The retreat was a really good experience. God has been teaching me alot recently, and I've been discovering alot about who he is and what he asks of me, and so it was really good to have some time away from Santiago and away from the ministries and other people to have some time to refect on what I've been learning and let it sink it. I was thinking alot about freedom from the past, and thinking about how far God has taken me through things, how strong yet how gentle he is at the same time. How he comforts us, and how much he adores us. There was one time when we had time specifically for being alone in prayer, we could wonder anywhere and just have some 'shh time', I ended up going back to the room because nobody else was there. I was praying and just worshipping God, and ended up dancing my heart out. I had such a good time! God is a God who ENJOYS us, which blows me away. He romances us, and sends things purely for our enjoyment.

We also had a really great time as a team, and got to spend more time together, and enjoy the swimming pool and the great weather. A weekend of relaxation and luxury, before the last push before Christmas.

Since being back, I have really had a feeling of joy. I was kind of worried before I left that my Christmas was going to be really difficult, that I wouldn't be that close with my team by now and that I would just be missing home so much. but actually I feel completly different. Our team are so close that they feel like my family, it's not going to be the same as usual, but it's going to be different, but that's not always bad. We will have a hot Christmas and have a barbeque and spend the day in the sun, then go to the beach the next day. I will miss everyone back home, but I don't feel depressed about that, I feel blessed that I have such great friends and family, and I will be praying that you will all have a merry Christmas and a happy new year! It is good to have people to miss, because it means that you have people you love alot, and people who love you.

Last night we spent some time making Christmas decorations as the girls :) we had pancakes and played some amazing cheesy christmas music. I am getting very creative whilst being here! it saves alot of money. Our house looks like a santas grotto, it's hideous, but I love it. I think that if ones house is not very nice in the first place, there is little point in spending money on making it look really pretty for Christmas. I'm sorry mum, i think you would hate it, there is tinsel and ribbon everywhere.

Anyway, before I talk too much about all the nice things I've done and you all think I'm not working! Let me tell you how the ministries are going..

The Hogar is stil going good, the garden really has helped alot. It is alot easier to connect with them, and I think I enjoy it more anyway, and so I am always more enthusiastic. I am getting to know a few of them a little more personally and that helps alot. Also with praying more for them, God has really changed my heart for them. I am alot more patient, and I love them to pieces. Last week we had a prayer time after working in the garden and one of the boys prayed. It was a very simple prayer, as he was not really sure what he could say to God, but he was praying that God would look after the garden, and look after each of us, and that he would help us look after eachother. it really touched me. I know God can change these boys.

The prostitute ministry is also going well. Although last week it was a national holiday and there was no men out at all, but the people who went just prayed for the streets and for the men. I am finding this ministry quite difficult recently, because there has been not very many men out, and so we tend to just stand in one circle and talk with them. But the Spanish is far to fast and with far too much slag for me to understand. I am left feeling quite useless, and I feel they may think we just come to watch them or something. I dunno.. I know that praying whilst we're there is really useful, and powerful, but it's difficult sometimes to remember that I am being useful.

The art ministry is alot of fun. We are making a drama at the moment involving a huge 10 foot wall made of big cardboard boxes to the mission impossible theme, you will have to wait and see it on youtube when it's ready :)

Thanks for all your prayers and support, I am praying for you also!
Loads of love, Emma xx