December & January

December was the end of the 1st semester and the start of our Christmas break. It was an excellent time for visiting family, friends, and new places. January was the end of break and the start of the 2nd semester. It was full of new beginnings and growing opportunities. We remain grateful and very blessed by the love and support from others and from our Lord and Savior. God has really shown his love through his people.

Visiting family and friends is always rejuvenating, and getting to visit new places in the process is a bonus. After visiting family and friends in Florida, and North Carolina, Audrey got the opportunity to visit friends in Lake Charles, Louisiana, while Mark went to Phoenix. Audrey visited the Adams family (not the spooky one you're thinking about), who were in Bolivia and part of the Highlands community for the past two years. Meanwhile Mark went to Phoenix to see his old friend Danny Kirst, which fortunately overlapped with Danny's sisters Maggie and Laura visiting as well. On top of that Mark's parents bought a house down in Phoenix and he was able to help them move into their new place. God really orchestrated some good timing over the break.

Eventually the break came to an end as we headed back to La Paz on January 6th. The break was a good one, and we feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to see the people and places that we did. As always we wish we could see more people, but hope to catch up with those we missed over summer break in June and July. One thing we don't want to forget to mention is how thankful we are for the good health and recovery that Audrey experienced right as we headed back to the U.S. We praise the Lord for the good health that she was able to turn the corner with as we made the flight back to home. Thank you to all who prayed and sent words of encouragement. Unfortunately since coming back to Bolivia we both have had bouts of sickness, but we do write to you in good health.

Audrey has officially become the guidance counselor and is no longer librarian. She is really enjoying this new position and feels like she is far better suited for it. She is also finishing up her last two classes before graduation in May. Please keep her in your prayers as she balances the two things. Mark had the opportunity to speak at the high school and middle school chapels about biblical friendship. He has also had a lot of good conversations and relational opportunities this semester and feels it is off to a great start. He will be coaching the first ever Highlands basketball team in a tournament come March, and has really enjoyed coaching the team so far. Other opportunities have been the recent community service that we both got to lead with the high school.

The students figured out quickly that picking weeds isn't very fun, but it's made a lot better when you're with your friends and helping others. We are thankful to be at a school that values Christ-like servitude and is intentional about community service days. Much of the relationship building, and character building, can come from activities like this that are outside of the classroom.

Lastly we are thankful for a new church opportunity that has presented itself, and where two of our good Bolivian friends Dani and Sarita attend. The church moved to a new location quite close to our apartment over Christmas break. It has been an encouraging addition to the start of the semester. God continues to provide and supply what we need, and we continue to rely on Him. We pray for continued opportunities to grow in our life here and in our relational ministry with the Highlands community.