semana santa

On April 6th our church retreat begins. We will be celebrating Easter together over the weekend. A few friends and I have been working hard to prepare for the retreat. We have a few objectives: try and connect the adults, students and children; and celebrate Easter in a meaningful way that reinforces our identity as disciples and motivates us to engage the world. Pray with us for this time that we would truly connect, and experience our Savior's last moments with his disciples, his death and resurrection.

Retiro Semana Santa

Braden and Simon would like to invite everyone out for a weekend of fun at our church's holy week retreat.

number #1

After the games last night Braden remains in first place among the international Campus Outreach staff! Our friend Jimmy is in second. He picked Memphis and Braden picked Ohio State, so it all comes down to the next game. If you look further down you'll see that Amy and I are tied so far. But her team is already out - Maryland.

the sweetest ninja

She lures you in with her kisses, and then...

swimming simon

Simon's swimming like a fish!

absence

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. We've had a series of snotty noses around our house, not to mention a few basketball games.

Bush welcomed to Brazil

President Bush was in Brazil this week to discuss free trade of biofuel. Protesters filled the streets in São Paulo calling Bush a Nazi and holding signs demanding that the US military leave Iraq. Not many people are too aware of the prejudice felt towards Bush and his foreign policy in South America. As you can see he's not too popular here.

playtime

Lucy spends about an hour each morning in her room listening to music and playing. Yesterday she played so hard she fell asleep.

3 slices of cake

At our graduate group this past Thursday we celebrated three birthdays: Wandson (this past Tuesday), mine* (Thursday) and Patrícia's (Saturday). We continue to discuss relationships. Some interesting questions that came up during our discussion were:

1. Is it necessary to date in order to know someone well enough to marry?
2. How much do you need to know someone to marry?
   
3. Are you personally experiencing healthy friendships with the opposite sex, in which you can learn more and be prepared marriage?

There were others but those stood out from the email responses. Anyone can chime in.

*Thanks for all the email messages, phone calls, and video chats on my birthday. I appreciate the love.

a big day

Today is Jeff's 32nd birthday (for those of you who are counting!)... I know he'd love to hear from you all. From me, Jeff, I just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday and thank you for being the man you are, the husband I love and the most inspiring Daddy to 3 little piggies.

Much love today!