Category: Family

One thing I really like to do is problem solve or fix things. I know that sometimes I might actually be creating problems too, but I am human right?

Since we have been here we haven’t had any bookshelves and being homeschoolers this can be an issue. We brought over many books and still had others bring more, but this has only caused me to get more in trouble with my wife for not having bookshelves ready.

Well, finally I am building some shelves, but I had some problems to solve. First, I have 2 saws – a circular saw and a reciprocating saw. Neither saw is really designed for building furniture. I also am short a router, sander, tablesaw, and so many basic tools that I am use to using to build furniture. Secondly, how do I make them unique, functional, and mobile? Third, very limited amount of money to spend on the project at hand.

Well here is a little solution I came up with: boxes. I am making small wood boxes to support the shelves. Now we could also use a coffee table and some end tables, so I am designing those with basically the same concept. The boxes can be stacked in different configurations. They can stack horizontal or vertical giving two different heights to a shelf. I found while making the shelves, that at 32 inches wide it didn’t quite look right to have a box at both ends, so I used one and used screws to help stabilize them.

Here are some pictures to show the process and concept:

First the problem – too many books, no shelves. (One part of the solution in the corner.)

The first one is 32″ wide and is ready for the books.

Here are examples of how they can be configured:

This one has a shorter shelf on top, it would look better if it was even shorter.

Concept coffee table using the same boxes:

So you might be asking how this fits in to being a missionary. Well, first we are still a family and we live in a house and still homeschool. There is a normal part of living no matter where you live. Secondly, how do we solve problems. Do we let things  stop us or do we find solutions and move forward. One of the things I am learning on the field is to keep pressing on. There have been many challenges, but through Christ I know there are solutions and positive results of each of those challenges. I do believe what the Bible says in Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Raising children is never easy. Raising them in the ways of the Lord so that they will not stray, even harder. But the mercies of the Lord are great and He can do what we can’t.

We had the privilege to talk to both Jeremy and Joshua in the last week. This was our first time talking with Joshua since he went to Mexico and it seems like it has been a year (yet it has only been about two months.) He was still excited about being there and serving. Then speaking to Jeremy who was visiting the Mission for a week was also able to tell us how God was working in his life and in Joshua’s life.

To be able to hear from your children that they are following the Lord, giving their life to the Lord and trying to only make decisions with the Lord can fill a parents heart with joy!

I pray that all my children will one day fill my heart with that same joy as they serve the Lord.

So children, bless your parents and serve the LORD. Seek Him with all your heart, mind and soul.

Check out our friend’s music and website. Radhames plays across the country of the Dominican Republic and other latin American countries. God has gifted him with music and preaching.

Radhames Reynoso