My Year In 25 Snapshots or Less.

All right, guys, today is the big day! Is it the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic? Was the Treaty of Marseille signed today? Have they finally figured out how to make calorie-free-but-still-mind-numbingly-delicious fair trade dark chocolate?

No, on all counts! Today is a much more important event than any of those examples-it’s my one year anniversary with the ministry! One year ago today, I arrived tired and (slightly) anxious at my new home, Esperanza Viva Youth Homes-Puebla. So kick back, settle into your chair, and look at some photographic representation of how great the last year has been!

Welcome to La Vina, where I learned how to eat a cemita!

Keti was punished severly for making us lose our laundry priveleges...

I made friends with these lovely ladies

And always stuck my tongue out for the camera.

We had bonding moments over chicharines stuck in improbable places

And witnessed to all in need of God's word, including this red-haired gentleman.

There were work projects

And mud-related accidents

Some amazing views!

And some really scary ones!

I was introduced to goat intestine soup (yes, I ate that. It was chewy.)

And got to hang out with these great guys!

But then La Vina ended, and the REAL work began!

We found Malu's favorite pose for the camera was the same as mine:

See?

English class is for language learning AND for sitting in trash cans.

And if you don't have a trash can, you can always sit on your friend.

We had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree

And put together a play all about "When Jesus Was Born."

We made forts

And I drank tea

And took some much-needed selfies!

It was discovered that I can't clean a cajon to save my life,
 but luckily, these little ladies stepped in.

It was also discovered that I make a wonderful couch!

All in all, it's been a great year. Here's to the next one being just as awesome!
(left to right back row: Dani, Karina, Evelyn, Karla)
front row: Ale, Ada, Alisha, Angela)

If you would like to contact me, I would love to hear from you! Email me at alishatomsen@lovehopemercy.org. If you would like to support me here at Esperanza Viva, please contact Living Hope International P.O. Box 116, West Bend, WI 53095 or e-mail accounting@lovehopemercy.org to start giving today!