Hello everyone,
It's been a little while. We hope you all had a great summer and are doing well. Things have been pretty crazy for us! After our trip to California in July, I was in full-on preparation mode for English classes to begin in August. Those first few weeks of August ended up being quite the roller-coaster ride. At first, I was told I would be teaching in the Law School at UACH. Then, I was told I wouldn't be able to teach there because of internal issues they were dealing with. Then, it looked like I was going to teach in another faculty. Then, I was told I would have to wait until next semester. Finally, I received a call from the Accounting and Administration school (FCA) at the same university asking if I would be able take on some classes! The next day I even received another call asking if I could take on more classes in another faculty and I had to turn them down! I know that the whole process with the various faculties and the whole interview process at FCA was totally orchestrated by the Lord. I ran into three or four Christians in positions of authority that helped me in the process and said that they feel like the Lord has called me teach at the university. (This is in a city where the Christian population isn't so high that I would just "conveniently" run into Christians every step of the way). There were so many little stories in the midst of it all just proving God's providence and faithfulness--He really blew us away.
Anyway, I have now been teaching English classes in FCA for almost three weeks. I have four classes and over 100 students. It has been a huge learning curve but I feel like I'm starting to get a feel for it and connect with the students. The thing that's really on my heart now is to start an English club (or maybe a couple) where I can more freely talk about Jesus as I help the students with their conversational English. I've even had a few students and teachers asking me about when I'm going to start one because they are excited to be a part of it. Please keep this in prayer--that God would guide the process and show us exactly how He wants to organize it.
Our family has been doing well. We are really excited because Priscilla just started homeschool with the kids this week. She is super gifted as a teacher and I know this year is going to be awesome! She and the kids are excited for what they will be covering this year. We are also praying about more ways to connect Josiah and Hannah with other kids so that they can make more friends and improve their Spanish. Karate has been awesome for Josiah and Hannah will be starting dance classes soon. Thanks for all of your prayers as they continue to adjust to being in a new culture with a new language.
As always, just let us know if you want to talk more about what God is doing over here or even about what God is doing in your life. We would love to connect with you. Have a blessed week!
-Tim, Priscilla, Josiah and Hannah
Praise Reports
- God's amazing plan and faithfulness to get me into the university teaching English!
- Priscilla and I celebrated our 8th anniversary this week!
- Priscilla and the kids officially obtained dual citizenship for the U.S. and Mexico!
- We were told that we had to move because the owners of our house want to sell it. We were praying for a good house and a move that wouldn't be too stressful. Well, a few days ago we just signed the contract for our new house--right next door to our current house!
- God's goodness and faithful provision.
Prayer Request
- The Lord's guidance and wisdom for starting English clubs at the university.
- That I would shine Jesus to the students in my classes and get opportunities to speak more about Jesus outside of class.
- The Lord's protection from spiritual attacks. We know God is doing great things but we have also felt the spiritual attack in a stronger way than we have in a long time. I feel like 1 Cor. 16:9 is really ringing true with us.
- The Lord's wisdom and provision for a crazy month logistically. Not only do we need to move, but we also need to sell my car, take care of registration for Priscilla's car and figure out my citizenship/residency.
- The home group that is a part of our church at Capilla Calvario and meets in our house. We have just been helping for awhile but we are excited to start a new season where I get to co-lead the group. Please pray that we would be able to effectively disciple and pour into those that come.