Summer Vacation: Finding Rest

It is always a little bit of a whirlwind coming back to the States for summer vacation. We are thankful for the opportunity to see family, friends, and American food, but the travel can sometimes take a toll from the goal of rest. We loved getting to see loved ones in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, but after driving over 6,000 miles and sleeping in a variety of places we don't call home, it can be more exhausting than restful. We are especially grateful for the opportunity to speak at a couple churches and share our ministry. God continues to shower his blessings upon us through providing beds, meals, cars, baseball games, and other gifts. Many of you reading this were used in blessing us and for that we are eternally grateful. Thank you for showering us with God's love and support when we were back.

Trips like these are always highlighted by the people we get to see. Yes, getting to smother our gullets in Chick-fil-a, Portillo's hotdogs, Los Aztecas, Panera, Chipotle, and all the home cooking we can't find anywhere else is amazing, but these trips are made by the people we see and the encouragement we receive. Thank you to everyone that made time to see us and bless us. Our travel was smooth as we touched down in La Paz on July 22nd. Quickly Audrey started leading New Teacher Orientation for our three new staff members. It's been great to get to know the new people as well as see some old faces as they trickle back into Bolivia before the start of our school year on Tuesday, August 8th. Please be in prayer for the new school year and all the new challenges that will be coming our way.

Audrey is serving as librarian and continuing to take classes online, while Mark looks to start his fifth year teaching social studies. Please keep us in your prayers and feel free to pass along any encouragement or prayer requests.