Third Grade Farewell...

I had to say goodbye to one of my students last Friday- his family is moving to Canada! I really and truly will miss him- I loved his attitude and smile and sense of humor and work. We had a big ole party for him at the end of the day, which we'd planned for all week (mothers involved and everything) and STILL managed to keep a secret from Patrick! It was so much fun. We had a cake, and one of the mothers took last year's class picture, photoshopped me into it with his second grade teacher, and got it framed with a mat that we could all sign. All the kids had made cards or letters at home for him and brought them in and then we took a picture of all of us in the classroom. And then we prayed for him. I started, and told the kids that if they wanted to say a short prayer for him, to raise their hands and I'd say their name. About six kids did that, including one boy that is new this year and not from a believing background, but had become good friends with Patrick. It was so beautiful to be able to do that, to encourage them to pray for each other, and to hear Patrick say "It doesn't matter where we are, God is still with us."

It's been one week without him, and we said several times every day "I miss Patrick".

The only good thing about it is that now i have 16 students, which (unlike 17) CAN be evenly divided into rows, or work groups, etc. *grin*

Pictures of the Farm Trip and Emily's kids...

As promised here are some pictures of my P-4 field trip to the Farm and some of Emily's kids as well. Just click on the picture below to view all of the photos. Enjoy!

Farm adventures

Emily's Third Graders

First Month of P-4.

Well we have made it through the first five weeks of school.

All is going well, so I thought I would post just a few pictures of P-4 thus far. Just click on the picture below to link to the album I hope you enjoy them.

We have a three day week this coming week due to Easter Break.

I hope you all have wonder-filled Easters and remember..."Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15" That was this past weeks Memory verse...every one of my kids can tell you that verse....how cool is that!

Blessing to you all

Cindy (and Emily too!)

P-4 2009 March snaps

Please visit Emily's blog for a new post...

http://leinbacker.blogspot.com/2009/03/one-year-ago-today.html

Back home in Peru

We arrived safely in Lima of Feb. 24 and have been on the go ever since.



We had just two short days to get our classroom and lesson plans ready for this year. It was a whirlwind of activity and stress but we both accomplished the goal with lots of help from our co-workers.



We have had a much better start to the year this year than last, the staff is ready to support each other. Pray that language and culture differences do not change the camaraderie that is just beginning to grow within MCS staff.

Pray also for the administration and the relationship between them and the rest of the Staff. Anyone who has spent any time teaching in schools understands the inherent tension between administration and teachers. Both sides are trying to help the children to the best of their abilities but often do not see eye to eye. While there are no huge problems at this point in time if we have many people praying I am hoping that we will never have the problems of last year.

I am still in the process of contacting the pharmaceutical company that makes the medicine that my Doctor would like to switch me to, it is extremely costly and I cannot afford to switch to it without financial assistance. I was told that it was good I was in Peru and I will probably get better assistance with the international branch of the aid...apparently they are better funded. It would be SO nice to be able to switch...ya know beyond actually controlling the disease and preventing bone deformity in me, it would also mean instead of taking five pills a day I would take one injection once a week!!!! Just think of it....once a week, one shot....sounds like heaven to me! It makes me very sad that thinking about getting a shot once a week now sounds really good to me, when a year ago I didn't need anything.

It has been good reconnecting with friends and extend "family" here in Peru and we thank you all who have helped us and supported us in any way to make this happen.

We will be updating this blog once a month at the least so check back here on a regular basis to know what's up with the Leinbach Sisters.

God's Blessing to each of you.

Cindy and Emily

HERE WE GO AGAIN!!!!

We are going back to PERU!!!!!!

We booked Airfare for Feb 24.

We would like all those in the area who can to come to an Open House Feb 22 (Sun) from 3-7 p.m. We will be looking at pictures of this past year in Peru, video and eating snacks, it should be fun.

We are so thankful to all of you for supporting us, not just with money but prayer. We can NOT do what we need to do with our ministry without the prayers.

Thank you and we hope to see you on Sunday Feb. 22.

Another step of faith

Well, as of now, we are planning to go back to Lima for a second year of teaching!

No, we haven't raised the full amount of support we need (a little less than $14000), but in seven days we received commitments for a little less than HALF of it. We're taking that as a confirmation of God's provision and direction for the next eleven months (to go back).

If you are one of the people who have generously pledged to support us, THANK YOU. Please go ahead and fulfill those pledges at this time; make checks out to either Emily OR Cindy and mail them to us at our parents' address.

Please check back often for support updates and information on our return trip to Lima.

Love to you all!