Well, hello. Sorry it has been ages since I have given you an update. I feel like every semester we go through different levels of stretching and this one has been particularly difficult. We are learning and we are growing. God is good and we are always thankful for His comforting arms.
The dorm kids are on holiday right now. This is the first time our family has been together without dorm kids since July 18. That is a long time. A really long time. And we don't even have Emma here with us. It is Sophie, Cale, Garth and me. Emma went into a village called Tarup for the break. Tarup is just getting the Gospel in their language for the very first time. It is super exciting. Please pray for the people to have open hearts. There have been a lot of obstacles, with weather, sickness, a septic system blowing up, the government sending people in etc. But the missionaries there have persevered. I can't wait to hear all the stories Emma brings back.
The volleyball season just ended. Garth was coaching both Boys teams and both Girls teams and Emma and Sophie were coaching the C team. Wow! That made life a bit crazy. The kids did great, and Emma and Sophie enjoyed having Garth as their coach.
I am teaching a Food Prep class at school. It is for Seniors so Emma is in my class.Those of you who know me know that I love food and all things food related. So you can imagine that I am loving teaching this class.
The dorm took awhile to get into a routine. We had two girls that came about 6 weeks after school started. They are having trouble following our rules and we are quickly learning that they don't always tell us the truth. They are sisters from PNG and their parents are in America for a year. Pray that we have wisdom how to handle this.
Wyatt is doing ok in Oregon. He is on the soccer team and is trying to juggle school with all of the games and practices. He is homesick and we ache from the hole his absence leaves. We are all so close and with him gone it always feels like something is missing. He is trying to save up money so he can come home for Christmas or summer. Emma is in her Senior year and is feeling the sad "bite" of all the lasts... "This was my last retreat, or Fall concert etc." Pray for her as she makes decisions about her future. And for us. I am not ready to say good-bye to another of my "Babies". Yikes! It is hard being all the way on the other side of the world away from your kiddos. Pray for us as we pray about how long God wants us to stay here. Also pray for teachers. We desperately need more teachers, administrators, librarians, computer teachers, technicians... Everyone is doing the job of two or more because we have so many holes that need to be filled.
This morning was nice and lazy. We all slept in and then did a puzzle while we listened to Christmas music. The kids try to remember what it feels like when the weather gets crisp and the leaves change color. I love it when you all send pictures of the changing seasons. Continue to do so. Write if you can. Pray whenever you think of us.
Love you all
Rachel
