Christ Fellowship Homestead

Well, it's official. We have moved out of Coral Springs and into our "new" home in Homestead, Florida.  It is in a cute little neighborhood just 30 minutes north of the Keys.  We are really far down south!

When we moved in to the house, it was in need of some TLC.  We cleaned and unpacked and now we are feeling pretty settled.  The furniture we needed was provided thanks to the previous residents, craigslist, and our Provider!  We thank God for the way he has taken care of all of our needs along the way.  What seems hard for us is easy for Him!  I am thankful for that.

We are loving our new church family.  The staff is awesome, and they have embraced us as a part of them.  We are reminded of the way our church family at Lifepointe welcomed us with open arms, and feel a bit of nostalgia for them.  But, we also have a sense of peace.  We know God has us here and now for a purpose, and we are excited to see it unfold.  The church is also going through some transition over the next 6 weeks, and we will no longer be called Christ Fellowship.  Our new name will be "Core Community Church."  A church where the gospel is at the core.  We are excited to see what God has in store for the future of our church.

For the past 4 Monday nights, we have invited the band and their spouses and any media person interested to our home for a weekly Bible study.  It has been awesome getting to know these people.  They truly love God and are craving some discipleship.  I look forward to Monday nights and any opportunity we have to just be in community with these people.

Eddie and I are also looking forward to getting to know our neighbors.  So far, we have befriended John and Kris.  They seem like one of the most influential couples in the neighborhood, so we are excited to build a relationship with them.  John helped Eddie clear the vines and weeds that were taking over our fence in the back yard.  John also helped him fix our fence.  He is generous with his time and his tools.  Along the way, he is sharing stories about the other neighbors in hopes of helping us to get to know them.

Jaden is growing up way too fast.  He is talking so much these days.  Everyday he says something new that shocks me.  Last night at Bible study, he turned to me and asked "Who's that?" as he pointed at one of our friends.  I told him, and he responded with "Oh."  He then proceeded to ask me the name of every single person in the room!  Then he went to Eddie and did the same thing.  As they were all leaving, Eddie called out to a friend who was about to get in his car, and Jaden (clear as day) called out the guy's name, too.

He is also very interested in letters and gets excited when he sees one he recognizes.  He spends his days playing with all his toys that were packed away for the past year (it's like Christmas for him).  He loves to play with his farm and set up the cows and horses inside the fence.  He loves to build his train out of legos.  He also loves to play music on his doggie guitar and get us to dance with him (you might have seen the video on Facebook).

We look forward to visiting Raleigh next month, and we cannot believe a whole year has gone by since we left.  God sure has taken our family on an awesome adventure over the past year, and I don't think it is over!

I am sharing with you a few pictures of our house.  It is a two bedroom, one bathroom house, but the kitchen, living room and our bedroom are very large for such a small house.  We also have an office. It is small but cozy and we have room for guests!  Feel free to come for a visit!

May and June Updates

It is about time for another Berrios Family Update!  

Quite a bit has been happening since last I shared with you.

Here is a brief snapshot of  novel about what has been happening in our lives over the past 2 months.

May 2: GRADUATION

We celebrated Eddie’s mom’s Graduation.  After watching Eddie’s Mom work hard and study hard for the past 4 years, we had the privilege of watching her walk across the stage as she graduated with her Masters Degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University.  We all breathed a sigh of relief with her as we congratulated her on a job well done!

May 9: BEACH

Now that Welo and Wela (AKA: Edward and Yvonne OR Mom and Dad Berrios) have more free time, we were able to take a day and enjoy the sunny beaches of Florida with them.  Jaden has been fearful of the ocean waves ever since our trip to the beach in Costa Rica back in February, so it was awesome to witness his brave, first few steps into the ocean without tears and fear.  We loved watching him actually relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and the water.

May 17: MOTHER’S DAY: 

We squeezed in a few family pictures after church and before Eddie had to head to work.  El Mariachi’s was a busy place on Mother’s Day and they needed him to work.

May 13: HAPPY 60^th BIRTHDAY WELO:

We went to Benihanas for Dads birthday and we also celebrated with a trip to Puerto Rico (see below). 

I know what you're thinking... EPIC photo FAIL... The Birthday Boy's Face is hindered by a glare...  He didn't like this picture anyway... here is a better one of him.

May 18: BIKE RIDING:

Eddie has been itching to ride ever since we have stared visiting downtown Miami and seeing how many people use their bikes to get around town.  We (when I say “we” I mean “he”) finally broke down and bought one.  He also found a baby seat on Craig’s list, and a few weeks later, he found a bike for me.  We are now equipped to go on family bike rides.  As resistant as I was, I am actually enjoying this new family activity and I am glad he encouraged it (shhhh… don’t tell him.)  On my latest bike ride with Jaden, he fell asleep for the last 20 minutes of the ride.  I guess it was relaxing!

May 20-25: PUERTO RICO:

In celebration of my father-in-law’s 60^th birthday, the 5 of us took a trip to Puerto Rico.  It was Jaden and Eddie’s first trip to Puerto Rico, so it was a special moment that we feel blessed to have shared together.  In 5 long days, we did a lot of touring the island: El Yunque National Forest, Old San Juan, Playa Azul, Bio Bay, visits with relatives, swimming in the pool, eating at a lechonera, touring the underground caverns at Camuy.  It was a week to remember and we are glad to have been invited along for the trip. 

 And... Jaden with "Eee-Eee."  This became his new favorite stuffed animal after this trip.  This is a beanie baby that I have had since I was in high school.  My mom brought it with her on her last visit here, and now it is Jaden's favorite! 

June 1: HAPPY 80^th BIRTHDAY ABUELITA!

All 8 of her children and many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren were there to celebrate with her.  It was a beautiful day to celebrate a beautiful woman.

June 2: HAPPY 2^nd BIRTHDAY JADEN!

Those of you who may remember his 1^st Bithrday, I went a little crazy in the party planning aspect of that event.  Well, this year, I was the complete opposite; I am ashamed to say that I planned nothing (not even the cake). In fact, other than buying him an outfit to wear and a few birthday presents, I had no plan for the day other than eating cake and letting him open presents.  Well, even with no plans, the day was wonderful.  Thankfully, Jaden has loving grandparents who went out and bought him some decorations and a cake.  We had the neighbors over for cake and games and it was a pleasant evening. 

Plus, in other news: Eddie preached today for a church called Pursuit Miami which meets in a hotel conference room in downtown Miami.  I am so proud of him and the way he allows God to speak through him as he preaches the Gospel.  We have been attending this church and getting to know the people there, but it seems as if God is closing the door on the opportunity to work with this church for now. 

June 9: HAPPY 6^th ANNIVERSARY!

Eddie led worship today for a church called Christ Fellowship at their Homestead campus (this church has 6 sites!).  It was our first time to even attend, so it was basically like an audition for Eddie (which went well, see below).  Eddie’s dad attended with us, and he took Jaden home after church so that we could have the day to ourselves.

We spent the day shopping at the Sawgrass Mall (which Eddie willingly participated in) and then we went to dinner at Bonefish Grill.  It was a nice day… plus we got home on time for him to watch the end of the Miami Heat game.  I really am thankful for a husband who sacrifices time watching the basketball game to take his wife out to dinner (he even confessed later that at the restaurant he was tempted to sit where he could see the TV, but chose to sit on the other side of the table so that he could give me his full attention… as long as he didn’t get distracted by the reflection of the TV in the window).  I love that man!!!

June 16: FATHER’S DAY

Eddie led worship at CF Homestead again today, and he was expected to work at El Mariachi’s for the dinner shift.  Thankfully, his boss ended up giving him the night off.  We had celebrated a day earlier, so we ended up going to the park so he could play some disc golf…  Turned out to be a great day!

June 13: NEW JOBS

About 2 months ago, I applied for a part-time job posted on the City of Coral Spring’s website for a position as a clerical assistant for the Office of the City Clerk.  I got a phone interview, but did not get the job.  A few weeks ago, the woman called me back and offered me a temporary-part-time job working on a large project that they wanted to get completed as soon as possible.  I took the job and started on June 13.  The job has flexible hours and I can work as much or as little hours as I want.  They suggested 20 hours a week, but said I can work as many as 40 until the job gets completed.  My job involves photo copying, stapling, and filing in date order.  It is pretty brainless, but hey… it’s a job and I am thankful for it.  It was also expected that I commit to 6 weeks and after that, if I want to, they would find more work for me to do and keep me hired on part-time for up to a year.  Since we don’t know when we will be moving, this sounded pretty perfect.  Thank you, God!

During this same time period, Eddie had been in several meetings with the pastor at Christ Fellowship.  They were working on a job offer, and a it took a few weeks to get it finalized, but PRAISE THE LORD, they offered him a job!

IT’S OFFICIAL: He has been hired as a part-time worship leader for the Homestead Campus of Christ Fellowship Miami.  They could not offer full-time right now, but they did offer us housing.  The church owns a house in Homestead that needs a bit of fixing up (because of things like: holes in the roof), but once it is ready… We will be moving to HOMESTEAD!  Not only will he be working as a worship leader, he will also be going through training for church-planting.  We have already felt like part of the “family” at this church and with the staff, so we are excited about what God has in store for us there. 

Along with the joy, there is an ache in our hearts that we will not be returning to Lifepointe anytime soon, nor will we be working with the great people of Pursuit Miami.  If you are a part of either of those 2 church families, know that we hold you in our hearts and we miss you dearly.

June 26-30: ORLANDO

Since Eddie’s new job has not officially started, and he already quit his job at El Mariachi’s and my new job is flexible… we had a few days to take a visit to our old stompin’ grounds: Orlando - the city where we met and fell in love!  Other than a few visits many years ago, we had not spent much time there since we moved away 6 years ago.

We were graciously hosted by Don and Rita and their family… they put us up in the “pool house” (sounds better than “attic in the garage”).  No really, it is nice!  It has a bedroom, bathroom, lots of space for Jaden to run, and AIR CONDITIONING!  We were thankful for a place to stay.

We decided to try to plan some time with friends while there.  We used Facebook to plan 2 different evening activities.  One, we put an invitation out for our Orlando Facebook friends to come and join us for dinner at Chick-Fil-A and we had several families join us!  It was a blessing to get to catch up with old friends and introduce them to our son!

The other event was a cook-out/pool party at Don and Rita’s house.  This is where our friendships have been nurtured over the years. 

Whenever the “former Kindergarten teacher from TCS + Rita” get together to hang out, we always crash Rita’s house… thanks, friend!  This time around, we included the husbands and kids... and look at all those kids!!!  When we all met, there were only 4 kids in existence… now look at ‘em!

If you made it to the end of this, you must really love us.  Thank you for reading and being interested in our lives.  We would love your continued prayers as we step out into this new phase of our lives.  We don’t know when we will be moving, but we know that we will be sad to say goodbye to my in-laws.  Jaden has loved having his grandparents at his beck and call, and they have enjoyed spoiling him rotten.  Thankfully, we will only be about an hour south of them (without traffic).  It’s not “Goodbye.”  It’s “See you later.”  

May - Berrios Family Update

This is just a quick note to let you know a little bit about what has been happening since we returned from Costa Rica in March.  We are living with Eddie's parents (which mean we have built-in babysitters).  We have had the awesome privilege of spending a good amount of time with both of our families since we have been back.  We have had a few out-of-town visiters much of the time since we have been home.  It has been so good to be face-to-face with family.  Now we wish we could be face-to-face with the rest of our family and all of our friends.  Unfortunately, since we can't seem to sit still, we have friends and family in many different areas of this country (and now, the world).  While I would love to take an extended vacation and go visit every one of you, Eddie has reminded me that it would be irresponsable for him to not work when he can.  Boy, I am thankful that God has given me a responsible husband!  I truly am blessed!

Speaking of work, Eddie is working as a server at a restaurant called "El Marriachi's"  here in Coral Springs.  Since it is a Cuban/Mexican restaurant, it is a perfect opportunity for him to practice his Spanish with his co-workers and to make a bit of an income on the weekends.As far as ministry is concerned, we are still seeking an opportunity to live and serve in Miami.  We are in contact with two different churches in Miami, but we are waiting on God's leading.  

One church is very small and we have been visiting every Sunday since we arrived back in FL.  The people are sweet and it seems there is great potential for growth.  The other one is a huge multi-site church with more training opportunities for Eddie.  No official job offer has been given, but we wait with faith that God will provide, as he already is.  We are so thankful to have a roof over our heads and that God has provided financially above and beyond what we ever imagined when we left Raleigh last September.  God is good and his followers are a blessing to us!
  
Please be praying for us as we seek out God's direction.  This "in-between" time is... well, not as easy as I thought it would be... yet, it is such a blessing to gradually step back in to the hustle and bustle of the American culture.  I know God has a lot to teach us and grow us during this time, so please pray that we are open to it and that we can have discernment as we take steps in the future.  


Eddie and I just got new official phone numbers, so if you would like them, please send us a message on Facebook.  Have a great weekend! And Happy Mother's Day to all you great Moms out there!

We miss you and love you!

-Eddie, Deanna, and Jaden Berrios 

Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye - Our Last Week in Tuis, Costa Rica

Adios, pero no para siempre!

Saturday, March 16

We slept in as late as we could, had a relaxing morning and then made a plan with the Morigeau family to go to the pool.  On the way, we heard from Johan that there was a fair and that there were two pools there.  He said that it was a better place to go, so we decided it sounded fun.  He helped us onto the correct bus and then told us he would be there soon. 

This new plan did not go as planned.  Our first clue should have been: we were the only ones on the bus that was going to the fair.  When we arrived, it was a ghost town.  The only people there were people working the booths and the booths weren’t open yet.  It was lunch time, but no one was there.  Anyway, we headed in the direction that the bus driver pointed to find the pool.  We found the pool all right… but it was empty.  They had closed the pool in order to paint it.  We did not have much luck.  We asked when the fair was starting and they said: 3:00.  We paid $6 for a taxi to take us about 2 miles up the road to CATIE to go swimming in the pool there.  We had been there before, and that is where we should have gone in the first place… if we had only known about the pool being empty and the fair starting later in the afternoon.  Oh well.

When we arrived at CATIE, we were pleased to see that the sun was still shining.  In fact, it never rained all day... finally the weather cooperated with our swimming plans.  It was sunny until past 4:00 when we finally decided to pack up and head for home.  What a great day to relax and do nothing after a tiring three days!

When we arrived home, our friend Chingi was waiting for us on our doorstep.  He came to visit us and say goodbye one last time.  He told us he wants to visit us one day and that he will be practicing his English for that day.  What a great kid he is!  We will miss him a lot.

At 7:00, we headed to CISA for youth group.  When we arrived, only Christian and Ariel were there.  Eddie played a game with them on his iPhone and I entertained Jaden with mine while we waited and hoped for more kids to show up.  Around 7:40, Eddie was getting a bit antsy.  

He had called Josué, and he didn’t answer.

  

He called Hector, and he didn’t answer.  

The youth group threw us a surprise going-away party!

He was just about to call it a night when about 15 people showed up from around the corner, 

much to our surprise!!!

After feeling so "unloved"... the kids surprised us and made us feel SO LOVED!  Gracias a todos!!!

They planned a “going away party” for us, and they got us.  We were both sad that no one had come to our last night at youth group.  Instead of no one coming, everyone came!!!  We had a blast.  We played “Chubby Bunny” Costa Rican style: “Chancho Gordo” (fat pig).  

Chubby Bunny Costa Rican style: Chancho Gordo.

Chubby Bunny Costa Rican style: Chancho Gordo.

We also played pass-the-life-saver-with-a-toothpick-in-your-mouth game (I don’t know what it is called).  We also made one last “Harlem Shake” video, and then Hector shared a few words of appreciation for us and a few other people spoke up to thank us too.  We were so encouraged by their love and appreciation!  Afterwards, we celebrated with pizza!

Hector, Eddie and Daniel

These two guys have been great friends to him for the past 6 months... they have also been a great source of entertainment and encouragement to us all!  Thank you for everything!

 Sunday, March 17

Our last Sunday at the Mission was a special one.  Hector planned Special Service during church where he asked Eddie to anoint the core church members and in turn anointed us.

After church, Kirsten and Ryan ate lunch at our house and invited us to their house for dinner

since we had very little food left in our kitchen.  (That's what happens when you lay by the pool all day instead of being responsible and going grocery shopping.)

We grocery shopped in La Suiza for some necessities, took a taxi home and then caught the 6:00 bus to their house.  Kirsten made tacos, and Noah and I made a sweet dessert. After a fun night of socializing and soaking up one of our last evenings hanging out with the Morigeau family, we tried to take the 9:30 bus home.  I am not sure if we missed the bus or if the bus was really late, but after about 15 minutes of waiting, Jason, a friend of Eddie’s, picked us up and gave us a ride home.  Praise the Lord!

 Monday, March 18

This is our last week of Spanish Class.  We still have class with Patricia and we are still learning more "subjunctivo."  I am not even sure your average native Costa Rican would know how to use the stuff we are learning... I am starting to "check out."  If I don't know it by now...

I spent the afternoon in the kitchen while Jaden napped.  I made Mango bread, guacamole, and started the process of packing because this coming week is so busy.  There was a Core Church Member Meeting at our house, so about 15 people were coming over for a light dinner and snacks.  Gatica made arroz con pollo for everyone and Hector led the meeting.  He encouraged them to make a commitment to this group and to make it a priority in their lives.  When Eddie and I leave, it is Hector and this group of people who are going to lead this church.  We are thankful for our time here, but we know it is in their hands and God's hands now.  It was such a bittersweet moment.  As each person left our house this evening, it was with both joy and sadness.  We are joyful for the time we had with them, but we are also sad to say "goodbye" to such a beautiful group of people.  I know God used Eddie to help them to refocus their church, but God also used them to touch our hearts and change us forever, too!

Tuesday, March 19

In class with Patricia today, we practiced our Spanish that we had learned so far, and we finished watching “El Estudiante.”  I love that we can watch movies and t.v. in Spanish and have an idea of what is going on.

We wanted to go to Turrialba this afternoon without Jaden, and Diana volunteered to stay with Jaden and study for school while he napped.  We invited her over for lunch and she stayed with Jaden while we made our last trip to Turrialba.  We wanted to do some last minute shopping before it was time to say "goodbye" to this beautiful country.

We took the 4:00 bus home, hoping to give Diana time to get to class at 5:00.  Unfortantly, the bus sat still for 15 minutes because they were painting the lines on the road.  She had to meet us at the bus stop with Jaden and head quickly to class.

Josué came by at 6:00 to help plan the Bible study, and about 6 people showed up for our last meeting.  Eddie discussed the basics of the gospel with them and demonstrated how Christ is the only way to God.  It was also sad to say "goodbye" to this group of people.  Instead, they all promised to come over on Thursday to say one last "goodbye."

 Wednesday, March 20

Even adults like field trips.  Today, we went to a farm.  A few months ago, Eddie and Amanda’s teacher Karen planned a trip to her parent’s farm for us, but it rained so it got canceled.  On Monday, she invited us to go, and thankfully today was a gorgeous day.

The farm is a 45-50 minute walk up the mountain from CISA.  Her dad ended up giving us a ride, for which we were grateful.  The house and the farm are gorgeous.   The property and the farm are owned by a woman who lives in Florida and she only comes once or twice a year.  The view is indescribable, and the clear day made it all the better...

There is a large house, a cute cabin, a barn with 4 horses, a goat, 2 cows, 3 ducks, several chickens and an oven that uses manure for fuel!!!

We had class outside and spent part of the time touring the farm.

Of course, Eddie is entertaining Patricia during class on this gorgeous morning.  Going to the farm was a great experience for our last week of class.  

The biggest kitchen we have seen in Costa Rica

The living room.

Ezra and I were hanging out in the barn
with the horses.

Our vicious teachers: Karen and Patricia

Kirsten, the "Goat Whisperer."  She made sure to check to
see if this goat was still giving milk.  It wasn't.

What a view and what a handsome husband I have!

Eddie and Ryan, with a whole lot of crap between them.
Literally.  This is where they store the manure that is
transfered into fuel for the two stoves in the houses
on the property.  Eww... gross... but very cheap!!!

The hungry chickens all huddled together.

The Birthday Girl!

Once we arrived back at CISA, we headed home for lunch.  After lunch, we surprised Gatica by calling everyone from CISA to come sing happy birthday to her and eat cake (it was her birthday yesterday).  She loved it, and it was such a great opportunity to have one last celebration with everyone before we leave in two days.

Jaden played with Noah and Ocean outside until it was time for them to catch the bus and for him to nap.  After he woke up, we headed to Samia’s house for dinner and for a chance to meet her friend, Cheryl.  Cher is a former student of CISA, and she returns to visit each year for a few weeks.  She arrived today with her friend Julie, so Samia and Freddy were excited to be able to introduce her to them.

When we met, we were trying to speak in Spanish and Freddy interjected to remind us that we could speak in English... i knew that, but i just wanted to speak in Spanish to include everyone in on the conversation and for more practice... that didn't last too long!

Anyway, Cher and Julie were very sweet.  I am glad we got to meet them.  They are both nurses and they both love Jesus.  God has used them to help Samia start her business "Samia's Garden."  She sews bags and Cheryl brings them to the US and sells them for her and sends her the money.  It is awesome... check out her page on Facebook!

We said our goodbyes and headed home with Jaden.  After we got home, we finally prepared for culture class (without internet) and fell exhaustedly into bed.

 Thursday, March 21

Our Culture Class topic this week is "Semana Santa" which means "Holy Week."  Patricia helped us with our topic and our research because our internet was not working.  I think it was blessing from God because it gave us an opportunity to converse with Patricia about her faith and her journey with God.  She wanted us to talk about the traditions of the Catholic Church during "Semana Santa" and to also talk about what the Christians do during this week also.  Since we had no functioning internet, Patricia was our sole source of information.  She shared with us the many traditions and superstitions (one of them involving this "holy branch" hanging on our door thanks to Ryan) of the people in the Catholic Church.  She also shared with us that she is taking a break from church because she does not believe that all the rituals and routines are necessary for a relationship with God.  She is right, but Eddie also got to encourage her to find a church that believes what she believes... like the Mission.  She asked more probing questions about it and told us that she likes the way Eddie thinks.  Eddie was quick to tell her that he is not the only one who thinks like that, and I hope the seed planted means that she will search out a church family where she can grow and be nurtured in her faith.

Eddie and I on graduation day with Karin, Patricia, and Ana.
Jaden with his  teacher, Diana.
I was so sad that Sonia could not be there
so I could say goodbye to her, too.

After Culture Class, we GRADUATED!!!

After a tearful goodbye speech in español... (that I never thought I would get through)... We said our last farwells to the beautiful people of CISA.  I am thankful for our 6 months here, and I will never forget it.

This afternoon was packed full of more things to do and people to say goodbye too.  At 1:30, I went to my nail appointment with Siomata and said goodbye to her.  Then I stopped by Erika's house to say goodbye to her.  Then we headed to Kirsten and Ryan’s house for dinner and goodbyes to them and Macha's family...

Then around 8:00, Karen and Silmer came over with banana bread and they gave us a ride home.  Around 9:00, our living room was filled with people who came over to say one last "not goodbye, but see you later."

... and we can't forget the photographer, Freddy!

Karen and Silmer and Sael were the last to drive away, but the final goodbye was from Josué.  He waited until everyone left before he said his final words.  Eddie and I about broke down in tears once again as he thanked us and promised to see us again one day.  (I am kicking myself for not getting a pick of those two.)  Lord willing, he plans to get apply for his Passport and Visa and come to visit us in a few months.

Finally, around 10:30, we finished packing and headed to bed.

Friday, March 22

Our last morning in Costa Rica... what a bittersweet day.  We are filled with sorrow that our time here has come to an end, but we are filled with joy at the same time at the thought of seeing family this evening.  We are sad to leave and ready to go back to the US... all at the same time.

We woke and ate breakfast and loaded up Daniel’s car with all of our luggage.  We said about a hundred "goodbyes" to Gatica and left our home for the past 6 months.  Tuis is one special little town that will always hold a special little spot in our hearts.

All went well as we caught our 1:00 flight out of San José and landed in Miami.  Jaden did well on the plane… although it was the first time he seemed to really notice when the plane took off.  He was a bit nervous to be near the window.  When we got our luggage and were ready to go, we borrowed a stranger's phone to call Eddie's dad... he was waiting for us near the baggage claim and we reunited with him and headed to our new "home," Coral Springs, Florida.

It is there that we will be living with Eddie's parents for an indefinite amount of time.  If you want to reach us, contact us on Facebook.  We have a new phone number and functioning internet for the time being!  We praise God for the little stuff!

I plan to keep this blog, but I will be updating it a lot less frequently.  I will continue to use this a s means of sharing about all the new things that God is doing in our lives, but the day-to-day journaling ends here!  Thank you to all of our faithful followers and those who encouraged me to keep it up.  We have learned so much along the way, and we hope to continue practicing our Spanish with Eddie's family, our Spanish-speaking friends, and any Latino stranger on the street.  Thank you for your prayers along the way, and please continue to pray for us as we seek out where God is leading us.