Allen Update: Home School Conference

Here are a few more shots from our time at the Homeschooling Conference.

The Allens pose with Mr. Steve

This was the view right outside our room.

Carly and Caleb were also able to participate in the Learner's Showcase. On this evening, the students are given time to showcase something they have learned during the school year. It was so neat to watch and listen to all the different things that the kids shared. Carly chose to play the "Surprise Symphony".

Caleb sings "Nutin' for Christmas"

(When we practiced at home, he was so "into" this song. He would act it out and just really ham it up. But once he got on stage, it was a whole different ballgame! I guess he got his first taste of stage fright. We were just proud that he got up and did it. I'm sure the other will come eventually!)

On the last day, the older kids went on an all day "mission trip." They had been preparing all week to go visit a nearby Deaf School and minister to the students there. Before they left, the parents were asked to pray over each of their kids, asking God to protect them as they traveled and to use them in a special way to minister to the Filipino students.

Robert prays for Jamin

Carly and her "team"

(She wasn't very thrilled that she was on a team of all boys!! Just give her a few years, right?)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the younger kids had a mission of their own. A nearby preschool brought their students to the retreat center and our kids were paired up with a new "friend" for the morning. They played together, sang together and did several other activities with their partner.

This is Caleb with his new friend, Jordon.

Since the older kids were gone for the full day, the younger kids finally got some time on the giant water/mud/soap slide! All I can say is that it was one of the highlights of the week!

This picture says it all!!

A few more pics of Caliraya Re-Creation Center

The older kids returning from their trip

On the last evening, the kids preformed a musical they'd been working on all week.

This is one of Caleb's new friend he made this week.

Carly also made several new friends this week. There was one young lady that Carly became especially close to, but for security reasons, I can't show you their picture. She and her family are living in a Creative Access Nation. Our prayer is that someday we will be able to visit with them again.

Caleb just being Caleb!

This is Caleb's new friend, Lauren. She was on the GVBC team and is a black belt! When she discovered that Caleb was taking karate, she spent a little time helping him with some moves. Thanks, Lauren, for taking time out to work with Caleb!

Carly and her new friend, Autumn.....who happens to live in the Philippines! Yeah!

The GVBC Team

Thanks again, Green Valley. Words cannot express how full our hearts are after spending the week with you guys. You have loved on us, encouraged us and made us feel like royalty! Thank you so much for sacrificing in order to come minister to us and our kids. May God bless you more than you can imagine. I am praying that our paths will cross again someday!

And thank you, Aunt Phala, for a wonderful week and for letting us join in all the fun. It was wonderful to get to know you and all the folks in your company. Thank you for making us feel right at home! You're doing an incredible job and we pray that God will continue to use you in a mighty way as you minister to homeschooling families.