I’ve decided I need to carry a camera around with me all the time. The other night I was walking through the dorms to my truck to leave, and one of the older guys (probably 18) was sleeping in his bunk wearing one piece zip up pajamas complete with feet. Like the ones you wore when you were 5…powder blue. No idea where he got them. Then tonight I went out to the home and one of the guys was wearing soccer shorts with no shirt and a suit jacket. It is Sunday I guess…. At any rate, it keeps me entertained.

Speaking of entertaining….last week I ate too much fruit and this week the tastebud’s on my tongue were really sore. Fortunately I had some Orajel that my buddy Bryce brought with him and left with me last fall. I’m not really sure why he had Orajel exactly, but who am I to ask questions. It worked well and I was happy. The entertaining part came when I used some of it while watching a soccer game with some of the guys. Of course they all wanted some. It didn’t matter that they had no idea what it was. So, being the nice guy that I am…(long pause)…I passed around the bottle and let them dab a bit on their finger to put on their tongue. Well, seriously…I’m still laughing. At first they just kind of tapped at their tongues and pulled on them as they started to lose feeling. Then they started chewing on it with it half out of their mouths, all the while trying to talk but slurring their words and mostly sounding kind of drunk. It was at this point that I realized I was onto something. You have to give me a break here…I don’t have TV. So that night at supper I would just stand nonchalantly by a table and pull out the bottle. Always there’d be half a dozen guys who’d start clamoring for whatever it was I had. So of course I shared. Seriously…so funny…. I pretty much circled the room before most of them caught on that there was a direct connection to whatever I had in the bottle and the line of guys poking at their tongues.

Once again, I think I fall into the category of worst missionary ever.

Well, I’m just under the two week mark, before I leave here. I have a conference in Costa Rica (I know…tough life) before I continue on home. I should be arriving around the 19^th or 20^th of May, so that’s cool. I’m excited. It’s starting to sink in with the guys I think. I’ll be home for three months and for them, that’s an eternity. I have to keep assuring them that I’ll be back. I’m trying to start wrapping up the Bible studies and counseling sessions that I do. There’s no doubt that’s going to be the toughest part about leaving. I really enjoy the discipleship groups I’ve been working with. Two of the guys have already asked me if they can start up groups of their own in the fall to teach the book that we’ve been working through. That was a good moment. =)

Some prayer requests. I’ve started packing and organizing my house. My most stealable stuff I’m either taking home with me or storing at my friend’s house. I’m still trying to figure out what to do with my place though. Three months is a long time for a house to sit empty here. So please pray that I can find someone trustworthy to stay in the house while I’m gone. As well, pray for protection for my truck and the things I’m leaving behind. I kind of like my stuff and would like to return to it. =)

Pray as well for the guys and my ministry at the home. As I said, for most of these guys, three months seems like forever. For some of the guys I’m the only adult they connect with in any meaningful way, and I think it’s going to be difficult for them. As well, there are a couple of weekly counseling sessions I’m involved with, and it’s hard to leave in the middle of something.

I have some exciting ideas for next year when I come back, so please pray that those plans will continue to develop in my absence. I’ll explain more as soon as I can.

Finally….last time I asked for prayer for my relationship with Miguel and Edly, the director of the home and his wife. Unfortunately, that relationship has taken a turn for the worst. I definitely need patience and wisdom to know how to proceed through these last couple of weeks. I know that God is at work through all of this, but it’s turning into a bit of a tough road. So please pray for that as well.

Oh yea….I’ve also broke out in this weird rash on my hands and arms (and legs and chest). It’s kind of painful and very itchy. Perhaps some kind of punishment for the aforementioned Orajel incident? =) At any rate, I would definitely like it to clear up soon. I’ve got some pills and a cream, but so far it’s not helping much. Ah, life in a tropical country….

Again, if you know of any opportunities to share about what I’m doing down here, I’d love to hear from you. Just drop me a line and let me know what dates work best for you. And if you want to grab a coffee or lunch…I’ll be home soon!! I like the sound of that! =)

Thanks for praying as always! See you soon.

Ken