It's my turn now as I bring you up to date on what's been happening with our family. As I ponder on Rick's article, I am reminded of our children and how they respond to poverty.

Joshua our youngest (eight years old) will sometimes comment, Mami, why do people live in such small houses? I would say, "That's all they can afford." Josh would look at me with a look and say, "Then let's give them some money so they can buy a new house or let's make them a new one." Its pretty simple for him, there's a need so let's fill it. It isn't that simple but I wish we were all so willing to help as a young child is. Joshua has started third grade and is enjoying school greatly. Like our older kids, reading comes easily to him and he is reading way above his grade level. He continues to love airplanes and has re-discovered Legos. He is building and designing the inside of airplanes (the seating) and I love to see his imagination at work. Like most kids of this generation he loves You Tube and discovers new videos on airplane disasters, roller coasters and games.

Richie is 14 years old and has started his freshman year at the High School. He is taller than me, has long wavy hair and his voice is so deep. It is nice to see him and his sister walk off to school together every morning. They seem to have discovered a new connection even though they say that they ignore each other once they get to school. We went to Back-to-School Night and his teachers already seem to appreciate him. He loves learning, reading, and computer games. Richie is very aware of the problems in our world. He loves to debate and he is taking French this year.

Aida is 16 years old and is now a junior in High School. Both she and Richie went to Heifer on a retreat this summer and came home with a renewed desire to eat fresh vegetables, not to waste food and to make a difference in the world. Aida is very passionate about the crisis in Darfur and wants to do something to make a difference. She is taking three AP courses (Spanish, Language Arts and U.S. History). Plus she continues to participate in the Performing Arts Club and Ladies Ensemble. Rick continues to teach her to drive and hopefully soon she will be able to take her driving test and have some more freedom. As a mom I am truly proud of our three kids. But I do have to say that we are challenged with the usual problems of teenagers trying to break the apron strings, and not doing things the first time I tell them to do something. They are regular kids.

Rick and I are trying to enjoy them because we know that before we know it, they will be off to college. We are also spending more time together as a couple and rediscovering how important our relationship is. We truly are a gift to each other and make each other better. Rick will be doing some deputation in September in Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, so he will greet you in our family's name. We are both getting ready to give classes at the seminary, I will be teaching the "Intertestamental Period" (the time period between the Old and New Testaments) and Ecclesiology. Rick will be teaching a course on computers, one on sects and one on discipleship. We continue to work with our church planters and strive to support their ministries.

As you hear so much about the work of International Ministries around the world and the "World Mission Offering," please remember us. We cannot do what we do without your help. We ask for your prayers, for your visits, for your financial support. Please consider adding a gift to us in your church budget or in your own family budget. Also don't forget about special projects. If you are interested in giving please click "DONATE ONLINE" on the www.internationalminstries.org homepage. You will find us in the Iberoamerica section of online giving.

We thank you for your support!

Blessings,

Mercy