Ads in Apps

Now that I am playing a game online (Crosswords) I see In-App advertising more than I wish. There are times I endure the 30 seconds of “commercials” to be rewarded with some extra points. There is one that pops up frequently and has gotten my attention; it’s called “Royal Match” where King Robert needs and cries out for help to save his life and restore the Royal Castle’s former glory. Some young people (day-players) announcing the game say the benefits of playing this game: Once downloaded NO WiFi needed! (fine), NO ADS! (great), IT’S FREE! (wonderful), “Do yourself a favor” for it is “satisfying and relaxing”.

I understand the gratifying feeling of helping someone in need and even saving a life from danger and death, but the challenge is not always achieved and there is the possibility of failure. I have not played it, but I don’t see any attraction, relaxation and calmness in a game where the character is in an ordeal with a face of despair and anguish.

“God save the King” not me; I pass, thank you.

CROSSWORDS

Crosswords used to be found in newspapers, magazines, books and now also online platforms. I recently came across an app called “WOW” (Words of Wonders) which is a combination of a crossword puzzle and word search. No download is necessary, it’s free with adds that last 30 sec.

I was allured to crosswords being awared that this activity is intellectually stimulating and offers a much needed mental exercise for my forgetful mind. It is said this “game” helps to prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. If I ever get this type of dementia; I won’t even remember all the time and effort I have put is solving them.

For the moment, I am satisfied to resolve each challenging level. am engaged and carried away by them for is also entertaining and fun.

Mr. Glock.

Going back to Dubuque will never be the same for me without Dave and Melsie there.

#EmmausDay

Emmaus Bible College

IBCM Hispano 2017

IBCM Hispano is the Spanish version of International Brethren Conference on Mission held every four years. More than a dozen Spanish-speaking countries reconvened in the beautiful Caribbean Island of the Dominican Republic; in its capital, the colonial city of Santo Domingo. The theme was “Christ’s Mission Today” and the purpose of the conference is to encourage, to pray for one another, to make connections, hear updates and share with one another about what the Lord is doing. The fellowship that we enjoyed included times of prayer for each other in small groups, workshops, meeting new people, seeing old friends, excellent food and conversations in one of the four hotel restaurants, two swimming pools, a white-sand beach in bright sunny shiny days with clear turquoise water and above all, the warmth of the hospitable and friendly people of the D.R. who kindly took us sightseeing.

The conference itself went beyond my expectations in many ways. I enjoyed the preaching sessions more than anything. It was great for me to sit and be fed with straightforward and thoughtful teaching. And even though the conference was held in a resort, I thank God for the opportunity to spend time with my Dominican brothers and sisters in their home and church.

Group from Bolivia

 

60 Anniversary

1956-2016

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Party of emotions

“Why, why…why this had to happen when everything was going so well?” I heard the minivan driver say repeatedly right after the collision. I guess he had had a good day of driving his passengers and just before sunset, six of us came all together, filled the vehicle at once and this meant his last shift for the day. His split second of distraction brought a “party of emotions” with the same speed that the accident happened. All of the sudden there were people very angry at the driver pulling him out of the car to beat him up. The driver was obviously scare and anxious. One little girl from the other car had a small bleeding wound in her forehead and was crying. The mother was loudly wailing in despair. There was the one in shock and speechless. There was one annoyed and irritated by the inconvenience and delay. In the air that we breathed there were doubts, sadness, guilt, fear and even a bus full of teenagers passed by and they made senseless boisterous noises as if something funny had happened.

I remember in slow motion those few minutes with my senses all heighten; in the dark, in the madness of the crowd and in the confusion of the moment: the car approaching, the sounds, the faces, the voices and even the smells around.

It was really nothing…we were very perplexed, a little bit sore, but everyone was counted for;  very thankful to be alive!

PS

We had gone to Santa Cruz to check the place where we wish to hold the next camp. You can see the fun we had in my facebook album “Spying the land”

FIFTY-SEVEN

Yesterday, March 6th, was the school 57th anniversary. The traditional festive ceremony has been postponed due to failing health of one of its founders, Mrs. Loraine Train.

We do give thanks to the Lord for the school. We praise the Lord for his faithfulness and all the people who have been touched and involved by, through and in this ministry.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

 

Last day of classes

 

This morning we had our last devo (chapel time) for the 2012 school year. There was excitment mixed with sadness. Now it starts a two-week period called reforzamiento (reinforcement) which is an opportunity for students with low grades to improve their final notes and get a passing grade.

Here are some facebook pictures of all the grades and two of my little fourth graders painting the wall as a good-bye to the school year!

School LV Anniversary

55 years since the classrooms opened their doors in the Christian School of Camiri.

55 years serving the community.

55 years of God’s blessings and faithfulness.

55 years and hundreds of lives touched with the Word of God.

Gene and Loraine Train, founders