Thanks for being persistent and patient. Here is an update. Matthew wanted to put it in web site form but opted to do his grades first since they are due today. Please look up Pan American Christian Academy web site that Matthew and his class updates weekly. It is http://www.paca.com.br. Perhaps you can link it to our name somehow for those who wish to know more about our ministry. God's blessing. Simone

Hi Friends n Family,

I trust you are well and blessed in the Lord. Here is what the McKinnons are doing currently.

Ian (7) - just had a birthday with a soccer theme- soccer clinic, soccer outfit, soccer cake. He is picking up reading like a pro and can either be found with a book or a ball.

Logan (6) - loves kindergarten and ice cream. He has shot up 3 inches and is learning to tie shoes. He recently got on a school bus to go to a friend's birthday party without our knowing. But we met him there so he wasn't lost long.

Evan (4 1/2) - goes to Brazilian preschool and begs to stay longer each day. He speaks Portuguese fluently and even teaches me new rhymes. He loves to play with Nolan and his cars. His favorite activity is drawing and writing his name.

Nolan (11 months) - is our sunshine baby. Wakes happy and sleeps happy. Learning how to walk but not there officially yet. Loves to clap to Happy Birthday song and move to the music. You just have to see it over and over it is so cute. He plays a great game of chase on his knees.

Simone - plays a game of chase to keep up with all these boys. Loves to hang out the clothes, read stories and take pictures. She is in charge of keeping the house in order and marshalling the troops to help her in that task. She also loves to email and keep up with friends and supporters.

Matthew - has the 7am bus route to school (the car with 3 boys), figures out ornery problems in the computer lab with equipment, teaches 4 classes a day and fits in as many unidentified projects as a day can hold. His work doesn't stop at the end of the school day. He switches hats to Dad or Maintenance Man or provider or all three at once. Living in Brazil brings unique challenges in dealing with the bank, getting equipment fixed, or doing document work.

Prayer Requests

1 - Pray that we can get our taxes done swiftly.

2 - Pray that we can raise funds for a remodeling project here at home. The house has two rooms at the back that we would like to bring into the house by enclosing the stairs. This is a $5000 roofing project.

3- Pray for Luiz who lives on our street and has been coming to church with us. He is really seeking the Truth.

4 - Pray for safety. Another teacher's car was stolen at gunpoint at a stoplight nearby. It happened to be the car we sold them. They are praising the Lord that all is well.

5 - Pray that we may be effective witnesses in the lives of our students, neighbors, and those we meet such as in my aerobics class.

We will pray for you. Thanks for writing and supporting and praying. Love ,

the SMILEN clan

S imone
M atthew
I an
L ogan
E van
N olan