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Dear Friends,

Well friends it has been awhile since I did this because I missed last months update. Not exactly sure why but it happened so here is your May/June update.

Wow time is flying! In May, I was here 1 year already! In some ways its like WHOA where did time go! I am having a hard time remembering some highlights from May because it was so long ago! One thing we did with the boys again this year was pick patillas (pa-tie-yahs). A cactus fruit that grows wild around here. Scott, Sam, and I took turns taking the boys out in the mornings to pick. Some days between 4-6 boys would pick 6-9 dozen patillas. We then stick them in the fridge or freezer and later that day we have a delicious cold snack. As I write this the season is almost over so we are enjoying the last of them for this year.

Another thing we did in May was drill some more wells. I helped with one for the neighbors and another one was done in a village about 10 minutes from here. So far things have gone really well. PTL no one has been seriously injured so far as it is a fairly risky job.

June was started off by a visit home to get the younger brother Travis married off. Went out to Indiana a few days before the wedding to help with setup and other stuff. It was great to see a lot of people I hadn't seen for awhile at the wedding. After the wedding I traveled home with the family and spent about a week at home in Pa. I enjoyed hanging out with my family, playing softball and volleyball with friends, and even mowing grass. Another highlight was reconnecting with my church family. Helped with a work day at church where we painted and put up a church sign and other various things. To all those at New Hope thank you for your prayers and financial support as I serve here.

Recently we have been clearing and burning in preparation for planting sesame seed. We have had three substantial rains so far and the neighbor that helps us is coming soon to help us start planting. The other night we did some more burning which is a highlight for the boys as you can imagine. Something about guys and fire, there must be some kind of attraction for it built in.

Life here has been going well as I live with and relate to the boys. At times things go wrong and I am challenged to be an example by how I respond. As I live here I am reminded time and again to be thankful for all the blessings I have in a godly family. I hope and pray that as I live my life God would use me to minister to the children here. So thanks for all your prayers and encouragement. God bless!

Johan

• Praise God for his working in my life.

• Praise God for my supporters.

• Praise God for a great visit to the states.

• Pray for my relationships with the boys to continue growing deeper.

• Pray that I would daily seek God's help as I serve.

• Pray for patience and wisdom as I work with the boys.

     Yea so now Travis is married. Was a great wedding and got to see a lot of people I hadn't seen in a while! Spending the next week at home so that's gonna be great. Don't know what else to write and a bed is calling my name very loudly! I think I will answer the call!

Adios,     Yo

     I know its the day after Mothers Day but I still want to honor my Mom.
                              
                               Mom thanks for your love and care.
                               Often you sacrificed for me.
                               Taught me about Christ.
                               Have given me life.
                               Encourages me to follow God's leading.
                               Ready and willing to listen when I talk.

     Thanks for all you have done for me! May God bless you for all your sacrifice!