Update

Kari and I are doing well with school as things are wrapping up for the year. The Mexican government's standardized testing is preoccupying our students right now so there isn't much take home work that we are able to give. For our end of the year in class project we tasked our students with a book they get to create. It was Kari's idea. I decided to go with it too and I'm glad I did. My students love this assignment. A couple of the students are even putting bible stories into their own words which is always warming to see.

Our bible study in Hocaba has slowly been growing and we are starting to see the fruits of our labor. Over 75% of the men in Hocaba are alcoholics, which is one reason that going to Hocaba every week is so important, because this is what they think growing up consists of. With a couple of the young teens we have started a discipleship where we get together with them and invest in their lives. We meet with Rogelio and Laura every week and share the bible with them and help them work on becoming a disciple of Christ. As time goes on we hope to add more for it to become a small group...and the end goal is for them to raise up disciples of Christ (Mat. 28:19).

On July 13th Kari and I fly home to see family, friends, and a nice break from the heat (although since the rainy season began it has been very pleasant). We will being sharing in church a summary of our trip and maybe a video that we have compiled since we've been here of different ministries we are involved in. We'll also be relaxing and going to weddings every other week. We return again to Merida for our second year in the middle of August for teacher training and all the prep that goes into teaching.

We haven't heard the final word on what we will be teaching but Robert has alluded to Kari's biology background so she might be teaching middle school science and lab. I will be starting a music program (gen, band, choir) for the school. It will certainly be a growing experience and I covet your prayers as both Kari and myself prepare to teach in areas that we are passionate about.

As Kari and I reflect on what has happened this year we are inspired by what God has done in our lives. As a married couple we have grown closer to God and in turn grown closer together. At the same time we have found new ways in which to grow that we didn't even know about! Good times:). As individuals it is astounding to think about where we were in our faith a year ago and compare that to where we are today. Actively listening to God and living with a desire to grow and to be transformed...transformed us!

As for coming to Mexico in hind sight, we came for completely different reasons than why we are staying. We came because we made a plan. A plan to fit into what we want. In the book of proverbs it says that we plot our course but God directs our steps. We plotted our course and God did what he promised...he blessed us and reminded us that it isn't our plan but His. When we came here we told ourselves we were putting our 'real lives' on hold. But what we came to realize is that this is as real life as it gets.

What we know and confess is this. God is good and his will is perfect. There is no limit to what he can do and no heart that he cannot transform. God is good.

Its been awhile since we've written a general update... so here it goes.

Since I've posted last we had 3 big events. 1. We went with church friends to Chiapas and Tabasco 2. Brittany Lambert came and visited and 3. We decided to stay (that is

explained in the previous blog)

1. Tim and I went with 11 others on a 5 day trip to Chiapas and Tabasco, two southern states in Mexico. The trip was absolutely wonderful and filled with many gorgeous views! The highlights included going to Agua Azules, which was a huge series of cascades with absolutely gorgeous and clear waters:

Then, we headed to El Canyon de Sendedero which was a river running through a hugh canyon abnout .6 miles high. We took a boat ride through the canyon for a few hours and then headed to the top in a car to look down. What an astoundingly goregous place!

Later we went to a city called San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas. It was such a wonderful, clean, and beautiful town located in a valley surrounded by beautiful green mountains. The weather was much cooler - with a high of 85 instead of the 100 we are used to here in Merida. The city was very well developed and we spent and entire day walking around:

We also went to the Mayan Ruins of Pelenque:

Overall, it was a wonderful trip both for the sights but also for the company. We had a great time getting to know some of the people from our church and school on a more personal level.

2. Then, the day we got back form our trip to Chiapas, Brittany Lambert came to visit! She got here on a Thursday evening and left on Monday. It was a quick but WONDERFUL trip! We went to downtown Merida and looked around and shopped, went to one of the seven wonders of the World: Chichen Itza and the beautiful centoe Ikkil near it. Also, she came to school and met my students and played with them, went to church and Hocoba with us. It was an excellent trip and I feel so blessed that she came down! We stayed up late every night cracking up and reminising!

As far as school updates, everything is going well for both Tim and me. Also, the school is growing quickly. A new building is in the process of being built - the first level is finished and construction on the 2nd and 3rd level will continue to be built as funds come in. The new building is in anticipation for the growth of the school from preK-6 and 300 students this year to preK-7 and 450 students next year. We are excited to be part of the growth and see how the school continues to grow and change next year.

Life is good and we feel very blessed to be able to stay another year and continue our work at the school, church, and especially in Hocoba. But, at the same time, we are VERY excited to come home for a month this summer to relax, and most importanly see family and friends! We'll be home July 13- Aug 10.