This morning after prayer and breakfast the team split up to serve in two locations. Some went to the Connection Cafe. The Cafe is gaining popularity in the neighborhood even since its grand opening on Monday. Today’s guests included two brothers ages 11 and 13. They go to school in the afternoon each day. To practice their English their mother sent them to the Cafe before school today. The pastor’s wife from the church which sponsors the Cafe, the retired pharmacist from Monday, and several other people we met earlier this week all returned for more English conversations. We met several new individuals who are excited to return regularly. Many of our conversations ended with, “See you tomorrow.”

The name of the church that sponsors the Cafe is Iglesia Alianza Cristiana. One year ago, IAC planted a church ten minutes away in the town of Bella Vista. While part of the team was focused on the mission of the Cafe, the rest of the team went to the church plant to paint the sanctuary. A fresh coat of paint will provide an inviting environment where people can meet and follow Jesus.

 After lunch our bus driver, Willie, took us to his home town of Villa Tapia. Today is Willie’s birthday! What a great day for him to bring VBS to the children of his own neighborhood. Popcorn, cotton candy and a bounce house were the “icing on the cake” after a round of music, crafts and Bible time. You may have read on Facebook that one of our teacher/translators woke up without a voice this morning. God is doing his work of healing in her, and while he does, the team continues to flex and adjust their approach doing Bible time with all 70 kids at once. The 217global team is an amazing group.

Today’s most impressive sighting… Six people on one motorcycle going too fast to catch a picture. You just have to believe us.