Amanda in Mexico

February Update

Hola! I hope this newsletter finds you well! The weather here has warmed up and we have been blessed with many beautiful days. It is exciting to see some of the trees letting out their leaves and people planting new trees.
This past month at school we were able to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The students had a lot of fun writing each other cards, making valentine boxes, and celebrating with a cake. We were able to share with the kids that Valentine’s Day is about God’s Love for us, which is why we can show love. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” 1 John 4:11

We also had the opportunity to sing at both Old Folks Homes again, a Mexican one and a Mennonite one. The students did a wonderful job and the elderly were so happy to see the students again. Through our trips to the Old Folks Homes, our goal is to teach the children not only to serve other, but also to see the importance of relationships with different generations. Children can bring so much joy into place; meanwhile the elderly bring so much wisdom and guidance. Both are a huge blessing and we all need each other, even though we are in such different stages in life. Deuteronomy 32:7 says, “Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.”

At the beginning of February, we organized a Baby Shower for 3 former students. They had not expected someone to do baby shower for their babies, so it was a lot of fun to see how they genuinely appreciated it. Every year we pray for the students that God will send our way, and they always take a special place in our hearts. It is hard to see them leave, especially when they make choices that end up hurting themselves or others. Yet, we pray that each one will always know they are so, so loved, especially by our Heavenly Father.

We were so excited to have 2 of our former interns, Esther and Becky, visit us for a week. It was so much fun to have them join us at school again, take part in the Wednesday night youth evenings, etc. The youth and students absolutely loved having them and those who knew them from last year were beyond excited to see them! Having visitors is always special and so encouraging to us. If you would like to come visit, we would love to have you! Please let us know.

I have been currently reading through Deuteronomy in my morning devotions and I have been learning so much. I am seeing more and more how much the whole Bible isn’t about teaching us to follow a set of rules, rather to teach us how to have a mentality and life style that truly honors God. In Matthew 11:29 we read, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” When it really comes down to it, ‘rest for our souls’ is exactly what we all long for. Sin, guilt and shame beats us down and the devil is ready to remind us of it if we try to leave it behind and move forward. So we try to get busy to take our minds elsewhere, the busyness might help us to forget for a time, yet we end up exhausted. If we truly humble ourselves and allow God to speak to us through His Word, He will teach us how to live freely and joyfully. That is how we can find rest for our souls. Praise God for His Word to teach us how to live!

Prayer requests:

Please pray for the students, that they would come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
Please pray for our upcoming school year, as we are working to put details in place, and for God’s provision for ministry needs.
Please pray for Ana Cristina as she continues to serve faithfully in the mountains.
Please pray for Amelia and the youth and young momos she is investing in.

Thank you so much for your prayers. We truly appreciate them and wouldn’t be able to be here without them. God bless! Amanda