welcome home, Katie!

with a special friend: Herodia

From across the parking lot Katie waved her arms quickly, almost frantically: apart from the cool demeanor that is our daughter. She motioned us to park and hugged us both. 

The hot Paraguayan summer had kissed Katie's face and styled her hair into the curls I so love. She showed no signs of the 10-hour flight and couldn't stop smiling. She helped her teammates pull hand-carved, 7-foot arrows from a plastic tube and presented one to Bill. "Happy birthday, Dad!" A missionary is born.

Over the weekend Katie introduced us to her three-week missionary journey. The extreme heat, incredible insects, unusual foods and camp-like living conditions didn't discourage Katie from embracing her purpose: to bring the love of Jesus to the Ache people. It appears that she and her team served with a love that only God can provide, one that ignores physical discomfort and lack of American culture and convenience.

Herodia, an 11-year-old beauty, stole Katie's heart. They giggled together every day. Little Chuchugi, a boy of about five, showed up each day for VBS, eager for the games and lessons.

Many children memorized and recited scripture in the barn-like church of Chupapou. The team rewarded them with small prizes, but God's Word is hidden now in their hearts.

The missionary who led the team, Viktor Gomez and his wife Christina, inspired Katie by their tireless dedication to the Ache people. Viktor spent six years learning their language in order to speak God's love into them.

It's good to have you home, Katie. But I'm certain you left a piece of your heart in Chupapou, Paraguay.

a favorite little boy: Chuchugi

Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.

For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.

Habakkuk 1:5

Tomorrow, another of my girls who's now home!