Processing: The last few months, I have been extremely sad. I miss my dad a lot, and I guess I've been in shock. As I am reading in a Grief Therapy book, I find myself mostly in the suffering stage, although I go back to shock and forward to acceptance. Most days I cry and long to be in the States, but I always conclude that I need to stay here in Peru for several reasons: 1) while I would have more support in the States, my dad is not there, and my friends are busy, so it probably wouldn't be much easier, 2) I need Josue to go through this with me, and 3) there is ministry work to be done.

Village Work: I spent most of April in various communities, translating, and teaching, taking care of, and playing with the children…in hot sun and pouring rain, and always accompanied by mosquitos. But it was restful—hammock time, river baths, nature hikes, and Skip-Bo.

Children's Clubs: I have been teaching one children’s club since February, and helping in the other two. Next week, I am beginning an after-school tutoring program, to give the club kids a place to go two afternoons a week. My team will help with homework and teach the Bible, literacy, math, and English.

National Children’s Day: Josué and I had fun creating costumes and performing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to help with a ministry event that shared God’s love to over 500 kids. Josué made the handsomest Prince Charming ever!

Josué: My loving boyfriend has patiently spent a large portion of his time helping me through my grief. This process has put stress on our relationship, but we are growing through it. Please pray for him, as he is in charge of coordinating the children’s clubs and river trips (several American teams come this summer). He is also studying English and hoping to continue his schooling.

I appreciate your prayers, any cards or packages you may send to my Iquitos address, and emails of encouragement. Rachel

Photos of the above mentioned activities have been added in Photo Bucket under April 2008.