Hello friends. The past month has gone by incredibly fast. It was full of final exams for our first semester, a trip to Nicaragua, a visit from Jon's parents, and the start of a new semester. We are trying to catch our breathes as we have started our new classes. Jon is taking a grammar class and then another class called FARO. Each week he will be compiling a list of questions and then will visit 8-10 predesignated people to compile information about his topics for the week. He is excited about the relationships he will make, but is trying to get used to the new format of learning.
I am taking one grammar class and a 2 hour conversation class. There are only 3 of us in the conversation class, so there is no hiding. I feel like I have already talked more in the past week then I did all last semester. I am a little overwhelmed by all the work, but I usually do feel overwhelmed at the beginning of something new. I am, however, excited about the Spanish I will learn. Each week we have to give several informational presentations, as well as conduct a Bible Study each week. This is a pretty daunting task when you think about the fact that I knew only a few words and phrases in Spanish a few months ago (and those words were only from watching "Dora the Explorer"). But I am happy to report that I can now watch Dora and actually know what she is saying.
We had a wonderful visit from Jon's parents a couple of weeks ago on our break. They had a good time and it was nice to show them where we lived and take them to the places we go each week. Kendall and Parker of course loved the attention of their Nanna and Pappa. We were able to go to a hotel for a few days with them called Punta Leona. The food was awesome and we got to see monkeys, iguanas, frogs, butterflies, and more every time we stepped out our door. Each day we had breakfast with a different kind of animal. The last day we were there, Jon's mom and I were a little worried that the monkeys were going to jump on our table and take our food.
Our trip to Nicaragua (for our visa renewals) was not so exciting. The buses we took were surprisingly very nice and the hotel was also beautiful. But, because it was the off season, the hotel had designated times for meals. Lunch wasn't until 12:30 and dinner didn't start until 7:00. For a 2 and 4 year old, this is a big problem. We are usually putting the kids in bed by 7. Needless to say, their schedules were way off and they didn't seem to bounce back very well. Also, when we did eat, we had a hard time finding food that was good. Jon thinks we experienced a little "culture shock" because we were having a hard time adapting to our surroundings. Thankfully, we don't have to go anywhere for a while.
Praises:
1. Jon's parents had a safe and fun trip here. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces.
2. Jon and I both will have the opportunity to teach ESL classes at the AMCA house on Wednesdays.
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray that our minds would soak up Spanish.
2. Pray that we will be able to manage the work load and not become weary of all the new things.
3. Pray for relationships with our neighbors and friends that we meet at AMCA. May God give us the words to say and may we be examples of His light.
4. Pray that our time back in the States (in August) will be short so that we can get to Colombia quickly. We have about 5%-7% more support to raise before we can go.
We love you. May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace.
