No hay nadie como Tú

Felice Año!!

Wow, wow, wow. I apologize for the lack of blogging. Let's see if I can fill in some gaps...

So in November I was approved to stay for another semester- until June. I was very excited about that. But some changes had to happen, also. So I moved out of the residencia and into a chalet with four Spanish girls! This was truly an answer to prayer, because I was having trouble finding options... and then, of course, as soon as I prayed about it and stopped trying to do it myself, I had like four options! And He really seemed to point me toward this one. And it has been really great. Turns out it was an answer to prayer for my roommate Kristiina, too, because she had been praying for another Christian roommate. All but one of the girls are Christians, so it is wonderful to have that support and friendship when I come home.

David and I have been able to reconnect with Josu and Dani, our friends from the very first, as the semester wound down and now during the break, too, so that is really an answer to prayer! Let's just continue to pray that they will feel comfortable continuing some spiritual conversations that we had.

I had also been praying that I would be able to connect with some of the basketball girls on a much more personal level, and not just be their estadounidense player, but rather a real friend. Soon after, a couple of the girls, Aida and Maria, started inviting me to hang out with them, just the two of them! I was very excited. It's fun to see how the Lord works, because they were two of the girls I would not have thought would be so open.

Also, our friend Rosa has really been coming around and wanting to hang out, practice her English and our Spanish, and we have had some fun conversations, so let's pray that she'll continue to feel comfortable around us, even when her friends won't come along with her.

David tore two or three tendons just a couple nights ago playing basketball, and has a cast and crutches for the next few weeks. PLEASE remember him in your prayers, to give David mental and physical strength, as he has to crutch all over Caceres.

Finally, one big change is about to happen: Chris and Cathie and their family are going to the states for an unknown amount of time for medical reasons. Please keep them in your prayers as Cathie has not been feeling well; also please pray that the doctors would know just what is causing her pain. Also, please pray that Chris would not feel stress or anxiety as the team leader, not being able to be here with the team, and that things would go very smoothly in his absence.

I'll be traveling home this Saturday to see my family for a week for "Christmas," and after I return, things will be in full swing with two new Hands-On students arriving, University students returning to Caceres, and Spanish and English classes starting up again. Prayers for peace of mind, boldness, and focused hearts are much appreciated.

You all are wonderful prayer warriors... I am so blessed. Love you all.