Chicago Young Life Update

Hi friends,

Sorry it's been a while since I updated you guys. I promise to make it more often now that things are getting a bit more settled.

So I have some exciting news! We're going to camp!! I was able to talk to some donors and the price per kid went down from $320 to $100!! Thank you God and thank you donors!

So yeah, I'm going to camp, but with who?!?!?!?!

Well, I'm so thankful also because I've been meeting parents and kids and have had great success! Every child and every parent that I've spoken to is really excited to be a part of what is happening and what is going to happen. So far, I've met with the following kids that I'm sure you'll get to know over time :)

- Nathan Roman
- Hector Hiraldo
- Joseph Ruidias
- Justin Ostoaiza
- JJ - Justin's cousin who will also likely go to camp!
- Eric Castillo (I'm picking him up to take him to Portillo's in a bit :))
- Eduardo

There are 3 kids that I'm still meeting this week, but everyone above I've had a chance to meet him, parents, and some even hung out with me (or I with them) in the last week.

I'm also excited because are so willing to hang out and do things. Maybe it's because they are SUPER bored now that they are out of school, but I'd like to think that at 29 (almost - Aug 2) I can still relate to kids :)

We've played basketball and will do so again next week. And we'll also go to a public pool next week as well. We already have plans of going paintballing, to Great America, and other fun stuff.

I've really enjoyed meeting the mothers as well (I have only met 1 father) because they are so protective of their sons and they are so willing to bring me into their lives as help for the time that they cannot be with them. I've spoken in Spanish with most mothers even though most are bilingual. They immediately heard my Argentinean Spanish and knew I was not Puerto Rican. haha. Most Latino's here are Puerto Rican and the Argentinean accent is like comparing US English with English from England.

I'm still speaking with donors and attempting to connect with more people. Anna and I have not yet found a permanent home church to go to, so we are still in need of a church community, but we are happy to have good friends that we knew from before. Anna is also starting to seriously look for jobs this upcoming week as we need her to find something by, at the latest, middle of August.

Thank you guys for your thoughts and prayers.

More to come soon! I want to introduce you guys to my kids one by one with pictures and video :)

Blessings!
Pablo
805.698.1615

The "Happiest Place on Earth" Trully Becomes So...

My friend Dia Becchio sent me this link that she got from one of her pastors in IV CHURCH. I love when Jesus busts out for NO reason. I mean, just look at how this started...a person saying, "it would be cool if" in the privacy of their own bedroom. When we think, "how cool would it be if...." we might be receiving a vision and prophesy from the LORD. Don't brush it away.

http://kristendarpa.blogspot.com/2009/06/miracles-explode-in-disney-land.html

Otaola Humboldt Park Apartment Update Video

Our Apartment in Humboldt Park!

It's a mess right now! But we wanted to get a before and after picture :) Here's a video though... the pictures don't do it justice :)

More Paisley Videos and Pictures!!

I hope people aren't getting too annoyed with these blogs, but she keeps having "firsts" and we want to capture them and share :)

Again, videos on top and pictures at the bottom...
















She follows us EVERYWHERE!

Look at those eyes!! :)

My two curious girls working together :)

I can't believe she sneaked right in!

Okay she's sleeping with her leg dangling!

Just chillin'

I'm not a fan of kisses on the lips :(

Make your own caption...

She can be SO hyper, but when she gets her belly rubbed she'll stay FOREVER!

Young Life Online Donation

Hi Guys,

I just found out how to give online "one time gifts" or "recurring gifts" to my Young Life area. if you are interested, please look below.

Here's how you do it:

1. Open up Firefox because Internet Explorer crashes.... bummer!
2. If you do not want to do Firefox, or would rather call a person, please call (877) 438-9572
3. Go to:
1. https://giving.younglife.org/starthere.aspx
4. Choose "Recurring Gift" or "One Time Gift"
   
5. Fill out your information up top
6. Under GIFT DESTINATION
1. Type in the amount
2. Click on "A Young Life Area Ministry"
3. Click the green search button that appears
4. A pop-up window opens
5. Type "Chicago" in the search box
6. Hit the go button (pressing enter doesn't work)
7. Our area is IL31 (it should be towards the bottom). It says:
1. Northwest Chicago - IL31 Urban Office
   
   Northwest Chicago
   2100 N Kildare Ave
   Chicago, IL 60639-3660
   (773) 489-5949
8. Hit the orange "select" button for the corresponding area
9. If you are paying by direct deposit from your checking, then choose a date next to "EFT"
10. If you are choosing a credit card, then choose a date next to Credit Card
7. Under PAYMENT INFORMATION
1. Choose one of the payment methods
2. A new part under PAYMENT METHOD appears
3. Fill in your account info
4. Click submit
   
8. You can then create a profile so you can log in easily next time if you want :)
9. If you have any questions, please give me a call or you can call the phone number for Young Life Giving - (877) 438-9572

Thank you guys for caring about us!

All Set Up!!

Man it feels good!! Got my computer, my internet, my secure wireless connection, my speakers, my scanner... everything set up!!

Loving it!

I even worked with a current client a little bit over CrossLoop and everything worked great :)

Little by little we are settling in!