February: Formal & Informal

Despite being the shortest month, February felt quite long and jammed packed. Fortunately it was packed with lots of ministry opportunities and chances to connect with students. Audrey was able to share her story during chapel and many students responded positively to what God has done in her life. God was faithful back then and continues to be faithful today. It has been amazing to see how He has used our stories to connect with the students and February was full of those opportunities to share His goodness in our lives.

So much of our ministry at Highlands is to spread the Good News about God's love. Some of the biggest ways we get to do this is by sharing our lives with the students. Audrey was able to be open and shared her story during chapel. However, other opportunities arise in being able to host super bowl parties, inviting students over to play with Adeline, taking students out for tacos, or going out to play games and enjoy the local culture. Through these avenues we have found God working and allowing us to be mouthpieces for His love.

As we build up these relationships and seek to pour into these students, please continue to pray for God to work in their hearts and draw them close to Him. We have been thankful for the many opportunities that He has provided, and we look forward to hopefully many more. These have been some informal ways in which we have connected with the students, but much like Audrey's chapel opportunity, there have also been formal chances through the school. Mark hosted a lunch party that featured many World History characters from the Renaissance, Reformation, the Age of Exploration, and the Scientific Revolution. Later through our school's community service day we were able to serve alongside our students in a less fortunate area on the outskirts of La Paz.

One of the more enjoyable ones came from the Carnival Break. Carnival is a four day break where people have water fights and foam spray fights all throughout the streets. The seniors organized a massive water balloon fight at the school and invited many of the teachers to participate. It was an incredible afternoon of not only pegging students with water balloons, but building stronger bonds with the senior class and making fun memories.

Out of these opportunities come conversations and open doorways for spiritual questions and stories of God's goodness. The students both hear of God's love and hopefully experience it through our love towards them. This is a huge part of our ministry here in La Paz. Please continue to pray for God to work through us in this way. Lastly, please pray for Audrey's family and the recent passing of her Grandad. Fortunately Audrey was able to fly back to North Carolina for two weeks and spend a couple days with him before his passing. Adeline stayed with Mark during this time, and thankfully the Highlands community came around him to support him during his solo parenting time. The family is still grieving and we ask for your prayers of comfort. He was a strong believer and in that sense we celebrate his next chapter in heaven with our Heavenly Father.

Thank you for taking the time to read and keep up with us.