Though the people here have not quite caught onto the idea of recycling yet–they certainly know how to reuse things! This man created a useful, little cart out of various items other people had discarded. He took the wheels from an old baby carriage, strapped an ironing board on top of the wheels for support, and then added a metal basket. Make-shift carts like this one can be seen throughout our city, often used to sell various goods such as ice-cream or cups of coffee–our version of the hot dog/pretzel carts in NYC.

This is a “bittersweet” time of year here. May brings the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and lots of other delicious seasonal fruits, but unfortunately, it is also the worst month for allergies! Please pray for us as we suffer through this sweet time. (The car is covered in yellow pollen! )

Grape vines can be found in our city and in villages all over this place. On a recent visit to a  formal garden, we saw this knotted vine that reminded us of an important truth, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 Today, let’s thank God for the community that He has placed us in, and His power and grace in our lives!

In GM, Mother’s Day is celebrated in March, but we don’t mind celebrating again! So today, as you thank God for your favorite mom(s), remember in prayer the mothers here as well.

People in GM highly value art and literature from their native sons and daughters. This home belonged to one such man who lived during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A famous poet, he is also credited for bringing many European innovations to this land–he was the first to import a grand piano!

Psalm 24:9

“Lift up your heads, you gates;
    lift them up, you ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.”

Today is Easter in this place, and just as we often do in the U.S., people will greet one another with their version of, “He is risen. He is risen indeed!” Please pray with us that this truth will sink into the hearts of many people, and that they will experience the amazing power and freedom of Jesus’ resurrection.