don't worry! i am still alive. sorry it has been awhile since i wrote last. i don't always have access to the office here in the church where there is internet access. there is an internet cafe in Consuelo--but i have to take a moto (taxi that is motorcycle) and i've decided that is NOT my favorite mode of transportation. plus, i'm not really supposed to go out on my own much.
anyway, i am doing really well. God has just continued to bless me over and over. of course, i still miss everyone: friends, family, and even pets!, but it has become less overwhelming. Omerky and Yasyris the two girls living in the same house with me and we are really having a great time. they are so sweet and considerate, and in the past few days they have really just been treating my like their friend, which is wonderful. the youth group here in the church is also very welcoming and i foresee myself having a very difficult time leaving this place.
as i said before, we still have no running water--which i was able to easily negotiate--until will lost power. there i was, trying to take a sponge bath in the darkness. all i could do was laugh when i dumped my only bucket of water over my soapy head...and missed! yeah, i am THAT talented. haha. so, needless to say, baths are few and far between. ah, the good life.

i've started beginning my research over the past few days and i am really getting excited! there are two water systems and a clinic being run by this church and today i visited the clinic. the power is gone for the moment so the clinic was closed--asi es la vida--but i sat and talked with the woman in charge for over an hour. what a blessing. this culture puts so much emphasis on relationships that it is vital for me to really take the time to get to know the people here. fortunately, i love doing that!

well, i don't have alot of time here--my battery on my computer is about to die--but i wanted to take a minute to say hi to everyone and to let you know that i'm doing well! thank-you so much for your prayers--i lean on them more than you know. i was writing to my prof this morning and i told her that this past week i've really been overwhelmed by my short comings (i won't list them here, it'd take to much space! haha) but lately God has been showing me that He has chosen to use me, not only in SPITE of these shortcomings, but BECAUSE of them! how amazing! it is truly only by His infinite grace and mercy that i am able to sit here calmly in the knowledge that there is no way on earth that kate davidson could survive this internship on her own. praise the Lord i've got the One who calmed the waves on my side!

there was a group here from canada the other day and they showed Facing the Giants for the youth here in the church. yes, it has its corny moments, but i was really blessed by it! only by seeking God's face and truly relying on Him will this summer be a "success".

well. again, thanks for you prayers!
Praises: God has revealed His love to me through SO many different people.
--i'm not sick
--my appetite has returned (anxiety got the better of me for a bit!)
--for Omerky and Yasyris
--the support of my prof here, Smita

Requests: i would continue to remember God's sovereignty
--i won't be overwhelmed by my inadequacies (sp?)
--still pretty homesick at times
--i would really surrender my heart, body, and soul to God and that i would hold nothing back!