We put up the Christmas tree yesterday. Don't have snow yet but we decided not to wait. We try to keep as many family traditions as possible, but it's always bittersweet when you're so far from family and friends.
Our robbery reached resolution with Juvenal being apprehended 2 weeks ago. He pled guilty in court last week and received a one year prison sentence (maximum was three years). He has also been ordered to repay the money he stole, although there is little chance of that happening. We are looking into the possibility of visiting him from time to time with the hope of showing him Christ's love. Please pray that he would truly repent while in prison.
The fall has been challenging with Katherine battling significant anxiety. With prayers from friends in Canada, God's loving help and the advice of a counselor in our circle of missionary friends, we are pleased to report progress on this battlefront through. Katherine has worked very hard at changing the habitual behaviours of worry to worship and giving thanks.
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KATHERINE TEACHING ESL
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Katherine is teaching ESL to the students at the Village who are on their Christmas break. The 7 week class runs twice a week. The students are starting to show more enthusiasm, and Katherine is really enjoying teaching them.
Mark and Katherine are each teaching Bible studies twice a month to the ladies at the Village. It is always a joy to see God's Word at work in the lives of the people.
Mark is trying to start a fruit and vegetable delivery service. The ladies at the Village would either grow the produce themselves or purchase it at rural markets. We would transport it to Kigali and deliver it to the customer. There seems to be significant interest in this kind of service. We're starting the pilot with 5 customers and will take it from there.
Mark enjoys his garden and is constantly on the lookout for beautiful flowers. The garden is in full bloom; very colourful and exotic!
Rachel is having a FABULOUS year at school, loves her teacher and is
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GARDENING WITH HER DAD
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learning many interesting things about the world. She has taken up her dad's gardening hobby and has planted her very own garden. At the celebratory ice cream date with her dad, Rachel leaned over to him and announced, "Now I'm an official gardener!" The first thing Rachel does in the morning is check her plants. And just like her grandpa, she worries about them when there is too much rain. Or not enough!
