July 4, 2003

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

We hope that all of you are doing great. We are doing great.

Things have really been busy around here. Just to give you a little idea of what we mean, we have had 3 weddings in one month. All the wedding were of people here from the home. One of the weddings was our daughter's. Kathy Lee and Daniel Vincent were married on June the 3rd. This was a special moment for us. One of the other couples that got married, were two young people that came here to change their lives. The other two were Samuel and Paula. They work with youth ministry at the Garça church. Samuel has also been ordained and is one of my assistant pastors. We have had several people saved here at the home and at church. Several have been baptized. Last Sunday I had the privilege of Baptizing our 5 year old adopted son, Titus.

The school here at the home is coming to a close for a month's break. This break is kind of like your Christmas break in the U.S. We have several new kids here at the home. Most of them are under the age of 12. Of course, getting new kids always upsets the basket. All the other kids get jealous and think that we might not give them the attentions they need.

We had a ministry team coming from Atlantic Shores. We had a great time with them. They ministered to several schools in our town and nearby cities. In some cities we had the services outdoors. Many professions of faith were made. We were able to get most of all the names so we can continue to with follow-up visitation. In the cities where we have mission points the name were given to the preachers so they can visit in these homes. We are privileged to have with us this week Brother Larry Glass and his son Lee. Even though we had never met they have been faithful supporters. It has been wonderful to meet them and spend some time together. Of course, our children here always enjoy having someone around and trying to speak English with them.

We want to thank all those who have been sending special offerings. Here are some of the things we have already done: 50 new mattresses, shoes, aprons, and uniforms for kitchen workers, and we are getting the money together to buy the table top (Stainless). The closets will be also worked on this month. Lots of the little things have been taken care of. One of the things that will cost us the most is the roof. Right now it is dry season so things aren't too bad. But we really can't do too much painting until we solve some of our roof problems. Otherwise it will mess up all the paint job. Praise God for all of you. May God richly bless each of you.

People always ask us about how much the kids eat and how much food it takes to feed these kids everyday. Well, here the main food every day are beans and rice, no matter what else you may have to eat. Just for you to have a little idea if you went to buy groceries for a day this is what you would have to buy: 55 pounds of rice, 16 pounds of pinto beans, 12 chickens or 30 pounds of meat, and 100 quarts of Kool-Aid, 15 heads of lettuce, and 20 pounds of tomatoes. Ready to go buy some groceries? Thanks for all your prayers and support. May God richly bless all of you.

Love,

Odali & Kathy Barros
Tito, Jonas and Gabriel