January and New Little Ones

We've had a great month with many new happenings! I've tried my best to give a summary and show some choice pictures.

The kids had made a sign to welcome me back! :)

Start of School

We returned to our eager students who couldn't wait to start school again! After receiving many questions of what grade they were in this year, I had to remind them that we were still in the same school year :). Their joy and excitement to learn is such a treasure! 

Learning about light and optics in Science class!

New Interns

We have been blessed to receive two new interns to help both in the house and in the classroom: Molly and JodyAnn. They are already well loved by the kids and the staff! We also have a woman from the village who is helping us during the Spanish portion of our school day. We are thankful for her native Spanish language skills! :) 

Month of Dreams

A group of friends from the city has been an incredible blessing for the kids this month. Around Christmastime, they asked each child to share a wish or a dream and then proceeded to grant those wishes as best as possible. This month has been full of trips to ballet classes, fire stations, a volcano, the zoo, a chef, a military base, a plane, etc. The kids have had a blast! I've posted pictures of the fire station below! 

I got to put on the full equipment at the fire station to demonstrate!

That air tank is heavy!

One of our new little ones got to dress up as a fireman! He was in his glory :)

Oxygen mask anyone?

The kids got to act like they were on a "rescue"-being pulled across an open area with a harness! They loved it! 

Exploring the fire truck

New Little Ones

We have had another opportunity to accept new little ones from a troubled background into our home! They (3 siblings: 2 boys and a girl) arrived last week and one this week. They are settling into the routine, and we would appreciate continued prayers for their transition. At this point, they have never heard of Jesus and we are so excited to show them God's love and tell them about Him as they start their healing process!

Two of our new arrivals!

Third new arrival with lots of energy :)

English Classes

We have spent most of this month transitioning back into school, but we are hoping to start up our English classes again in February. We are offering the classes twice a week to the teenage/young adult girls in the village and from there are inviting them to a Bible study on site. This semester we are going to try having the classes in a more central location in the village: the library. We would love prayers for good attendance and for the opportunity to develop life-changing relationships with them. 

December and the Holiday Season

What a whirlwind of a December it has been! I've tried to capture the ups and downs of our month in some of the pictures and writings below. 

Early December: 
We wrapped up our first semester with some exciting events-a field trip, a piano recital, a city trip with the girls from our English class, and various Christmas celebrations! I've posted some pictures below.

As in any ministry, joy is often mingled with pain. Recently, we faced the deep sadness of saying goodbye to more than one of our own. We would appreciate prayer for the hearts of all those involved, as one of our children has been transferred to a place where we hope more help can be offered than what we provide here. The government also recently approved two of our other children to be adopted by extended family members which meant yet another goodbye. As our hearts are breaking, we are hopeful and trusting the Lord for their future! We are praying that he will hold their hearts and ours as we release them with his truth and his love! Thank you for your prayers!

Field trip to see the dolphin show!

Our English class girls decorating Christmas cookies for the first time

Treating our English class girls to dinner in the city

Christmas Piano and Guitar Recital

My piano and guitar students

Mid-Late December: 
We were blessed to fly home to be with family over the holidays! The past weeks have been a time of rest, renewal, and reunions! Pictures are posted below.

Snow Storms!

Ice storms!

Reunion with college friends!

Fun in the snow

Christmas Dinner

My wonderful niece!

Family!!

As we fly back to start the second semester, we continue to ask for prayers for our work and ministry! It was great to see many of you during my time back in the States!