Did You Know...?

In keeping with Santa Barbara Community Church's tradition...

Did You Know...

...that if you have a chronic tummy ache for an extended period of time, it could be caused by the quality of water you're drinking? 

These are not salt & pepper shakers. The water filter on the right is clean.
 The other, well, it's dirty with whatever is in the water (after 2 1/2 months of use).

In January, we were at Bethany and Roman's house and David told me his stomach was hurting (for about the 10th time that week - and it was only Tuesday). Johnny and I had been eating Tums like candy and I happened to mention it to Bethany. She asked if we drank the water out of the tap.

"Yes, we do and we have been for the past 5 months." I answered.

Roman interjected, "Oh no. Please, do not drink our water. We don't drink our water. Especially during the summer time, before the rain comes, the water levels get low and the water gets worse." For so many reasons, we are so thankful for these friends. They set up an appointment for us with someone they knew who came over and installed a filter on our tap right away. And our tummies are much better.

Did You Know...

...we have some great new friends named Guillermo and Susy? They have 3 daughters, ages 24, 20, and 16. We enjoyed a delicious asado (with 5 or 6 salads!) with them on Saturday and the boys played soccer with their dog, Camilo.  We were so thankful to be with new friends during a holiday weekend that, until this year, has always been spent with family.  

Chris, Julieta (16), Luchi (20), David (11), Andrew (8), Johnny (6), Meli (24), Guille, Susy



Besides playing with the dog, I think this was a highlight for the boys: Cracking open a homemade, huge chocolate egg. 
It had Rocklets inside (similar to M&Ms) and the boys ate so much I thought they might barf.

Did You Know...

...we visited a pueblo, Despeñaderos, on Easter Sunday with Guillermo, Susy, Meli, and Edu (her fiance)? They have been working in this pueblo for 15 years as a family.  They began with a food program for some hungry kids; then they added kids activities; then they started discipling people, mostly moms who were curious about the people being kind to their kids; and then they began a church. We appreciate the way they are doing integral ministry, serving the people in practical ways (food, activities, nutrition classes, etc.) while sharing the Good News about Jesus. It just makes more sense than starting a church without understanding the people in that particular pueblo. 

David, Andrew, and Johnny-boy have seen a lot of things in their short lives, but when Guille and Susy dropped off a set of siblings who the boys had been playing with for the 2 hours of the adult church service, they sat in stunned silence at the appearance of the "house".  We had a great talk with them on the 30 minute drive home about different kinds of poverty - how someone could have all the things they want, but be poor in their spirit because they don't have Jesus in their heart.  (I loved hearing Johnny say, "Well, He's in my heart because I asked Him there.")   



Snack time - note our 3 boys squatting in the back. 
There were lots of thorns on the ground and their buns couldn't handle the pain. 



Did You Know...

...dogs like to hang out on roofs? We found this guy on our neighbor's roof trying to make friends with Buddy. 

I have to admit that Buddy was less than impressed by this dog's feat and just wanted me to throw the ball.

Did You Know...

...birthday celebrations are very, very important in Argentina? The boys love getting invited and the parties usually include lots of dulces, everything-goes bounce houses, and tons of kids. This party was for one of Johnny's friends and was especially fun because the moms stayed, talked, and shared mate. We all enjoyed ourselves (and Chris got to enjoy some quiet time at home and worked on our taxes - I know he'd have preferred jumping all crazy in the castillo!)

Painting a picture of David & Goliath.

During a little rest from the castillo, basketball was necessary for the bigger boys.

Did You Know...

...that a special comb is needed for the removal of lice?


In case you need one (I hope you don't), here's a site where you can get your own extra suave, irrompible pedi-peine.
http://www.claudegarnie.com/

As a mom, until today, I never had to deal with these foul creatures; luckily Andrew escaped the epidemic of his 2nd grade class in the USA.  Well, Johnny was scratching his head like a street dog with fleas, so I examined his head (literally) and discovered an entire colony of black ickies on his white hair. 

Okay, chau for now.