The Window, The Window, The Second Story Window...

Today was fun and interesting. We were waiting for the cable guy (internet/phone/TV) who was to be here between 9 & 10. However, he never came. While we were waiting, though, Sister Reina and Amanda came to the church grounds to collect banana leaves. That was a little adventure by itself. Go look at Lori's Facebook photo album titled "August 2010" for some neat pics, and be sure to read the captions.

I'm sure many of you have seen the beautiful pictures of the mountains and scenery Lori and Erin have been posting. We do have an incredible view out some of our windows. Lest you think we live in a resort, I felt I should post some pictures from views from my bedroom. This first picture to the right is a view towards the street out the window just over our bed. Note the lovely shade of brick and mortar accented by the elegant razor wire. This particular razor wire can also be seen around most of the church property. We happen to love this razor wire as it helps us sleep more soundly at night - absolutely not kidding. This wall is really tall and runs the entire length of the property in the front, save for the solid iron gate we use to enter the property and which can be slid back to allow vehicular access to the courtyard.

This courtyard can be seen through the first window in our bedroom, sort of. The view is partially blocked by the classrooms (most of the lower left of this picture). These are part of the elementary school, but are also used for English class by Teresa. They may also be used for other purposes, but I'm not recalling them right now. Note the vapor light in the upper portion of the picture. As we have no curtains, this makes its presence known all night long. We have adjusted well to sleeping in a slightly dim room.

The third window, saving the best for last, is actually the middle window. On the same wall as the first and just to the right of it, this window boasts an incredible view of the upper wall of the aforementioned classrooms.

You may detect a hint of sarcasm in some of the previous sentences. I want to make it clear that this is all to be taken in good humor and is in no way intended to be complaining or whining. We are incredibly blessed to have such sound and secure housing during our time in La Palma. Our accommodations are luxurious compared to most here and even some in the States. We have been given a pretty big responsibility by living here. These are God's rooms, and we must present ourselves as a family who understands and treats them accordingly. We are keenly aware that all eyes are on "the Americans".

Don't forget this week's daily prayer request for the Lalli Family Mission is to pray for a unified spirit in the local congregations as we strive to make plans that will help the body as a whole and each individual congregation.