Fun and Celebration

---------------------------Ernest Soady, Josie and Roque Carranza
The most recent big event here (besides Harlan falling through the roof :) was the 40th anniversary of La Finca on April 25th. We thank God for all the lives that have passed through here over the last 40 years and pray that he will always be honored and glorified by all who live and work here. Josie and Roque Carranza, retired directors here, and some of their family were able to attend since she came back from England earlier that week. Ernest and Doris Soady, directors of the supporting mission, and Doris' sister, Margery, were also able to come from Los Angeles, California.



The Finca choir sang several songs accompanied by Alonso, Andrea, Concho, and Audrey. There were also various dramas and a powerpoint presentation of old pictures of the Finca and family.





























Maria Elena and Betty were also able to come to the anniversary and stay for couple of weeks. While they were here they also planned and coordinated a "tardeada" or afternoon of fun and games. All adults were asked to help by managing one of the games and also dressing up as something. Some of us are more creative than others (some didn't even dress up at all), but Harlan and I were able to separately come up with ideas, mine right about the time the tardeada was scheduled to start! But being Honduras, I was able to come up with the idea, implement it and still arrive about 20 minutes before the event actually started! :) I went dressed up as... Harlan. He went as a flashy brightly colored tourist.







We also had a nurse Michele...











And clown, Maria Elena...
















and little girl Betty and lifeguard Andrea...


Every game includes water in some aspect and every game is designed so someone gets wet...




whether it is by sitting on and popping a water balloon in the middle of a sack race...



























Or putting on clothes soaked in water, running an obstacle course and throwing water on everyone else...















Or playing musical chairs that are covered with wet shirts and having a bucket of water thrown on each loser after they miss a chair...









Of course, they getting wet part is always helped along when it starts to rain and it's a free for all with buckets of water, water balloons, and a hose!:)















The rains have started early this year, which is nice for the crops, but not so nice for those of us who love hot, sunny weather. The rain also helps bring out interesting creatures like the termites and this beauty which was at my eye level on the wall when I looked out my door one evening!







Now for some more random pictures: Zack, after he has given himself a new haircut :)














Andrea making Javier help her with dishes!
















and Harlan keeping Javi company... :)















In Harlan's defense, he was sick that day, but with the right medicine was well in time to fall through the roof. :) He is doing better, but please pray for continued healing of his right lower back and hip.

Also, thank you very much to all who remember us in various ways: prayers, financially, cards and letters, etc. Thank you Metzlers for the notes from many different members. You all make us feel special. We thank God for the many people who make up the body of Christ here on earth.