February: Lots of Activities, so Little Time

For a month that has the fewest days it felt like February had the most going on. Never a "normal" week was our February, as it seemed like there was always something going on both inside and outside of school. Things like; Team Day, Spirit Week, Community Service Day, after-school bench painting, El Classico, Carnaval weekend, Valentines Day, soccer, the school's 20 year birthday celebration, and even more importantly Audrey's birthday helped fill the February calendar. It was a busy month indeed, but one we are thankful for.

Many of the events were driven by the school. Things like Spirit Week led into our all-school Team Day competition. This is always a special time for the students to help unify the school as senior leaders lead student groups through a series of games run by the teachers. Other activities like the school's 20 year birthday celebration were a special reminder of God's sovereignty and plan for Highlands. Things like Community Service Day reminded us of our core values as Mark got to serve alongside his students at a local ministry in El Alto. The after-school bench painting party is always a fun activity that reflects the students creativity as each class gets to paint their own bench which sits in the high school wing outside the lockers.

Outside of school we had a blast going to El Classico! This is the biggest rivalry in Bolivian soccer with Bolivar facing off against The Strongest. We are a house divided when it comes to soccer as Audrey cheers for Bolivar and Mark cheers for The Strongest. Despite the rain it was an excellent experience. We were very thankful to have the opportunity to go with some of the other teachers as well as some Bolivian friends. This was a new experience for Audrey, and Mark had not gone since his first few months in Bolivia, three years ago. Other events include Carnaval weekend, which entails water balloon and foam spray fights all throughout a four day weekend. It is somewhat chaotic but a lot of fun. Anyone on the street is an open target and several times Audrey and I were targeted by water balloons from apartment windows or cars passing by, I think you get extra points for hitting gringos. The four day weekend was actually a must needed time for rest, as we stayed in La Paz and on the Monday we had off got to celebrate Audrey's birthday at our friend Sarita's house. Sarita and her husband Dani have been a big blessing to us through the years.

February has been a busy one, and March I'm sure will bring just as many activities as life just always seems to be busy. Through it all we are relying on God who is our strength. The busyness is a reminder to always turn to God first for strength so that we can serve Him best through any and every opportunity. We never want to discredit the work He can do through every opportunity and the strength He gives us despite our tired or weary selves. We are thankful for the constant force that God is. Pray that we can continue to serve Him well as we seek to tackle another month. Mark is currently preparing to go on a mission trip to the jungle with 15 students at the end of March, and Audrey is continuing to balance online classes and her role as librarian. We appreciate all the prayer and support, and welcome any encouragement you can send our way. We hope you are feeling blessed in the busyness of life just as we have been. God Bless.