July 11th..We arrived back in Calif. just in time for a Pettit Family Reunion. They seem to be getting smaller every year now that Mom and Dad have passed on. The family is still huge but getting everyone together is more difficult. We are making a great attempt at staying connected through FaceBook though. Food as usual was delicious and there was plenty of it. Lots of catching up on what is happening in each other's lives and entertainment by one of the youngest...Red's only granddaughter.

July 5th This past weekend we were able to visit with one of our kid's family at their restaurant. We enjoyed good food and fun visit with them. As we were shopping in the Globos we heard our names being shouted, when we turned around it was one of the girls from the program with her mom and sister. It was a joy seeing the kids outside of school and with their families. We picked up some good buys too.

June 31st The Camps...one of my favorite places of ministry. It was in a camp I first understood hopelessness, extreme poverty and felt the darkness of evil. Over the years as we have worked with the people of the camps I have seen how the Light of Jesus can change all of those things. Going to the camp this week with my friend Vero helped me see it anew thru her eyes.

June 28th A busy week with the kids, lots of fun. They are always so full of joy which makes me rethink how I start my mornings. With all they have to bear they greet each day with smiles and a sweet spirit. I love all my friends that make up the staff and we are making some great memories. We have moments that make us laugh and others that bring tears. Had fun over the weekend shopping at the Globus and enjoying great food. The beach is chilly but beautiful, so we've enjoyed visiting it.

June 19th Today is Tyler's Birthday ..our oldest grandson turns 20. How the years have flown since he was born. He has brought such joy into our lives. We pray he stays close to Jesus and loving every minute of his journey into adulthood. The organic garden...named the Lasagna Garden because of the many layers it's built upon...is starting to grow. They harvested a few radishes this week. The boys I'm working with love crafts and storytime. We talked about bomberos..firemen, they all want to be one when they grow up.We had another staff party, which are always a fun time of fellowship although they are also sad as they mean another staffer is returning home.

June 11th Yesterday was a memorable one....we took all the kids in the Dayhome program to Ensenada. We began early by making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, then as the kids arrived they were given a special t-shirt and we spent a short time singing and in prayer. After loading up we were off...some of these kids had never been out of their town much less to a big port city. McDonalds was our first stop and the management went out of their way to give us special treats. Then it was off to the pier for a boat ride... After a few kids had to be reassured we boarded. Fun, fun as we toured around...seals...and more seals. Squealing with joy the kids had a wonderful ride. Then to our last stop, Walmart!! Nothing to children in the states but these boys and girls loved every minute of shopping and spending their pesos. We adults marveled at how special the day was...surely God was smiling too.

June 6th All of Enrique's perseverance and hard work has paid off…. He graduated from The Bible Institute tied for the number one academic placement. The day before we joined Ellie and him along with his friends and family at the mission's R & R Retreat Costa Bravo to celebrate and eat some great food. This is a beautiful beach area a few miles from the mission. There are beautiful homes here and God blessed the mission with a place that was donated to them where staff can get away to relax for a few days. Sunday night was the graduation service and a banquet afterward. We had a fantastic time.