Life feels like it sometimes moves too slow to enjoy and yet before I know it, a month has passed. Weird. The month of March seemed to be a “lull” month for me. The month seemed to drag by and I had many reminders of missing home—missing Mikayla's 1st birthday and celebrating my own without my family. And yet, in spite of these low moments a lot of new things blossomed in this month of Spring (well spring for you—not for us). I started my first doctorate class and I took a new position for next year.
Out to dinner with friends for my birthday
Girls night...
I decided to start with one class for the first quarter so that I could ease into things. So far it has been more than manageable and I feel that I have gotten in the swing of on online classroom. I plan on taking two courses and attending my first residency over the summer. Four residencies are required over the course of the program—this is a time to meet other students, meet professors and start to dialogue about my dissertation with my mentor. Clinton will be traveling with me to Minneapolis at the end of July.
I have been challenged this year teaching a new subject. While I have many moments of stress, I really feel that I have been stretched and have grown over the course of this year. My true passion for teaching is tagged with my passion for the ESL field...and while I have a lot of second language learners in my class, that is not my official position this year—I've really missed it. I applied and was offered the position as ESL coordinator of our school. This is a huge opportunity for me to experience new roles of leadership and to take that passion I have and apply it to improving the ESL department. This is a part time administration role so in addition, I'll be teaching two classes. I am really excited about this and I feel that once again God's timing is amazing.
It is not without a doubt that we are looking forward to coming home for the summer. Clinton and I hope see as many as you as we can! Please let us know your plans so we can have a meal or coffee with you. It's always encouraging to catch up and be refreshed by meeting with friends!
We are blessed by your constant prayers and support. We plan on sending out a letter this summer to update you on our goals for raising financial support. This year God has truly provided and we've been touched by your help. Next year, our needs will raise a bit since we'll be moving out of the dorm and into an apartment. But as I said, we'll fill you in on that this summer. If you have questions about what we do or how to support us, we'd love to share how God is working here in Ecuador. Let us know!
Clinton and I are celebrating three years of marriage today! Incredible...I don't think we would have predicted celebrating it here in Ecuador. Blessed by a God who keeps us on our toes!
Water in the basement of the dorm after a huge downpour on Saturday night!
Camping at the bottom of Cotopaxi, unfortunately the clouds were out and our view wasn't great
