Prayer Request

Several weeks ago (in fact, it must have been not long after we moved here), I was lamenting the fact that I'd miss the big Beth Moore simulcast that's being broadcast to many, many churches across the US. I had the blessing of being able to go to two of her Living Proof Live events, and they were amazing, unbelievable, you pick any superlative and it fits!
Well, on a whim, I decided to email LifeWay and ask if there was a chance we could view the simulcast in Guatemala. I mentioned that, in our little community of missionaries, so many of us had done Beth Moore's Bible studies and had our faith stretched, changed and built up by her teaching.
I'd forgotten about the email after I sent it (oh me of little faith), and then, a few weeks ago, I received the most incredible email from the staff at LifeWay saying that they were not only willing to get us the simulcast, but they would do it for free! Wow.
So, I am just asking everyone who reads this to pray for several things, if you feel led:
1. That the technology will work well on that day. The power goes out frequently here (and for long periods of time), so please pray specifically against that happening.
2. In our little church community, several serious health issues have occurred this week. Please pray for protection and health for all who need to be there.
3. Release of the Spirit to do a mighty work.
4. That seekers will come...maybe those who see the notice at the cafe and are just curious, or even people wandering down the street.
5. Pray for miracles and real, true life-change to occur.
Thank you all for praying!!

Our Little Documentary

I don't usually recommend stuff on YouTube, but I have to make an exception here. Steve filmed the kiddos giving a tour of Antigua Guatemala, and we posted it on YouTube. It was made for a VBS at the church we were part of in New York, and it turned out great! Here's the link to watch it. (Just a helpful tip: Right under the video, you can click on "high quality" to get a better view). Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg3tExQThKI

Hurricane Tips

In the interest of public service, we bring this late-breaking bulletin.
Last week, Mike Moore presented Shelby Otto with a Hurricane Tracking Map complete with Hurricane Preparedness Tips. Upon receiving said map, Shelby Otto took one look at it and said, "Oh, I know what to do in a hurricane."
Jessica Otto asked, "You do?? What?"
To which Shelby replied, "You run around and panic and scream."

After he recovered from his hysterical laughing, Mike Moore commented, "And that happens to be true for half the state of Florida."

Now you know. Another helpful blog from the Otto family. You're welcome.

"Target Always Bees Open"

Those are the profound, heart-felt words of a four year old who has been Target-deprived for 3 months. I mean, what kind of mother am I??
Actually, his mother has been Target-deprived. Not to mention Starbucks-deprived.
But all that changed as of July 3. We landed in Ft. Lauderdale, and my heroic dad loaded us up and drove us more than 4 hours to my parents' house.
For the next week and a half, they proceeded to spoil us rotten. I mean, only if you count eating cotton candy and pop tarts for breakfast (the kids, not me, I had Starbucks), my not doing a single dish or cooking a meal, swimming at the pool, eating my mom's yummy food and my dad's famous biscuits, etc. as spoiling.
Not to mention that we got to visit friends, see everyone at church and stock up on a very extensive list of supplies!
The kids did amazingly well on their achievement tests (I was so proud of them), and they handled the vaccinations like pros, too.
The only downside was saying good-bye. It was really much harder this time, because we don't know when we'll be back. I'm just going to stay in denial about that.
Anyways, at the end of our little vacation, we had a handsome, sweet, LONELY Steve O. waiting for us at the airport. The way the kids screamed, "DADDY!" and hurled themselves into his arms made me bawl. It is so good to be back together and know that this is where we belong. For all the sweet family and friends we miss so much, and for all the fun things we got to do, we know this is where God wants our family, and there is such peace in that. Only He could do that in our hearts.
In the meantime, thank you to all the people who loved on us and encouraged us while we were there. We love you right back.