Wow! Two updates in one day! We just happen to have a few hours of free time between this afternoon's activities and tonight's church service.

This afternoon we visited a private, well-to-do, bi-lingual school for grades K-12. The program was much more laid back than yesterday at the University. We visited several classrooms, performed silly skits, sang some children's songs, and basically participated in conversation with the students based on questions they developed prior to our arrival. About 30 minutes before dismissal, we taught the students the game of kickball. It was a beautiful day to be running around outside! It was a sunny day with temperatures near 80 and breezy -- each of the previous days here it has been in the upper 80s -- very hot!!

The conversation time with the students was very enjoyable. These students are part of a cross-section of the population we haven't had much exposure to until now. Very well-traveled, many of them had visited the States and were very inquisitive as to our impressions of their country and as well as about our lives in the States. At first glance, it would not appear that the economic crisis has had a significant impact on the school, though the director shared with us that their enrollment has dropped nearly 20% as compared to this time last year (their school year in just commencing this month).

On the drive to the school, we saw more evidence to the economic depression. Many of the new, large, modern business buildings are empty with weeds growing up around the edges and "for rent" signs in the windows. Many have left the country for a better way of life. The economic conditions are taking a real toll on the psyche of the people who remain. We think that is what exacerbated the issues at customs. Needless to say, national pride is suffering as the people seek a person or political party in which to place their confidence. We know the One who is unchanging, who knows of each one's needs, and can be trusted. Pray that we might have more opportunities to boldly proclaim that Truth!

Thanks for your prayers. Our thoughts are with America and our troops. Three of our team members have immediate family members in the Middle East. News trickles in slowly.

Tonight we will share one skit during the church's Thursday night service. Two team members will have the opportunity to share their testimony.

Tomorrow we will take a side-trip to a German village in the mountains. We are looking forward to a chance to get out of the city and see yet another side of the culture. It will be a full day, followed by a late dinner at a church member's home. We may not get an e-mail out on Friday.

I think that's it!
Take care,