The Return of the Kids

This is the update we've been waiting to write for a LONG time! The students have returned to campus, and we have finished our first full week of in-person classes. Not since March 12th of 2020 have students been back on campus for classes. Needless to say it has been a long time coming. This past week the school has felt alive and full of energy. Our hearts are full of thankfulness as we celebrate and praise God for a time we have long awaited. Even though it is not ideal, it is such a blessing to be together again. (pictured below is our first chapel)

Due to government regulations our classes have been split into two groups. With one half coming on Mondays and Thursdays, and the other half coming on Tuesdays and Fridays. Nobody comes to campus on Wednesday as the campus undergoes a deep clean. Despite these limitations, we are all overcome with joy because it is soooooo much better than online classes. Mark is especially feeling the joy as he is able to better invest in those relationships he started over a year ago. His new discipleship group is the junior boys and so we ask that you be in prayer for those opportunities with them. Audrey continues to work as a kindergarten aid and has found that loving on these little ones is much easier and more rewarding in person. She is also taking online classes and we ask for prayer as well for that. She has quite the full load upon her shoulders and balancing the classes and work is a lot.

While things have improved at school, things have also improved at church. We have both felt that every Sunday we are meeting someone knew and getting more plugged into the church community each week. Paster Otto and his family have been really kind and generous in reaching out to us. We have been very encouraged by the current series in Romans 12.

A couple times we have shared in good food and good community after church, and while it is often challenging because everything is in Spanish, we also know it is very beneficial for us. Pastor Otto and his family are actually from Colombia, and one afternoon we shared some fellowship in one of the most delicious ways possible, over some incredible arepas (a traditional Colombian/Venezuelan dish) . The arepa place is actually owned by a Venezuelan woman and serves some of the most jam-packed arepas we have ever had. It has been a delicious way to build community and expand our palettes.

Outside of church and school we continue to pour into the community at Highlands through indoor games and outdoor adventures. We know full well that our ministry here is to everyone that the Lord has placed around us and so we seek to invest in others every chance we get. Romans 12:10 has been especially encouraging and applicable for these times, "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

Life continues to be busy, but the Lord's goodness guides us. We are overjoyed and thrilled to have students back on campus and opportunities to serve them and others. We ask that you continue to pray for us in our work at Highlands, our efforts to learn Spanish, and our efforts to plug into the church community. We appreciate all the prayers and support as we continue to battle for the Lord each and every day. We celebrate God's goodness in bringing students back on campus. Our hearts are full of thankfulness.