Sure, we all complain about school every once and a while. But, if you were given the choice, I highly doubt any of you would decide to stop school when you're only 12. The kids there in Chuntrun, in Cumbre Del Gramal, and many mountain villages have no choice. The girls go to school for 6 years, and then they become full time babysitters for their parents. Soon after, they're likely to become parents themselves. The boys become farmers. That's life for them, and that's really all they've known.

The school here opened 7th grade this year, for the first time. See where this is going? A while back, we'd offered to let one of the Chuntrun girls, Dora, live with us and go to school here during the weeks.

Mom has a more detailed post on this situation.

We also offered this opportunity to a pair of sisters in Cumbre Del Gramal, ages 14 and 13. Their mother and the younger one came to our house for a meeting, said they'd talk about it, and then we never heard back from them, assuming that the answer was no.

Well the new school year here started today. Yesterday after church, guess who showed up? The girls' parents were there, saying their daughters could come! Noemi(14) and Roxana(13) will be moving in with us this Wednesday. Lots of last minute preparations, tying up loose ends, and such will be going on these next two days!

The girls will be living with us during the week, and going back with their family on the weekends. I'm really excited, if a little anxious about all this. The girls have never had electricity, and don't speak any English. It means some big changes; on both sides. Keeping the work here in your prayers always is appreciated!

... I'm getting two new sisters!! :)

Always,

Erin :)