPDpUenyz-Pw37Qx8fwpJOI-3Kiy_/s400/DSCF6704.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took this picture from the parking area at the school we visited on both Monday and Tuesday <br />
morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEaNatpgn4VlH1rNitosk4z4dstGcL6htPBhtyfCoZX68PHC87DtLvr-rk-l0Sa03BY5JAxA84vMXQnBTny14Hf2t1hKoxkYfKvDJYREGdq9-9KGXN5OGiXP5cpq4kFmu-x06O5dWXxFz/s1600/DSCF6702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEaNatpgn4VlH1rNitosk4z4dstGcL6htPBhtyfCoZX68PHC87DtLvr-rk-l0Sa03BY5JAxA84vMXQnBTny14Hf2t1hKoxkYfKvDJYREGdq9-9KGXN5OGiXP5cpq4kFmu-x06O5dWXxFz/s400/DSCF6702.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of the mountainside, just past the school.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyY2xA74-NoCdgACINyxi42CGw0Ek69HtdCjSmfcc4HrPcPbNtaPD05DMjV6yXyT0Bwowh7VXZAcf7NxxLYvBxnEIT325pqd0iVPgyDgnTtKFAFv8k-qR0BHUD6gAv5d1r8Itdxcchpih/s1600/DSCF6701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyY2xA74-NoCdgACINyxi42CGw0Ek69HtdCjSmfcc4HrPcPbNtaPD05DMjV6yXyT0Bwowh7VXZAcf7NxxLYvBxnEIT325pqd0iVPgyDgnTtKFAFv8k-qR0BHUD6gAv5d1r8Itdxcchpih/s400/DSCF6701.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we were walking up a dirt path to the school building where our group was assigned, I tried to <br />
take a picture of an example of one of the multiple smaller school buildings. There were 2 classes<br />
meeting inside of the blue building.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIhgbY-WdcWZVhV05ADppC8LsB23WQa-R8u_BFnfE4b59sXSsCrdf_CiekvGZPi47OfELL4dTR1Up3tcLZQDdF-EcmCDZmHYxIL91hjrBpP0xBN-WU809f2LMx7jJG5LoFxxwCGpammKb/s1600/DSCF6700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIhgbY-WdcWZVhV05ADppC8LsB23WQa-R8u_BFnfE4b59sXSsCrdf_CiekvGZPi47OfELL4dTR1Up3tcLZQDdF-EcmCDZmHYxIL91hjrBpP0xBN-WU809f2LMx7jJG5LoFxxwCGpammKb/s400/DSCF6700.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This yellow school building is actually a large rectangular shape, but there is a courtyard<br />
in the center. Below is a picture of what it looked like when we walked into this building:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVH-m8rTvW1XPrpWnRuOMVZQVMjbjUIfe0WODUhLP82_mrJZb572uOqxWdLmtUPo3TSpLHlhaZY_3i2gRzRBiupBI9_oByUtouWuA1Qvl0eXi3MKpYlmMlNwclJaD2s1lEbutiGJdSuRY/s1600/DSCF6699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVH-m8rTvW1XPrpWnRuOMVZQVMjbjUIfe0WODUhLP82_mrJZb572uOqxWdLmtUPo3TSpLHlhaZY_3i2gRzRBiupBI9_oByUtouWuA1Qvl0eXi3MKpYlmMlNwclJaD2s1lEbutiGJdSuRY/s400/DSCF6699.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnWxJKXlQGWQOFvUcSaMQZCZ2zN6PBDuCD00bKZ-2LhEYr5dKSx4mMxGWDxN6rrSjuejm_5FblGEUuXFx8NGacbsGLkwsF_nx8TAe0ye34b0vOiHu94_2H4NLFLHs8UsXHbnDYVgLKY0t/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnWxJKXlQGWQOFvUcSaMQZCZ2zN6PBDuCD00bKZ-2LhEYr5dKSx4mMxGWDxN6rrSjuejm_5FblGEUuXFx8NGacbsGLkwsF_nx8TAe0ye34b0vOiHu94_2H4NLFLHs8UsXHbnDYVgLKY0t/s400/photo+(4).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our small team! We are assigned to be together every morning<br />
this week while serving in the school classrooms. <br />
(L to R- Chuck, David, Richardo, Kelli, me and sweet Eliana.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqfEAefEVHPFWz_TSczc1oC-TM4jzZdIN_QhXN0L3wW1S13JSH387gDhxgNLtGYfJPLmBCmSAtWv4tmN2YZG8nDZPUHbdoXEnJN7YN8UoL_Yaac1n0HgzLu4IfnbZOBgK6Uyk23eYpyKR/s1600/DSCF6698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqfEAefEVHPFWz_TSczc1oC-TM4jzZdIN_QhXN0L3wW1S13JSH387gDhxgNLtGYfJPLmBCmSAtWv4tmN2YZG8nDZPUHbdoXEnJN7YN8UoL_Yaac1n0HgzLu4IfnbZOBgK6Uyk23eYpyKR/s400/DSCF6698.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is our ice breaker game. The students have to try to pull a dollar bill from beneath<br />
a full water bottle, without tipping the bottle. They can only touch the dollar bill. If they succeed,<br />
they get to keep Chuck's dollar! wink.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7WrnZ3xSpAiz6XLYKUQ83Rsbzj33A1meoCC_TqBe2d8EdVV2JgZe6yjxrTXViWi6TkfjH2Gyxfj5Lm1zZhh8ubYEF2wc37UbgnLgFRGr1jHdICbOttGd6r8Zwp4bNNAF7fQuaXxGh5o9/s1600/DSCF6696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7WrnZ3xSpAiz6XLYKUQ83Rsbzj33A1meoCC_TqBe2d8EdVV2JgZe6yjxrTXViWi6TkfjH2Gyxfj5Lm1zZhh8ubYEF2wc37UbgnLgFRGr1jHdICbOttGd6r8Zwp4bNNAF7fQuaXxGh5o9/s400/DSCF6696.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another group attempting the water bottle challenge. <br />
After the ice breaker, our translator helped us share the gospel, <br />
a personal testimony, and pray with the class. In this <br />
particular classroom, 2 students accepted Christ, as well as the <br />
classroom teacher! Praise God!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cVPxB0XDLMAklgggSXIa08kPnHnoDYOU9etj0_VaBTmKECzj9zliMOCGnpqkeuNFlIjVvkpiwO88_SYzmE9H3s5ZMnKEFNU45sQrEOsowV69A9vEOWAz2MNw5s_uxhx6wdjyqdq8BZfF/s1600/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cVPxB0XDLMAklgggSXIa08kPnHnoDYOU9etj0_VaBTmKECzj9zliMOCGnpqkeuNFlIjVvkpiwO88_SYzmE9H3s5ZMnKEFNU45sQrEOsowV69A9vEOWAz2MNw5s_uxhx6wdjyqdq8BZfF/s400/photo+%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the precious youth girls on our Costa Rica trip! L to R- Abbie, <br />
Eliana, Anna, Morgan, me (not a youth, wink) and Grace!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5WKDN8qXr1s8NXnWqemZL26zYdKSvwqGvjD_32iqBsw1Z3Tb0EVISqPwgemm-QoV8g_4HZUs0d6T5E3zFVO_ieJ06E7XtAKnQaalKdObxzAtTE6Yvh5VVIYjKPIdsu8kgj4rIVMGtAue/s1600/DSCF6726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5WKDN8qXr1s8NXnWqemZL26zYdKSvwqGvjD_32iqBsw1Z3Tb0EVISqPwgemm-QoV8g_4HZUs0d6T5E3zFVO_ieJ06E7XtAKnQaalKdObxzAtTE6Yvh5VVIYjKPIdsu8kgj4rIVMGtAue/s400/DSCF6726.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love, love, love this picture of Eliana. Eliana was sharing the gospel with this 9th gradeclass.<br />
Eliana is also in the 9th grade, and you could have heard a pin <br />
drop; the students were captivated by her message. She did such a great job!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNzSbCR8gtIimOYYJ3GeQ0lnKZdSQ0N4ZgsyCZ4eDGcWg5qi5wcoCf8OUPsWLa0YxpaQBeHdpS4ZfJAoc6ceuSuJ7m9WqOmphtBtBVldanmecQwWctUbftB6pU_4Or3nKqwo_66yX4Qu0/s1600/DSCF6727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNzSbCR8gtIimOYYJ3GeQ0lnKZdSQ0N4ZgsyCZ4eDGcWg5qi5wcoCf8OUPsWLa0YxpaQBeHdpS4ZfJAoc6ceuSuJ7m9WqOmphtBtBVldanmecQwWctUbftB6pU_4Or3nKqwo_66yX4Qu0/s400/DSCF6727.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David was leading a game with the class. The students loved participating<br />
and receiving American candy for their efforts!</td></tr>
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"Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk- not as unwise people but as wise- making the most of the time, because the days are evil. Don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."- Ephesians 5:15-17The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6900165882274025680.post-84070332694641254962013-08-05T00:00:00.000-07:002013-08-05T05:04:08.825-07:00San Jose mission trip, day 1 and day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000;">We arrived in Costa Rica on Saturday, late in the afternoon. We had a small window of time to check into our hotel room before we headed to a local park. Although it was beginning to sprinkle outside, it was our hope to share the gospel, set up a bounce house for the children, and play a movie about Jesus for all the people of this particular neighborhood. We divided into teams of three- and every team had one translator- so we could go share the gospel and invite people to the event at the park. However, the rains grew heavier and heavier and we had to load up and leave after only one hour. We were much more successful on Sunday night, though! We traveled to another local neighborhood with park and we went door to door, inviting people to the movie and activities at the park. Twenty two people accepted Christ! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">This week, we will be going into the local schools every morning to share the gospel. In the evenings, we will be going to local parks, just like Saturday and Sunday night- to share the gospel, provide family entertainment, and a movie. We are excited about God's plans for our time here, serving His people and sharing His good news! We are serving with teams from 2 other churches from the United States, one church is from Florida and the other is from California.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">Thank you for praying! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">ps- This is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d61LamkXfwk">the song</a> we sang during our worship time on Sunday morning. It was beautiful to hear two different languages, singing this song of praise to our Heavenly Father. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9285DCZxVIbqnvmGkwqN4d7WmnfHGj9sMWgrlgHCAODh6J2UH3g1yWdb0BmaUYqxIONfGnQMDoiXS1qKc9jY6u_YponjziRyJ4cKcNNXZebEnhtrvVsl6lphs11noGrGZpJJzYMlue_2R/s1600/DSCF6647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9285DCZxVIbqnvmGkwqN4d7WmnfHGj9sMWgrlgHCAODh6J2UH3g1yWdb0BmaUYqxIONfGnQMDoiXS1qKc9jY6u_YponjziRyJ4cKcNNXZebEnhtrvVsl6lphs11noGrGZpJJzYMlue_2R/s400/DSCF6647.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a picture I took after we unloaded from the bus, on our first night in San Jose. This was Saturday night, the night we got rained out after about one hour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdqXYpJffQQdoxScGsWeXKPmz8zQykWOw0b-KvMruzuDh46LUd6MWt7L3bJ1coj3soE6B7yG9068beEcrcY4kSWvjbuo89896wglBWTYihvVy4rD_6i2V-Hpdfo7Jx-AObdfDfqIHPT3_/s1600/DSCF6645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdqXYpJffQQdoxScGsWeXKPmz8zQykWOw0b-KvMruzuDh46LUd6MWt7L3bJ1coj3soE6B7yG9068beEcrcY4kSWvjbuo89896wglBWTYihvVy4rD_6i2V-Hpdfo7Jx-AObdfDfqIHPT3_/s400/DSCF6645.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this picture. If you look closely, you'll see the little children peeking at us from the window. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj7VgDF9X5aIOdVyra_YdVBu3zcx1T8FMOv3vgJnViiEj0YDjI4No-8HReNUhtmGpf95cttTVgkOfFIYSKgSdbbcSKTdj1iijVJ_gSyg6BJBH6murkCwJFa4Cq7og_kpY9yVrh7wG4Zwv/s1600/DSCF6658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyj7VgDF9X5aIOdVyra_YdVBu3zcx1T8FMOv3vgJnViiEj0YDjI4No-8HReNUhtmGpf95cttTVgkOfFIYSKgSdbbcSKTdj1iijVJ_gSyg6BJBH6murkCwJFa4Cq7og_kpY9yVrh7wG4Zwv/s400/DSCF6658.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the view from our hotel room window. David and I are staying on the 8th floor.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuxK42tK8cccs-gZkXV4rG8VdGy7W2oxxLUge3pmW3skVICdhyJ-WaDOE0o2no7JGzePUHoknPyVrz6fxIEXJub38qjnfiYG0qlqC1GnP_0dfj0EAht6fSrqCV6JBC-fEVooKMHl86AQJ/s1600/DSCF6651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnuxK42tK8cccs-gZkXV4rG8VdGy7W2oxxLUge3pmW3skVICdhyJ-WaDOE0o2no7JGzePUHoknPyVrz6fxIEXJub38qjnfiYG0qlqC1GnP_0dfj0EAht6fSrqCV6JBC-fEVooKMHl86AQJ/s400/DSCF6651.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The church, Iglesia Bautista, is currently meeting in a hotel every Sunday morning. It actually meets at the same hotel where we are staying! I took the picture above while the worship team was warming up for service.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivs1NL39R5U0sxQTZumDkdF9g3QNttbgUw2pXmR74XHvAHyKF6YMaREUUjaewZpE6T_pBXVslLwuqDDE0QugbxGMHNzsj43fdm6kakbVcWo2HrrkZbLNgnAFkTp4dDylwQNUgw8KRpLb_A/s1600/DSCF6655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivs1NL39R5U0sxQTZumDkdF9g3QNttbgUw2pXmR74XHvAHyKF6YMaREUUjaewZpE6T_pBXVslLwuqDDE0QugbxGMHNzsj43fdm6kakbVcWo2HrrkZbLNgnAFkTp4dDylwQNUgw8KRpLb_A/s400/DSCF6655.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Pastor Jerry (one of our team members from Faith) was invited to preach the message on Sunday morning.<br />
Above, you'll see that Jerry was accompanied by a translator.<br />
Jerry preached a message of God's grace and the hope we have in Christ alone.<br />
<br />
Below is a picture of David talking to his translator. David shared the gospel after the movie <br />
presentation at the park on Sunday night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIxHl4MgAZ9Ji-Z3TTrOjoA3fGwI-Dt8PGXCn5jZRdFZ-vfx2hGoMwyUvNZKs0ERCfCMt5buD5I12CgL_5xQJplsUkaccIGBwD755q1Dj6nv78mBLrTNADnWJYFUOwV_mzGe8YcfkIGKY/s1600/DSCF6679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIxHl4MgAZ9Ji-Z3TTrOjoA3fGwI-Dt8PGXCn5jZRdFZ-vfx2hGoMwyUvNZKs0ERCfCMt5buD5I12CgL_5xQJplsUkaccIGBwD755q1Dj6nv78mBLrTNADnWJYFUOwV_mzGe8YcfkIGKY/s400/DSCF6679.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp7zrxrw2oAlXrY_6ZxqH_EWMhgwudkQSODWMfzMu7Xb_eo_oiFWUYvPINk5sTAK3XN0-YPTqpJ2Iow3G84R1rDY-dfWiRkhiv_HxOhJBglj4Nq1L43dCPKbf70Az-iutYK5V1b17_4vu/s1600/DSCF6663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp7zrxrw2oAlXrY_6ZxqH_EWMhgwudkQSODWMfzMu7Xb_eo_oiFWUYvPINk5sTAK3XN0-YPTqpJ2Iow3G84R1rDY-dfWiRkhiv_HxOhJBglj4Nq1L43dCPKbf70Az-iutYK5V1b17_4vu/s400/DSCF6663.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I was trying to take a picture of these boys playing their soccer game,<br />
but one boy saw my camera<br />
and shouted, "Camera! Camera!" and they all huddled <br />
up for this photo! wink.<br />
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These precious children enjoyed the bounce house <br />
and piƱata at the park on Sunday night!</td></tr>
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"For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift- not from works, so that no one can boast."- Ephesians 2:8-9<br />
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<br />The McNeill familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09112257646974862900noreply@blogger.com0