As Seasons Change: Oct -Jan

This update covers the end of 1st semester and the start of 2nd semester. It covers our Christmas break back in the U.S. It covers the growth and achievements of our little girl, as well as our ever growing relational ministry with our students. In all that it covers it is a testament to what God is doing with our lives and with His ministry through us.

The end of the 1st semester featured several events and opportunities at school and with our students. Things like Spirit Week gave Mark a chance to connect further with his homeroom class, the seniors. This is a class that both of us have grown close with over the years.

Things like Team Day also kept things fun, and gave us more opportunities to invest in the students and build school unity. During Team Day the four team colors that everyone is assigned to compete in games and friendly competitions. The seniors are put into leadership positions and it gives us another opportunity to encourage and invest in them.

Other things like community service day help us serve alongside our students and build servant leadership in the community. Community service days are quarterly, and are a key component and value of Highlands International School.

Mark continues to use sports as an avenue of connection and relational ministry with the students. Things like Saturday morning basketball and putting on a Turkey Bowl football game help strengthen the bonds with the students and provide opportunities for informal ministry. Mark not only enjoyed teaching football to the students, but also playing with them on Thanksgiving morning. He also claimed his 4th straight Turkey Bowl victory (but who is counting?).

Praise be to God for His goodness as He continues to work through us and grow our ministry with these students. Doing life with them has been a joy. Many of the students have become a part of our lives and seek to spend time outside of school hanging out and sharing in family moments. God has really allowed us to deepen our relationships with them, and as a result has given us opportunities for ministry moments. Things like hiking and celebrating Adeline's first birthday (Jan. 11th) have helped create opportunities for us to speak about God's goodness and truth to them, as well as model it for them as we open our home and our lives.

We are also giving praise to God for the opportunity we had over Christmas break to head back to the U.S. and see family, friends, and make some very grand memories. The financial support we receive allows us to make a trip like that, which helps us recharge our batteries and fuels us for the upcoming semester. It was amazing to see family and friends in Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina. While in Arizona we also had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon and appreciate God's glory in creation. Whether taking in the grand views, playing pickleball with family, or meeting Santa (which Adeline clearly was not a fan of), we made sure to thank God for the opportunity to do so. We know it would not have been possible without the support that He brings our way through many of you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Thank you for keeping up with our lives and the ministry work that God is doing through us. Please continue to pray for us as we start the semester out strong, and continue to build off of what God is doing here at Highlands International School and in La Paz.