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.