Sonidos Serranos

Sonidos Serranos: Sounds of the Sierras...
Reflecting some of my family's interests: God's wonderful creation (especially mountains and hills!), music, and language...

Psalm 121:1-2 (NASB)

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

26 April 2017

Six years ago...

On April 26, 2011, I wrote:
Weeping for ourselves but rejoicing for Jonatan David Torres who is now singing in his Savior’s presence...
Today we say a brief “Good night!” We will see him and rejoice together forever on That Eternal Morning!

Photo taken on Christmas Eve 2010

The grieving process is difficult. And the ongoing nature of it often takes me by surprise, actually...

We are thankful, as extended family, for you who take a moment to let us know that you not only pause to remember but also to pray – and to let us know that you’re remembering and praying! We appreciate you!

Just this past April 21, one of Jona’s classmates wrote to me:
I wanted to let you know I was praying for your family yesterday. I first heard of Make-A-Wish when Jona was sick, and yesterday I became officially certified to be a Wish Granter. I had a chance to tell a little bit of Jona’s story and what a blessing your family has been, and I wanted to share with you the incredible impact Jona continues to have on my life.

We are thankful beyond words for comforting words like these and, above all, for our Loving Shepherd who faithfully leads us in righteous paths – for his own Name’s sake!

23 April 2017

Pray for us! (April Ministry Report)

The past three months have been some of the most intense for us since our arrival in Uruguay. We rely on your prayers. We appreciate you.

You can read the full report at Good News from a Distant Land.

We are hurting as a nation today due to a complex homicide-suicide, involving a ten-year-old and his coach. 😢

Please pray for Uruguay!

17 April 2017

Birthday Thoughts

Birthdays tend to be sobering occasions for me. The constant ache of missing my Mommy (my kindred spirit, growing up) flares into sharp, stabbing pain – again. And, quite frankly, the idea of getting older is not one I like very much at all...


This year, a hymn captures the longings of my heart: “O God, My Joy!

And I enjoyed this birthday fully! I’m still basking in its afterglow...

2017 is one of those years where my birthday and “Semana Santa” intersect; consequently, E and DJ had the whole week (plus one day) off from school; our family’s “traditional” idea of “birthday season” was therefore extended – without effort – and we were even able to get away and take a little “birthday drive” on my actual birthday. The constant demands of the academic year make us especially thankful for quick outings like these.

Our afternoon drive ended in Colonia, on the western side of Uruguay. E gathered brochures and fliers for her ongoing “tourism project” for school, and we enjoyed walking around the historic quarter of the city.


How shall we caption this photo?!
(DJ was worried about people walking into our picture
and, according to him, ruining it!)




I love the Silk Floss Kapok (“pink trees”) that add such a vivid splash of color to the otherwise muted colors of our autumn...

We watched the sun set at Playa del Rowing on the Río de la Plata...



And then we went to “Istanbul Gourmet: Mediterranean Restaurant” – definitely a highlight for me!

Now we won’t miss “The Pita House” in SC quite so desperately!


This evening we went down to “Plaza de la Armada” in Punta Gorda (one southern tip of Montevideo) to sip mate, watch ships, and drink in the crisp autumn air and sunset.


Skyline of Barrio Pocitos, Montevideo


On the eve of my birthday, students and friends surprised me with a “postre chajá” cake at a little gathering they had planned at our house.



These were a sweet gift from another student in class tonight!
(¡Gracias, Claudia!)


So many joys!

15 April 2017

“O God, My Joy!”

O God, my joy, you reign above
In radiant splendor and beauty.
Your Word has drawn my heart to love
The awesome sight of your glory.
Your blazing light and gospel grace
Shine brightly from my Savior’s face.
No other wonder would I see
Than Christ enthroned in his glory!

Sustained by joy in trial and pain,
I trust your wisdom and mercy.
Through suff'ring that your love ordains,
More like Your Son you will make me.
For Christ embraced the cross of shame,
Beholding glorious joys to come.
O give me faith like his to see
That suff’ring lifts me to glory!

Compelled by joy, I fight the sin
That turns my gaze from your glory.
Your Holy Spirit dwells within;
His presence arms me for vict’ry.
Let death and hell against me rise;
Through death I'll gain eternal joys.
All pow'rs of hell will bend the knee
Before my great King of glory!

Words by Paul Keew & Brian Pinner
Music by Paul Keew
© 2008 Watchsong

I love Molly Ijames’ arrangement (published by SoundForth).

13 April 2017

“Proyecto Turismo”

Trabajando en el proyecto de turismo con las compis... 😎

¡MONTEVIDEO!



12 April 2017

A little outing…

Today was a beautiful autumn day – sunny but pleasantly cool – perfect for a little family outing, especially since this week is a break from school!

So out to the “Criolla del Prado” we went...

We walked around, looking at local artisans’ work for display and sale.

JM finally found a hat to replace the one left on a bus years ago.


The food was great!

Crêpes (literally!) stuffed with dulce de leche!

We were glad our order was misunderstood, and we ended up with only two crêpes to share among the five of us!

10 April 2017

School Pics!

They’re off to school together this year!



Here’s a glimpse of the official “mug shots” for 2017!

02 April 2017

“Happy Birthday, Dear Abu!” ♥

E drew this picture especially for “el Abu” on his birthday today:

A Trip around the Sun