Saturday April 18 we visited the Adventist Church in Valle where our Spanish teacher attends. We felt at home with an order of service similar to our Mennonite services. Singing, announcements, Sabbath School, offering, worship and sermon were elements of the morning service along with a presentation by the children and youth who attended a multi-church campout during Semana Santa (Easter Week).

Dwain celebrated his birthday on the 19th with more attention than he is used to. Audrey and her class provided planning, a cake and decorations for the Sunday afternoon meal shared with the Horsts and Andrea. Much appreciated gifts included a package from Mom Livengood, a big barrel of pretzels and a bag of blood meal for the garden from the Horsts. On top of that, the children added many “Feliz Cumpleaños” greetings throughout the day.

Last week was full of preparations for the 40th anniversary of La Finca, which we celebrated April 25. Early in the week, Doris and Ernest Soady, founders of La Finca now in their late eighties and early nineties, arrived. Many friends, supporters and alumni of La Finca attended the afternoon service and evening meal. The flowers that surround the buildings arrived early Saturday morning. Dwain hung baskets and planted the large flower bed outside the church hours before the guests arrived. Included in the hanging baskets were eight planted by Dwain with miniature tomatoes, marigolds and nasturtiums.

Below left to right: Ernest Soady (founder), Josie (former director) & her husband

The warm weather is bringing with it ants. Despite Dwain’s nightly caulking attempts to close holes, thousands of tiny ants have made their way into our house. Thankfully they are not on our bed or in our clothing. However, they are in our kitchen. Dwain finds ants and their actions quite fascinating.

Also fascinating is experiencing life in a home built by someone shorter than Dwain. Here is evidence that not watching where you’re going invites pain.

Harlan experienced first-hand the let-down that can happen atop building materials not designed for snow load. Friday, Harlan had an unfortunate fall through his porch roof while repairing another section of his house roof. We’re thankful with Harlan that the 8+ foot fall only left bruises and a sore back. Pray with us that his recovery will be complete and uncomplicated.

Some garden photos: