Check out the Centre

I thought it was about time I put up some pictures of the actual centre, so you all can picture where it is I have been living for the last few months. I was just showing these pictures to some friends this past weekend, and they were surprised at how nice the centre seems. Although it' s true that we have beautiful large grounds, etc., pictures can be deceiving, and sadly on closer inspection things are very run down and dirty.

Picture # 1: The entrance to the "Centro Cristiano Para Sordos" (The Christian Centre for the Deaf).
Picture # 2: A picture of the dining hall. The palm tree reminds me that I am living in a semi-tropical location.
Picture # 3: Looking out from the dining hall towards the class rooms (building far left), the offices (straight ahead), and another random building (on the right).
Picture # 4: The girls' dorm building and the park.
Picture # 5: The common area inside the dorm. This is a typical picture of what it looks like in the afternoons. Anahi is sitting on the couch knitting and talking to Mercedes. Manuela is sitting in the armchair grinning. Jhesica is walking around with the cat from upstairs, "Dukesa," and Irlanda, Marianela, and Melvi are at the table working on homework.

The Final Stretch

It's hard to believe that by this time next week my time at the centre should be over. Things are picking up speed as the end draws near. Today is Jhesica's 11th birthday, and I plan on going into Quillacollo to buy her a cake for a little tea party this afternoon, which will be a nice break from all the busyness of homework and exams.

On Saturday we have the closing ceremony and parents will be coming to pick up their children and get a report on this past year.

Blessings:

-The girls are getting better from their colds and God has kept me healthy in the midst of all the sickness.
-A special weekend with friends in Cochabamba.
-E-mails and facebook messages from friends!
-Time is not dragging by as much.
-The girls from the lower grades have been doing well in their exams.

Prayer Requests:

-I have to teach the lesson at the Thursday evening meeting. Please pray that God would give me a lesson to share and that He would speak through me despite my limitations in sign language.
-Please pray for the love, joy, strength, patience, and wisdom to finish off my time well.
-Please pray for the girls in the higher grades who still have exams that they would be diligent in their studies, do well, and pass.