The last day I blogged was November 10, 2013. This will always be a special day. It is the anniversary of my dear friends Marc and Lacy and will forevermore be the day that Jessica and I were engaged!
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| Thanks to our principal Shawn Lohse for taking our wonderful engagement photos. |
Soon after, we had a nice extended break for Christmas. Christmas break was filled with many wonderful blessings but they say a picture is worth a thousand words.
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| My brothers and their children. Brothers: Mike, Ryan, James, Sean (L to R) Children: Elise, Ashtyn, Ian (L to R). |
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| 4th Brother Luke |
It is a wonderful blessing to spend the holidays with family and friends. Oneonta is a place that is incredibly dear to my heart and will always be. I was able to see those I love most and go to church. Due to inclement weather we were in town a few extra days and got to spend an extra Sunday in church while Jess was visiting. Now that I am away, I cherish each Sunday I get to spend with the body at Main Street Baptist Church. They are responsible for much about who I am and how I live my life. There were two specific church highlights. First, watching my dear friend Josiah be baptized by my dear friend Ryan. Second, playing music with the finest group of men I have had the privilege of worshiping God with. After many years of wondering on meandering paths, God brought together a super-group. I got to play with Ryan Alsheimer, Luke Moran, Josiah Zulkosky, Sam Judd, Joseph Sastic, and Jen Moran. It was a profound experience and I will never forget that night. Thank you guys.
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| Josiah takes a dip |
I am so thankful to have been able to be home for such an extended period and experience so much.
After the aforementioned lovely winter weather, Jess and I returned to Guatemala a bit late for our second semester. Things are flying along but going great. This semester I am teaching an intro Theology elective. It has been a great chance to help students grow in their knowledge of the Bible and encourage them in their faith. I have been encouraged to see their enthusiasm for the course and the work they are doing.
Also, this semester I have had the opportunity to organize and play music with the students for chapel. We are a rag tag bunch but we are praising God all the same. It has been awesome to see their excitement in playing and watching their growth as musicians.
The big news this semester is that Jess and I have decided that we will be moving back to the U.S. after this school year. Our time at IAS has been a true blessing and we will be sad to part ways with a number of wonderful people and places here in Guatemala. However, we feel confident that God is calling us back to the states. Currently we are on the hunt for teaching jobs all over the country. Our target is currently Chicago but we are staying open to God's lead. I am finishing up my Master's degree in Educational Technology and am considering seminary after that. We are excited about the potential opportunities that God has for us.
- Patience and grace in planning a wedding from afar in the midst of a busy semester.
- Blessings on Jess' and my preparations for marriage and life together
- God's leading in my teaching and working with students on music for chapel
- A clear direction from God for next year regarding job, location, and potential future schooling
- Motivation to work hard through grad classes
Thank you so much as always for reading. I hope to be a little more frequent than every five months. God bless.
P.S. It is the Lenten season and the following verse jumped out at me earlier this week:
Mark 5:34 NLT
And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over"
Christ has come to end our suffering and to make us well.
