Meet Cesar. At the time that this picture was taken he was sleeping in a bath tub every night. He didn't have a bed yet he was so happy. He always has the biggest smile on his face, I have never seen him without it. He doesn't need a bed to be happy.
These kids play soccer on ash and dirt fields almost every day. They love soccer and they always have smiles on their faces while playing. They don't need a regulation size turf field to be happy playing a game they love.
Meet Elsa. She is the most adorable, love-able, and happy little girl! She usually wears the same clothes every day but she is still happy. She doesn't need designer clothes or even new clothes to be happy.
These are one of her few pairs of shoes. She doesn't need designer shoes or shoes to match every outfit to be happy.
Meet her family, the Lopez family. They just got a new stove that wont flood their kitchen with smoke every time they cook and that uses less wood. They are so happy to have received it. They were even happy before they received it. They don't need a new Kenmore stove to be happy.
This kid is making a kite out of plastic bags. He was so excited to show it to me. He doesn't need a crazy expensive elaborate kite to be happy.
Meet Pastor Efrium and his daughter Renita. They don't have much but they give a lot. Their house is always open and every time we visit them or they visit us they have gifts for us. They are so happy and generous.
Now meet me, Katey. I am learning how to be happy without all the things the world tells me that I need to be happy. And there are so many people around me that show me that I don't need things to be happy.
You know what all these people have in common...they love the Lord. He gives them happiness in all their situations and no matter how much or how little they own. And through the Lord these people have learned to not care about their things on earth.
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. -Matthew 6:19-20
We need to learn to stop listening to the world and start listening to God. We don't need the newest, coolest things to be happy; all we need is God! So where is your happiness? Is it in the things you have on earth or is it in God?
-Katey :)
Last weekend I got to go to the beautiful Lake Atilan for a missionary conference. During the weekend the youth studied Romans 1. I learned the word δοῦλος or doulos. Its Greek and it means bond servant. I want to be a doulos for Christ just like Paul. I want to be completely sold out for the Lord and live every moment of my life for him!
We got to stay at a gorgeous hotel! 
Play fun games like the one above where Clay had to be Krister's arms and feed him. 
And a version of Dogeball with only one ball which provided GREAT pictures!
We also got to meet and hang out with awesome people! 
On one of our many trips to Santiago Zamora, a small village just 15 minutes from our home, Katey took a quick shot of our new friend Elsa. Elsa lives in a home that Servants 4 Him built last summer and it now includes a water filter and a clean fuel efficient stove. Elsa and her sisters love to spend time with Katey and especially brush and braid her hair. They have become friends.
Soon after that visit, a local magazine advertised for the opportunity to have photos published in their January photo issue. Katey submitted her pic of Elsa and it (along with one from Clay) was highlighted on page 86. Elsa was a bona fide model.
Two weeks ago, Katey had the opportunity to share the January Revue magazine with Elsa. She got to see her very own photo published and the smile that spread across her face was, as the commercial claims, priceless.
Is anyone among you happy, Let them sing songs of praise. James 5:13
(Todd)
Hope you enjoyed it. Here is the picture that I got in the magazine of Elsa...
