Tim and I have started a Marriage bible study with Jeff and Nicole, which, after only 2 weeks, has already proven to be such a blessing. We are being challenged to strengthen and better our relationship by Jeff and Nicole, and hope we are doing the same for them. We are going through a book and video series called "Staying in Love: Falling in Love is Easy, Staying in Love Requires a Plan" by Andy Stanley. It is excellent and very encouraging. It has spurred us on to seek more ways to love our spouse and put them first. Last week we did the study, then went out to dinner and walking around centro afterwards - a delightful evening.
Class is going well too. Tim is loving music, but getting frustrated that the instruments have not yet been made possible and he is still without a room - he goes into each classroom now. But, there is a meeting for parents of band students this Thursday to explain to them that the school doesn't have money to purchase and then rent out instruments so each parent will have to buy their own. We fear that many will not be able to do so and will have to quit band. SO, if you happen to have an old band instrument laying around your house, please donate it!!!!! Any band instrument (flute, clarinet, picalo, trombone, tuba, percussion instruments, trumpet, French horn, baritone, saxophone) would be GREATLY appreciated. You can send them to:
Centro Educative Calvary
Centro Educative Calvary
Calle 27 #359 x 32 y 34
Colonia san Vicente Chuburna
Merida, Yucatan, MEXICO 97206
In Hocaba, construction continues thanks to the generous support of my friend Brittany Lambert.
Last week we went, we took Erick's car, and well it broke down when we were there. He had to have some of the kids and other friendly people help us push it out. After an hour of fruitless trying, we gave up, and just did the Bible Study. When we came back an hour later, it started on the first try! Please pray that this car remains reliable seeing as it is our constant method to get to Hocaba. And that if it goes bad, that we are blessed with another car we are able to use to go to the mission.
Thursday night "Home Fellowships" which is a fancy way of saying dinner + bible study, continue to be my favorite part of the week - what I look forward to most, and leave the most filled and joyful. Now in Home Fellowship we are going through a wonderful and challenging book called "Spiritual Discipleship" by J. Oswald Sanders. Each week I am challenged by both what the book stays and from the reactions and insight that the others in my bible study share. In particular I have been struck by Angelica. To be honest, when I first met her and heard her share her perspective and thoughts in bible study, I found her very hard to relate to. She was leaps and bound ahead of me in my faith. She was a true disciple, seeking God in everything, in every decision, and everyday life. She trusts him completely and truly relies on Him for
fulfillment, comfort, love, etc. She isn't afraid to speak about Him boldly, tell others about her
faith, and challenge fellow Christians to live more for Christ and follow Him more closely. Over the past year, as my personal faith, and recognition of my need for Christ has grown, I now no longer see her as strange or un-relatable, but rather as such a wonderful inspiration and example. I want to be more like her. I want to be more dedicated and committed to the Lord. I
want to seek ways to continue to glorify Him and learn more about what it means to be a true disciple or follower of Jesus. I am so thankful for Angelica's presence and influence in my life. I think it is no accident that I have gotten to know her and learn so much from her. (Another reason I love her, she and I craved this award-winning pumpkin together at the English service Pumpkin-Carving Party!!)
Also, I can't believe I haven't written about it yet, but my sister Laura and her husband Matt came to visit!! We had an absolutely WONDERFUL time while they were here! I feel so incredible blessed that we have had so many of our family and friends visit us while we are here. Esepcially Matt and Laura. Since Laura is in Med School, we didn't know if she would be able to visit! But she did and it was excellent! With them we got to do lots - we went to Hocaba and Uxmal:.
We went downtown Merida, and they came to school with us! It was fun because both of them got to meet their Prayer Partners (Pen Pals) from both last year and this year! Here is Matt with Mario.
We also went to Cuzama, which has 3 wonderful cenotes, and spent time with the Scotts. Most important to me though, was simply being with and talking to my big sister. I look up to her in so many ways; for her outgoing, bubbly personality which is consistantly positive, for her dedication, committment and endurance in Med School, for the way she treats people with love and respect, and just the overall person she chooses to be! What an excellent trip!!
Cody is doing well and growing fast:
Prayer Requests:
1. For my difficult and troubled kids in my class. I am slowly discovering many that have very difficult home situations.
2. For Tim and my's continued patience and love towards our students on a daily basis.
3. For spiritual growth for both of us! That we'd continue to learn and grow so much.
4. For church growth, church building, and most importantly the individual growth of church members in Hocaba.
5. Our Wednesday night youth bible study in Hocaba - that we are committed, and excited to go each week, and that the kids learn to be respectful, and listen and that they truly learn from it.
6. For safe travels in the end of Novemeber home to Kim's wedding.
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