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School has started here at Emmanuel and things are as busy as ever! We officially started Feb. 15 (their summer vacation is end of Nov to beginning of Feb). I am teaching English to 1-3 graders as well as Art to grades 1 – 9. My schedule is packed, but I am so excited to be working with such a variety of age groups!

It has been somewhat of a challenge to teach English to the youngest group since they are just now learning to read. Therefore, all my activities are interactive and listening exercises in attempt to teach them something that will stick…no one ever told me how hard it is to keep the attention of kids, let alone first graders! Kudos to all of you teachers or soon-to-be teachers out there!

The “February Team” is here, which is the largest mission group that comes every year. They focus mainly on building projects and this year are finishing up 4 new “staff houses” since the staff families keep growing (aka having babies). They will leave at the end of this week. It has been great to have them here since they feed us 3 meals a day, however, they also keep us pretty busy!

One of the ladies that came along with them is called “Mamoo” and she helped Derek in the pig barn. She owns a farm and is very good with animals. She was able to help Derek know how to deliver the piglets better as well as how to properly castrate them (since he originally learned from two 15 year old boys who only speak Spanish). AH!

Derek has been a little busier than normal since the man in charge of the farm (Reed) has been in the states, due to a death in the family. He has been gone since we returned from our “vacation” back in January. He should return soon, so that will be a load off of Derek.

We (Derek and I) also started hosting a “small-group” back in December in our home for all the volunteers. We did this to help create more of a community amongst us, and to have a time of worship, prayer, discussion, and fellowship. It has been such a blessing and “refresher” every Sunday evening. We feel much closer to our co-volunteers and it helps us to have perspective over the week. Tim & Sherri (Derek’s parents) led this discussion when they came to visit back in January. We have now decided to start incorporating a meal before our discussion time to be able to enjoy food together (since we have all loved eating meals together at the “Team House” these past few weeks).
Thank you for those who have prayed for friendships and fellowship for us here. This has definitely been an answer to those prayers.

We only have 2 months left, and I know I sound like a broken record, but I cannot believe how fast the time has gone! My heart is definitely attached to Emmanuel, and I am excited to continue to invest myself to this ministry for our 58 days left.

We are also excited since our siblings (Brandon, Allyson, and Robin) will be visiting us in 2 weeks and 2 days! It will be such a joy to experience Emmanuel with them and show them all we have been doing (or rather, Christ has done through us).

Other than that, we are continuing to learn how to put our trust in Christ, in ALL things. We have grown as a married couple and look forward to the adventure of following our Lord in the present and future… WHATEVER that means or demands. We have both reached a place of peace and submission, one that I think we could not fully comprehend before. It can be quite a scary but beautiful and freeing experience to honestly say to the Lord, “Whatever you call me to, I will do. In all things and situations I will rejoice in Your love. And even when I do not understand, I will CHOOSE faith.” We pray that this be true for you, as well.

All our Love,

Derek and Nancy