“Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:2-3
I was reading in Deuteronomy this week – actually in my hammock while camping with 5th grade for our Bird Expedition (I teach at a sweet school!) – and was reminded that in the unfamiliar is where God meets us and where our hearts turn to Him. I have spent over a year now in an “unfamiliar” land that is now beginning to feel normal and more like home every day. However, I was reminded this past week walking into Supermercado Jarabacoa and seeing Cherry Coke, how comforting the familiar can be! So comforting that I bought six cans, when I don’t even drink Cherry Coke in the States! So, as I live and work and play in an unfamiliar land, I take comfort in the truth that the Lord continues to shed light into the dark places in my heart so that I may be molded to more and more like Him.
This Fall has been a whirlwind of school and Young Life. With zero holidays this semester, all teachers are counting the days to Christmas break. It’s been a great semester, but I am ready to rest.
Young Life Update
So MANY good things from the Lord – new leaders, a new schedule, special events once a month, co-ed Campaigners bible study, one-on-one leader/student discipleship, our first All-City Young Life and Vida Joven Club… I am just enjoying getting to know these high school students better and better. Below are some pictures from our Fall events.
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| Rebeca, me, and Emily - YL staff getting ready for All-City Club! |
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| All-City Young Life/Vida Joven Club |
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| Young Life Scavenger Hunt - we found Waldo!! |
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| Friday afternoons making posters for Young Life |
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| teachers Keith and Kerrie disguised during our YL Scavenger Hunt |
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| YL leaders and our Doulos Managing Director, Tim, and Whit disguised during the Hunt |
Doulos Update
We are nearing Expedition Night, so things are busy with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade! I was able to go rock climbing with 3rd grade as they explore Simple Machines. And this past week, I went camping with 5th grade on a Bird Observation trip. Our kids are learning some amazing things!
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| 5th grade camping trip for our Bird Expedition |
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| learning to use the binoculars |
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I feel it deeply here. Please pray for me as I discern what next year holds for me. It’s hard to believe my two-year commitment is almost complete. Below are some photos from life here.
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| Iron Chef - DR style 2 teams Tri-State Area vs Kansas Secret ingredient: yuatia |
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| Tri-State Area wins!!! |
Much love and peace,
Sara
