Friday, December 26, 2008

Merry Christmas from the Amazon!

We hope that you had a great Thanksgiving. We did, some missionaries and Brazilians in Altamira got together and we had chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and some dessert. It was a lot of fun and the meal really made me feel like I was back in the States. YUM! Elba and I also had our 5th year anniversary in November. We had someone keep the kids for the night and Elba and I went and spent the evening at a lodge. We had a really nice time. We hope that you enjoy the below email.

We realized that we have not written about CDR for a long time. CDR, our non-governmental organization has continued its focused on social service outreaches throughout the community and assisting the underprivileged. The computer and English school continues to teach the underprivileged in the community computers and English as a second language at an affordable price. The English school is at maximum enrollment with 140 students. These last semesters the English classes have been so busy because of the hunger to learn English. The computer program has been doing fine and we are planning on expanding. We are going to start an administrative assistant class and possibly a class to teach how to assemble and maintain computers.


Presently we are wrapping up this semester in preparation for our big move. CDR is moving to our Mission base because it will give us a better opportunity to reach more of the underprivileged. Plus, we are hoping to start an affordable Christian pre-school for working families, all the while, promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.



On a personal note, the girls are doing well. It is fun watching them grow and see their personalities coming out more each day. Camilly is still addicted to the trampoline, and Alyssa is right behind her. Alyssa loves jumping and getting wheel barrel rides from Elba’s Dad. Camilly loves to jump from the dead stump onto the tramp. She learned this from the neighborhood kids. This makes my heart skip a beat, and she is not permitted to do it until she gets bigger or I am present. She is very courageous for 3 years old.





We pray that you have a great Christmas and that our Lord Jesus will touch you in a special way.


Love and blessings, Steve, Elba, Camilly and Alyssa