A VERY BONDI CHRISTMAS

 NEXT TO SANTA AND NO ONE IS CRYING !!

(yup, blue candy cane mouths)

 RECEIVING CHRISTMAS PACKAGES !

 ALWAYS SMILING WITH A COOKIE NEAR-BYE 

 ANGEL AND WISE MAN

MAKING CANDY CANE COOKIES !

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Martin Luther has said.... When I am told that God became man, I can follow the idea, but I just do not understand what it means.   For what man, if left to his natural promptings, if he were God, would humble himself to lie in the feed-box of a donkey or to hang upon a cross?  God laid upon Christ the iniquities of us all.  This is that ineffable and infinite mercy of God which the slender capacity of man's heart cannot comprehend and much less utter- that unfathomable depth and burning zeal of God's love toward us... Who can sufficiently declare this exceedingly great goodness of God? 

(cited in Roland H. Bainton, Here I Stand)

Mike is so blessed that he married someone who loves to eat.

Ha ha ha.
Before the time just slips away; here is a bit of an update!
Friday night was the closing ceremony for the fall 2011 WEC candidates.  Those who went through the 4 months of missionary training were prayerfully sent off to the field.  Tonight was a special time for us because we began serving here with WEC the same week training began!  The provisions Michael was asked to prepare was to be similar to that of a wedding feast!  My friends; nothing was left to be desired after this mouth-watering spread!  There is a man on fire here; serving others in the name of the Lord.  It is so great to see and be a part of the gifts Mike has and how he selflessly works to lift others up with them.  And as always there was an incredible team of hard-working brothers and sisters who came alongside and made this night wonderful for the candidates and attendees.  Here are some pictures that give you a glimpse into the really-whats-going-on-down-there-in-PA.

Dining room where all meals are eaten.

Mike : )

He was especially proud of his pumpkin pecan bars.  So I ate 3.

The spread.

Blackberry Yogurt with Raspberry Fudge Brownie Parfait.

That reads Almond and Currant Florentines.  Yum.  Come get some; there are a few left.

Thanks for taking the time to catch up on our lives.  We would love to share more if you are interested; email is the best way to reach us, bondi5chef@gmail.com.  In Him, Michael and Denise

the leaves are beautiful here, too

Thanks, God.  The NH beauty reflecting the magnificent God we serve is here in Philly, too.
This water tower is across from my front door. I live here!

PA adventures

self timer pictures. : )

yup; it was a good day for a wrestling match. 

these were taken on our excursion north to a park where the play area REALLY looks like a castle.  (Not a park where there is an old castle to check out, as I thought until we showed up.  That was a laugh out loud shout out to Kay who told us about this amazing, beautiful place where we had a really great, really needed family day.)

Can I get a WOOT WOOT?

One year ago...

...This left our home in Fremont, NH and today; it is at our home on the hill in PA.

The "Pearl Harbor" movie and missionaries

my eyes are droopy

my back a little sore but I do want to give you a little more update.

We are here serving with WEC.  Our current status is as a volunteer (as we did not begin with the Candidate Orientation class, so we cannot yet be considered official WEC staff).  This word, 'volunteer', did not seem to carry the magnitude that Mike and I have in our hearts as to our commitment here.  'Volunteer', in the past, would be used as "I volunteer to bake the cookies for the bake sale."  Then we were watching Pearl Harbor (the really long one).  It was the end of the movie and the US Pilots were off on a dangerous mission to avenge the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Japan.  Alec Baldwin, as the commander, is giving the last words to his men about how brave they were and how proud he is of their sacrifice and hard work.  He says, "There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer".  EXACTLY!  Right on!  Flooding my mind were images of volunteers; giving their all, choosing to be there when they could be anywhere else, and finishing the task well.    So now I will hold my head up high, smile and say we volunteer at WEC/ Reaching people, planting churches.  Where do you volunteer?

Putting food where your mouth is

Ok.  Yours was not there.  But mine was.  So were 150+ others.  My husband, who would never tell you this himself, just served 300 plates and 300 snacks A DAY all week long.  Not just any meals, mind you, but MOUTH watering creations.  Noticed I used the word served.  We stepped out and followed this calling to PA where a kitchen manager was needed.  Was there a crazy dream of fire with flames saying "Go to WEC and work?"  No.  Was there a prophetic word from a friend saying "You will cook in PA."  No.  But there was a need; so we went.  I am beginning to think if we always wait for the 'perfect' calling we won't end up anywhere! God has really blessed us these last 2 weeks as Mike has LEAD our family with his SERVICE here in PA.  Diligently, through his humble yet strong leadership, he has truly given meaning to a labor of love.  So I want to thank you for being with us through the trials and triumphs of chapter 1 (Spain).  Thank you for your prayers and support as we are able to feed His sheep.

adios NH

Chapter 2 continues in a new place with a new plot.  We have journeyed to Pennsylvania to serve with WEC International USA.  WEC stands for Worldwide Evangelization for Christ.  Reaching People/Planting Churches. Michael has accepted the position of kitchen mananger and has jumped right in!  This week is the bi-annual conference for WEC.  There are over 150 people here and we have had the chance to talk with so many missionaries about what they do and where they have been.  Another conversation; another country name I had never heard of!

It is 11:30pm; the chef has succumbed to his heavy eyes and weary muscles.... but we promise there is more to come.  ~Michael and Denise

click here for where we've gone!

The eve of the eve

I sit here in Northern Ireland on the eve of the eve of returning to the USA.  I had a moment yesterday where I really was not sure where in the world I was.  I had walked through Belfast to visit with a friend from Czech and we discussed out time in Spain quite a bit during the conversation.  We then reminisced of the times we had known each other at Camp in NH, even looking at pictures from then!
Spain.  Our time in Spain is done.  I'm not happy; I'm not sad.  It was a season.  A time in a place.  But now its over.  Does it 'make sense' yet?  Does it matter?  We listened, and went.  Now we will return to the states with a few summer plans; plans of searching and seeking.  But then ?  In a few months there will be another eve of an eve to something.  The next place to go.  Will it 'make sense'?  I'm not sure; but we will go.  And now I know it will be okay.  We are still Michael & Denise; Rosalia, Anthony and Salvatore.  The Bondi 5.  And that I get to take anywhere in the world with me.

Hola? Hello? Cheerio?

We have made it to England.  We played Bocce on the green grass of a castle just a few hours ago.  In a few hours we will take a short nature walk which lets out into the nearby town.  We hope to find some tea and crumpets at an English Pub.  I don't know what crumpets are but it sounds nice.  These few days are turning out to be a nice, relaxing break from the classes and packing we just left behind.  We have already had MANY conversations here with missionaries and staff here at the WEC base.  Teachers and chefs seem to be in need at bases and boarding schools all over the world....hmmmm.

SpEngIremerica

This Saturday begins our 4 country trek;  as we hope you have read our last post for explanations on that title word.  Mom here has been packing, shipping, shopping, and trying to get her head around leaving.  But we just got here?  Well, not really.  Yet it took us longer to get here than our actual time being here?  If you know anything about me, I have some sleepy, slighty damp eyes and my head cocked slightly to the side praying and biting my nails all at the same time.  We have been blessed with many friends and activities and important happenings over the last few weeks of my own non-blogging.  If you have been a DAILY follower, as I know some of you are, I apologize and I hope these pictures will explain why.  (Though I am sure you were blessed by the many posts by Michael and just how much God has laid on his heart!!)   And if you were the above-mentioned frequent blog reader, I'm sure you belong into the list of people we will see, REAL soon.

the goodbyes starting...

Recitals AND BFF around the globe!

sneaking in every last little bit of school...

no one gets left behind

literally our first Mijas family meal; awesome night!!!!!!  all enjoyed the Masala Indian!

The Bondi Family, June Newsletter

The Bondi Family, June 2011

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                             OUR JOURNEY

Our journey to G42 Leadership Academy in Mijas started two years ago when we were called to a new ministry path, we did not know what lay ahead, but knew every step we would take would be secure, as we trusted in the Lord to keep our feet on solid rock.  My time of preparation and equipping has been a great blessing to our future as a family.  It has strengthened our covenant of marriage, parenting skills and we have learned how to be a greater blessing to our community and tribe.  The friendships and relationships we have been blessed with in Mijas have not only helped us through our time here, but will continue to be a catalyst to Ignite Passion, Unleash Freedom, and Go to the Nations.

          I have no doubt that I have been set free, given an abundant life only available through the grace of God my Father.  Though ignited long ago, my own passion for feeding the hungry physically and spiritually have been fueled by the tools I have received in leadership, planning, and execution of my vision for the Kingdom Dream.

WEC INTERNATIONAL, BULSTRODE, ENGLAND

          As our time in Mijas quickly comes to an end, we have set a plan in motion and with your continued prayer hope to carry out the vision as we return to the states.  On June 16^th we will attend graduation dinner from the G42 Leadership Academy.  On June 18^th we will say “hasta luego” to our friends and fly to London, England where we will spend a week at the WEC International Headquarters (Worldwide Evangelization for Christ) at Bulstrode.  This week will be an externship as we conclude our training with G42 Leadership Academy.  We plan to serve them in any way possible as they facilitate and train hundreds of short and long-term missionaries every year.

MERCY CHEFS, CHAMBRUN, HAITI

          As we return to Boston on June 30 we will be spending time with family and friends before I fly to Haiti on the 16^th of July to serve with Mercy Chefs in Chambrun.  There I will be working to feed an orphanage run by Nehemiah Vision Ministries, the Haitian arm of Campus Crusade for Christ.  Plans will be finalized this summer to open their micro-enterprise bakery to sell to the community in order to bring money into the orphanage.  I will be there for 10 days.  We would like Denise to be able to come for at least 5 days of that time to serve together those in need.  Please pray for the logistics to come together.  

Please pray for Gary LeBlanc, Mercy Chefs Founder; they have been extremely busy the past two months with this tornado season.

                                                      CATALYST CHRISTIAN CAMP, NEW YORK

After our time in Haiti we will be headed to Long Island to attend the family camp weekend at Catalyst Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Putnam Valley, NY; and then going on to Fort Washington, PA to meet with the national WEC USA Base and continue talks about what plans may be in store for our family.

          Our base for the summer will be my childhood home in Rollinsford, NH; my parents will be moved into their new home and have offered to let us stay there until Labor Day.

PLEASE PRAY!

·         That our last 2 weeks in Mijas would continue to prepare and ignite our hearts.

·         That the funds for the WEC externship to England will be raised. ($1300)

·         That the funds to serve in Haiti will be raised.  ($1600)

To support us financially you may to do so through the G42 Leadership Academy website or through the Support tab on the right side of our blog.

In Him,

Michael & Denise

Rosalia, Anthony and Salvatore

Michael Bondi

Please VOTE !! 
Help our wonderful friend with her vision and dream
to END human trafficking! ! 

Michelle Euperio
Hey Beautiful People! Thank you all so much for your support! If you haven't already, please vote for my shoe design so I can help women out of human trafficking through shoes!!! :) http://www.vincecamutoshoedesigncontest.com/Entry/4a69382682634f8a_aaa892b932d2d7a1

Michelle Lynn

www.vincecamutoshoedesigncontest.com

Check out the shoe I designed for the Vince Camuto Shoe Design Contest! Be sure to LIKE my shoe and I could win!

MATTOO: Boardwalk Demonstration Costa Del Sol Spain [Spanish Subtitles]

International DEMAND Change Project May 14, 2011

Please pray for todays events in Mijas, Spain.

Last night we began with a time of Fellowship and Food and moved into a time of Learning about true horrors of this modern day SLAVERY, we heard stories of the girls many interns have gone and visited in the RED light district by the Malaga Airport.  Ben a doctorate student of Theology at Cambridge University, came to share with us how the Bible clearly potrays that this has never been God's purpose for Humanity, which is also declared by the resurrection of Jesus.  God created Man and Women, BOTH in HIS Image.

Today we will be taking our Banner to the streets of Mijas to raise awareness of Human Trafficking.

May 13-14, 2011

A Historic 2-Day, International Anti-Human Trafficking Event

The Demand Change Project 2011 is the first ever and first annual event of its kind. Produced by Breaking Free, a leading anti-human trafficking advocacy organization for sex-trafficked women and girls and by MATTOO, a pioneering men’s anti-human trafficking organization, this unprecedented 2-day International event will take place May 13-14, 2011 in St. Paul, MN with a simultaneous awareness events in Mijas, Spain for the purpose of ending the demand for the buying and selling of human beings for any purpose. Never before, have a Men’s and Women’s anti-human trafficking organization collaborated in this capacity.

http://www.demandchangeproeject.org

50 days

a diet?  until a Wedding?
NO; until we are back in the U.S.A.  I helped Tony count the days on a calendar this morning.  I have literally been on the 'skype' phone calling NH today for information and plans for returning home.  Though there are aspects of this that our exciting; let us not allow our time to become anti-climatic.  TOMMORROW and SATURDAY are the human trafficking/M.A.T.T.O.O. events (see below).  Months in planning...here with g42.
HOT OFF THE PRESS...
We are in the midst, these past few days, of our plans for home to be MADE or WRECKED!  Let me give you a taste:
Mike; Mercychefs; Tornados and Haiti
Denise and Mike; Haiti trip?!
HOUSING; check off the list; we have summer housing confirmed in the charming childhood home of Mike himself.  We are all set to land and continue the plans we are woring on here.  We are making a plan and saying AMEN!!

that could have been awkward

Have you ever thought you would connect with something that seemed so obvious; then were let down to find out, it wasn't going to happen.  You could force it, but you knew it would just remain awkward.  I (Denise) knew that coming to Spain would be difficult as I am not an intern.  Where would I get adult conversations and the mom-friend reassuring your-not-alone talks?  So February came and the novelty of Spain wore off and I hit a low.  I was lonely; probably more than I ever have been before!  I was feeling, well, I was bitter about how I just did not seem to be connecting with the g42-thing.  I was really excited for the amazing and powerful messages and speakers Mike was hearing from.  Could I please hear more than the Noah-story-as-told-to-preschoolers for once??!!  Then, as March was happening my friendship began to grow with an amazing woman who I met through Rosalia's ballet class.  Not only for me, but also a friend for Lia!  She and her family are waiting on the Lord, through prayer and petition, for literally where to place their feet next to serve God.  And church!  Wow!  I had not even once thought about attending church while in Spain.  I thought I would be 'all set' since I was a part of a group already.  Gathering with others to open the Holy Bible and hear the Word of God being shared.  Worshipping with Spanish words but the Holy Spirit present is how we are as one.  HE who can allow us to connect regardless of barriers; for HE is the one true God.  Over all the Earth.  God will give us what we need; but it may not be where we are looking.  If we ask and seek; are we ready to look for the answer somewhere else? 




Was it you who prayed for me?!  I had given up on myself; but you didn't and HE most certainly never will. Gracias.

G42 Promo Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLvAtXan_94

G42

The rain in Spain falls mainly on the

Oh wait.  It rains at the coast as well.  I LOVE "My Fair Lady" (where that song is from), but, not so accurate.  I think this may be the first time the weather in Spain is like the weather in New England at the same time.  Rainy and blah?  Yup, here for a few days.  But, to be honest, a nice time out to do indoor stuff is good.
So today I (Denise) looked into UPS/DHL shipping prices to send our things back to the U.S. (and not haul them around the airport.)  Also, we started thinking about seeing people and sharing a coffee while we tell them about our time here in Spain.  SAY WHA??!!  Yes, I was talking about coming home.  HUH?  Yes, 3.5 months has gone by.  Hmmm... I have been thinking about blogging for days now, but feel like I have nothing profound to give you.  Nothing to "WOAH" you.  But, aren't we still in the middle of the "WOAH"?  Didn't we just leave?  Yes, yes, I am telling myself that it is ok to be 'in the midst' still.  I feel as though I am looking for a clincher sentance to write in this blog and yet; nothing, 

Oh.  "Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10.  Right, right. 

STAND UP, WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED

... IF YOU'VE GOT MORE TO GIVE, THAN YOU'VE GOT TO PROVE, STAND UP!

IF YOU'VE GOT A DREAM AND A LOT TO DO, THEN PUT YOUR HANDS UP AND I'LL COPY YOU. ...
~Flobots

The Men of G42 signing our names in agreement with MATTOO logo to bring order to chaos and work to educate others and fight to end human trafficking.

We had a great privelage at G42 LA this past Monday to hear from two men who patiently waited for God to lead them as they even now continue to step out in Faith each day.

We first heard from the founder and CEO of MATTOO Adrew Hanson (http://www.mattoo.org/)  He was in Portugal and decided he simply could not return the States with out coming to see what is happening at G42.  Also G42 Alum Stephanie Fisk (http://www.arise2freedom.com/) you may remember from previouse blogs, has returned to Spain to be the the director for MATTOO here in Spain.  He was able to further impart his passion to us for ending modern day slavery and Human Trafficking. 

MATTOO main goals ( taken from MATTOO.ORG)
Raise Public Awareness - Through educational forums and public events such as rallies and marches, MATTOO enables men to raise awareness on the myths and realities of human trafficking.
Research & Public Policy - Through human trafficking and public policy research, MATTOO provides a more accurate light on the realities of modern-day slavery in order to change public policy and culture
Employ the Power of Business- Through micro-finance and business development initiatives, MATTOO is able to provide hope and empowerment to those formerly trafficked by assisting them in the creation of their own business or by employing them in existing enterprises.
Collaboration Building - Through our strategic partners, MATTOO is able to refer trafficked individuals to transitional housing, vocational training, and after-care facilities.

MATTOO will be having an international human trafficking awareness event on May 14, 2011.The first ever, first annual Demand Change Project is a groundbreaking event that will take place in the USA and Europe for the purpose of educating and engaging men and the general public about the issue of sex-trafficking to decrease the demand for commercial sex and unite the male and female anti-human trafficking movements as a united front against the selling of human beings

Men are asked to donate a minimum of $25 to put their name on the MATTOO banner which will be carried through the streets of Minneapolis to show that MEN want to see an end to this global epademic.  They are already expecting over 200 men we are hoping and praying that Thousands will show up. 

We are planning a similiar event here in Fuengirola at the beach on May 14, we will be unveiling our MATTOO banner, taking it throught the city and beaches and then will Skype with MATTOO in Minneapolis as they kick-off their event. 
For much more information go to:
http://demandchangeproject.org/home_USA.html

http://demandchangeproject.org/home_Spain.html

A horse by any other name...

Yup. We finally did it. For Tony's 4th birthday on April 4th we did the horse carriage ride. Yup. The one we see from our apartment (literally the next floor up behind this picture). Tony requested it for his birthday, so, gift given! You know when a kid is so happy their eyes glaze over and they are speechless and have a little bit of that dazed, bliss look? Yup, that was Tony.

'excuse me, I left my Methadone tablets in the trash'

    That's what 'Scott*' said after he had left the soup kitchen twice already.  He had convinced his girlfriend and her inheritance to leave mother England and move with him to the Costa de Sol to start a business and enjoy life in the sun.
   So came they did, started a business, enjoyed life and got hooked on heroin and they lost everything. Sarah* got a family member or friend to finally buy her a one way ticket out of paradise and into prison. Back in England an unpaid ticket landed her in a rehab center, she said she couldn't be happier, 3 meals a day, someone to talk to about her troubles  and getting clean.

    Scott showed up late for dinner and later than he should have for a shower.  He wanted to shave also, probably hadn't in 2 or 3 weeks, had a cut above his right eye and looked like a bum; ragged and needy.
He took some clean clothes, which would need to last him till at least next week and went for a shave.  When he came back we were cleaning up and the soup and bread were gone..all of it.  He ended up with 2 small chocolate bars and a cafe con leche...extra sugar.

It was seriously hard to recognize him cleaned up and shaved.

    Jenny has been doing this a long time, almost 16 years, it is hard line tough love to look at someone and tell them they know the rules, "come on time next time if you want a warm meal with your shower and shave"... the other 22 people did, (not all came for a shower but they knew they needed food.)

    They also heard Peter's story before their meal.  Peter first came to "The Ark" 17 years ago, when it was still up where we live in Mijas.  He was an alcoholic and had been for a long time.  Peter met good people there, including Jesus his Savior,  He has been clean since then and was in town visiting his sister and brother-in-law who go to church at The Ark .  The Ark also has a thrift store and the first English speaking Christian school in all of Southern Spain, with 47 students.  They have had to cut back their soup kitchen services since so many English church members have had to go back to England because of economic hardships.

Jenny,who works at the church and school who ran the soup kitchen for 10 years is really just a 'visiting' chef tonight,  She handed over the reins last fall, but came to help with her good friend Sandra, who was visiting from England, they told us how they both had woken up in the morning just feeling sick and knowing they had to come serve Tuesday night, they prayed together that God would send helpers for them to serve that night and help clean up.

    Another intern at G42LA, Maryanne (http://www.maryanneyeary.theworldrace.org/)  and I had been seperately thinking of going to serve and called our contact, Archangel.  Archangel and his wife Elsa are missionaries here from Brazil.  They primarily work with the church our family attends Palabras de Poder, 'Words of Power".  He tries to help each week with the soup kitchen,  before working with the food pantry on Wednesday, which really starts Tuesday night.  He drives 45 minutes Tuesday night so he can sleep in his car and wait in queue so when the food distribution starts at 4-5 am the next morning he can be first or second in line and get the choice of best foods for the Palabras food pantry,  which is now feeding almost 300 people a week.

I'll tell much more of Archangel and Elsa another time... They are awesome!
Please pray for them,  they are depending on God to meet their needs each day, their church in Brazil is helping them, but they need to make an unscheduled trip to Brazil for a family funeral and for their daughter Ana's wedding,(she is here, teaches Lia Ballet and the intern Spanish classes and also graduated G42LA and is engaged to a another graduate who is from USA.)


So Scott came back in again, after Jenny talked with Sarah who said she would wire money to Jenny to buy Scott a plane ticket back to England.  He needed to look through the bags of dirty clothes and find his pants he had left 4 methadone tabs in a pocket.

*names have been changed


I left knowing that I need more humility in my life if I truly want to be more like Christ.  I alone am held responsible for choosing each day to walk with God, to be in a Right relationship with our Lord and Creator.

ALSO... PRAISE THE LORD !!
Our friends Holly and Eric have a beautiful, healthy baby boy :
Bowen Thomas  on March 27th
and he has an awesome older sister!

7 Days in Barcelona doesn't make one weak!

We had a truly awesome and blessed time in Barcelona!
Visisiting the city and it's many.... many sites, thankfully we took many photos, though I am sure when our children are older they won't believe they actually went to all those places in just one week.

We had the great blessing and privelage to be staying at a hostal run by El Lokal, a 'local' church which does a tremendous amount of local outreach, serving as Christ taught us to and showing their community how great the love of our Father God is.
I had a great opportunity to spend an afternoon lunch with Curtis and Patti Clewett. (http://www.curtisclewett.blogspot.com/)
Twenty years ago they heard the call of God to GO and tell the nations and responded by moving with their 4 children to Barcelona to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Curtis is now also one of the Spain directors for Kings Kids International (KKI)  they have been able to reach out to young children across Europe and further through this ministry.  Curtis shared with about his recent trip to Senegal where they have an opportunity to with the the Government planting trees to help communities and stop the spread of the Sahara Desert.  He also just returned from a Directors conference of KKI in Switzerland and shared with the church the incredible ministries and people across Europe and Northern Africa.  From running camps to bringing together Israeli and Palestinian children, to showing videos of revival happening in Egypt, in the middle of the riots in Tahrir Square.

God is doing great things in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.  He has a passion for people and the desire for all nations to come to know Him as Lord and Savior.

Yes, there may have been one incident on an escalator on the Metro line where a gang of pot-heads decided they would stop the escalator part way up forcing me to send Denise ahead with Lia and Tony while I carried Salvatore... in his stroller the rest of the way up.  They decided they would try and reach into my back pocket, where I never kept my wallet, except for this one time) But after I looked back and took a swing at him, they promptly ran off in the opposite direction at the top of the escalator.

We did have a great time meeting Curtis and Patti and others at El Lokal, and feel blessed by the wisdom they bestowed on us and to that God has been wonderfully faithful to them for what some may see as their sacrifices of the American Dream, they have considered it pure JOY.

Denise and I continue to seek out where we will end up in July or August. 
Please continue to pray that our time here will continue to be a blessing and prepare and equip us for the road ahead.
After 4 months of leaving our house behind, I think it was needed for us to get away from Mijas for a week so we could then return to our home here.

We pray for blessing on all of you and that our Lord would give you willing hearts and many opportunities where He has placed you to be a Light for others.

thankfully, we don't have to say that we were mugged...

only attempted.  Yes, there was an attempt to mug us, but God was with us, no doubt and we were not taken by surprise at that moment.  A little frightening, though, because the kids knew something not-so-great was happening.  So, thanks MOMs (and friends) for praying!
I have been back in Mijas for 24 hours and this is the first thing internet thing I went to.  So, if you emailed me, or FB-ed me, maybe manyana.
That was one exhausting, urban, mini-vacation!!
I am overwhelmed about what to write about.  (Didn't I just blog that I felt like I had nothing to write about?)  So, as I write this, MIKE (yes, Mike!) said when he returns from a cerveza con amigos, said he himself would blog....so, I will end here and let him!!!  But, as I am able (ninos a dormir), I will fill you in!

Announcing...

an excursion to Barcelona; t minus 30 hours!  We have a connection with a ministry there and we will be staying in the city for a few days at their hostel.  We are glad to get away and have a mini-vacation but also hope to become connected some ministries and see what they are up to and possibly, to be of use to them while there.
Praise God for the oppportunity to see more of this AWESOME world!
Pray for us as mom here has a hard time being carefree and I just want to smile and have fun; not be all worried and serious.  Parents of little ones can laugh and let loose, right?

and the winner is...

Meagan S.; Congratulations!
Meagan, you will be sent some European chocolate just as soon as I remember that the post office is only open until 2 pm every day! I noticed that at least 90 times YOU readers saw that very informative blog from 3 weeks ago!  Thank you for taking the time to read it.  (If you have not had a chance, take a moment and click here to go to that blog.)  To the 2 other BRAVE and CORRECT responses; you know who you are and you will be richly rewarded when we arrive back to New England. 
On Thursday, Mike will reach the half way point with his classes.  There is a graduation for those who have completed the 6 month program.  Mike has just finished a vision paper as well as a 15 minute oral presentation with his first ever use of power point.  YAY BABE!  I am proud of Him; I know God will no doubt bless his academic work as the future unfolds.  I hope he posts his paper/presentation here for you to see.... hint hint hun...maybe you could encourage him to do so?!
~In Him

this is a skype snapshot of the Bondi 5... have you skyped with us yet??!!

Blessed TO BE a Blessing

Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Michael, that's right, as stated they have all been blessed to be a blessing to others.  If I have not love I am nothing but a resounding gong...
The support our family has received since our journey began has been an amazing encouragement: your words, prayer and financial support.  The amount YOU have all blessed US makes us want to bless others more.  We are very near the amount we need to support our family for the remainder of our training here in Mijas, thanks to God for all of you!
One way we are paying it forward is to help other interns here, my good friend Jonathan Smith, you may remember from my sunrise man hike.  Needs to still raise $2,500 to finish this semester and $3,000 to be able to continue through the end of June.  Jon came off of The World Race (http://jonathansmith.theworldrace.org/?filename=team-work ) and new God had given him a new passion and vision for help victims of sex trafficking.  Please go and read some of his stories of how the Lord is using him time at G42 to train him up and equip him to be sent out to the nations.
Denise and I are donating $10 dollars a month to support him, I believe in his heart God has placed a Kingdom sized Dream for Jon to step into and bring Glory to Jesus.

He doesn't need you to give a lot, he needs many to give a little of what they are willing to because they have been blessed.  When you give please pass on his story any way you can so others can be a blessing also.  I have no doubt Jon is a good investment in God's Kingdom.
You can give through his website or by the support tab on our blog (to your right), simply enter Jon's name instead of our.

Thank you,
Michael

If you read in far enough, you may win a prize!

Yes, I was trying to get your attention. 
We wanted to update you on how we are doing threefold; as 'THE BONDI'S'; SPIRITUALLY; and FINANCIALLY.
1.  As the Bondi's we are making it.  Yesterday we took the train to Malaga to visit a real castle!  This being our first time in Europe; it hit me that seeing a castle was a first for all of us.  I have posted some pictures of our awesome day in the pictures tab on the right.  It was really a blessing to be healthy and able to take a day off to see more of God's creation.  We really needed a day together to have fun and not be so serious. So if you can guess the name of the castle we visited, you will be sent some CHOCOLATE from Europe.  It's way better than the states.  We know; we have eaten quite a bit.  So, comment below and the first peson to correctly name the castle we visited will be mailed this yummy PRIZE.

2.  SpirtiAwha?!  How are we doing in our walk with God.  Our relationship with the Creator.  Denise is writing so she will share first.  I cannot sit here and type that every day I wake up and smile about the beautiful ocean and the sun and the smaller share of chores I have to do because of the small space I live in.  My children and I are definitely feeling the CHANGE we made in our life.  Until these last few days, I had forgotten that there was a PLAN for me here.  Not just a big important plan for Mike, but also one of equal importance for ME.  I was made the mom of these three children and that means I am the best mom for them.  I do not have to do it on my own strength, but I can count on God to get me through each day.
     Mike has an upcoming paper/presentation he will be doing on his vision.  He has been challenged on his beliefs and why he believes them.  But God answers those who seek Him.  Through the Bible and prayer Mike has been mandated to use his gifts to feed people both physically and spiritually.  These gifts will best be used, as he shared with me just now, with his wife and family beside him.  Mike told me that he is seeing how important our family as as team can serve God together; not just Mike alone.  Mike continues to speak with prospective ministries as to how we may partner with them and serve the Lord as the Bondi family.

3.  Thank you for reading this far.  As you know, we are here by FAITH.  God has provided for our needs so far by sending along many people who have given generously.  These gifts have gotten us here to Spain and met our needs so far.  But we are not yet funded at 100% to make it through June and back home again.  Would you consider partnering with us by monthly donations or any gift in which you feel led to give?Any kind of financial gift allows us to stay in Spain until training is finished and we move on to the purpose that He has for us which will be completed.
*Isaiah 55:11 the Lord says, "So is my word that goes from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
We miss you and please know that your thoughts, words and prayers strengthen us daily.

From the Hills to the Shore

Hike with Rosalia, Anthony and Mom and Sal

Sunrise Man Hike

Sunrise

Just another day at the beach

I spy...

 

These are the horses that give tourist rides every day who live below our apartment terrace. This beautiful gal can see the mountains and Mediterranean Ocean from the same spot.





This is the park in Mijas, a 5 minute walk.  I love it here because I can see all the way across to Africa here on clear days!  (Or I can look way up the mountain behind the village).



These are two views from the steep climb behind our village.  The first picture shows the top of our apartment building and the second is from a morning hike with the family.  Our apartment faces the trees in the center of the photo. 

Below is our kitchen; I was learning about cooking chorizo (chore-ee-zo) sausage, a Spanish favorite.  It wasn't as spicy as we thought.  5 thumbs up!

Here is another viewing area in Mijas.  More awesome views of the Costa de Sol!

Below is our view from our bus trip down to Fuengriola; a coastal city.  We visited the playa (beach).  This would be looking at the coast/mountains headed northwest up the coast.

An old church (iglesia) that one can visit in and around.  We can also see this from our apartment.

Thanks for viewing this far!  We are learning so much about God's plan and motherhood; and getting to see awesome new places.  I LOVE that our children are here for this!  We miss you!

shout out!!:      thanks Christy and Rob for following us (miss you tons) and asking us to do this!