Weekly Update - November 11, 2009
Hello to you all!
Well, this has been a difficult week. It has also been a week of growth and searching.
As I mentioned last week, we were recently hit with some difficult news about finances based on past debts that we thought were already taken care of. That, along with decisions about continued education, left us wondering if God was telling us that it was time to head back to the States. We are learning how to readjust our budget, listen for his guidance, and trust Him to provide. We’re still in the process of seeking His will in this matter, and would appreciate your continued prayers.
In way of news, Rick has been asked to give voice lessons to one of his students (with whom he already has a growing friendship) and the possibility of a few more. He’s enjoying putting what he learned in those MNU voice pedagogy classes to work.
This past weekend was Alliance Academy’s Turkey Bowl. The Turkey Bowl is flag football (not soccer). Each year we have fewer teams. This year the American Embassy team was unavailable, and the military team had something else going on. So, we had a team made up of Sophomores, one made up of Seniors, one of AAI staff/teachers, a team from Youth World, and a team from one of our rival schools (Cotopaxi). Surprisingly, but happily, and for the second year in a row, there were no major injuries. In past years our local hospital (Vozandes) has been known to post signs stating “Welcome, Alliance Academy Turkey Bowl players” in their emergency room! The Staff from AAI were the final winners, with the team from Youth World coming in second.
This weekend we will celebrate Alliance Academy’s 80th anniversary! The ceremonies will start on Friday afternoon, including staff, students, alumni, and some former staff. It is amazing to think that a small boarding school for missionary kids would have come so far, ministered to so many, and taught so much. It is truly an honor to share in this mission!
Here’s a prayer request. Due to lack of rainfall the city of Quito has begun rationing electricity. We are experiencing rolling blackouts throughout the city, for about four hours per day. Rick and I are greatful that our building has a generator, so the blackouts have not affected us too much. My guess is that our next month’s building fee (paid in addition to our rent… kind of like a condo fee) will reflect the added expense of the diesel fuel used to power the generator. In the meantime, we continue to offer our home to our friends as an alternative to sitting at home in the dark. :) Please pray for the city of Quito, that the Lord will send rain and relieve this great need for the country.
I want to thank all of you who have held us in your prayers, especially over the last week. We have been very close to despair during this time and have often felt that the Lord was not answering our cries. I believe that we are both beginning to find answers and to hear His voice. I know that He has been guiding us and teaching us all this time, and that He has a plan for our lives. I am so thankful that He has chosen to make us a part of His ministry here in Quito, and I know that He will take care of us at all times. Please pray that our faith will continue to grow, and that we will continue to bless those around us. Above all, pray that our lives will continue to glorify the One who has given us His grace and mercy.
May God bless and keep you all,
Rachel Sams
