Octubre

The last month has been filled with a lot of ups and downs as we finish out the first quarter of school. Audrey has had a somewhat crazy month, and is currently carrying a new friend around, an amoeba we named nibblitz. We have seen things go from peaceful festivals to political protests in La Paz, as we continue to learn and adapt to this fascinating city.

You never know what to expect from this city; in the past month we have had school cancelled due to political protests followed by a weekend festival celebrating the local artists and musicians. Despite the inconsistencies we enjoy our lives here and never tire of the views. Audrey has had an especially wild month as she has gone from hiking with friends, to contracting an amoeba, and recently teaching two days of kindergarten.

She continues to roll with every curveball that is thrown her way, and we talk often about the flexibility needed, and the ministry of keeping a good attitude through whatever the Lord brings our way. So much of this life must be lived with a good attitude, and a perspective that sees every challenge and opportunity as a way to glorify God. It's a reminder of James 1:2-4, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Mark has stayed busy with school, especially this month as the head of the National Honor Society. He recently organized an induction ceremony for the new members inducted this year, as well as the previous years inductees that never got a ceremony due to covid. It is such a blessing to have things return a little more to normal. Doing things like an induction ceremony seem to normalize the days, and allow for community to grow again. Mark has thoroughly enjoyed having the students back on campus, and the lunchtime relationship building times, and the soccer and volleyball games have been highlights to being back on campus. Discipleship groups with the junior boys have also been far enhanced by the ability of being back on campus. Daily we are both reminded of the blessings of being back on campus and the heart of thankfulness that comes with being here and being able to serve. We recognize that so much of our ministry and purpose here right now is to the school and the kids at the school, and that is a daily practice of loving on the kids and trying to model Christ for them as best as we can. We look forward to more service opportunities, but we know that more will come with time and with our growing Spanish skills. Mark was pleased to have the National Honor Society engage in some recent service of cooking up and handing out food on a recent Sunday. The students have an eager heart for service and helping and its encouraging to see them serve in such a way as this. It is a reminder of God's work and ministry through the school.

Overall our life here continues to be one blessing after the other, and while we still have a long way to go with our Spanish, we feel thankful to have the opportunities at the school to serve the Lord. Please continue to pray for us and our ministry here. Fortunately Audrey has the right medicine now, and she is feeling much better from her days of sickness. Pray that we can remain healthy and energized to wake up and serve Him each and every day no matter the trials and challenges. Please pray as well for the students and the school as we enter Spiritual Emphasis Week and will have many opportunities to let the Lord work. Thank you.