Carnival...?

If you're ever invited to "Carnival" in Peru, you should know it does not mean an amusement show with rides... basically it means WATER FIGHT!!! In some parts of Peru there are more traditional celebrations called carnival during the first few weeks in February. However my only encounters with it have been water fights (even seeing many kids carrying water balloons around during the month, watching for their next target)!

So in keeping up with tradition and looking for a fun way to kick off the year in NAP (10-12 yr. old ministry at church), we decided to join in on the fun of "Carnival!" Enjoy the pictures below.

I also want to ask you to PRAY for NAP... both the students and the leaders. Last year there were several kids that came, but not the same group consistently. We are praying that God grows this ministry and uses us as His tools to share the gospel and disciple youth! 

I would like to ask for specific prayer for this Saturday, March 17th, as I will be teaching my first lesson for NAP... yes, in Spanish! Please pray for God's leading, fluidity in speech, and time and diligence in preparation. (Time is precious these first few weeks of the school year!)

NAP's theme verse this month is:

Mateo 5:16 Así alumbre vuestra luz delante de los hombres, para que vean vuestras buenas obras, y glorifiquen a vuestro Padre que está en los cielos.

Navigating the World

Here are my wonderful new 5th grade students learning to navigate the world. In World History we're studying maps, hemispheres, and longitude & latitude. They love moving around the room to use the maps and globe, but they're not the only ones navigating the world... Our text books and workbooks are also navigating across the Pacific Ocean! 

Here are a few other updates... 

- Teaching 8th grade has been a great fit! I've always wanted to teach junior high, I just never expected to do it while I was teaching 5th grade. This year I have 20 fifth graders and 14 eighth graders. It's been great getting to know them, but there is definitely a bit more grading! (Just finished graded two 8th grade quizzes and the tests start tomorrow!)

- I'm enjoying teaching, but praying for God's strength, perseverance and creativity every day. The beginning of the school year has been long hours. I'm also praying that this slows down as we establish more of a pattern.

- I'm thankful that I've been able to maximize my time with "prayer runs" most mornings. Kari & I take turns praying for our students, MCS, our ministries, and God's direction, among other things during our extended runs! What a way to spend the first part of your day!

Please Pray:

- Rest & Energy

- Patiences and organization with teaching 2 grades

- Text books & workbooks to arrive very soon!!!