Hmm. This is one neglected blog! I need to learn to stop and take note of what´s happening. Since I last wrote in May(in addition to our normal routine activities) Scot and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and David graduated from high school; my parents came to visit and we enjoyed some days of vacation together; David and Lynnette worked summer camp in MI; we helped with the summer English camp here in Camarma; Aaron visited us in Spain on his way to Turkey to take on his 1st teaching job; Scot finished his Master´s degree in Educational Administration, and we started another school year. This fall, Scot and I were able to attend the 1st ECA reunion in the US and spent some quality time with our families; and we helped our church plan and prepare for a big Thanksgiving outreach event for our community for about 100 guests. We cooked the largest turkey I have ever seen: it was about 38 pounds.

However,the thing I choose to share today is an excerpt from a letter written by one of the parents of a student at our school. But the letter is extra special since the parents are Spaniards, their daughter is new at ECA this fall, and the letter gives a glimpse of the impact that ECA is having on this special family. It is true that words fitly spoken are as silver and their encouragement is something to treasure. I hope it encourages others who support our ministry as much as it has encouraged us.

“After all the frustration with the lack of professionalism, motivation and interest in real education of the Spanish schooling system, we must admit that we have been blessed to have our daughter at ECA. Her Math teacher has made Maria approach and see this Math’s with great interest for a typically unfriendly subject for her…. Her Bible´s teacher is doing a great job, in spite of the challenge of teaching someone with no Bible background at all. He is kind and he cares about his students, he is very knowledgeable about the subject. He teaches Bible in a way that is at the same time attractive for students and an opportunity for them to develop interest and appeal for the Gospel…. We remember one of the meetings with her English teacher: He said: “I love my job.” In the 10 previous years our daughter attended our Spanish education system, we had never heard such a thing from a teacher.”

Needless to say, our hearts are full as we conclude this fall term. Busy - yes! But blessed? Beyond measure through the abundant grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate again this year.

Merry Christmas to you and yours too!